OCEAN COUNTY – The number of confirmed measles cases jumped nine from Thursday to today.
The Ocean County Health Department Dec. 21 said there are now 33 confirmed cases of measles, up from the Dec. 20 count of 24.
The Department reported Thursday that 10 cases were under investigation. Today, there are no cases being investigated.
“The measles outbreak continues until at least 42 days after the last known infection. The last rash onset date is November 30, 2018 and 4 days of infection ended on December 4, 2018,” a Dec. 21 Department press release said. “Therefore, at present, at least 42 days must elapse from the date of November 30, 2018 prior to consideration of an end to the measles outbreak.”
This outbreak was first reported in late October. Since then, the Department has coordinated with other entities in the coordination, delivery or administration of 12,400 MMR vaccinations.
People should check their immunization records to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. If they show signs of measles – fever, rash, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, pink eye – they should contact their healthcare provider before showing up to the office so arrangements for treatment without exposing others can be made.
People can become ill 5-21 days after exposure to measles. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing and live on surfaces and in the air up to two hours.
For more information, visit ochd.org or the state health department’s measles page at state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml.
