Measles Exposure Reported in Chicago

In this March 27, 2019, file photo, measles, mumps and rubella vaccines sit in a cooler at the Rockland County Health Department in Pomona, N.Y. (AP Photo / Seth Wenig, File)In this March 27, 2019, file photo, measles, mumps and rubella vaccines sit in a cooler at the Rockland County Health Department in Pomona, N.Y. (AP Photo / Seth Wenig, File)

An individual with a confirmed measles infection traveled on public transportation from O’Hare International Airport to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus on Thursday, May 16, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

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This is the second confirmed case of measles in Cook County since March, when public health officials confirmed a case in the northern suburbs.

CDPH said potential exposures could have also occurred May 16 in the Loop, Millennium Park and in retail stores on State Street between Monroe and Randolph Streets, as well as on Canal Street. On Friday, May 17 the individual visited the UIC Student Center East, according to health officials.

Public health officials say measles is spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can also spread through contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

Those infected by measles may not develop symptoms for weeks. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes.

Due to ongoing measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad, the risk of measles transmission in Chicago remains high, according to health officials.

“Chicagoans should make sure their children and family members are up to date on vaccines now,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita in a statement. “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles.”

Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | [email protected] | (773) 509-5452


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