What You Need To Know
Updated as of May 8, 2025
The U.S. is experiencing an increase in the number of measles cases. As of May 8, 2025, a total of 1,001 measles cases were reported by 31 jurisdictions. The majority of these cases (38%) have occurred in people ≤19 years of age. The vaccination status for 96% of these cases was either unvaccinated or unknown. 13% of the cases were hospitalized and 3 patients have died from their measles infection. The New Jersey Department of DOH advises clinicians to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with measles, report all suspected cases immediately to the local health department, and educate patients on vaccination to prevent measles.
On February 14, 2025, NJDOH confirmed a case of measles in a Bergen County resident with recent international travel. On February 20, NJDOH reported two secondary cases of measles, both of whom had close contact with the index case. The individuals had been under quarantine, minimizing any additional potential exposures. All three cases associated with this situation are unvaccinated. The New Jersey Department of DOH advises clinicians to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with measles, report all suspected cases immediately to the local health department, and educate patients on vaccination to prevent measles.
- Who should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine?
- The CDC recommends the vaccine should be considered in all exposed individuals who are vaccine-eligible and who have not been vaccinated or have received only 1 dose of the vaccine. The second measles vaccine can be given as early as 28 days after the first measles vaccine dose.
- Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose. A measles vaccine administered prior to 1 year of age will not count toward requirements for school later on.
- Adults without presumptive immunity (see #3 below) should receive either 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
- Adults who received one vaccine dose prior to 1968, should receive an additional vaccine dose. This recommendation is intended to provide additional protection to those who may have received the killed measles vaccine, which was available from 1963 to 1967 which was not as effective. International travelers ages 6 months and older should be protected against measles. Infants 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Children 12 months and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Teenagers and adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
- Healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
- Who should not receive or wait to receive the MMR vaccine?
- Those who have severe, life-threatening allergies after a previous dose or to a vaccine component, patients with severe immunodeficiency or who are severely immunocompromised, or may be pregnant should either not receive or wait to receive the MMR vaccine.
- Who does not need the MMR vaccine?
- Those who have written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory testing of past infection or blood tests that show you are immune to the disease do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.
- Those who were born before 1957.
- Does the MMR vaccine work?
- One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, 78% effective against mumps, and 97% effective against rubella.
- Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps.
- Does vitamin A protect against measles?
- While vitamin A can play a role in managing measles complications, it is not a substitute for vaccination. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the only reliable way to prevent measles. Vitamin A is NOT a replacement for vaccination.
- Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce measles mortality in malnourished populations in resource-limited countries, where deficiencies are common. In well-nourished populations, the benefits are unclear. High-dose vitamin A therapy carries safety risks, including toxicity, liver damage, and increased intracranial pressure.
- When should I consider measles?
- Providers should remain vigilant and consider measles in people with a febrile rash illness lasting three days or more, a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, and clinically compatible symptoms (cough, coryza and/or conjunctivitis), particularly if the person was potentially exposed to a case of measles or has recently traveled internationally.
- What to do if you have a possible case of measles:
- If you suspect measles, you must act immediately to minimize the risk of transmission to others.
- Office-based Practices: Place a surgical mask on the patient and place the patient in an unoccupied exam room. Staff should wear an N95 respirator (or surgical mask if unavailable) when in the same room as the patient. Notify your local Health Department immediately.
- Emergency Departments: Place a surgical mask on the patient, remove the patient from the waiting area, and place the patient in a negative pressure isolation room on airborne precautions. Notify your hospital’s Infection Control Department immediately.
- Providers who are ordering measles testing should obtain samples from the following sites: oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab (rRT-PCR), urine (rRT-PCR), and serum (measles IgM and IgG).
- Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department
- Measles is an IMMEDIATELY reportable condition, and providers should immediately report suspected cases of measles to local public health authorities where the patient resides, or if not available, to the NJDOH at (609) 826-5964 during regular business hours or (609) 392-2020 after business hours or on the weekend.
Additional Resources:
NJDOH Measles Specimen Collection Quick Guide
NJDOH Measles Quick Guide
CDC Measles Resources