Officials warn of possible measles exposure at Monmouth County restaurant

Health officials in Monmouth County say there was a potential case of measles exposure at an Englishtown restaurant.

News 12 Staff

Apr 23, 2019, 10:10 AM

Updated 1,994 days ago

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Health officials in Monmouth County say there was a potential case of measles exposure at an Englishtown restaurant.      
According to officials, if you were at Rosalita's Roadside Cantina Friday around lunch time, you may be at risk for the measles. 
The exposure to measles would have happened between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Officials say the unidentified person from Middlesex County dined at the restaurant.
The restaurant's manager says they're working to get the word out to their patrons and staff. The restaurant owner says the restaurant was given the all-clear to open by the Health Department.
Officials say if you have been exposed, you are at risk. The symptoms, which can include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, could show up as late at May 10.
That's why officials say if you have been exposed and are at risk, to contact your doctor.
Officials say those who are at risk of the highly contagious virus are people who have not been vaccinated. Dr. Michael Lucas, a pediatrician at Saint Peter's University Hospital, says those who are not vaccinated can transmit measles even if they do not come down with it themselves.
"You are unvaccinated, you could potentially not feel ill or sick, but you could carry the disease and transmit to someone else," Lucas says.
The owner of Rosalita's says health officials asked for written proof that employees have been vaccinated. Those who said they were vaccinated but did not have documentation were to be tested for measles before returning to the workplace, as a precaution.
The Health Department is currently looking into whether or not this case is linked to the outbreaks in Ocean County or other states.
The CDC reports 626 cases in the U.S – which is 71 more than just last week as the country is on track to have the highest number of cases since the virus was eradicated in 2000 through vaccinations.