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Resurgence of Measles Cases in the Tri-State Area

NEW YORK – Concerns are escalating in New Jersey and surrounding areas following the confirmation of multiple measles cases. As reported by FOX 5 NY, health officials have announced three confirmed cases in Bergen County, NJ.

Details of Recent Outbreaks

In addition to the cases in Bergen County, a child in Suffolk County has tested positive for measles. The child, who is under the age of five, is currently in an unknown condition, and it remains unclear how the infection was contracted.

Measles cases have been increasing on a national scale, notably marked by an outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico that has seen over 250 confirmed cases, tragically resulting in two deaths among unvaccinated individuals.

Understanding Measles and Its Risks

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Despite being declared eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, these recent outbreaks underline the continued threat it poses.

“Measles can be very serious. It’s much more than just a rash as complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, and often results in hospitalization. The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to ensure they’ve been properly immunized against measles and immediately get a shot if they are not,” stated New York Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Officials caution that individuals who visited the pediatric emergency department at Cohen Children’s Medical Center from March 3 to March 4 or anyone who was on the Medicine 3 unit between March 3 and March 6 may have been exposed to the virus.

Measles Presence Nationwide

This year, cases have also been reported in states across the country, including:

• Alaska
• California
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an outbreak is defined as three or more related cases. In 2025, three clusters of measles have qualified as outbreaks. Typically, these cases are traced back to individuals who contracted the virus abroad, spreading in communities where vaccination rates are low.

Vaccination: The Best Protection

To prevent measles, the CDC recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which should be administered in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

For those at high risk, such as individuals living in outbreak areas or those with underlying health conditions, considering a booster shot may be advisable. Adults born before 1957 generally do not require vaccination due to presumed immunity from natural infection.

Recognizing Symptoms

Initial symptoms of measles typically include:

• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes

A rash usually develops three to five days after exposure, starting on the face and spreading to the body. Infected individuals may experience a spike in fever, often exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Treatment and Management

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles; care is focused on symptom relief, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.

Importance of Vaccination Coverage

High vaccination rates (above 95%) are crucial in preventing outbreaks through a phenomenon known as herd immunity. However, recent reports indicate a decline in childhood vaccination rates across the U.S., exacerbated by the pandemic and a rising trend in vaccination exemptions for personal or religious reasons.

Notably, measles cases increased in 2024, including a significant outbreak in Chicago affecting over 60 individuals. This stark rise serves as a reminder of the vital role vaccinations play in public health.

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