Measles outbreak confirmed in Douglas County, Illinois
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — At least four linked cases of measles have been confirmed in Douglas County, prompting state health officials to urge Illinois residents to check their vaccination status.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said it is working with local health departments and health care providers to identify possible exposure locations, notify people who may have been exposed and offer vaccinations.
An outbreak is defined as three or more cases connected through a common source or epidemiological link.
Unvaccinated people 6 months and older may receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine within 72 hours of their first exposure. Immune globulin may be available for certain high-risk people who cannot receive the vaccine or missed that window, including infants, pregnant people and those who are immunocompromised.
“Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the MMR vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected person’s nasal or throat secretions.
The first MMR dose is typically administered around age 1, with the second given between ages 4 and 6. The second dose may be administered as soon as 28 days after the first.
A single dose is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective.
Health officials encourage people without immunity to consult a health care provider about vaccination, particularly before international travel or visiting an area experiencing an outbreak.
