Measles Warning Issued For Recent Visitors To N.J. Hospital
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- If you were at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, N.J., earlier this week, health officials said you might have contracted measles.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, the New Jersey Department of Health said anyone who visited the hospital between this past Monday and Wednesday may have been exposed to the virus.
Measles Warning Issued For Recent Visitors To N.J. Hospital
"There is an employee at Somerset Medical Center who might be infected with measles virus," said New Jersey epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan.
Tan said while the vaccine against measles is highly effective, anyone who may have been exposed should call a doctor and watch for symptoms, which could surface next week.
"Measles symptoms can include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes," she said.
Health officials said anyone who thinks he or she was exposed should call a health care provider before seeking attention, so as not to expose anyone else.
The department said symptoms could surface between March 11 and 18.
Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are most at risk for serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.
Measles, or Rubeola, is easily spread through the air. So the Health Department is asking everyone to make sure his or her vaccinations are up to date.
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