The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a cautionary notice regarding potential measles exposure at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
On April 30, the department confirmed two cases of measles in Cook County, marking the first such instances since the state’s initial case in adults was reported in southern Illinois on April 23.
One of the cases involved an adult from suburban Cook County whose vaccination status is unknown, who sought medical attention at a local hospital on April 28.
The other case was linked to an adult in Chicago who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport in April. This person, having received the first dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, noticed the onset of a rash on April 25.
Since their diagnoses, both individuals have been isolating at home.
As of May 1, there were 935 confirmed measles cases reported across the United States.
The health department has identified specific locations where public exposure may have occurred:
- April 21, 2025: Tasty Fitting, 3939 W. Irving Park Road.
- April 22, 2025: O’Hare Airport, 10 am to 8 pm, particularly in Terminal 1.
- April 23, 2025: O’Hare Airport, 10 am to 8 pm, especially Terminal 1.
- April 25, 2025: Aldi, 7235 39th St, Lyons, IL, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
- April 27, 2025: Shell, 3901 S. Harlem Avenue, Stickney, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
- April 28, 2025: Mobile, 2945 S. Harlem Avenue, Bellwin, from 10:20 am to 1 pm.
IDPH is urging everyone over the age of 12 months to get two MMR vaccinations before traveling internationally.
Those who might have been exposed are advised to keep an eye on their health and reach out to their healthcare provider if they’re unsure about their vaccination status. If symptoms show up, health officials recommend notifying the provider before arriving at the medical facility, to ensure proper arrangements can be made to prevent infection.
Measles is particularly contagious and can spread if 90% of people around the infected person are not vaccinated, making it easier for the virus to circulate.
Moreover, as of May 1, CDC data confirms that there have been a total of 935 measles cases across the nation.
IDPH Director Dr. Samia Vola emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that it’s crucial for safeguarding oneself and loved ones. He reassured that the MMR vaccine is both safe and effective.
Dr. Kiran Joshi from the Cook County Public Health Office noted the unsettling resurgence of measles in the U.S., attributing part of the issue to misinformation that has lowered vaccination rates. He affirmed the long-standing effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, which has been protecting lives for over 50 years.
