IRVING PARK — A confirmed case of measles has been reported in a resident of Chicago, along with another case identified in a suburban Cook County resident, health officials announced on Wednesday. These incidents mark the first two confirmed measles cases in Cook County for the year, according to a news release issued by the city and county health departments. The agencies are currently collaborating to investigate the situation, identify potential exposures, and notify individuals who may have come into contact with the virus.
Measles is relatively rare in the Chicago area, thanks to high vaccination rates. However, last year saw an outbreak that resulted in the first confirmed measles case in Chicago since 2019. This outbreak primarily affected individuals residing in shelters for migrants and was successfully contained. “Chicago is no stranger to measles after our outbreak last spring, and having contained it once, we know we can do it again,” stated Dr. Olusimbo Ige, the Chicago health commissioner, in the release. She emphasized that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) is an extremely effective tool for combating illness and saving lives in the community, urging residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves.
The first confirmed case this year involved a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport in early April. The individual developed a rash on April 25 and has been self-isolating at home since their diagnosis, according to health department officials. Notably, this adult had received only one dose of the MMR vaccine; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses for optimal protection against measles.
The second case was reported in a suburban Cook County adult whose vaccination status remains unknown. This individual sought medical care at a local hospital on April 28 and was isolated after the illness was diagnosed. Health officials have outlined potential exposure locations for individuals who were present between April 21 and April 28:
April 21: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Road, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.April 22: O’Hare Airport, especially Terminal 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.April 23: O’Hare Airport, especially Terminal 1, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.April 25: Aldi, 7235 39th St. in Lyons, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.April 27: Shell, 3901 S. Harlem Ave. in Stickney, 10:20 a.m.-1 p.m.April 28: Mobil, 2945 S. Harlem Ave. in Berwyn.Initially, health officials had warned of a potential exposure at the Chicago Public Library Independence Branch, located at 4024 N. Elston Ave., on April 21. However, by Thursday, investigators determined that the individual with measles did not visit the library, alleviating concerns for those who were there that day.
The symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Health officials advise anyone exhibiting symptoms to contact their doctor or an emergency department before arriving in person, ensuring the safety of other patients.
Measles remains an uncommon disease in Chicago due to high vaccination rates; however, the number of cases has increased across the United States in recent years. Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, emphasized that being fully immunized with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection and transmission of the virus. The vaccine is readily available for individuals aged 1 and older.
“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. Vohra stated. Measles is highly contagious and poses significant risks to unvaccinated individuals, particularly infants and young children. The disease spreads easily through the air, as the virus can remain viable in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has breathed, coughed, or sneezed.
Complications from measles can be severe, leading to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, lifelong brain damage, and in some cases, death. Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim COO of the Cook County health department, noted that misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and has fueled recent outbreaks. “The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives,” he added.
