Chicago, IL — Public health officials have reported the first two confirmed cases of measles in Cook County this year, underscoring a growing concern as the illness spreads throughout the United States. One patient resides in suburban Cook County, with an unknown vaccination history, while the other is an adult from Chicago who returned from international travel via O’Hare International Airport in early April. This individual had received one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The suburban resident sought medical attention at a hospital earlier this week and was immediately isolated to prevent further spread. The Chicago resident developed a rash on April 25 and has since remained at home under isolation following the diagnosis.
Health officials are urging anyone who visited certain locations on specific dates to remain vigilant for symptoms. The locations include the Chicago Public Library’s Independence Branch, Fittingly Delicious, and O’Hare Airport, all of which saw a potential exposure window during late April.
Individuals who think they may have been exposed are encouraged to check their vaccination status with their healthcare providers. If they experience symptoms, they should contact their healthcare facilities prior to visiting to enable precautionary measures that protect others.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing approximately 97% protection. The initial dose is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months, with a follow-up dose given around ages four to six. The recent Cook County cases follow an earlier report of an unvaccinated adult in Marion, Illinois, marking a concerning trend.
As of late April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 900 confirmed cases of measles nationwide, representing the highest figures in 25 years. Unvaccinated individuals are particularly at risk, and the deaths of three individuals from the virus in 2023—two children and one adult—serve as a grim reminder of the disease’s potential severity.
Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak, with 663 reported cases, most involving individuals without vaccination or with unclear immunization status. Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, noted that misinformation about vaccines has contributed to lower vaccination rates, leading to recent outbreaks. He emphasized the vaccine’s long-standing safety and efficacy in protecting lives.
Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air by an infected person’s breath or cough. Symptoms often begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, subsequently leading to a rash. Complications from the virus can include serious conditions such as pneumonia and brain damage, particularly threatening for young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Local health authorities are advising individuals aged 12 months and up planning to travel abroad to ensure they receive two doses of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks prior to departure. Those vaccinated before 1968 should consult their healthcare providers about the need for revaccination.
For those seeking immunization, Cook County Health community centers provide vaccination appointments, and the Chicago Department of Public Health also offers free MMR vaccinations at various clinics around the city. Access to vaccination and up-to-date information is crucial as officials continue their efforts to combat this renewed threat of measles.
The Cook County Department of Public Health is actively investigating these cases to identify and alert individuals who may have been exposed. This rise in measles cases may mirror earlier outbreaks, including a significant one in March 2024 linked to a migrant shelter in the city, emphasizing the persistent challenge of maintaining high vaccination rates and public awareness.