Illinois Reports Its First Case of This Highly Contagious Virus Since 2019

A disease that can be fatal for small children has just been reported in Illinois for the first time in nearly 4 years, according to the Department of Public Health.

Highly Contagious Deadly Virus Reported in Illinois

A press release from the IDPH reports that there is a suspected case of a "serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death."

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In 2021, there were an estimated 128,000 deaths globally because of this virus, but mostly from those who aren't vaccinated.

First Case of Measles in Illinois Since 2019

On October 10, the IDPH said an unvaccinated individual was "exposed internationally" and tested positive for Measles on October 11, confirmed by the lab at the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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. 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. Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

According to the press release, rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes are some of the symptoms of the virus. "After exposure to someone with measles, symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up," says the IDPH.

Measles can cause pneumonia and swelling of the brain and is spread through the air when inhaling the virus after someone coughs or sneezes, or you come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Measles Case Count in Illinois and other information from the Illinois Department of Public Health.