3 Passaic Co. Locations Possibly Exposed To Measles: Officials

Three Passaic County locations have been listed as places where people could have been exposed to the measles after a county resident was exposed to the virus.

The exposure is associated with an outbreak of 15 cases measles in Ocean County.

The resident could have exposed others to the virus between Saturday and Sunday, the New Jersey Department of Health announced Friday afternoon. There are no known public exposures related to this individual.

Anyone who visited the following locations in the city of Passaic may have been exposed to the measles:

• Passaic Chill Youth Drop In Center, 217 Brook Ave. between 8:30 p.m. Saturday and midnight Sunday
• Junior's Kosher Deli, 215 Main Ave., Sunday between 7:30 and 10 p.m.
• Rite Aid, 78 Main Ave., Sunday between 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Department of Health officials are working in collaboration with the Ocean County Health Department and City of Passaic Division of Health to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious.

Officials urge residents to be vigilant for any symptoms of measles, which include: Rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Measles can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and could lead to miscarriage in pregnant women.

Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come into contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the measles should call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department.

“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons," said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist. "If you’re planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling."

(See related: 14 And Counting: Measles Outbreak, Response Growing In Ocean Co.)

Since the first Ocean County case was reported on Oct. 24, the health department has assisted in delivering 12,400 doses of measles vaccine to community providers to immunize thousands of those at risk.

The department also has "initiated or responded to" hundreds of telephone calls and emails as it has investigated the potential sources of exposure and numerous people who may have been exposed. The measles virus lingers in the air for up to two hours after the person with measles has left a room or building, officials have said.

The number of cases "would be much higher were it not for the immunity provided by those who have received the MMR vaccine" in response to the outbreak, said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County public health coordinator, an effort that has included work of seven of its public health clinical nurses, four health educators and others in the department.

With reporting by Karen Wall, Patch staff

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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