Perth Amboy officials say that they are not going to take any chances when it comes to a potential measles outbreak in their city.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that cases of measles – a disease that was believed to have been eliminated in the United States 20 years ago – have climbed to their highest levels in 25 years in the country.

New Jersey has already seen 14 confirmed cases of the measles so far this year, along with several suspected cases of the disease. The most recent suspected case was at Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina in Englishtown.

“The measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves the vicinity,” says Dr. Darlene Forbes.

Symptoms of the measles include fever, runny nose, cough and a rash. And although otherwise healthy people who contract the illness may fully recover, the disease could be deadly to those who have underlying health issues.

No cases of the measles have been reported in Perth Amboy, and city officials have teamed with the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center in order to keep it that way.

“The message is that this is serious. It’s on its way, we hope we it doesn’t get [to Perth Amboy] but we want to be ready,” says Jewish Renaissance CEO John O’Leary.

Perth Amboy residents are urged to get a measles vaccine if they have not already. They are also encouraged to have their children vaccinated.

“It’s not only about conversation. It’s now about action and what we are going to do in our communities to inform our residents about the urgency and importance of ensuring our communities are healthy,” says Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz. “Today its measles. What’s going to be tomorrow?”

Health officials will be sending Perth Amboy residents mailers with information about healthy living and preventative measures. Details are also posted on the city’s website.