SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois health officials are urging residents to check their measles vaccination status as cases reemerge in the state and across the country.
The advice comes as a suburban high school reopens after moving to e-learning following a measles exposure on campus.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says five measles cases have been confirmed statewide in 2026 and is advising Illinoisans to make sure they have received all recommended measles vaccinations. IDPH is also telling clinicians to remain on high alert for possible cases in their communities.
The warning is being echoed by the Illinois Public Health Association following two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania, that state's first in 35 years.
"For years, most of us haven't had to think much about measles. That's changing," Melissa Graven, associate executive director of the Illinois Public Health Association, said in a statement.
"The deaths in Pennsylvania are a tragic reminder that measles can be a very serious disease," Graven said. "Both individuals were unvaccinated, and that underscores something we know works: vaccination is the best protection we have against measles."
The two people who died were Lancaster County residents, though Pennsylvania health officials did not release identifying information because of privacy concerns.
Patch reported that Pennsylvania has seen hundreds of measles cases across multiple counties this year, along with dozens of hospitalizations.
RELATED: 2 Measles Deaths Confirmed In PA, Marking First Fatalities In 35 Years From The Virus
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said the deaths were a reminder that many people are unfamiliar with how serious measles can be after decades of relatively little spread.
"Because measles was largely eliminated in the commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness," Bogen said.
The warning comes just days after the Kane County Health Department confirmed a measles case in a county resident.
Kane County officials said they were working with IDPH to identify people who may have been exposed, notify them and provide guidance.
"Our priority is identifying people who may have been exposed, making sure they receive timely guidance and providing the community with accurate information as the investigation continues," Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said.
RELATED: Measles Case Confirmed In Kane County Resident — Officials
With students returning to classrooms, Graven said late summer is a good time for families to review children's vaccination records. She said adults who are unsure of their own vaccination history should check as well.
The Illinois Public Health Association said the state's most recent school vaccination data shows measles vaccination coverage of 96.78 percent statewide. But some counties and individual schools fall below 95 percent, potentially creating pockets where communities may be more vulnerable to outbreaks.
"Illinois has a lot to be proud of when it comes to vaccination, but a strong statewide average doesn't mean every community has the same level of protection," Graven said.
"Measles is back, and we need to remain vigilant. If you aren't sure whether you or your family are protected, don't guess. Talk with your health care provider or local health department."
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and through direct contact with infected respiratory secretions, according to IDPH.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading elsewhere on the body.
Public health officials say two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide strong protection against the disease.
People who believe they may have been exposed and develop symptoms should call a health care provider before arriving at a doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency room so precautions can be taken to protect others.
Current Illinois case information and vaccination guidance are available through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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