Measles Returns to Chicago

Health experts recently warned of additional measles outbreaks occurring in 2023 after measles cases increased by about 80% worldwide last year.

Since measles is a very contagious virus, the threat to the United States continues to be closely monitored. 

Recently, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported a suspected case of measles was confirmed by Cook County Department of Public Health to IDPH. 

This unvaccinated individual was exposed to the measles virus internationally, and the infectious period would be between October 5 through October 13, 2023. IDPH says people can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash appears.

Before this case, the last measles case in Illinois was identified in 2019, when 9 cases were confirmed.

"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 press release.

"Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. However, as we saw this week, it still can affect unvaccinated people."

"I urge everyone to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations."

Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.  

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 29 measles cases in 16 jurisdictions.

Internationally, the CDC listed the Top 10 Countries with Global Measles Outbreaks as of October 19, 2023. India, with 36,154 cases, and Yemen, with 28,271, lead this list.

 To alert international travelers, the CDC published an updated list of measles outbreak countries, travel vaccine recommendations, and issued a Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions, Travel Health Advisory in September 2023.