Community Corner

NJ Health Agency Issues Measles Alert

Patrons who ate at Eppes Essen on April 10 may have slight risk of exposure to contagious virus.

Did you eat at Eppes Essen on Sunday, April 10? If so, you may have been exposed to measles. The risk is minimal, but state health officials are recommending that you call your doctor.

Two women visiting from France attended a private party at the restaurant. They were in a closed room and did not mix with the general public, according to Louis Anello, director of Livingston's Department of Health, Welfare and Human Services.

“The risk of exposure is minimal,” Anello said. Most people have proper immunization for measles and the women did not mix with patrons outside of the private party. “It’s very unlikely that there would be a risk to anybody.”

Find out what's happening in Livingstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The measles virus is contagious and the incident was reported as a precautionary measure. The state Department of Health and Senior Services issued a public health alert on Wednesday.

Symptoms, which could develop anytime between now and as late as May 1, include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Find out what's happening in Livingstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At risk are patrons who haven’t been vaccinated or haven’t had measles because the disease is easily spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, state officials said. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

The women, who were not vaccinated against measles, had been exposed to the viral illness before arriving in New Jersey on April 7. They began developing symptoms three days later and then sought medical treatment at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville on April 12 and April 13. They attended a party at Eppes Essen on April 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The viral disease causes serious medical complications – such as pneumonia and encephalitis -- in 20 percent of patients, especially children under 5 and adults older than 20.  Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.

State officials are working closely with local health departments to contact others who may have been exposed to the two women.

For more information, call your health-care provider or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web site at www.cdc.gov/measles.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here