Health officials from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have confirmed two measles cases in Cook County—the first in the area this year—raising concern about declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of a disease once declared eliminated in the United States.
The announcement on April 30 comes amid a growing number of measles cases nationwide. As of late April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 113 confirmed cases across 18 states, including at least six in Illinois, two of which are now known to be in Cook County.
One case involves an adult suburban Cook County resident who sought care at a local hospital on Monday, April 28. The individual’s vaccination status is unknown, and they were promptly isolated. The other case is a Chicago adult who traveled internationally earlier this month through O’Hare International Airport. That individual had received one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and developed a rash on April 25. They have been isolating at home since being diagnosed.
Health officials emphasized that both cases are being investigated separately, with CCDPH handling the suburban case and CDPH overseeing the Chicago case.
Points of Potential Public
Exposure
Public health authorities are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed at several public locations. The dates, times, and sites of potential exposure include:
• Monday, April 21: Chicago Public Library – Independence Branch, 4024 N. Elston Ave.
• Monday, April 21: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Rd.
• Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23: O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 1, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Friday, April 25: Aldi, 7235 39th St., Lyons, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 27: Shell gas station, 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 28: Mobil gas station, 2945 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn, 10:20 a.m.–1 p.m.
People who were at any of these locations during those times are urged to review their vaccination history and consult with a healthcare provider if they begin experiencing symptoms or are unsure of their immunization status.
For Individuals Who May Have Been Exposed
“Individuals who may have been exposed should notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure about prior vaccination,” according to the joint statement. If an exposed person develops symptoms, they should call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room so that special precautions can be taken to prevent further spread.
Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed should speak with their doctor immediately about getting the MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get vaccinated after exposure to measles, and doing so soon after may reduce the severity of the disease or prevent it altogether.
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, and the second between 4–6 years old.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. If one person has measles, 90% of the people nearby who are not immune will also become infected.
Complications can be serious, especially for babies and young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, permanent brain damage, and even death.
Measles Symptoms
Measles symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a rash usually begins on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. A person is considered contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
Where to Get Vaccinated
The MMR vaccine is available for free through public health providers in both Chicago and suburban Cook County.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers free MMR vaccinations to all residents, regardless of insurance status, at its immunization clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinics directly.
Cook County residents outside Chicago can schedule appointments at Cook County Health community centers by calling 833-308-1988.
Check Your Vaccination
History
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for full lifelong protection. If you are unsure about your vaccine history, you can access your immunization records through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Vax Verify portal.
Consider Your Age & Timing
Those vaccinated before 1968 should speak with a healthcare provider, as earlier versions of the vaccine may not offer sufficient immunity. A blood test can determine whether you are still protected. Adults who received only one dose, have compromised immune systems, or work in high-exposure environments should consult their physician about additional protection.
Protect Yourself from
Misinformation
Health officials caution against false claims about vitamin A being an alternative to the MMR vaccine. While vitamin A supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms in malnourished children once infected, it does not prevent measles.
“Vitamin A is not a substitute for vaccination,” the health departments stated. “Relying on it instead of vaccination puts individuals and communities at risk of serious infections and disease spread.”
Traveling Out of the Country
Anyone planning to travel internationally should verify their vaccination status. Children as young as 6 months may be eligible for early vaccination before travel, and adults should ensure they have received both recommended doses.
“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,” the guidance states.
State and Local Health Officials Stress the
Importance of
Immunization
“As public health officials around the state continue to work diligently to guard against further spread of measles, we are reminded again that being fully immunized remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots.”
Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim chief operating officer of CCDPH, echoed that concern, warning that declining vaccination rates and misinformation have contributed to recent outbreaks.
“We are experiencing a resurgence of measles in the United States, despite the fact that two doses of the MMR vaccine can prevent it,” said Joshi. “The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives.”
CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige added that Chicago is no stranger to the virus, having successfully contained an outbreak just last year.
“Chicago is no stranger to measles after our outbreak last spring, and having contained it once, we know we can do it again,” said Ige. “The MMR vaccine is an extremely effective tool for combatting illness and saving lives in our community. It’s never too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself from measles.”