Health Officials Warn of Measles Risk at New Jersey Hospital

Possible exposure at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Health officials in New Jersey are warning of a potential measles exposure at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. An individual who was contagious with measles visited the hospital's pediatric emergency department on February 6-7, 2026. Anyone present during that time may have been exposed and could develop symptoms through February 28.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious virus, and this potential exposure highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and vaccination, especially as measles cases have continued to rise nationally in recent years.

The details

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, the contagious individual who visited the hospital is not a New Jersey resident. Health officials are urging anyone who may have been present in the pediatric emergency department during the affected timeframe to be aware of measles symptoms and ensure they are up-to-date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

  • The potential exposure occurred from 11:15 p.m. on February 6 through 4:45 a.m. on February 7, 2026.
  • Symptoms of measles can develop through February 28, 2026, if someone was infected.

The players

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

A hospital located in New Brunswick, New Jersey where the potential measles exposure occurred.

New Jersey Department of Health

The state health agency that issued the warning about the possible measles exposure at the hospital.

Dr. Raynard Washington

The Acting Health Commissioner of New Jersey who urged vigilance about measles symptoms and vaccination status.

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What they’re saying

“Individuals — especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers — are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots.”

— Dr. Raynard Washington, Acting Health Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health (nj1015.com)

What’s next

The New Jersey Department of Health is working with local health departments on contact tracing and notification efforts related to the potential measles exposure.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for vaccination and vigilance against measles, a highly contagious virus that can have serious health consequences, especially as case numbers have been rising nationally in recent years.