Measles case reported in DuPage County; exposure occurred at O’Hare

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

The individual, who had been vaccinated, recently returned from an international trip, according to the DuPage County Health Department.

County health officials, who did not disclose the person’s age or hometown, called it “a rare breakthrough infection.” They are now trying to contact anyone who may have been exposed.

Officials say the exposure occurred between 4:20 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport. Anyone who may have been exposed is advised to report it to their local health department. DuPage County residents should call (630) 682-7400.

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 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 milder symptoms, fewer complications and are less likely to spread the virus, officials said.

Illinois has reported 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