More Measles Cases Confirmed In Illinois

COOK COUNTY, IL — The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health have identified two confirmed cases of measles. These are the first two cases in Cook County this year, the health department said in a release, and another case was recently confirmed in southern Illinois.

One case was identified as an adult who is a suburban Cook County resident, and whose vaccination status is unknown. They went to a local hospital for medical care on Monday, and were quickly isolated, the health department said.

Another case was identified in an adult Chicago resident who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport in early April. The individual had one prior dose of the MMR vaccine. This patient had rash onset on April 25 and has been isolated at home since being diagnosed, according to the health department.

The health department advises that all persons 12 months of age or older who plan to travel internationally should ensure that they have received two doses of MMR at least two weeks prior to travel, or other evidence of immunity.

The health department said the following locations are points of potential public exposure:

• April 21: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

• April 22: O’Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1

• April 23: O’Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1

• April 25: Aldi: 7235 39th St., in Lyons, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• April 27: Shell: 3901 S. Harlem Ave., in Stickney, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• April 28: Mobil: 2945 S. Harlem Ave., in Berwyn, 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Individuals who may have been exposed should notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure about prior vaccination, the health department said. The healthcare provider will determine the need for testing if symptoms develop.

If an exposed person develops symptoms, they should notify their healthcare provider or a healthcare facility before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangements can be made to prevent other patients and medical staff from possible exposure, according to a release.

Exposed individuals that are unvaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) should talk with their doctor about getting MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella, and doing so may prevent severe measles if given early enough after exposure, the health department said.

Most individuals are vaccinated against measles routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. The best defense against measles is vaccination, the health department said. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles and generally provide lifelong immunity.

"As public health officials around the state continue to work diligently to guard against further spread of measles, we are reminded again that being fully immunized remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love," IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a release. "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots."

"We are experiencing a resurgence of measles in the United States, despite the fact that two doses of the MMR vaccine can prevent it. Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks. The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives,” Interim CCDPH Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Joshi said in a release.

“Chicago is no stranger to measles after our outbreak last spring and having contained it once, we know we can do it again,” said Dr. Olusimbo Ige, CDPH Commissioner. “The MMR vaccine is an extremely effective tool for combatting illness and saving lives in our community, it’s never too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself from measles.”

Measles symptoms appear up to 21 days following exposure, according to the health department. Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk. A person is generally contagious the four days before and four days after the onset of a rash.

To make an appointment for measles vaccination at a Cook County Health community health center in Chicago or suburban Cook County, call 833-308-1988.

Related: Measles Vaccines Urged By Amid Outbreaks In Texas, Mexico: DCHD