Measles in Suburban Cook County
CCDPH is investigating cases of measles in suburban Cook County. At
this time, the overall risk of getting measles is low and transmission
is not widespread.
If you have not received any doses of MMR vaccine and are
experiencing measles symptoms of a fever of 101°F or higher, cough,
runny nose and red eyes with or without rash of tiny red spots:
immediately CALL your healthcare provider (doctor, clinic, hospital
emergency department) BEFORE going, to help prevent measles from
spreading to others in the community.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes a rash
and a fever. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young
children. With a sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air and the
droplets remain active and contagious in the air and on infected
surfaces for up to two hours. Infected people are usually contagious
from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days after.
Recommendations for Parents
Vaccination is critical to curbing the ongoing transmission of
measles and it’s the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Residents who have not received measles-containing vaccine should get a
dose of MMR vaccine, a combination vaccine that provides protection
against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Two doses of MMR vaccine are 99 percent effective in preventing
measles. The first dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age and the
second dose at 4-6 years of age.
The risk of contracting measles is low; however, we understand
residents are concerned. Individuals who are unable to get vaccinated,
and parents with children less than 12 months of age who are too young
to be vaccinated, may want to consider limiting unnecessary visits to
public places to reduce the risk of exposure to the measles.