The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed three cases of measles on Thursday, adding to the growing concern as the number of cases and hospitalizations continues to rise across the United States. This includes Texas, where a child who was not vaccinated recently died from the disease.
The cases trace back to a confirmed infection in a Bergen County resident, reported on February 14, who had recently traveled abroad, according to an alert posted on the department’s website. Within a few days, two more cases were detected in people who had close contact with the first patient.
All three of the individuals were not vaccinated and had been placed under quarantine to reduce the chance of further exposure, according to officials. So far this year, New Jersey has seen three measles cases, compared to seven in 2024.
The health department stated that they are working with local authorities to identify and alert anyone who may have come into contact with the individuals during their infectious period. Officials are urging residents to ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations, particularly the highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The New York State Department of Health also issued a health advisory on Thursday due to the increase in measles cases.
The NYSDOH warned that vaccination rates for measles remain below the level required to protect communities across the state. To combat areas with low vaccination rates, the department is urging New Yorkers to vaccinate their children against the disease.
“As a pediatrician and the State’s doctor, I want to remind everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases,” stated State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “I encourage anyone not vaccinated against measles to receive at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and get their children vaccinated with two doses.”
As of 2025, two measles cases have been confirmed in New York City, with no cases reported elsewhere in the state. In 2024, New York had 15 cases, 14 of which were in New York City. Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus can also spread by touching infected surfaces or inhaling the virus. According to experts, up to 90% of unvaccinated people—or those whose vaccination was ineffective—will contract measles if exposed.
The NYSDOH cautioned that MMR vaccination rates among two-year-olds in New York State have fallen well below the threshold needed for herd immunity in every county.
In response to rising cases, states are intensifying efforts to promote vaccination after health officials in Texas confirmed the first measles-related death in the U.S. in nearly ten years. The unvaccinated child, of school age, passed away on Tuesday night amid Texas’ largest measles outbreak in nearly three decades, which has now reached 124 cases across nine counties since the outbreak began last month.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the country’s leading health official and vocal critic of vaccines, downplayed the outbreak on Wednesday, stating that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring the situation, calling it “not unusual.”
Measles symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after exposure, although they may take up to 21 days to manifest. The NYSDOH outlines early symptoms as a high fever (which may exceed 104°F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Health authorities emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.
The MMR vaccine is proven to be safe and highly effective at preventing both the disease and its severe complications. The CDC recommends the first dose be administered between the ages of 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine is also required for children entering kindergarten in public schools nationwide.
While most children recover from measles, the disease can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
Vaccination rates have decreased nationally since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with most states now falling below the 95% vaccination rate necessary to prevent widespread measles outbreaks.
{Matzav.com}