MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents about potential measles exposures at several Morris County locations after an out-of-state resident visited New Jersey while infectious.
According to health officials, the individual visited locations in Whippany, Morris Plains and Morristown between Nov. 6 and Nov. 11, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus.
The department issued the alert Friday, Nov. 13, urging anyone who visited the identified locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms and ensure they are up to date on measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
The following locations and times have been identified as potential exposure sites:
LegionsCon at Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany:
- Friday, Nov. 6, from 8:50 to 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sonesta Simply Suites Parsippany Morris Plains, 100 Candlewood Drive, Morris Plains:
- Friday, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 7, at noon.
- Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5:45 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 12:45 a.m.
Walgreens Pharmacy, Store No. 10438, 203 South St., Morristown:
- Saturday, Nov. 7, from 4:40 to 7:40 p.m.
Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center Emergency Department, 100 Madison Ave., Morristown:
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10:50 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 a.m.
Health officials said individuals who were potentially exposed and become infected could develop symptoms as late as Dec. 4.
Measles symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that generally develops three to five days after the initial symptoms begin. The rash usually starts on the face near the hairline before spreading downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet.
The virus can also cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. In pregnant individuals, measles can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.
The Department of Health is urging anyone who suspects an exposure or develops symptoms to contact a health care provider or local health department before visiting a medical office or emergency department. Calling ahead allows medical facilities to make arrangements that help prevent further transmission.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after that person leaves an area. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have not previously had measles face a greater risk of infection.
According to the department, two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles infection. Health officials continue to encourage residents to remain current on routine vaccinations, particularly before traveling internationally or visiting areas experiencing outbreaks.
The department is working with local health officials to conduct contact tracing, notify potentially exposed individuals and identify any additional exposure locations.
As of Friday, Nov. 13, no additional cases associated with the infected visitor had been identified in New Jersey.
Health officials said New Jersey is not currently experiencing a measles outbreak, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as three or more related cases.
Nationally, the CDC reported 5,182 confirmed measles cases and 43 new outbreaks across 47 jurisdictions as of Nov. 6, 2026.
The Department of Health also emphasized the importance of community vaccination rates, noting that when more than 95% of a population is protected, measles transmission is much less likely to become established.
Residents planning international travel or trips to areas experiencing measles outbreaks are encouraged to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure. Infants ages 6 to 11 months should receive an MMR dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday, according to state health officials.
Additional information about measles symptoms, prevention and potential exposure updates is available at nj.gov/health/measles.
