Authorities have confirmed a second case of measles among suburban Cook County residents, with no known link to an outbreak reported at a Chicago migrant shelter this year.
According to the latest updates from the Illinois Department of Public Health, there have been 64 confirmed cases of measles in Illinois this year.
The new Cook County case was described as a “community acquired” case in an unvaccinated adult, and there are no known links to cases associated with a migrant shelter in Chicago.
Cases were also recently confirmed in Lake, DuPage and Will counties, in addition to cases in Chicago.
According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, the individual spent time at Super Mercado Torres de Cicero, located at 5310 West 25.th Rue, between April 6 and 10.
April 6: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 7: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
April 9: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
April 10: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Those who were on site during the above times but are vaccinated are “most likely safe,” but unvaccinated people or those with measles symptoms should contact their doctor for a medical evaluation, according to the public health department of Cook County.
Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If infected, individuals can develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure and are contagious up to four days before the rash appears.
Measles is transmitted through the air through coughing and sneezing. Children under 5 years old and adults over 20 years old are most likely to suffer complications.
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, one in five people who contract measles will require hospitalization.
Residents can check their vaccination status through IDPH’s Vax Verify service.
NBC Chicago
