MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Middlesex County resident may have exposed others to measles at a Monmouth County restaurant recently, state officials announced.
The New Jersey Department of Health is warning individuals that could have been exposed to the measles at Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina in Englishtown April 19, between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Department and local health officials are investigating any connection to the current Ocean County measles outbreak or outbreaks in other states.
Anyone who visited this restaurant during this time frame should contact their health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness. If you have been exposed, you are at risk if you have not been vaccinated or have not had measles.
Individuals potentially exposed on this date, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as May 10. If you suspect exposure, call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department.
Symptoms of the measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, as well as miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby in pregnant women. This highly contagious disease can be spread through coughing or sneezing and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
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.
“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons. If you’re planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling,” Dr. Tan added.
For more information about measles, contact your health care provider, or visit the New Jersey Department of Health website at state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml.
