Measles Case Confirmed in Cook County, Illinois after Four-Year Gap
COOK COUNTY, Ill. – Illinois health officials have announced the state’s first case of measles in four years, raising concerns about the spread of this highly contagious disease. The Cook County Health Department reported the suspected case to the Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday, and it was confirmed the following day by state health officials.
The individual, who contracted the virus in another country, had not received the necessary vaccinations, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). “This first reported case of measles in Illinois since 2019 is a reminder that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the IDPH, in a statement. “Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. However, as we saw this week, it still can affect those who are unvaccinated.”
Measles typically presents with symptoms such as rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can appear within a week up to three weeks after exposure to the virus. In the most recent case, the rash appeared on Monday, indicating that the infectious period would have spanned from October 5th to present, officials said.
State and county health officials are now working together to investigate potential exposure locations throughout the country, as measles is known to spread easily through coughs, sneezes, mucus, and saliva. The disease can lead to severe complications, including brain swelling and pneumonia.
The recent measles case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining robust vaccination rates to protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases. Health authorities urge the public to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations and to consult healthcare professionals for any concerns regarding measles or other infectious diseases.
(This article is sourced from Sun-Times Media Wire and copyrighted by Chicago Sun-Times 2023.)