A teenager who visited the U.S. while infected with measles may have exposed others to the highly contagious disease during his or her stay at a hotel and a hospital in Bergen County, the New Jersey Dept. of Health said Friday.
The 16-year-old was vacationing in the U.S. between May 12 and May 15, officials said.
The teen stayed at the Ramada Rochelle Park on West Passaic Street from May 12 to May 13, and was hospitalized at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood from May 13 to May 15.
The Valley Hospital is contacting people who may have been exposed to the disease, which is spread through the air, mucus and saliva.
People in contact with the teen could develop symptoms as late as June 5, officials said.
Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.
The disease can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby.
