Lake Co. sees first measles case in 13 years

An 11-year-old girl is the first reported measles case in Lake County health since 1995, health department officials said Thursday.

The victim is from an unidentified western Lake County town. Health officials said the girl had not been vaccinated and suffered fever and a rash. Three siblings also are suspected to have measles as they have developed fever and rash and have not been vaccinated. Health officials recommended the children stay in isolation.

Measles is a highly-contagious disease caused by a virus. It can spread by air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.

"Those people who choose not to vaccinate put themselves at risk," said Victor Plotkin, Lake County Health Department epidemiologist. "(Measles) used to be uncommon, but now with this increase we may see more cases. That's why we want the community to be aware. Our public health message is this is a safe and effective vaccine so get vaccinated."

This year, 31 measles cases have been reported in Illinois, a majority from Cook and DuPage counties.

Northwest suburban Cook County has seen more measles cases in the last two months than in the last 13 years combined. The cases involved home-schooled children, age 18 months to 14 years old, whose parents chose not to have them vaccinated.

Plotkin said most of the measles cases in Illinois and nationwide involve people who were not vaccinated or under-vaccinated, or the illness was imported from abroad.

"People who choose not to have their children vaccinated, they need to be aware of signs and symptoms," Plotkin said.

Parents need to watch for a combination of fever, rash, and one of the three Cs: cough, common cold, and conjunctivitis.

Health officials recommend notifying the physician of symptoms before visiting the doctor's office so as not to infect others. Those with compromised immune systems may not exhibit a rash.