By: Richard L. Smith
According to a press release from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), state health officials have confirmed a new case of measles in a Passaic County resident following recent international travel. 
This case is not connected to earlier infections reported in Hudson and Ocean counties, and New Jersey is not currently experiencing an outbreak.
NJDOH warns that individuals who visited Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains during these times may have been exposed:
• Emergency Department: July 31, 7:00 PM – August 1, 3:30 AM
• ICU, 5th Floor: August 1, 1:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads from the face downward. The illness can lead to serious complications, especially in pregnant individuals and those unvaccinated.
Potentially exposed individuals could develop symptoms up to August 24, 2025. Anyone suspecting exposure should call their doctor or local health department before visiting a medical facility.
Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles. They also urge travelers to be fully vaccinated before going abroad.
Since January, New Jersey has recorded six measles cases, while the CDC reports over 1,300 cases nationwide this year—the highest since 1992.