Media Contact: Yolanda Harris – [email protected]
Cook County Warns Public of Possible Measles Exposures in Palos Heights
Everyone is encouraged to check their measles vaccination status.
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL – Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) issued a notification this morning of possible measles exposures associated with an individual who visited Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, Illinois, while contagious, on Oct. 13. The individual is an unvaccinated child who passed through the main hospital lobby and by Suite 1010 (Surgical and Procedural Services) on their way to outpatient testing.
The following location is a point of public exposure:
Monday, October 13, 2025
4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
12251 S. 80th Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Measles virus can linger in the air for two hours after a person with an active infection leaves the area. A graphic about the exposure is available here . CCDPH is working to identify and notify people who may have visited specific areas of the hospital (such as lobby, Suite 1010 and outpatient testing area) on Oct. 13 between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
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.
- Most individuals are vaccinated against measles routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. The best way to prevent measles is with vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection.
- 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.
- 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 strictly confidential. No personal information is released to any agency, organization or individual outside of Public Health.
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 starting four days before and continuing through 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 or reach out to a federally-qualified health center.
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.
Check Your Vaccination History – The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lifelong protection. If unsure, you can check your vaccine history. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal .
Consider Your Age & Timing – If you were vaccinated before 1968, check with your healthcare provider about a revaccination. A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Assess Exposure & Risk – If you received only one dose, have a weakened immune system, or have been exposed to an outbreak, consult a healthcare provider about immunization.
Protect Yourself from Misinformation- Vitamin A is not a substitute for vaccination. Vitamin A supplementation does not prevent measles infection. It can help reduce the severity of measles symptoms—particularly in malnourished children or those with vitamin A deficiency—but only after infection has occurred.
According to the CDC, vitamin A may be used as part of supportive care for measles in some patients, under medical supervision. However, relying on vitamin A instead of vaccination puts individuals and communities at risk of infection, complications, and disease spread.
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.
Learn more at:
- Measles case counts – Illinois Department of Public Health website
- Measles communications toolkits in multiple languages – Cook County Department of Public Health
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles
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Cook County Department of Public Health is the nationally accredited, state-certified local health department serving suburban Cook County. We build healthier, more equitable communities by protecting health, preventing disease, engaging communities, and analyzing and sharing data for action.