(Blackwood, NJ) – The Camden County Health Department is closely monitoring a confirmed case of measles in the county. An investigation is being conducted to identify contacts and all locations the subject visited while infectious. The source of the infection is unknown.
“We are working with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to investigate this situation,” said Camden County Health Officer Paschal Nwako. “Given the serious consequences of measles and the ease with which it can be spread, we will be engaged in a large investigative effort centered on locating and ensuring the immune status of those individuals who may have been in contact with this patient. In the meantime, we urge all residents to be vigilant of symptoms and to make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccine because that is the best way we can protect ourselves and others from this disease.”
Measles transmission is primarily spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Airborne transmission has been documented in closed areas for up to two hours after a person with measles has occupied the area. Because measles is very contagious it is important to identify anyone who may have been exposed that does not have immunity to the disease. Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as February 2, 2024.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
The Camden County Health Department is working diligently with our healthcare partners to identify and notify anyone that has had exposure to this case. A Camden County resident who was exposed to measles visited two health care facilities on Jan. 5 and Jan.8. The time and place of the visits were:
- 1/5/2024, 11:35AM – 2:32 p.m. Cooper University Healthcare Pediatrics, 6400 Main St, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
- 1/8/2024, 8:00 PM- 12:38 a.m. Emergency Department at Jefferson South Jersey Stratford Hospital, 18 Laurel Road Stratford NJ 08084
The case attended daycare, however anyone that may have been exposed in this setting has been identified and notified.
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 contact your primary care physician get tested and report the exposure.
For any general questions, call the Camden County Health Department at (856) 549-0530.