Second measles case confirmed in suburban Cook County
A 4-year-old suburban Cook County child has tested positive for measles, the second confirmed infection in the county this year, health officials said Tuesday.
The Cook County Department of Public Health believes the child was infected during international travel.
Officials say they’re working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. One identified point of exposure is O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Anyone who may have been exposed should check with their health care provider if they are unsure about their vaccination status, health officials said. If symptoms develop, they should call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department to ensure arrangements can be made to prevent patients and medical staff from possible exposure.
“This is a critical reminder for residents traveling to areas with active measles transmission to follow recommendations to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel,” Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health, said Tuesday. “Children between the age of 6-11 months should get an early dose of the vaccine if they are planning on international travel.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours and is especially dangerous for babies and young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, officials said.
Symptoms appear up to 21 days following exposure and include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A person is generally contagious the four days before and four days after the onset of a rash.
Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, life-long brain damage and death.
The first suburban Cook County case of the year was reported in April.