NJ Health Officials Warn Train Riders of Measles Exposure on PATH and Light Rail

Health Officials Warn NJ Train Measles

Health officials believe that a case of measles in Hudson County may have put NJ Transit and PATH riders in danger earlier this month. Officials said that drivers who used the impacted routes at the times listed should look for symptoms in the next few weeks.

Measles spreads when people from different states are close to each other. The New Jersey Department of Health said that this case of measles was not an outbreak. The CDC says that an outbreak is three or more cases that are linked.

Train Routes, Exposure

Health experts think that train riders were exposed on these days and at these places:

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will run from Bayonne to Hoboken on August 13, 14, and 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Bayonne 8th Street Light Rail Station will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 13, 14, and 15.

On August 13, 14, and 15, the PATH Newark–World Trade Center Line will be open from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m.

The Jersey City Exchange Place Station will be open from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on August 13, 14, and 15.

Experts say that anyone who haven’t been vaccinated or aren’t sure should be particularly careful in these areas. The symptoms can lead to an infection until September 11, which is three weeks later.

Understanding Risk

Measles spreads easily in public places like train stations. People who don’t have measles or MMR are the most at danger.

The CDC notes that those who are infected can transfer the virus four days before and four days after the rash shows up. This means that individuals can get sick before they show any symptoms.

Check for Symptoms

Health professionals talk about the signs of measles:

Very hot weather

A cough that won’t go away

Nose that runs

Eyes that are red and moist

Three to five days after these symptoms start, a red rash forms on the hairline. If you have these symptoms and think you may have been exposed, phone your local health department or doctor before going to visit one. This will help stop the disease from spreading.

There Are More Cases of Measles in the US

This is happening because the number of measles cases in the US is going up. The CDC said that from mid-August to the end of the month, there were 1,375 cases in 42 states. This was the most cases since 1992, when there were 2,100.

Almost 97% of recent U.S. cases were either unvaccinated or had no known vaccination status. MMR is still the best way to protect against measles.

No NJ Outbreak, But Still Need to Be Careful

There hasn’t been an outbreak in New Jersey, but health officials think even one case on public transportation is worrisome. They say to be careful and check your immunization records.

People who shared a bus or train with the sick person should check their health and contact a doctor if they start to feel sick.

Sources

  • New Jersey Department of Health

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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