First Measles Case In 4 Years Confirmed In Illinois: Health Officials

CHICAGO, IL — The state's first confirmed measles case in four years was reported in Cook County this week, according to an Illinois Department of Public Health news release.

State health officials said the case was reported by the Cook County Department of Public Health on Oct. 10 and involved an unvaccinated person who was exposed internationally. The case is a reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated, according to IDPH.

The case was confirmed by a state laboratory on Oct. 11, health officials said. Prior to this case, the last measles case in Illinois was confirmed in 2019.

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Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to the World Health Organization. It can cause severe disease including pneumonia and swelling of the brain. The disease can also be fatal, health officials said.

Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. After exposure, symptoms can take anywhere from seven to 21 days to emerge.

Most people receive measles vaccinations during childhood and are not at high risk, according to health officials. Unvaccinated people are most at risk.

"This is a good reminder to everyone to talk to their healthcare providers to make sure they and their loved ones are up to date on their vaccinations," said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, chief operating officer at Cook County Department of Public Health. "According to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), one dose of MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective against measles and two doses are 97 percent effective if exposed."

Anyone who develops measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider by phone or email before going to a medical office or emergency department, health officials said.

For more information about measles, contact your healthcare provider or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health webpage on measles or the CDC’s measles site.