Ocean County Still Investigating After 86 More Exposed To Measles

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Health officials are continuing to investigate the exposure of 86 Ocean County residents to someone with the measles as they work to try to contain the spread of the illness.

The Ocean County Health Department announced the exposure late Friday, saying it occurred at private, invitation-only event.

On Monday, Brian Rumpf, director of the county health department, confirmed a report that the event took place in New York, and that the 86 Ocean County residents who were exposed presumably were part of a larger group of people at the event.

"The Ocean County Health Department was provided with the list to contact the families of the 86 to inform and to investigate," Rumpf said by email. He did not have details on when the exposure occurred, or whether it will affect the department's timeline on when the likelihood of having caught the measles will have passed.

As of Monday afternoon, there remain 18 confirmed cases in the Ocean County measles outbreak, which started with a rash onset on Oct. 17 through Nov. 24. Three of the cases involve a Passaic County household with direct epidemiological ties to the Ocean County cases, officials have said. The cases have involved patients as young as 6 months old through 59 years old.

There are five cases under investigation. Two cases that were under investigation last week have been changed to unconfirmed, but a new case was added to the "under investigation" category, Rumpf said.

Authorities are continuing to urge those unvaccinated against the measles to get the innoculation. Children involved with exposure to a confirmed case may be subject to an order of exclusion from schools, preschools and daycares, if unvaccinated.

The health department issued these reminders:

• The potential for spreading infection exists four days prior and four days after a measles rash onset.
• People can become ill from measles from 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus.
• Measles-like symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and pink eye.
• Measles can spread through coughing and sneezing and can live on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours.
• 30 percent of measles cases involve additional serious health complications.

If you think you have the measles:

1. Avoid public places or close contact with others.
2. Contact your primary care physician immediately to inform them of your signs and symptoms.
3. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
4. Stay home for a minimum of four days after you develop a rash
5. Practice frequent hand washing.
6. Disinfect your surrounding area frequently.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Suspected Measles Case Reported In Ocean County
• Measles Cases Now 4 In Ocean County 'Outbreak,' Officials Say
• 6 Cases In NJ As Measles 'Outbreak' Expands, Officials Say
• 11 Measles Cases, Students Reportedly Barred At Lakewood Schools
• Measles Outbreak Prompts Toms River MVC To Shut Temporarily.
• 14 And Counting: Measles Outbreak, Response Growing In Ocean Co
• Are You At Risk In Ocean County Measles Outbreak?
• Ocean County Measles Outbreak: Possible Exposure Outside County
• 3 Passaic Co. Locations Possibly Exposed To Measles: Officials
• 18 Measles Cases In Ocean County Outbreak: Health Department

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