The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has confirmed on Sept. 16 the second suburban Cook County measles case this year. 

The case was identified in a 4-year-old child who is not vaccinated. Public health officials believe the case was acquired during international travel. 

CCDPH is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed, in collaboration with Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Health. A possible point of public exposure was Thursday, Sept. 11, at O’Hare International Airport, terminal 5 between the hours of about 7:30 to 11 a.m.

• Individuals 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 individual 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.
• Individuals 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 individuals 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% 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.

“This 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 to 11 months should get an early dose of the vaccine if they are planning on international travel,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer, Cook County Department of Public Health. 

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we know, and it’s entirely preventable. Let’s protect our children, our communities, and ourselves,” said Dr. Simbo Ige, commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about Measles and download fact sheets in multiple languages visit: Measles – Cook County Department of Public Health or learn more at the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles.