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Ocean County health officials continue to monitor a measles outbreak after Lakewood confirmed four cases and suspicion of four more.
And those who are not vaccinated or who are not sure of their status are turning in large numbers to look for it.
The first case concerned a person who went to Israel and contracted the disease. It was reported to the Océan County Department of Health on October 26th.
Three other cases were confirmed, all of which followed an exposure to the traveler.
Two other people had undergone a test Friday, but the results of this test were not yet available Monday, according to Brian Rumpf, director of administration for the Ocean County Health Department.
He said the department was aware of two other suspected cases and that these people had been tested as well as Monday afternoon.
The CHEMED Health Center has announced the creation of an outdoor triage area to examine anyone with measles symptoms, including fever, cough, pink eyes and rash that usually starts on the face and neck and spreads elsewhere.
"In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC and our doctors, patients with measles symptoms can not enter our facilities until further notice as they could potentially expose other CHEMED patients to the virus," said CHEMED in a statement released Friday.
CHEMED diagnosed the first case, said Rumpf. The health department sent about five staff to help the center carry out its vaccinations and tests, as the residents concerned gathered there after learning the news of the epidemic.
Officials said the first person visited the following places and advised others to be cautious:
- Schul Satmar, 405 Forest Ave. October 13 to 21 from 1 to 4 pm daily.
- Eat a Pita, 116 Clifton Ave. October 15 between 7 pm and 10 am
- CHEMED Health Center, 1771 Madison Ave. October 17th between 3pm and 6pm and October 18th between 10:45 am and 1:30 pm
Vaccination is recommended for people born after 1957 and most people receive both doses before the age of 4 years. These injections have an efficiency of about 97%.
However, in Lakewood, which has a population of just over 100,000, even a small percentage of unvaccinated people struggling to pass the control test can put a strain on the health care system.
"We believe [Lakewood’s] The vaccination rate is quite high, but some came from abroad or were not sure of anything, "Rumpf said .The number of people asking for the vaccination is" more than one ". increase, "he said, without submerging the caregivers, who manage the influx well.
The measles can be transmitted by contact or even by air and remains contagious until two hours after exposure to a sick person. The virus develops particularly in the interior areas.
Those who think they have measles should immediately call the office and describe their symptoms. CHEMED's offices remain open to patients seeking other types of care.
Directors with CHEMED could not be reached for comment on Monday afternoon.
Anyone who does not know their vaccination status should also call their doctor. Blood tests can be used to test for immunity.
Some local businesses have taken steps to curb the spread by banning people without proof of vaccination, including Snaps Kosher, a restaurant and The Lakewood Gym.
If you are not immune, you are not welcome! @ MakewoodScoop pic.twitter.com/UeHsiJwSHV
– Kosher Snaps (@SnapsKosher) November 5, 2018
Amanda Hoover can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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