By NewsDesk   @bactiman63

City of Chicago health officials are investigating possible measles exposures linked to a recent measles case in the city.

The possible measles exposures that may have occurred on December 12 and December 17 at the following locations:

Date Time Location
December 12, 2019 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm Mr. Greek Gyros, 234 S. Halsted St. Chicago IL 60661
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Starbucks, 515 N. State St. Chicago IL 60611
3:30 pm – 7:00 pm O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 3
December 17, 2019 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 1

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) says they have one of the highest measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in the nation, meaning that most children and adults in Chicago are vaccinated and protected. However, if you think you or your family may have been exposed, you should review your immunization records, contact your health care provider to make sure you are up to date on vaccines or call CDPH at 312-746-6129, M-F 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m.

Image/geralt

Between 2011 and 2019, there have been several confirmed cases of measles in Chicago, largely related to international travel. Most individuals in Chicago are protected from measles because they were vaccinated as children. However, some children under the age of 12 months or those with weakened immune systems may not be able to receive the vaccine. Travelers returning to Chicago from areas both internationally and within the United States experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks may pose a risk of spread of the illness within the city.

The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Adults who are not sure if they have had the vaccine or if they had a prior measles infection, should contact their medical provider.

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Doctors recommend that most children get the first dose of the MMR vaccine at the age of 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, and also against mumps and rubella.

For those who travel internationally, all children older than 6 months should receive the MMR vaccine. Talk with your health care professional about protecting your baby at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Infants who are too young to be vaccinated should avoid contact with sick people or situations where they may be exposed to sick people. Adults who are travelling internationally may need 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine depending on their vaccination history.