Ocean County Measles Outbreak: Possible Exposure Outside County

The Ocean County measles outbreak may have spread beyond the county's borders: state health officials say someone from the county with the illness may have exposed people in Passaic County.

The state Department of Health said there are now 15 confirmed cases in the measles outbreak that began Oct. 24. An additional "highly suspect" case was noted by state officials, who said those people have potentially exposed individuals in Ocean and Passaic counties between Oct. 13 and Nov. 18. The Ocean County Health Department said at least 16 cases were under investigation in an update posted Nov. 20.

The most recent cases mean symptoms of the measles in anyone exposed could show up as late as Dec. 9, state health officials said. (READ MORE: Are You At Risk In Ocean County Measles Outbreak?)

Ocean County officials have been working to get children and adults immunized as they combat the outbreak; more than 12,400 doses of measles vaccine have been distributed with the county's assistance.

The outbreak has led private schools in Lakewood to bar children who were not immunized against the measles, and exposure by a person with the measles prompted the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Center in Toms River to close for a few days.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air and on surfaces for as much as two hours after an infected person leaves the room or area. It has a 90 percent airborne contagion rate.

Measles symptoms usually develop 10 to 12 days after exposure to an infected person and generally last from 7 to 10 days. Initial symptoms include a fever which may exceed 104 degrees, cough, runny nose and inflamed eyes, followed by small white dots that may form inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after the start of symptoms followed by a red flat rash which usually starts on the face before spreading to other parts of the body 3 to 5 days after the start of symptoms, the Ocean County Health Department said.

If you suspect you have the measles, DO NOT show up at your doctor's office, the emergency room or any health provider; call them in advance so they can take precautions to protect others from exposure.

"The present measles outbreak is a true public health crisis which warrants the full attention of not only the Ocean County Health Department, but also all medical providers in the outbreak area," said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County public health coordinator.

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?
• 3 Passaic Co. Locations Possibly Exposed To Measles: Officials

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