First Case of Measles Confirmed in Illinois Since 2019
Illinois public health officials have reported the first case of measles in the state since 2019 and are urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against the highly contagious disease. The infected individual was exposed to the virus overseas and had not received the measles vaccine, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Authorities from the state and Cook County are currently identifying potential exposure locations between October 5 and the present day, when the infected person would have been contagious. The public health director, Sameer Vohra, emphasized that individuals who have been vaccinated against measles are not at substantial risk but urged those who are unvaccinated to get their immunizations.
Vohra stated, “Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. However, as we saw this week, it can still affect those who are unvaccinated.”
The Cook County Department of Public Health initially reported the case on Tuesday, and it was confirmed by the state on Wednesday. The last confirmed cases of measles in Illinois occurred in 2019, with nine cases identified by state officials. Measles has experienced a resurgence since its eradication was declared in the United States in 2000, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when a person comes into contact with an infected individual’s mucus or saliva, according to state public health information. Symptoms of measles include a rash that spreads from the face and neck approximately two weeks after exposure, as well as a high fever starting about 10 days after exposure. Additionally, infected individuals may experience a runny nose, coughing, and red, watery eyes. The onset of symptoms typically occurs between seven and 21 days after exposure to the virus.
State public health officials are advising individuals who exhibit symptoms of measles to contact a healthcare provider by phone or email before seeking treatment in person.