Health officials confirm second case of measles in suburban Cook County this year

Health officials in Illinois announced Tuesday a second confirmed case of measles in the Cook County suburbs.

Cook County Department of Public Health said in a news release the case was confirmed in a 4-year-old child. The department said the child is not vaccinated.

Public health officials believe the case was acquired during international travel, according to the release.  

The point of public exposure is Terminal 5 at O’Hare airport on Thursday Sept 11 between the house of 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

CCDPH is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed, in collaboration with Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Health.

Earlier this year, two cases of measles were confirmed in Cook County, one in the city of Chicago and one in the suburbs.

For Individuals Who May Have Been Exposed:

•  Individuals who may have been exposed should check with their health care provider if they are unsure about prior vaccination. The health care provider will determine the need for testing if symptoms develop.
• If an exposed individual develops symptoms, they should call a healthcare provider before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangement can be made to prevent patients and medical staff from possible exposure.
• Individuals that are unvaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and are exposed should talk with their doctor about getting MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella and doing so may prevent measles.
• Most individuals are vaccinated against measles routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. The best defense against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and generally provide lifelong immunity.
  • The first dose should be given between 12-15 months of age
  • The second between the ages of 4-6 years old.