Illinois health officials are reporting a case of measles in suburban Cook County. At this time, officials do not believe the case is linked to the multistate Disneyland outbreak.

Measles rash Image/CDC
Measles rash
Image/CDC

“This case in Illinois is a reminder of the importance of immunizations,” said Director Shah. “With only 10 cases reported in Illinois over the past five years, many parents may not have experienced the severe illness that can be caused by measles. Immunizations are vital to protect not only each child, but the community as a whole.”

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), with assistance from IDPH, is conducting contact tracing and informing all potential contacts of their possible exposure.

“Measles is highly contagious and a person with no immunity can become infected simply by being in the same room with someone who has the disease,” said CCDPH Senior Public Health Medical Officer Dr. Rachel Rubin. “To eliminate the potential spread of the disease, it is imperative that we notify the public of any possible exposures to residents.”

Potential exposures in Illinois may have occurred to:

  • Patients and visitors at the Northwest Community Hospital emergency room (800 West Central Road, Arlington Heights) on January 14th from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and January 17th from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Customers at the Supermercado Guzman (1611 North Baldwin Road, Palatine) on January 12th and 13th between 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Patients and visitors at the Vista Clinic (1585 North Rand Road, Palatine) on January 16th between 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes fever, red and sore eyes, runny nose, cough and a characteristic rash. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing and can remain in the air and on surfaces up to two hours. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before their rash starts through 4 days afterwards.