TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about a the state's first confirmed case of measles in 2026. Individuals – especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers – are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots.

The single confirmed case is a resident of Hudson County who presented with measles following recent international travel. NJDOH underscores the importance of being fully vaccinated before traveling internationally. This especially applies to infants 6 to 11 months old who should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, then two more doses after their first birthday. At this time, New Jersey is not experiencing a measles outbreak, which is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as three or more related cases.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.

NJDOH advises that anyone who visited the following location, only during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed to measles:

• Location: Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal B
• Date & Time: April 14, 2026, between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

• Location: Pediatric Emergency Department, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ, 07601
• Date & Time: April 17, 2026, 11:15 p.m. through April 18, 2026, 3:15 a.m.

Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness should call their local health department or a health care provider BEFORE going to any medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.

NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials on ongoing contact tracing and on efforts to notify people who might have been exposed and to identify additional exposures that may have occurred.

Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as May 11, 2026. As of the time of this release on April 22, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified. Should additional exposures be identified, information will be posted on the Department’s website: nj.gov/health/measles.

Measles Transmission

The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

Nationally, measles cases continue to soar. According to the CDC, as of April 16, 2026, a total of 1,748 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States this year.

Measles Prevention

MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is also effective at preventing complications caused by these highly contagious diseases. NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including MMR shots.

NJDOH is also requesting that health care providers use every opportunity to assess for immunizations to ensure all patients and staff are current on routine immunizations. If referring a suspected measles case or exposed measles contact for care, health care providers MUST call the receiving facility to ensure appropriate arrangements are made. More guidance for health care providers regarding vigilance against measles can be found in the resources below:

Resources:

• NJDOH Measles Webpage
• NJDOH Factsheet on Measles Exposure
• NJDOH Measles Information and Tips Fact Sheet
• NJDOH MMR Vaccine Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Measles Information
• CDC MMR Vaccine Information

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The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 6,000 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.