New Jersey health commissioner urges measles vaccination following first U.S. deaths of 2026
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington is urging families to check their vaccination records and take precautions against measles as the United States experiences its largest outbreak in decades.
Washington said New Jersey is not currently experiencing a measles outbreak but urged residents to remain vigilant as cases continue to be reported nationwide.
As of Aug. 20, 2,777 confirmed measles cases had been reported in the United States, according to information provided by the New Jersey Department of Health.
Neighboring Pennsylvania has reported 393 cases in 28 counties and two deaths involving unvaccinated individuals, Washington said. The deaths were the first from measles in Pennsylvania in 35 years and the first reported in the United States this year.
“The United States is experiencing the largest measles outbreak in decades. As of August 20, 2026, 2,777 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States. Our neighboring state of Pennsylvania has reported 393 cases in 28 counties with two deaths in unvaccinated individuals — the first deaths from measles in the commonwealth in 35 years, and the first measles deaths in the U.S. this year. On behalf of everyone at the New Jersey Department of Health, I extend our deepest sympathies to their families.”
Washington said measles is highly contagious and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. People can be infectious for four days before developing a rash and for four days after the rash begins.
“While New Jersey is not experiencing a measles outbreak, we must remain vigilant. Measles is very contagious. The virus that causes measles hangs in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. People are infectious for four days before they develop a rash and for four days after rash onset. Between one and three of every 1,000 people who catch it will die, and others survive with pneumonia, brain swelling, and deafness.”
The Department of Health works with local health departments and health care providers to respond to suspected cases. According to Washington, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection and outbreaks.
“When more than 95% of a community is protected, the virus runs out of people to infect, and an outbreak cannot take hold.”
While most New Jersey families are vaccinated, kindergarten vaccination coverage is below 95%, according to the department. Recent data shows 92% of children in New Jersey have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by age 24 months, compared with a national average of 91.4%.
“So my ask is simple: Please, check your immunization record and your children’s, especially if you are planning to travel internationally or to areas in the United States currently experiencing an outbreak. The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children 12 to 15 months with another dose between 4 to 6 years of age. However, children as young as 6 months old can be protected with the effective vaccine if they are traveling.”
Washington encouraged residents to ask their health care providers whether they are up to date on vaccinations. Residents can also access their own or their child’s vaccination records through the free Docket app or myHealthNJ.
“Ask your healthcare provider whether you are up to date. People can pull up their own and their child’s record on the free Docket app or via myHealthNJ. If you are not up to date, get vaccinated. It is never too late to catch up!”
The state’s “Stay Well, Learn Well” community calendar lists vaccination events across New Jersey as children return to school. The department said most insurance plans cover recommended vaccines, including MMR, while free or low-cost vaccinations are available to eligible children and uninsured adults through community health centers or local health departments.
Measles symptoms begin with high fever, cough, runny nose and watery red eyes, followed three to five days later by a rash that begins at the hairline and spreads downward, according to the department.
People who believe they or their child may have measles should call their health care provider or local health department before going to a provider’s office or emergency department so arrangements can be made to avoid exposing others.
