ILLINOIS (WCIA) — So far this year, the CDC has confirmed nearly 900 measles cases in the country. As the infection continues spreading from state to state, it’s starting to get closer to Central Illinois.

Public health officials say there were two measles cases confirmed in the Chicago area — one at O’Hare International Airport and another in the suburbs of Cook County.

Another case was reported last week in the Southern Illinois area. Measles is a infectious disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health professionals say they want to make sure everyone is being cautious and getting vaccinated.

OSF Infectious Disease Physician Douglas Kasper said that’s one of the biggest concerns right now.

“The commonality in cases that we have seen in the United States is in an unvaccinated population makes up over 90% of the cases of measles that make it to clinical diagnosis,” Kasper said.

Kasper said if you’re not protected, then your health could be at a greater risk. He added that everyone should be vaccinated, especially babies and senior citizens, because it’ll help prevent a severe infection. He added that he is expecting cases in the state to rise.

So far in 2025, the CDC has confirmed three deaths from the measles nationwide.