By: Richard L. Smith
State health officials are warning residents about a potential measles exposure after an infected individual visited a Middlesex County hospital while contagious.
According to information released by the New Jersey Department of Health, the case involves a non-New Jersey resident who was at the Pediatric Emergency Department of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick between 11:15 p.m. on February 6 and 4:45 a.m. on February 7, 2026.
Officials said anyone present at the hospital during those hours may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area.
Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia or swelling of the brain.
Health officials advise anyone who believes they were exposed or who develops symptoms to call their local health department or healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency room.
Calling ahead allows precautions to be taken to prevent additional spread.
The department said individuals potentially exposed could develop symptoms as late as February 28.
As of February 10, no additional cases connected to this incident have been identified in New Jersey.