Exposure Window: Late March 2025 (specifically March 25-27).
Locations: Newark Airport (Terminal A, Starbucks), Marriott Park Ridge (including Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub), Starbucks (Park Ridge), Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (Emergency Dept, Radiology/Lab). Specific dates and times apply (see below).
The Virus: Measles is highly contagious, spreading easily through the air via coughing/sneezing and remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a characteristic rash.
High Risk: Unvaccinated individuals are at high risk; officials state 90% of unvaccinated people near an infected person will contract the disease.
National Trend: The CDC reported 378 measles cases in the U.S. in the first three months of 2025, a 32% increase from all of the previous year, including two recent deaths.
Why this matters: Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling). Vigilance and awareness of vaccination status are crucial, especially given the recent uptick in cases.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) identified specific locations and times where exposure may have occurred due to the presence of an individual infectious with measles. The individual traveled between Michigan and New Jersey after returning from international travel.
Potential Exposure Sites & Times:
Newark Liberty International Airport (Terminal A): March 25, 3:45 PM - 6:15 PM & March 27, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (including Starbucks).
Marriott Park Ridge (300 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge): March 25, 5:00 PM through March 27, 3:15 PM.
Starbucks (191 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge): March 26, 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM.
Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub (in Marriott Park Ridge): March 26, 5:00 PM - 7:15 PM.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (230 E. Ridgewood Ave, Paramus):
Emergency Department: March 27, 6:45 AM - 12:15 PM.
Radiology/Laboratory Department: March 27, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after infection but can take up to 21 days. Health officials advise anyone present at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms until at least April 17, 2025. It is crucial to call a healthcare provider *before* visiting a medical facility if symptoms develop to prevent further spread. As of April 3, 2025, no associated cases in New Jersey had been identified from this exposure.
Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious viral illness causing fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a distinctive rash.
Q: How does measles spread?
A: It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. It can also spread via contact with contaminated mucus or saliva.
Q: What should I do if I think I was exposed?
A: Monitor yourself for symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash) until April 17, 2025. If symptoms appear, call your doctor or a health clinic *before* going in person to explain you may have been exposed to measles. Check your vaccination status (MMR vaccine).
Check Exposure: Review the locations, dates, and times listed above.
Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant for measles symptoms if you were potentially exposed.
Verify Vaccination: Ensure you and your family are up-to-date on the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. Vaccination is the most effective prevention.
Contact Healthcare Appropriately: If symptoms arise after potential exposure, call ahead to your healthcare provider for instructions.
Who This Affects Most: Unvaccinated individuals, infants too young for vaccination, and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk.
How to Prepare: Know your vaccination status. Understand measles symptoms. Have contact information for your healthcare provider readily available.
Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. The recent increase in cases highlights potential gaps in community immunity.
*Do you know your measles vaccination status? Let us know your thoughts on preventing future outbreaks!*
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Source 1: NJ health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Newark Airport - NBC New York target="_blank"
Source 2: Person infected with measles traveled to Newark Airport, other N.J. sites - nj.com target="_blank"
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