Out-of-state Person with Measles Visited N.J. Hospital

Health officials alert residents to potential measles exposure at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Health officials in New Jersey are warning residents about a potential measles exposure after an individual from out of state visited Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick on February 6th between 11:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. The exposure highlights the continued threat of measles, even with widespread vaccination efforts.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, making transmission surprisingly simple. This incident serves as a stark reminder that measles outbreaks can still occur, even in areas where the disease was previously eliminated.

The details

The New Jersey Department of Health is urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes, followed by a rash that usually appears three to five days later. Individuals could experience symptoms as late as February 28th.

  • The exposure window was on February 6th between 11:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.
  • Symptoms can appear up to 21 days (February 28th) after exposure.

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 agency that is alerting residents to the potential measles exposure and providing guidance on symptoms and next steps.

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What’s next

The New Jersey Department of Health urges anyone who believes they may have been exposed to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued threat of measles, even in areas where the disease was previously eliminated. Staying informed and prioritizing vaccination are key to protecting ourselves and our communities from the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.