JERSEY CITY (WABC) -- Health officials say a 1-year-old baby in Jersey City who was not yet vaccinated has the state's first confirmed case of the measles.
The baby has recovered, but out of an abundance of caution, the residents of the apartment building where the baby lives are being told about their potential measles exposure.
The first measles vaccine is not given until a child is between 12- and 15-months-old, according to the state health department.
The latest time a person could become ill due to exposure in this case would be Feb. 7.
At this time, there is no identified link to the ongoing measles outbreak associated with Disneyland in California.
"It's a point where you've got to determine whether you want to go get vaccinated or not," area resident Ryan Gordon said.
Gordon says he is more concerned now anyway, since this case of measles has been reported in the city where his 4-month-old son lives.
"If there's been exposure to the child, since its spread in the air, if you're vaccinated, you don't have to worry," said Dr. Vijay Singh, chief medical officer of Care Point Health.
Hospitals in Jersey City are preparing, as well, in light of the health department warning at Christ Hospital.
The measles outbreak in 14 states has left more than 100 people sick. It's also re-ignited the debate about whether vaccines should be required, not just recommended.
Dr. Singh says measles was considered a won battle in the US in 2010. Because so many people were vaccinated, the disease was rarely seen. He says recent cases from unvaccinated hosts speaks for itself.
"Vaccination plays a very important role," he said.
The CDC confirmed the case of measles on Friday evening.
Measles is very easily spread from person to person. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of measles including: Rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes.