The Chicago Department of Public Health has confirmed the first measles case in a city resident since 2019.
According to officials, the source of the person's infection is currently unknown and the period of infection ended on March 6th. The person is said to be “recovering well” at his home.
Case investigations did not identify recent travel outside of Chicago, but infected individuals reported interactions with domestic and international travelers.
Authorities have not determined whether this incident is related to the case of an Indiana resident who traveled to Chicago last month. No secondary cases of measles were identified among Chicago residents.
There have been five measles cases in Illinois in 2023, but this is the first case in the state since the most recent case occurred in Chicago in 2019.
Health officials are contacting people who may have been in close proximity to the virus and have determined that residents who were at the following locations on February 27 may have been exposed to measles:
- Swedish Hospital, Galter Medical Pavilion, 5140 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- CTA Bus #92 (Foster) 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Anyone who was in the above location at the time is encouraged to contact CDPH immediately at 312-743-7216 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. For an exposed person, it may take him 7 to 21 days before symptoms appear.
People who develop symptoms should contact their health care provider before visiting a doctor's office or emergency room.
CDPH Director Dr. Olusinbo Ige said, “The key to measles prevention is vaccination. If you have not yet been vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated.” “If you're not sure if you've been vaccinated, ask your health care provider if they need the MMR vaccine. If your child is over 1 year old and has never received the MMR vaccine, contact your pediatrician. Please contact us to discuss how to receive the MMR vaccine.'' Your child may be exposed to the vaccine. ”
Learn more about measles protection and prevention.
