Confirmed Case of Measles Reported; Exposure to Virus Possible at Arlington Heights, Palatine Locations

A suburban Chicago resident has tested positive for the measles and may have had contact with others at an area hospital and Palatine locations, potentially exposing them to the virus, NBC Chicago reports.

The resident became ill earlier in the month and tested positive for the virus. NBC Chicago reports potential exposures could have happened at Vista Clinic in Palatine on Jan. 16, Supermercade Guzman in Palatine on Jan. 12 and 13, and at Northwest Community Hospital’s emergency room in Arlington Heights.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by a virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.

Measles can be prevented with the measles vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include a rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads, a high fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes, according to the IDPH. The fever starts about 10 days, with a range or seven to 18 days after exposure. The rash appears about 14 days after exposure.

NBC Chicago reports that anyone who was potentially exposed to the measles virus and is showing symptoms should call the Cook County Department of Public Health at 847-818-4020 as well as their healthcare provider but should not go to their doctor’s office or the emergency room.

Read more on NBC Chicago