Measles in Illinois

Update - More Measles Cases CCDPH is investigating cases of measles in suburban Cook County. At this time, the overall risk of getting measles is low and transmission is not widespread. If you have not received any doses of MMR vaccine and are experiencing measles symptoms of a fever of 101°F or higher, cough, runny nose and red eyes with or without rash of tiny red spots: immediately CALL your healthcare provider (doctor, clinic, hospital emergency department) BEFORE going, to help prevent measles from spreading to others in the community. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes a rash and a fever. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. With a sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air and the droplets remain active and contagious in the air and on infected surfaces for up to two hours. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days after.

Recommendations for Parents

Vaccination is critical to curbing the ongoing transmission of measles and it’s the best way to protect yourself and your family. Residents who have not received measles-containing vaccine should get a dose of MMR vaccine, a combination vaccine that provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 99 percent effective in preventing measles. The first dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. The risk of contracting measles is low; however, we understand residents are concerned. Individuals who are unable to get vaccinated, and parents with children less than 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, may want to consider limiting unnecessary visits to public places to reduce the risk of exposure to the measles.

10 Confirmed Measles Cases in Suburban Cook County ^{1 2 3}

1. CCDPH jurisdiction only (does not include Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Stickney Township)
2. It is not clear if these cases are linked to the multi-state outbreak of measles associated with Disneyland.
3. Case counts will be updated at 11:30 a.m. daily