Kane County Health Department Monitoring Measles Outbreak in Cook County

(Kanecountyconnections.com)

The Kane County Health Department is monitoring the measles outbreak in Cook County. While there are currently no reported cases in Kane County, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of measles and to protect yourself and your children with a safe and effective vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious disease with serious possible complications including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. Measles infection causes a rash to appear, alongside a high fever, coughing, runny nose, and pink eye. Airborne droplets can be present up to two hours after an infected individual has left the room. If you are experiencing measles-like symptoms, to avoid potential spread to others, call your healthcare provider immediately for instructions before visiting a healthcare facility.

“Vaccines have always been one of the most effective public health interventions. The best thing that someone can do to protect themselves and their loved ones is make sure they are up to date on their vaccines,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director.

Most people are vaccinated against measles and therefore not at high risk, but those who are not vaccinated should talk to their healthcare provider. If you are exposed to someone who has measles and are not vaccinated, or if you are not sure of your vaccination status, you should stay home and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

Children and those aged 6 months and older should get a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to help protect them from serious illness. Children under five years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant people, and people with immunocompromised health are most at risk of measles complications. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you should receive the vaccine.  

If you have Medicaid, CHIP, VFC, or are uninsured, contact a Federally Qualified Health Center or the Kane County Health Department at 630-208-3801.

​Healthcare providers must immediately report to Kane County Health Department at earliest clinical suspicion and at the point before testing is ordered, and immediately place the patient in isolation. KCHD can be reached at 630-208-3801 (select option #4 for Communicable Disease).