New Jersey health officials issued an alert Friday after an out-of-state visitor potentially exposed people to measles at several Morris County locations between November 6 and November 11, 2026.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) identified four specific sites where individuals may have come into contact with the infectious non-resident. Although the state is not presently in a measles outbreak—defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as three or more related cases—officials are collaborating with local agencies to notify those at risk and conduct contact tracing.
“It’s just a little bit frightening that people can, you know, be so contagious before they’re even showing the true symptoms.” Dr. Katharine Clouser of Hackensack University Medical Center
Locations and times of potential exposure
The NJDOH has listed the following locations and timeframes where the infectious individual was present:
- LegionsCon at Hanover Marriott (1401 N.J.-10 E., Whippany): Nov. 6 from 8:50 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Parsippany Morris Plains (100 Candlewood Drive, Morris Plains): Nov. 6 from 9 p.m. through Nov. 7 at noon, and Nov. 7 from 5:45 p.m. through Nov. 11 at 12:45 a.m.
- Walgreens Pharmacy (203 South St., Morristown): Nov. 7 between 4:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.
- Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center Emergency Department (100 Madison Ave., Morristown): Nov. 10 from 10:50 p.m. through Nov. 11 at 1:30 a.m.
Health officials said that the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. The disease is also transmitted through contact with a patient’s mucus or saliva, according to officials.
Monitor symptoms and contact healthcare providers before visiting
Those who believe they were exposed should monitor their health closely, as symptoms could develop as late as Dec. 4. The NJDOH advised anyone who suspects exposure to call their local health department or a healthcare provider before visiting a medical office or emergency room to allow for special arrangements that protect other patients and staff.
“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,” the NJDOH said.
Common symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes. A rash typically appears three to five days after these initial 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,” a statement from the New Jersey Department of Health read.
The virus can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). In pregnant people, measles can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.
Vaccination guidance for different groups includes one dose for preschool-age children and adults not considered high risk, while two doses are recommended for school-age children and high-risk adults such as healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers. For infants, state health officials say one MMR dose should be received between 6 and 11 months of age before travel, followed by two additional doses after the first birthday.
Dr. Clouser expressed concern regarding the impact of declining community immunity. “The concern is that, as we continue to lose elimination status, that people can no longer rely on the community-based immunity that we had before,” Clouser said.
Measles activity rises across the United States
While New Jersey is not currently experiencing an outbreak, measles activity remains elevated across the United States. As of November, the CDC has reported 5,182 confirmed cases of measles and 43 new outbreaks across 47 jurisdictions in the U.S. this year. In neighboring Pennsylvania, 1,529 cases have been confirmed this year.
As of Nov. 13, no additional cases associated with this visitor had been identified in New Jersey.
Where to get more information
By calling 973-631-5484, residents may reach the Morris County Division of Public Health to speak with a public health nurse regarding measles or possible exposure. Additional information regarding prevention and potential exposure updates is available at nj.gov/health/measles.