Health alert: Potential measles exposure in New Jersey and Long Island; Get list of locations

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles, a highly contagious disease, in a Hudson County adult man who may have exposed individuals at several public places.

The possible exposure happened in Jersey City between January 16 and January 24. The individual acquired measles while traveling abroad and is recovering at home.

The Department of Health recommends that anyone who visited the locations during the listed dates, times and locations contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.

An individual who may have been exposed could develop symptoms as late as February 14, 2017. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Meantime, The Suffolk County Department of Health also confirmed a case of the measles in an infant that recently arrived from overseas.

The child was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room (ER) in West Islip on January 19, for evaluation and was released, and was seen at HRHCare Martin Luther King Jr. Family Health Center in Wyandanch on January 25.

Anyone who is not fully immune to measles and was in the Good Samaritan Hospital ER between the hours of 5:57 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on January 19, 2017, is considered exposed to measles.

Anyone who is not fully immune to measles and was at HRHCare Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center in Wyandanch between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.is considered exposed to measles. Those who were exposed and have not already been contacted by HRHCare should contact the health center at 516-214-8020 immediately, as preventive measures may be effective if vaccine is administered within 72 hours of exposure (by January 28, 2017) or if immune globulin (IG) is administered within 6 days of exposure (by January 31, 2017).

Information on what to do if you've been exposed to measles

Anyone who suspects an exposure is urged to call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency room. Special arrangements can be made for patients to be evaluated while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.

Anyone who hasn't been vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk if they are exposed to the virus.

"Two doses of measles vaccine is more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles," said Dr. Christina Tan, a state epidemiologist.

Locations of potential exposure in NJ include:

--Christ Hospital, 176 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306:

January 20-January 21, between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

January 22, between 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

--PATH Stations: Journal Square and Newport, and Journal Square-33rd Street Line

January 17, between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

January 17, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

--Newport Tower, 525 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310

January 17, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

January 18, between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

--Newport Mall, 30 Mall Dr W, Jersey City, NJ 07310

January 17, between 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

--145 Harborside, Plaza 2, Jersey City, NJ 07331

January 19, between 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

--LabCorp, 600 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, 07306

January 19, between 12:00 p.m.- 2:45 p.m.

--600 Pavonia Ave, Jersey City, 07306

January 19, between 12:00 p.m.- 2:45 p.m.

--Duane Reade (Journal Square), 1 Path Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306

January 19, between 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

--Square 1 (Restaurant), 283 St Pauls Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306

January 21, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations," Dr. Tan said. "Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can't receive it for medical reasons. If you're planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling."

Measles is easily spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) in 20 percent of patients, especially children under 5 and adults older than 20. Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.

DOH is working with the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services to identify the patient's known contacts.

For more information about measles, contact your health care provider, or visit the New Jersey Department of Health website.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site has additional information.