FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 31, 2026
Media Contact: Efrat Dallal Stein
Email: [email protected], 773-320-0073
Cook County Public Health Warns of Possible Measles Exposure
Everyone is encouraged to check their measles vaccination status.
BRIDGEVIEW, IL – Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) issued a notification this morning of possible measles exposures associated with an individual who visited the following locations while contagious.
The following locations are a point of public exposure.
Graphics about the exposure locations listed below are available to share with the public.
O’Hare International Airport – Terminal 5
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
between 10:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fresh Farms – 8203 W. Golf Rd. Niles, IL
Thursday, March 26, 2026
between 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Marshalls – 8249 W. Golf Rd. Niles, IL
Thursday, March 26, 2026
between 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The individual also visited Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center in Mt. Prospect on Friday, March 27, 2026. CCDPH is working with the location to identify and notify all people who may have visited specific areas of the immediate care center.
Key Messages for Media:
- 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 (measles-mumps-rubella) 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 or to check for immunity.
- If an exposed individual develops symptoms, they should call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangements can be made to prevent patients and medical staff from possible exposure.
- Individuals who are unvaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and are exposed should talk with their doctor about getting the MMR vaccine.
- It is not harmful to get the MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella and doing so may prevent measles if given within 72 hours after exposure to the virus.
- 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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
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 Vaccine 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 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 Measles Communications Toolkit – Cook County Department of Public Health
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/measles
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