In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Lakewood, New Jersey, The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents that a 4th case of measles  has been confirmed in Ocean County. This individual could have exposed others to the infection while in Ocean County on October 31.

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

Anyone who visited CHEMED Health Center, 1771 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701 on October 31 between 8:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. may have been exposed to measles.

CHEMED released the following statement today:

In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC and our physicians, patients exhibiting measles symptoms cannot enter our facilities until further notice, as they could potentially expose other CHEMED patients to the virus. Those patients will be examined in a special outdoor triage area, where they will receive first class medical care. If you suspect that you may have measles, please contact our office immediately and notify the receptionist of your symptoms. All other CHEMED patients can visit our facilities without any worries.

Health officials are working in collaboration with the Ocean County Health Department to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious.

The Department urges residents to remain vigilant for any symptoms of measles. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

The Department recommends that anyone who visited any of the locations listed above during the specified dates/times should contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness. If you have been exposed, you are at risk if you have not been vaccinated or have not had measles. Individuals potentially exposed, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as November 21.