NJ health officials warn of additional measles exposure in Ocean County

LAKEWOOD - The state Department of Health is warning the public “of a highly suspect case of measles associated with the current outbreak of measles in Ocean County” that may have exposed any number of people to the highly contagious virus on March 10.

State and local health officials are investigating any connection between the recent cases, the previous outbreak in Ocean County or current outbreaks in other states, according to a prepared statement.

ELSEWHERE: 5 new exposure locations announced in Rockland County, New York

Anyone who visited the following stores in Lakewood may have been exposed to measles and are at risk to falling ill through April 8:

• Tottini Kids Wear, 204 Clifton Ave., from noon to 3:15 p.m on March 10.
• Clover, 115 Clifton Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 10.
• Kidichic, 251 Second St., from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 10.

The state Health Department said it is working in collaboration with the Ocean County Health Department to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the affected patients were infectious. In the event that additional exposures are identified, information will be updated on the department’s measles page.

More:What’s all that partying about in Lakewood? Why, it’s Purim!

More:Third measles case confirmed in Ocean County; possible exposure at Lakewood yeshiva BMG

More:Measles case confirmed in Ocean County once again

The department advises that anyone who visited the locations listed above during the specified dates and times should contact their doctor immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.

Learn how an outbreak happens in the video above.

If exposed, you are at risk if you have not been vaccinated or have not had measles. 

Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person, all according to the state health department.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk if they are exposed. "Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com