The New Jersey Department of Health is all like, “Hey, travelers, heads up about measles exposure!” So, apparently, there was this non-New Jersey resident who had measles and went through Newark Liberty International Airport like it was no big deal. The infected person cruised through Newark’s terminal B on May 12 between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., according to the health department. And get this, peeps who might have been exposed could start showing symptoms as late as June 2. So, if you think you might have been near this person or if you’re feeling sick, call your health care provider before heading to the doc’s office or ER, ya know, to keep everyone safe and stuff. The folks who are most at risk are those who haven’t been fully vaccinated or haven’t had measles before. So, like, watch out, y’all!
Symptoms of measles are no joke, peeps. It starts in your respiratory tract and then spreads throughout your bod, bringing on a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a rash. The rash usually pops up three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as these flat red spots on your face and then spreading downward to your neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. And when that rash shows up, the fever can shoot up over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC. Scary stuff, man. Most kids can bounce back from measles, but it can lead to some serious complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. So, like, not something to mess around with, ya know?
So, how do you deal with measles? Well, there’s no specific treatment for it, so doctors just try to ease the symptoms, prevent complications, and keep patients comfy. The best way to steer clear of measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. They recommend the first shot for kiddos between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. And if you’re an adult worried about your immunity fading, go ahead and get another MMR shot. The CDC says it’s totally cool. If you got a live measles vaccine back in the ’60s, you’re good to go and don’t need another shot. But if you got some weak sauce vaccine made from “killed” virus before 1968, better get revaccinated with at least one dose, says the agency. And hey, if you had measles already, you’re immune, and if you were born before 1957, you’re probably in the clear too. Measles has a tougher time spreading in communities where the vax rates are above 95% thanks to “herd immunity.” But with vaccination rates dropping lately and more parents opting out due to religious or personal beliefs, we might see more cases poppin’ up. Stay safe out there, peeps!
