New Jersey health officials issued a measles exposure alert after a non-resident visited Newark International Airport and several locations while infectious during the last week of March. Key exposure sites include Newark Airport’s Terminal A, Marriott Park Ridge, Starbucks in Park Ridge, and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. Exposure times were specified for each location, and as of April 2, no additional cases have been reported. Measles is highly contagious, with symptoms including fever, cough, and rash. Individuals who suspect exposure should contact health providers before visiting medical facilities to prevent further spread.
Health officials in New Jersey have raised concerns regarding possible measles exposure at Newark International Airport and several other locations throughout the state.
The state’s Department of Health reported that a non-resident individual visited New Jersey while still infectious during the final week of March.
This person, who has been diagnosed with measles, was present at Newark Airport’s Terminal A on March 25, between 3:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., and again on March 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. They also spent time in a Starbucks before departing.
In addition to the airport, the infected individual frequented various locations in Park Ridge and Paramus, including:
- Marriott Park Ridge (300 Brae Boulevard) — From 5 p.m. on March 25 through 3:15 p.m. on March 27
- Starbucks (191 Kinderkamack Road) — On March 26 from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
- Sean O’Casey’s Irish Pub (Located in the Marriott Park Ridge) — On March 26, from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, 230 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus) — In the emergency department from 6:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on March 27, and in the radiology/laboratory department between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.
The NJDOH indicated that anyone who was present at these locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to the virus. As of April 2, no further cases linked to the infected individual have been reported, according to health officials.
Individuals who suspect possible exposure or who develop symptoms should contact a healthcare provider prior to visiting a medical office or hospital to prevent any further spread of the illness.
Measles symptoms
Measles are exceedingly contagious and can lead to a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that typically manifests between three and five days after initial symptoms appear.
“It is highly contagious, and anyone who is not vaccinated against the virus may contract it at any age,” the health department cautioned.
If a person has measles, there’s a 90% chance that those around them will contract the disease if they are not vaccinated or otherwise immune, health officials noted.