86 people at risk of measles after a party in Ocean County

TOMS RIVER – According to health officials, 86 people have potentially been exposed to measles during a private invitation-only event.

Measles outbreak in Ocean County it was stabilized at 18, with six potential cases under investigation. Three of these cases were in Passaic County after a person with a confirmed case had visited a family. The other cases all took place in Lakewood.

The Ocean County Health Department was informed Friday of the event, according to Public Health Coordinator Dan Regenye, who did not disclose the nature of the event nor the place where it took place. The OCHD tried to contact the people involved.

The Heath State Department stated that the event was held in New York, where the majority of participants were from New Jersey.

"Although it is understandable that many wish to record this epidemic in history books, we must remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent an escalation of this measles epidemic," Regenye said in a statement. communicated.

People can get measles five to 21 days after being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, coughing, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). In pregnant women, measles can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight.

Regenye said those who thought they might have been exposed might have to call their health care provider to arrange an exam and not show up at their desk to minimize the risk of exposure. .

The literal eruption of Lakewood cases is one of many outbreaks in the New York area, including Brooklyn and Rockland County. The New York Department of Health reported 39 cases confirmed in Brooklyn since October, while 89 cases have been confirmed in Rockland County by his county health department.

Dan Johnson reporter contact at [email protected] or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ