Illinois reports first measles case of 2026 in Metro East area
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2026 in an adult who lives in the Metro East area and recently traveled out of state.
IDPH officials say they are working with local, state and federal health partners to identify and notify people who may have been exposed while the individual was infectious. One potential exposure site has been identified in Illinois: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. Anyone who attended services at the church Feb. 8 between 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. may have been exposed. Church officials have notified congregants and provided guidance.
Health officials say additional potential exposure locations have been identified in other states. When individuals can be directly identified, local health departments are notifying them.
Most people vaccinated against measles in childhood are not considered at high risk. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing the disease. Those at highest risk include unvaccinated individuals, infants too young to be fully vaccinated and people who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons.
Anyone exposed who is not fully vaccinated is advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure date. Symptoms may include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. People who develop symptoms should contact their local health department. Those seeking medical care are asked to call ahead so precautions can be taken to prevent further spread.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the case serves as a reminder that measles is preventable through vaccination. He noted that nearly 1,000 cases have been reported nationwide so far this year and urged clinicians to consider measles in patients with compatible symptoms and report suspected cases immediately.
Health officials say measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. People traveling internationally or to states experiencing measles outbreaks are encouraged to confirm they are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before travel.
While this is Illinois’ first confirmed measles case in 2026, officials say cases have increased nationwide in recent years. Illinois reported 14 measles cases statewide in 2025.
