The number of measles cases confirmed in Cook County, IL has grown to 12, according to the latest from the health department. Of these cases, 2 are adults and 10 are children.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Eleven of the cases are associated with KinderCare in Palatine, IL.

The Cook County Department ofg Public Health (CCDPH) is investigating the outbreak and say it is not clear if these cases are linked to the multi-state outbreak of measles associated with Disneyland.

California’s measles case tally has risen to 113 with the majority of cases with known vaccination status being unvaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes a rash and a fever. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. With a sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air and the droplets remain active and contagious in the air and on infected surfaces for up to two hours. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days after.

Vaccination is critical to curbing the ongoing transmission of measles and it’s the best way to protect yourself and your family. Residents who have not received measles-containing vaccine should get a dose of MMR vaccine, a combination vaccine that provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are 99 percent effective in preventing measles. The first dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.

The risk of contracting measles is low; however, we understand residents are concerned. Individuals who are unable to get vaccinated, and parents with children less than 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, may want to consider limiting unnecessary visits to public places to reduce the risk of exposure to the measles.