Ocean County measles cases at 19; health officials urge vaccinations
Michael L. DiamondThe number of confirmed measles cases in Ocean County stands at 19, and the outbreak continues to generate reports of potential exposure, officials said Friday.
It prompted health department officials to urge families to get vaccinated.
"We must continue to be vigilant and to take all the necessary precautions to avoid an escalation of this measles outbreak," Daniel Regenye, public health coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that includes fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, followed by a rash that spreads over the body one to three weeks after exposure. It can cause serious complications or even death.
See the video above for what to watch for.
The outbreak in Lakewood began in October after a person from Israel who had been exposed to a large outbreak in that country visited the township.
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The disease can spread through the air after sneezing or coughing and can even remain contagious hours after an infected person has left the area.
There are 14 businesses and synagogues and even the Toms River Department of Motor Vehicles where others may have been exposed to contagious individuals.
Health officials also said one case remains under investigation.
The outbreak now extends until January; 42 days must pass without a new case of measles confirmed before officials declare the end of the outbreak.
Health officials said the best protection against measles is the vaccine. Two doses are considered 97 percent effective in preventing the disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine. The first dose is at age 12 months to 15 months. The second dose is age 4 years to 6 years old.
Teenagers and adults can receive the vaccine if they weren't vaccinated in childhood.
Michael L. Diamond; @mdiamondapp; 732-643-4038; mdiamond@gannettnj.com