Individual with measles may have exposed others in two New Jersey counties.

 Individual with measles may have exposed others in two New Jersey counties

A Monmouth County resident who recently returned from international travel has contracted measles. and may have exposed others in Union and Monmouth counties for eight days prior to a visit to a Jersey Shore hospital last week, according to the state Health Department's announcement on Friday.

The patient visited the following locations:

• Livoti’s Old World Market, 200 Mounts Corner Dr., Freehold on Sept. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• El Rancho Mexican Restaurant, 28 West Main St., Freehold on Oct. 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• The International Longshoreman Association’s strike at Elizabeth Chassis Depot, 1510 S. Bay Ave., Elizabeth, and the area near the “Welcome to Elizabeth Terminal” from Oct. 1-3, all day.
• Atlantic Health Immediate Care, 479 Route 520, Marlboro on Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center - Emergency Department, 1945 Route 33, Neptune City on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As of Thursday, no other cases have been reported. Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking.

This announcement comes as health officials raise concerns over a global increase in measles cases. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000; however, vaccination rates for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine among kindergarteners have dropped below the 95% coverage target, with even lower rates in some communities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC issued a health advisory in March regarding the rise in measles cases both globally and in the U.S. From January 1 to October 10, 2024, there have been 267 confirmed measles cases reported across 32 states, many linked to international travel among unvaccinated individuals. Children under 5 years old make up 41% of these cases.

In 2024, there have been 14 outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases), with 70% of the reported cases associated with these outbreaks. In comparison, only four outbreaks were reported in 2023.

Symptoms of measles typically appear three to five days after exposure, although they can manifest as late as October 29. Signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a red rash starting at the hairline. Serious complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, and pregnant women are at risk for miscarriage or low birth-weight babies.

In New Jersey, the MMR vaccine is required for children attending school or daycare, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted.

For more information about measles, please visit the state health department's website.