Bergen County Child May Have Exposed Hundreds to Measles at Hackensack Hospital and Local Doctor’s Offices

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — September 3, 2025 — Health officials are warning Bergen County residents after a child infected with measles may have exposed patients and families at Hackensack University Medical Center and nearby doctors’ offices during the week of August 25.

The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the potential exposure and urged anyone who may have been at the following locations during the listed times to monitor for symptoms:

• 385 Prospect Plaza, Hackensack (medical offices)

  • August 25 between 2:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

  • August 29 between 8:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• Hackensack University Medical Center – Pediatric Emergency Department

  • August 26 between 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

• Hackensack University Medical Center – Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital

  • August 26 at 3:30 p.m. through August 27 at 8:30 p.m.

Hospital Taking Precautions

A spokesman for Hackensack Meridian Health, which operates the hospital, said staff immediately followed CDC best practices to limit the spread of measles and coordinated closely with the state Department of Health.

Due to federal privacy laws, officials have not released additional details about the child, but confirmed safety protocols were in place.

Measles on the Rise in New Jersey

This marks the second recent case at Hackensack University Medical Center. In July, a Hudson County child infected with measles was treated at the same facility, though no further cases were reported from that incident.

New Jersey has reported 10 measles cases in 2025. Nationwide, cases have surged to the highest levels in decades as vaccination rates decline. A recent outbreak in west Texas resulted in two deaths.

Why Measles is a Concern

Although declared eradicated in the U.S. more than 20 years ago, measles has re-emerged as a serious public health risk. Many U.S. doctors have never treated the disease, which can make diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Watery, red eyes

• Rash that usually appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin

According to the CDC, 96% of recent U.S. measles cases were among unvaccinated individuals. In 2025 alone, three deaths have been confirmed nationwide.

What to Do If You Were Exposed

Officials recommend that anyone who was present at the listed Hackensack locations during the exposure windows:

• Check vaccination records.

• Monitor for symptoms for at least 21 days after potential exposure.

• Contact a healthcare provider before visiting in person if symptoms develop, to prevent further spread.

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