Exposure to Measles Possible at DuPage County Locations: Health Officials

By Amie Schaenzer (Patch Staff)

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Potential exposure to the measles could have occurred at three DuPage County locations in recent weeks, health officials said Tuesday.

While no cases have been confirmed in DuPage County, there have been 10 cases so far in Cook County. And health officials said it’s likely those individuals visited locations throughout northern Illinois, according to a DuPage County Health Department press release.

DuPage County health officials have pinpointed three locations in DuPage County where potential exposure to the disease could have occurred:

• Patients and visitors at Advanced Pediatrics Neonatal Medicine, 473 W. Army Trail Road, Suite 103, Bloomingdale, on January 26 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., January 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or January 31 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Customers and visitors at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 792 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream, on February 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or February 7 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Customers at Jewel Osco, 750 Army Trail Road, Carol Stream, on February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  

“All three locations are cooperating and working closely with the DuPage County Health Department to identify potential contacts and implement preventive measures,” according to the press release. “They are all maintaining a healthy environment without disruption in services.”

The DuPage County Health Department provided the following additional information on the measles:

Since infected people are contagious even before the rash develops, it is important to protect yourself and your family by making sure everyone is up-to-date on their immunizations.

A person who was potentially exposed and is experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes with or without rash, should call their healthcare provider. These individuals should notify their physician or emergency department before seeking care by calling ahead, so that staff are able to take appropriate precautions to prevent others from being infected

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The disease can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Infected people are contagious from four days before their rash starts through four days after the rash develops.

Residents should be aware of the symptoms of measles, which include: A fever that can get very high; cough, runny nose and red eyes; and rash of tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread to the rest of the body.

The Health Department is providing measles information to daycare facilities, schools, healthcare providers and the community. “Measles Information for Parents” and “Measles: Community Fact Sheet” are available in six languages atwww.dupagehealth.org.

Doctors recommend that the best way to protect against measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). Vaccination is safe and highly effective at preventing measles infection, and is required for all Illinois school children.