The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a warning to residents about possible exposure to measles linked to a non-resident who visited a medical facility in the state while contagious. The department is urging parents, guardians, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to watch for symptoms of this highly contagious virus and ensure vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are up to date.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face at the hairline and spreads downward. Measles can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), miscarriage in pregnant individuals, premature birth, or low birth weight.
NJDOH stated that anyone who was at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department in New Brunswick between 11:15 AM on February 6 and 4:45 AM on February 7 may have been exposed. Those who suspect they have been exposed or are experiencing illness should contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility so special arrangements can be made for evaluation while protecting others from infection. “Please do not visit a medical center without calling ahead,” NJDOH advised.
The department is working with local health authorities on ongoing contact tracing efforts and notifying those potentially exposed. People who were possibly exposed could develop symptoms until February 28.
As of February 10, no additional associated cases have been identified in New Jersey. Updates will be posted on the NJDOH website if more exposures are discovered: nj.gov/health/measles.
There have been no confirmed measles cases among New Jersey residents so far this year; there were 11 confirmed cases in the state during 2025. Nationally, measles cases continue to rise. According to the CDC, there were 2,276 confirmed cases in the United States in 2025 and 733 reported so far this year.
Measles spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes; it can linger in the air for up to two hours after they leave an area. It can also spread through contact with mucus or saliva from an infected individual. Those most at risk include people who are not fully vaccinated or have never had measles.
The MMR vaccine is given in two doses and is considered safe and effective for preventing measles as well as its complications. NJDOH encourages all residents to keep routine vaccinations current—including MMR—and recommends travelers be fully vaccinated before going abroad. Infants aged six to eleven months should receive one dose of MMR before travel; two additional doses should follow after their first birthday.
Healthcare providers are being asked by NJDOH to use every opportunity to check vaccination status for patients and staff. Providers referring suspected measles cases or contacts for care must call ahead so appropriate precautions can be arranged.
Additional guidance for healthcare providers is available through resources provided by NJDOH and the CDC on their respective websites.
