Health department identifies possible exposure locations after measles case confirmed in Kane County
The Kane County Health Department has identified two locations where people may have been exposed to measles following a confirmed case that was announced Monday.
According to a news release from the Kane County Health Department, exposure possibilities existed at Kaneland High School throughout the school day on Aug. 18 as well as Next Generation Pediatric Clinic in South Elgin on Aug. 21 between 12:30 and 4 p.m.
The high school in Maple Park held an e-learning day Tuesday while officials worked through verifying the vaccination status of students.
More exposure information may be released as the investigation continues, the release said.
The health department said the individual was unvaccinated against measles and is no longer infectious as of Aug. 25.
“We understand that news of a confirmed measles case may be concerning, particularly when there are potential exposures in schools and other community settings,” KCHD Executive Director Michael Isaacson said in the release. “Our priority is identifying people who may have been exposed, making sure they receive timely guidance, and providing the community with accurate information as the investigation continues.”
The county health department said anyone at one of the identified locations during the potential exposure period should first determine whether they are protected against measles by MMR vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of previous measles infection.
Anyone who can’t locate vaccination records can contact their healthcare provider, school, previous healthcare providers or the Illinois Department of Public Health’s vaccination records portal, Vax Verify.
Those unprotected should stay home and quarantine for 21 days from the date of potential exposure and monitor for symptoms.
If symptoms develop and you believe you may have been exposed to measles, the county health department advises calling your healthcare provider before going to a medical office, urgent care or emergency department to allow the facility to make arrangements to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
Symptoms of the highly contagious respiratory illness may include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and rashes that typically start on the face and then spread.
Questions about measles, potential exposure, symptoms, vaccination or quarantine can be addressed by staff at the Kane County Health Department Measles Information Call Center at (331) 240-3311 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information also can be found at kanehealth.com/Pages/Measles-Update.aspx.
rwest@dailyherald.com