LAKEWOOD – Another time and location has been announced as a possible exposure to the measles virus by the New Jersey Department of Health.
A release from the Department stated that people might have been exposed if they were at Congregation Belz, 18 Prague Place, Lakewood during the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, July 10 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Thursday, July 11 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Friday, July 12 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
There was an individual visiting that location during those times who has been determined to be infectious, the Department stated.
Anyone who visited that location during those times should contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness and spreading it to others. Call before visiting a medical office or emergency department so health care workers can take precautions so you don’t infect others in the building.
People are at risk if they have not been vaccinated or have not had measles. Individuals potentially exposed on these dates, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as Aug. 2.
Measles is potentially fatal and symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
This is the 17th confirmed case of measles in New Jersey in 2019.
“Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.
“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. 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,” Dr. Tan added.
Before international travel:
- Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days).
- Children 1 year and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
- Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
The state provides a document of what to do if you believe you have measles.
