N.J. officials warn of possible measles exposure
TRENTON, N.J. (WTXF) - The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents of a measles case which may have led to exposure in Burlington and Camden counties.
"Is it contagious, is it real bad?" asked Hoboken Mendez.
Hearing that a woman tested positive for the measles virus and visited the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden in the last two weeks has community members asking questions.
"Did she get in the water? They didn't send an email, nothing about it. Are you sure?" Mendez questioned.
The Department suggest anyone with dealings in the locations, below, to seek medical advice regarding possible exposure to measles. A person is at risk if they have not been vaccinated or has not had measles. A person exposed can develop symptoms up to July 11.
Anyone who visited these locations may have been exposed to measles:
Virtua is currently contacting individuals who may have been exposed. The New Jersey Department of Health is working with health officials to notify anyone who may have been exposed.
The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that usually appears between three to five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward throughout the body.
Measles spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
Health officials say the measles patient developed symptoms after international travel and urge people, especially those planning trips outside of the United States, to get vaccinated.
The measles vaccine is 97% effective, a relief to Rachel Gorman leaving the Kroc Center with three children.
"My kids have all had their vaccinations and we stay up-to-date on that sort of stuff. So, we're not one of the ones that come down with something crazy. It just would've been nice to have been notified just in case your kids weren't vaccinated," Gorman explained.
For more information regarding measles, check with a health care provider, or visit the New Jersey Department of Health online. Camden County also offers a toll-free hotline to answer questions about measles at 1-800-999-9045.