Measles exposure risk in New Jersey and New York | Health Alert

Health officials in New Jersey and New York are warning the public about possible measles exposure from September 28 to October 1 from an international traveler who has a confirmed case of the highly contagious viral disease.

The person flew into Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey from Israel on September 28, 2018, and then traveled to several places in Rockland County, New York, officials said.

"The traveler arrived in Terminal B and may have traveled to other areas of the airport," the New York Health Department said in a statement. "Anyone who was in the airport on September 28 between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. may have been exposed to measles, and if infected could develop symptoms as late as October 19."

In addition to the airport, anyone who visited these locations in New Square, Rockland County, during these times may have been exposed:

BAIS MEDRASH OF NEW SQUARE, 11 TRUMAN AVENUE, NEW SQUARE

  • Friday, Sept. 28, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 29 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 30 between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 30 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

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SUKKAH ADJACENT TO AVIR YAKOV BOYS' SCHOOL, 766 N. MAIN STREET, NEW SQUARE

  • Friday, Sept. 28 between noon and 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 29 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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REFUAH HEALTH CENTER, 728 N. MAIN STREET, NEW SQUARE

  • Saturday, Sept. 29 between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 1 between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

"Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people," the Health Department said. "People first develop a fever, then may have a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by appearance of a rash. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash."

Because the illness is so contagious, call your doctor, clinic, or hospital ER before you seek care for symptoms consistent with measles.

"This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness," officials said.