(Blackwood, NJ) – The Camden County Health Department is closely monitoring a reported cluster of measles in Philadelphia. So far, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has confirmed four cases and identified two possible cases. The New Jersey Department of Health is working closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to identify and contact close contacts. At this time there have been no reported cases in Camden County.
“Measles is an extremely contagious virus and we urge everyone to be vigilant,” said Dr. Paschal Nwako, Camden County’s Health Officer. “We will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as we learn more. We also encourage our residents to be up to date on the two dose MMR vaccine because the best way to prevent these types of situations is through community-wide vaccination.”
Anyone who has not already had measles or has not received the measles vaccine can get the disease. Measles symptoms usually appear around a week or two after being infected. The first symptoms are usually:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes or pinkeye
- Rash (usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin). The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
If you are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone with measles, please call your primary care physician get tested and report the exposure.
For any general questions, call the health department at (856) 374-6000