Possible Measles Exposure At O'Hare Amid 'Rare Breakthrough Infection' In DuPage County Resident

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) recently confirmed a "rare breakthrough infection" of measles in a resident who had been vaccinated against the virus. The health department is urging people who went through O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 between 4:20 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 to report possible exposure and watch for symptoms.

“Our community’s safety is our priority. Our team is actively working on following up with individuals who may have been potentially exposed,” DCHD Executive Director Adam Forker said in a statement.

Forker added, “Vaccination continues to provide strong protection, even in a rare breakthrough case.”

According to DCHD, people who have gotten the measles vaccine can be infected after "intense or prolonged exposure to a person with measles." They said vaccinated people who contract measles usually have milder cases and have a lower risk of developing complications.

DCHD stressed that vaccinated people who develop measles may also be less contagious. The health department says it is working to contact anyone who might have been exposed to the virus.

If you were at O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 5 on Oct. 15 between 4:20 p.m. and 7 p.m., you should do the following, per DCHD:

• Report exposure to your county health department
• Make sure you are up to date on your measles vaccine
• If you are not fully vaccinated and have been exposed, contact your physician
• Watch for potential symptoms of measles infection

DCHD urges that individuals who may have been exposed to measles —even those who have been fully vaccinated— should be vigilant for symptoms for 21 days after their potential exposure.

If you have been exposed to measles and experience a rash, fever, runny nose, coughing or watery eyes, DCHD recommends contacting a physician and self-isolating.