A growing number of measles cases in Ocean County — six cases had been identified as of Wednesday — has prompted a free vaccination event Thursday and nearly 1,200 residents to seek vaccinations in recent days.

The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed Wednesday it had identified two additional cases of measles, adding a doctor’s office and bagel shop to the list of places where patrons could have been exposed to the disease. 

Previously health officials had identified four cases of measles in Ocean County in an outbreak that began in late October. Six cases in Ocean County in recent weeks doubles the statewide occurrence of measles in the entire year 2017.

Working to combat the outbreak, Ocean Health Initiatives Inc. will host what it calls a Vaccination Event at the Lakewood Health Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering to vaccinate anyone, except for pregnant women, who wasn’t immunized during childhood.

The address is 101 Second St. No appointment is necessary.

And another health care provider continues to offer vaccinations to residents without needing an appointment. Since Friday, CHEMED health center has vaccinated nearly 1,200 people, Mark Berkowitz, chief operating officer of CHEMED, said Wednesday afternoon.

Walk-in vaccination hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the center at 1771 Madison Ave. People should bring their health insurance cards and prior vaccination information if available. Walk-in hours could be extended to next week based on demand, Berkowitz said.

“If we see the volume still there, we’re prepared to go as long as it takes,” he said. 

The disease is highly contagious. It can be spread through a cough or sneeze. Symptoms include rash that appears as flat, red spots; high fever; a cough and runny nose. It also can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. See the video above for more information.

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Two doses of the measles vaccine, however, are considered 97 percent effective in preventing the disease, said Dr. Christina Tan, the state epidemiologist.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control 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.

Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose, the state Health Department said.

Teenagers and adults can receive the vaccine if they weren’t vaccinated in childhood, health officials said. OHI is offering the vaccine Thursday to anyone except pregnant women.

The Health Department said people in Lakewood contracted the disease after they were exposed to someone who acquired measles when traveling internationally.

On Wednesday, health officials said people could have been exposed if they visited:

• the office of Dr. Eli Eilenberg, 150 James St., Lakewood, on Oct. 31 between 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
• Four Corners Bagel & Cafe, 150 James St., Lakewood, on Oct. 31 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Previously health officials said others could have been exposed if they visited the following locations between Oct. 13 and Oct. 31: Schul Satmar, 405 Forest Ave.; Eat a Pita, 116 Clifton Ave.; CHEMED Health Center, 1771 Madison Ave.; NPGS grocers, 231 Main St.; and Pizza Plus, 241 4th St. Lakewood.

Ocean Health Initiatives said anyone who has been exposed or has symptoms should mention it when booking an appointment with their providers to ensure they can take proper precaution.

Michael L. Diamond; @mdiamondapp; 732-643-4038; [email protected]

 

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