Health Officials in Cook County Report Second Suburban Measles Case, Possible Exposure at O’Hare Airport

September 16, 2025

Second Measles Case Confirmed in Suburban Cook County

BRIDGEVIEW, IL – The Cook County Department of Public Health has confirmed a second measles case in suburban Cook County. This is linked to a 4-year-old resident who has not been vaccinated, according to health officials.

The child is thought to have contracted measles during international travel. The CCDPH is actively identifying and notifying individuals who might have been exposed, working alongside the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The exposure occurred on Thursday, September 11, at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5, between 7:30 and 11 a.m.

For Those Who May Have Been Exposed:

If you think you might have been exposed, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider regarding your vaccination status. They can advise on testing if symptoms arise.
Should you develop symptoms, please call your healthcare provider before visiting a medical office or emergency department to ensure they can make the necessary arrangements for your visit.
If you’re unvaccinated and were exposed, consult with your doctor about receiving the MMR vaccine. Getting vaccinated post-exposure can still be beneficial in preventing measles.
Most individuals are vaccinated against measles during childhood and typically aren’t at high risk. The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective and generally offer lifelong immunity. The first dose is recommended when a child is between 12-15 months, and the second between the ages of 4-6 years.

Measles is extremely contagious and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Remarkably, if one person has measles, around 90 percent of those nearby who are unvaccinated or not immune will likely become infected.

The virus can persist in a room for up to two hours, posing serious risks, especially to babies, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer for the CCDPH, emphasized that this case serves as an important reminder for those traveling to regions experiencing active measles transmission. He advised following recommendations for MMR vaccination at least two weeks prior to travel. Kids aged 6-11 months should also get an early dose if they plan on international travel.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, yet it’s completely preventable. This situation highlights that vaccination is essential not just for individual safety but also as a community responsibility,” said Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Simbo Ige.

The Cook County Department of Public Health provides free MMR vaccines for anyone in need. You can find more resources through their measles toolkit.

Measles Symptoms – Signs of measles can surface up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, usually starting from the face and spreading to the rest of the body. A person is contagious four days before and four days after a rash appears.

Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.

Where to Get Vaccinated – To schedule a measles vaccination appointment at a Cook County Health community health center, call 833-308-1988. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can reach out to Cook County Health at 312-864-1111 to book an appointment.

The Chicago Department of Public Health also offers free MMR vaccinations for everyone, regardless of insurance status, at various immunization clinics across the city. Walk-ins are welcome, although registration is encouraged. You can create an account at GetVaxChicago or call to schedule an appointment.

Check Your Vaccination History – The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lasting protection. If you’re unsure about your vaccination history, you can verify it through the Illinois immunization registry.

Consider Your Age & Timing – If your vaccinations were done before 1968, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of revaccination. A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity.

Assess Exposure & Risk – If you’ve only received one dose, have a weaker immune system, or were exposed to an outbreak, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider about immunizing.

Protect Yourself from Misinformation – It’s important to note that vitamin A isn’t a substitute for vaccination. While it may help reduce severity in some cases, relying on it over vaccination increases the risk of infection and complications.

For those who frequently interact with international travelers, like airport workers or taxi drivers, it’s particularly crucial to check their vaccination status, given the increased risk of exposure.