Suburban Cook County Child Identified As 2nd Measles Case Tied To O'Hare Exposure

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - A second suburban Cook County measles case has been confirmed by the Cook County Department of Public Health. The case was tied to a 4-year-old suburban Cook resident, who is not vaccinated, health officials said.

The child is believed to acquired measles during international travel. CCDPH is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed, in collaboration with Illinois Department of Public Health.

The point of public exposure occurred Thursday, Sept. 11, in Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport, between the hours of 7:30 to 11 a.m.

For People Who May Have Been Exposed:

• People who may have been exposed should check with their health care provider if they are unsure about prior vaccination. The health care provider will determine the need for testing if symptoms develop.
• If an exposed person develops symptoms, they should call a healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangement can be made to prevent patients and medical staff from possible exposure.
• People that are unvaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and are exposed 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 measles.
• Most people are vaccinated against measles routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. The best defense against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles and generally provide lifelong immunity. The first dose should be given between 12-15 months of age; the second between the ages of 4-6 years old.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune or are unvaccinated will also become infected with the measles virus.

The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours and can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer for the CCDPH, said the case is a critical reminder for residents traveling to areas with active measles transmission to follow recommendations to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel. Children between the age of 6-11 months should get an early dose of the vaccine if they are planning on international travel.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know, and it’s entirely preventable. This case is a serious reminder that vaccination is not just about individual protection, it’s a critical community responsibility,” Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Simbo Ige said in a news release. “We strongly encourage all Chicagoans, especially families traveling internationally and those working in high-exposure settings, like airports, to review their vaccination records and get up to date.

The Cook County Department of Public Health offers free MMR vaccines to anyone who needs them. Get more resources at the CCDPH measles tool kit.

Measles Symptoms - Measles symptoms appear up to 21 days following exposure.
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.

Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, life-long brain damage and death.

Where to Get Vaccinated- 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.
Unvaccinated individuals who do not have a healthcare provider are encouraged to contact Cook County Health at 312-864-1111 to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Chicago Department of Public Health offers free MMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status, at CDPH immunization clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at GetVaxChicago or by calling the clinic.

Check Your Vaccination History – The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lifelong protection. If unsure, you can check your vaccine history. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

Consider Your Age & Timing – If you were vaccinated before 1968, check with your healthcare provider about a revaccination. A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

Assess Exposure & Risk – If you got just one dose, have a weakened immune system, or have been exposed to an outbreak, consult a healthcare provider about immunization.

Protect Yourself from Misinformation - Vitamin A is not a substitute for vaccination. Vitamin A supplementation does not prevent measles infection. It can help reduce the severity of measles symptoms—particularly in malnourished children or those with vitamin A deficiency—but only after infection has occurred. According to the CDC, vitamin A may be used as part of supportive care for measles in some patients, under medical supervision. However, relying on vitamin A instead of vaccination puts individuals and communities at risk of infection, complications, and disease spread

People who are frequently around international travelers, such as individuals who work at airports or taxi and rideshare drivers, should also be sure to double-check their vaccination status, as their risk of exposure to measles is heightened.