(WTTW News)

A measles case in Cook County involving an unvaccinated individual was confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health in what is the first measles case in the state since 2019.

The Cook County Department of Public Health reported a suspected case of measles to IDPH on Tuesday. The measles case was then confirmed by the IDPH laboratory a day later, according to the department.

The individual had an onset rash identified on Monday, meaning the infectious period would be between Oct. 5-13, IDPH says. The public health department says that it’s working with the Cook County health department to identify potential exposure locations in the U.S.

Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Measles is highly contagious and is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or if someone comes in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

Most people are vaccinated routinely for measles during childhood, which makes them not at high risk of getting the disease, the IDPH report said, adding that of most concern are people who have not been vaccinated.

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. After exposure to someone with measles, symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up.

IDPH says individuals who develop symptoms of measles should contact a health care provider by phone or email before going to a medical office or emergency department so special arrangements can be made in advance to protect other patients and medical staff from possible infection.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the news release that he urges everyone to make sure they and their family members are up to date on the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.

“This first reported case of measles in Illinois since 2019 is a reminder that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a news release. “Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. However, as we saw this week, it still can affect those who are unvaccinated.”

Last month, WTTW News reported that half of Chicago schools are under herd immunity levels for measles. Within the Chicago Public Schools system, almost half of schools reported measles vaccination rates below the 95% level that is seen as a crucial benchmark for herd immunity.

Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | 773-509-5362 | [email protected]