Measles case reported in DuPage County

A person in DuPage County has the measles, health authorities announced Wednesday.

The individual, who had been vaccinated, recently returned from an international trip, the DuPage County Health Department said in a news release.

County health officials said it was “a rare breakthrough infection.” The news release did not say the person’s age or where they live.

The health department is trying to contact anyone who may have been exposed.

Officials say the exposure happened from 4:20 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 in Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport.

Anyone who was there is advised to report their exposure to their local health department. DuPage County residents should call (630) 682-7400.

People should find out if they ever had a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, according to the health department. Anyone who received two doses of the MMR vaccine or was born before 1957 is considered protected.

Some vaccine records are available through Vax Verify, the state health department’s vaccination records portal.

Those exposed should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure, which in this case is through Nov. 5. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes.

If you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider. Call ahead before going to a doctor or emergency room and tell them you have been exposed so they can prepare to protect workers and other patients.

Breakthrough infections can occur when there is intense or prolonged exposure to a person with measles, according to the health department.

Vaccinated people who get the measles usually have a milder illness and fewer complications, according to the department. They also are less likely to spread the virus.

Illinois reports 24 cases of measles so far this year. There were two in Kane County and one in Cook County. Eleven cases were reported in downstate Douglas County.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com