Cook County Confirms Another Measles Case

Key Messages:  

• Measles is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease, is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after the infectious person has left the area.  A brief exposure of 15 minutes can result in measles transmission.  

• The best way to prevent measles is with vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection.  

• Working with the public health department, when contacted, is crucial to control the spread of measles. CCDPH stresses the importance of accurately identifying people who may have been exposed and providing timely and appropriate information, support and intervention. 

• Residents should know that any information provided to the health department is kept confidential. No personal information is released to any agency, organization or individual outside of Public Health.  

• Know your vaccination status. If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure talk to your healthcare provider or you can schedule a vaccination appointment with a Cook County Health clinic at 312-864-1111.  

For Individuals Who May Have Been Exposed:  

• Individuals who may have been exposed should check with their health care provider if they are unsure about prior vaccination. The health care provider will determine the need for testing if symptoms develop.  

• If an exposed individual develops symptoms, they should call a healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangement can be made to prevent patients and medical staff from possible exposure.  

• Individuals that are unvaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and are exposed should talk with their doctor about getting MMR vaccine.  

• It is not harmful to get MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella and doing so may prevent measles.  

• 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. 

• The second between the ages of 4-6 years old.  

About Measles- Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune or are unvaccinated will also become infected with the measles virus.   

The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours and can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. 

Measles Symptoms – Measles symptoms appear up to 21 days following exposure.  

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk. A person is generally contagious the four days before and four days after the onset of a rash.  

Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, life-long brain damage and death. 

Where to Get Vaccinated-  

Unvaccinated individuals who do not have a healthcare provider are encouraged to contact Cook County Health   at 312-864-1111 to schedule a vaccination appointment. 

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers free MMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status, at CDPH immunization clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at Getvaxchi.chicago.gov  or by calling the clinic.