On Friday, the New Jersey Department of Health issued an alert to residents regarding a measles case involving an individual who visited the emergency room at Englewood Hospital in Bergen County.

According to the department, the individual had recently returned from international travel and was in the hospital on February 9, between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Those who were present at the hospital during this timeframe may have been exposed to the virus and are urged to contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any potential risk of infection.

Health officials noted that measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the person has left the environment. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with an infected individual’s saliva or mucus.

The department emphasized the importance of consulting with a physician before visiting any medical facility to ensure appropriate infection control measures are implemented to safeguard other patients and healthcare staff.

Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually appears between three to five days after the initial symptoms emerge.

The rash generally starts as flat red spots on the face and then spreads downwards to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, according to officials. Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and can affect pregnant individuals by increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight in babies.

Individuals who have not completed their vaccinations or have never contracted measles are at a higher risk of infection, the department reported.

Officials warned that symptoms could manifest in anyone who was potentially exposed as late as March 6.

As of Friday, health investigators had not discovered any additional related cases.