The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed its first case of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 that resulted in 67 cases. The diagnosis involves an adult in far southern Illinois, confirmed through laboratory testing.
According to IDPH, there are no other reported cases at this time, and the organization is working to identify potential locations of exposure. Health workers who treated the patient were wearing masks and considered immune due to their vaccination status.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 800 confirmed cases in 25 jurisdictions nationwide, with an ongoing outbreak in New Mexico and Texas that has resulted in three deaths, including two children. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra emphasized the importance of vaccinations in preventing measles, citing a 97% effectiveness rate with two doses of the vaccine.
Symptoms of measles may take seven to 21 days to appear and include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Those exposed but not immune are advised to notify their local health department if symptoms develop. Vaccination rates have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, with some parents opposing vaccines, which has raised concerns among health officials.
Source: https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/state-reports-first-measles-case-in-southern-illinois