New Jersey health officials are monitoring separate public health concerns: a confirmed case of measles in Bergen County and the first feline case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in Hunterdon County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued health alerts related to avian influenza (bird flu), measles, and meningococcal disease,
These developments come as some Americans express unease about the federal government’s ability to manage infectious disease outbreaks, citing the Trump administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Adding to these concerns is the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The first case of H5N1 bird flu in a New Jersey cat was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a feral cat from Hunterdon County. The cat exhibited severe neurological symptoms and was euthanized. Another cat on the same property also tested positive for the virus, and additional tests are pending.
While the overall risk to public health remains low, officials are monitoring individuals who had contact with the infected cats. No human cases of H5N1 have been reported in New Jersey, and there is no evidence of cat-to-human transmission in the U.S.
U.S. cases of meningococcal disease have increased sharply since 2021 and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 438 confirmed and probable cases were reported. This is the largest number of U.S. meningococcal disease cases reported since 2013.
Cats are highly susceptible to H5N1, often experiencing severe illness and high mortality rates. Potential sources of infection include consuming raw milk or undercooked meat, contact with infected birds or other animals, or exposure to contaminated environments. Health officials urge cat owners to keep pets indoors, avoid feeding them raw products, and report any signs of illness to a veterinarian.
In a separate development, New Jersey health officials confirmed a case of measles in a Bergen County resident who recently traveled internationally. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The infected individual visited several locations, including medical facilities, potentially exposing others. Health officials are conducting contact tracing and urging anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but declining vaccination rates have led to sporadic outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles. New Jersey health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination, particularly for those planning international travel.
On February 14, 2025, NJDOH reported a single laboratory confirmed case of measles in a Bergen County resident with recent international travel. On February 20, NJDOH reported two secondary cases of measles both of whom had close contact with the index case. The individuals had been under quarantine, minimizing any additional potential exposures. All three cases associated with this situation are unvaccinated.
As of February 28, there are a total of 3 measles cases in NJ in 2025. A total of 7 measles cases were reported in NJ in 2024. The NJDOH measles site will be updated weekly on Friday unless there is a change in the situation.
From January 1 to February 27, 2025, the CDC has been notified of 164 cases of measles across 9 jurisdictions in the U.S., including 3 outbreaks.
There is an on-going outbreak occurring in Texas with spread to New Mexico. 95% of the cases reported in the U.S. for 2025 are among children and individuals who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or have unknown vaccination status. In 2024, there were a total of 285 measles cases reported across the country. The CDC will be updating national measles case counts weekly on Friday.
The reports of measles and bird flu in New Jersey have reignited concerns about the federal government’s ability to manage infectious disease outbreaks. Critics point to the Trump administration’s delayed and often contradictory response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in widespread illness and death. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary has further fueled anxieties. Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccines, has previously promoted conspiracy theories about their safety, raising questions about his commitment to evidence-based public health policies.
During a recent White House Cabinet meeting, Kennedy downplayed the significance of a measles outbreak in Texas, misstating key details and suggesting that such outbreaks are routine. His comments have drawn criticism from public health experts, who warn that minimizing the threat of infectious diseases could undermine efforts to contain them.
New Jersey health officials are working closely with state and federal partners to monitor both the measles case and the bird flu infections in cats. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Department of Agriculture (NJDA), and Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are coordinating efforts to track and respond to these public health threats. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, follow recommended precautions, and ensure they are up to date on vaccinations.
While the immediate risk to the public remains low, health officials stress the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. As New Jersey and the nation grapple with these emerging threats, the effectiveness of federal leadership in public health remains under scrutiny.