Measles alert issued for this NJ hotel and hospital after tourist gets sick

RIDGEWOOD — State health authorities say people who were at a Bergen County hotel and hospital last week may have been exposed to the dangerous and highly contagious measles.

A teenager visiting the country was hospitalized with the disease after staying at the Ramada Rochelle Park from May 12 to May 13.

He was also at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood from May 13 to May 15.

Anyone who was at the hotel and hospital during those days may have been exposed. Measles can spread through the air or through contact with saliva or mucous. People who have not been vaccinated against measles are at considerable risk.

The hospital and the state Department of Health have been trying to notify people who might have been exposed, officials said Friday.

Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should call their doctor before going to a medical office or emergency room so that proper precautions can be taken to prevent further spreading of the disease.

Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

The disease can lead to pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Pregnant women risk miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5.

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