By Tiffany Williams –
Health officials in New Jersey have issued an alert regarding potential exposure to measles at Newark International Airport and several other locations throughout the state.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported that an out-of-state resident, while still infectious, visited various sites in New Jersey during the last week of March, prompting these concerns.
Notably, the individual was present in Terminal A of Newark Airport on March 25, from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., as well as on March 27, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. During these visits, the person also spent time in a Starbucks before departing.
In addition to the airport, the infected individual frequented various establishments in Park Ridge and Paramus, which include:
– Marriott Park Ridge (300 Brae Boulevard) — where they stayed from 5 p.m. on March 25 until 3:15 p.m. on March 27.
– Starbucks (191 Kinderkamack Road) — visited on March 26 from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., where patrons may have mingled with the individual.
– Sean O’Casey’s Irish Pub (located within the Marriott Park Ridge) — frequented on March 26, from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., a popular spot for relaxation and dining.
– Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (230 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus) — where the individual was in the emergency department between 6:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on March 27, followed by time spent in the radiology/laboratory department between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.
The NJDOH warns that anyone who visited these locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. As of April 2, no additional measles cases linked to this individual have been reported, according to health officials.
Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed or experience symptoms are urged to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility, in order to prevent further transmission of the illness.
Measles is known for its extreme contagiousness, characterized by a high fever, persistent cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically develops three to five days after initial symptoms appear.
“The virus is exceptionally infectious,” the health department emphasized, noting that anyone who is unvaccinated against measles is at significant risk of contracting the disease, regardless of age. In fact, health officials estimate that 90% of individuals in close proximity to someone with measles will become infected if they are not vaccinated or otherwise immune.