Tuesday - Jan 27, 2015
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav Shah today confirmed one case of measles in Illinois. A suburban Cook County resident became ill in mid-January and test results were positive for measles.
"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."
For more information about measles, visit the IDPH website.
Read the full press relase. (PDF)