Measles, a previously eradicated disease in the United States, has made a comeback in around 30 states, now including New Jersey. On February 9, a Bergen County resident contracted measles from international travel, and the disease spread to two other unvaccinated people in their household. In addition, at least four non-NJ residents have put NJ residents at risk of contracting the disease, notably with a case at Newark Liberty International Airport in March.
The outbreak in North Jersey is just one of 16 documented measles outbreaks in the United States this year. With over 800 cases in the U.S. just this year, there has been an immense increase from 285 cases in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State officials urge travelers to “make sure [they’re] up to date on MMR and other routine vaccines,” as vaccination is the most surefire way to protect individuals and those around them. The New Jersey state website regularly updates residents on the whereabouts of those who contracted measles and passed through the state. This is to keep track of those who may have been exposed so that everyone can take the proper precautions. While contact tracing can be unreliable with a disease as contagious as measles, it is still a valid prevention measure.
New cases of measles have been reported in Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia, all also linked to international travel. These include two children and one adult. Texas has had the most cases this year, totaling 481 confirmed cases and 56 hospitalizations. The United States has not experienced such rates of infection in recent years, especially since measles was no longer endemic to the country thanks to vaccines and other preventative measures.
With initial symptoms such as a cough and fever, the illness eventually presents with white spots in the mouth and a rash unique to measles. The disease can cause a plethora of complications like pneumonia and brain inflammation, with many cases requiring hospitalization and possibly leading to death. Additionally, children under five years of age made up around 30% of all cases in 2025 and are the most susceptible to infection and complications. Tragically, two children have passed due to measles this year, the first child deaths from the illness since 2003.
With declining vaccination rates in young children, the state is losing its herd immunity, a phenomenon in which a community is protected from an illness when 95% of that population must be vaccinated against it. This has greater implications for other diseases as well; failure to vaccinate against other highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19 only makes it more difficult to maintain a healthy community. Thankfully, there is no large-scale spread throughout and within communities, a sentiment that will remain as long as residents protect themselves against this highly contagious disease.
