In a follow-up on the  measles situation in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, health officials reported two additional cases, bringing the total to four.

According to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), the third case was in quarantine for the entire infectious period. The fourth case is pending genotyping results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All four of the measles cases are no longer infectious.

Most individuals are vaccinated routinely, in childhood, starting at age 1 (MMR, Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine) and are not at high risk for infection. Of most concern are people who have not been vaccinated, including infants. Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is working with the Urbana Early Childhood School and Carle to identify potential contacts.

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If you were at any of these exposure sites, please contact public health or your healthcare provider for follow-up:

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If individuals develop symptoms of measles, CUPHD recommends they stay home and call their healthcare provider.

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.

Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

“A single dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles” said CUPHD Administrator, Julie Pryde. “There is plenty of MMR vaccine available in our community. If you or your children have not been vaccinated, please talk to your healthcare provider now about getting vaccinated.” “CUPHD is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Carle, Christie, OSF Hospital and the Urbana School District to limit the spread of measles in our community”.