Measles, chickenpox cases reported in New Jersey

Cases of both measles and chickenpox have been reported in Jersey City and Brick.

Adolescent female with varicella lesions in various stages (American Academy of Pediatrics via CDC)

A one-year-old in Jersey City who had not yet been vaccinated was hospitalized for a possible case of measles, according to ABC 7, and the other residents of the apartment notified of the case. NBC 4 New York reports the child has since recovered. However, NJ.com reports it could take up to 10 days before tests come back on the child to confirm whether the child had the illness.

Friday is the last day that anyone exposed could come down with the illness, according to health officials.

Children generally receive the first of two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) between 12 and 15 months; the second dose is given between age 4 and 6, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Parents in Brick were notified by letter that a case of chickenpox had been reported in the district and urged parents to talk to their doctor about getting their children a booster shot.

"Evidence-based findings have suggested that prior vaccination with the Varicella vaccine in some individuals does not provide lifetime immunity," wrote Brick school superintendent Dr. Walter Uszenski.

The Asbury Park Press reports one case each at Brick Memorial High School, Veterans Memorial Middle School and Veterans Memorial Elementary School.

Chickenpox vaccines are a requirement for New Jersey public school students born after January 1,1998 in order to begin kindergarten or first grade for the first time.

The CDC describes chickenpox as "a very contagious disease" that causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.