Public health officials announced on Apr. 1 that a person with confirmed measles visited several locations in the Chicago area last week, including O’Hare Airport’s Terminal 5 between 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on March 24.
The Cook County Department of Public Health said the same individual also visited Fresh Farms at 8203 W. Golf Road in Niles from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and Marshalls at 8249 W. Golf Road from 8 to 9:30 p.m., both on Thursday. On Friday, the patient went to Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center at 199 W. Rand Road in Mt. Prospect.
Officials warn that anyone who was present at these locations during those times may have been exposed to measles, which is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. The health department said symptoms can appear seven to twenty-one days after exposure.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said vaccination is the best protection against infection: “The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots.”
Measles remains rare in Chicago due to high vaccination rates but has seen increased cases nationwide recently. Complications from measles can include pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, lifelong brain damage or death.
Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim chief operating officer for Cook County’s health department said: “Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks of measles… The MMR vaccine has been in use for over fifty years, is highly effective and has protected millions of lives.”
Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms not to visit medical facilities without calling ahead so staff can prepare precautions.
