Trenton In an effort to stop the spread of the extremely contagious disease, the New Jersey Department of Health has identified a measles case in an Ocean County resident and is advising the public to make sure their vaccines are current.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an outbreak is defined as three or more connected cases, and the individual case does not qualify as such under federal rules. As of July 10, no further related instances have been found in New Jersey.
Health officials are notifying anybody who may have been exposed and conducting contact tracing in collaboration with local partners. Symptoms could appear in anyone who may have been exposed until July 22.
A high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the face and moves down are all signs of measles. Serious side effects from the virus can include pneumonia, cerebral edema, miscarriage, early birth, or low birth weight in expectant mothers.
To prevent exposing others, those who think they may have been exposed or who are exhibiting symptoms are advised to get in touch with their local health department or healthcare practitioner prior to attending any medical facility. In order to take the necessary safeguards, the state health department stressed the value of phoning in advance.
Measles can remain in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left because it spreads through the air. Additionally, people might contract the infection by coming into contact with saliva or mucous.
The Department of Health advises all citizens to stay up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly youngsters and foreign visitors. The vaccination, which is given in two doses, is thought to be the best defense against the virus and its negative effects.
When going abroad, infants aged 6 to 11 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before their trip and two more doses after becoming one year old.
Healthcare professionals are being urged to take advantage of every patient visit to check immunization records and make sure all immunizations are current. Referrals of probable measles cases or exposures must be made in advance to the receiving facility by the providers.
You may find out more at www.nj.gov/health.
