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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2024
Media Contact:Kim Junius
Email: [email protected]
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials are reporting the second confirmed case of measles in suburban Cook County this year. The community-acquired case is an unvaccinated adult resident. There is no known link to recent cases associated with a Chicago migrant shelter. As of today, there are 64 confirmed measles cases in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
The individual spent time at the Super Mercado Torres at 5310 W 25th St, Cicero, IL 60804, between April 6 and April 10, 2024, while infectious with measles virus. Anyone who spent time at this location during the below dates and times may have been exposed to measles:
4/6: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4/7: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
4/9: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4/10: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
“People who visited the market on these days should know that they are most likely safe from developing measles if they previously received two doses of MMR vaccine. If they are unvaccinated or experiencing symptoms of measles though, they should call a healthcare provider immediately to arrange for medical evaluation,” said CCDPH Chief Operating Officer Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “We are working to identify any additional places where measles exposure may have occurred through our ongoing epidemiological investigation.”
People who have not been vaccinated or previously infected are at risk of getting measles. Most children are eligible to receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age. People who were born before 1957 were likely infected naturally and therefore are presumed to be protected against measles.
Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If infected, individuals could develop symptoms up to 21 days following exposure and become contagious to others starting four days before the rash appears through four days afterwards.
Individuals, particularly those who are unvaccinated who think they have been exposed to measles, should contact a healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency department to arrange for a medical evaluation that will not put other patients and medical staff at risk of measles exposure. The healthcare provider will provide additional information about measles testing and vaccination. MMR vaccine or a medicine called “immune globulin” may be given to exposed individuals who are not immune to measles to help reduce risk of developing measles.
Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come into contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Children younger than 5 years old and adults older than 20 years old are more likely to suffer from complications.
CCDPH strongly encourages all suburban Cook County residents to stay up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including for measles. Illinois residents can check their immunization records using the Illinois Department of Public Health’s online Vax Verify portal.
Unvaccinated individuals who do not have a healthcare provider are encouraged to contact Cook County Health at 833-308-1988 to schedule a vaccination appointment at a community health center in Chicago or suburban Cook County.
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