Health

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update 

Avian Influenza is a disease caused by the influenza A viruses. It is spread naturally through wild birds (mostly waterfowl), but most show no signs of illness.  Avian influenza can be spread from wild birds through mucous, saliva or feces to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, including chickens, turkeys and cows.

The overall risk to the general public is low.  However, it is important for residents to avoid contact with wild birds, and don’t consume unpasteurized (raw) milk products.  If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, please take care to wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic or pet birds. Footwear and equipment may be washed with soap and water, then disinfected in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for at least 10 minutes.

If you encounter sick or dead birds please notify the Township by contacting HamSTAT: 609-586-0311

 Bird Flu Fact Sheet (PDF)

Protecting your backyard flock (PDF)

 For more information and resources about bird flu, visit:  

• NJDOH: https://nj.gov/H5N1/
• NJDA: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/avian_influenza.html

Measles Updates

Division of Health Urges Residents to Stay Alert for Measles

What is measles and how does it spread?

Measles is a highly contagious and deadly respiratory disease caused by a virus. When someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks the virus is released into the air, and enters another person through their nose, mouth or throat.   The measles virus can stay alive in the air for up to 2 hours, even after the infected person has left the area.   People with measles are infectious 4 days before the onset of the rash and 4 days after the rash onset.

90% of unvaccinated people who have close contact with an infected person will get measles.     

Signs and Symptoms of Measles

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms appear). The rash usually starts as flat red spots on the hairline and face and spreads down to the rest of the body.

 There is no cure for measles, only treatments to manage symptoms (bed rest, fluids and fever reduction). Please note, vitamins do not prevent measles, and giving high doses of vitamins to children can be dangerous. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination.

Measles can be serious for all ages. Children younger than five and adults over 20 are more likely to suffer from complications from measles, including, ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and pregnancy and birth complications.

Preventing Measles

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and is given in combination with the vaccines for mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine).

The MMR vaccine is very effective and the best defense there is against preventing measles infection.  The vaccine is typically given as a two dose series at 12 months of age and again between 4-6 years of age.  Older children and adults may also receive the MMR vaccine if they have no evidence of immunity.

Residents who have no or limited health insurance maybe vaccinated at the Division of Health at no charge.

What to do if exposed?

Measles can spread very easily between unvaccinated individuals. If you or a loved one is unvaccinated and is sick or exposed to measles it is important to:

• Call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility. Because measles is airborne and very contagious, special arrangements are needed when you visit a doctor to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Stay home until they are cleared by their doctor, this includes not attending school, activities, visiting friends/family or going into public spaces.

Travel Considerations and Resources

If you will be traveling this season, it is important to know your vaccination status, especially if you will be in an area with confirmed measles cases.   If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please consult your healthcare provider.  Uninsured residents may contact the Division of Health if they are in need of the MMR vaccine (609-890-3884).  

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Information on Measles & MMR Vaccine 
• Travel Considerations
• NJ Department of Health, Information about measles

If you are still in need of a flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 season please contact the Division of Health at 609-890-3884 or email our Nursing Division

Need a COVID-19 Vaccine? 

The Division of Health has a limited number of COVID-19 vaccines available for residents ages 6 months and older. 

Anyone interested in getting vaccinated by the Division of Health should call 609-890-3884.  Uninsured residents welcome! 

During a crisis people often ask, “How can I help?” The Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) can help you answer that question.

The Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps unit invites any licensed health care professional, practicing or retired, who lives or works in Mercer County and any community volunteer who lives or works in Mercer County who has an interest in health and emergency preparedness issues to join.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources to prepare for and respond to emergencies at a local level. All volunteers receive free training.

Be a local hero! Please signup to be an MRC volunteer at https://njmrc.njlincs.net/

For more information, call John Arulmohan at 609-989-6887

Check out the Mercer County MRC recruitment videos... now live on Youtube:

 https://www.youtube.com/@MercerNJHealth