2025 Illinois measles cases: Health officials report first measles cases in Cook County this year, including 1 in Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health have identified the first two cases of measles in Cook County this year, the agencies said Wednesday evening.

The possible measles exposure included Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

One case is an adult, who is a suburban Cook County resident, and whose vaccination status is unknown, health officials said. They went to a local hospital on Monday, officials said.

The other case is an adult Chicago resident, who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport in early April, officials said. That person had one prior dose of MMR vaccine. The person had a rash onset on Friday, and has been isolated at home since being diagnosed.

“It’s really important that they confirm that they’re vaccinated, and if they have any questions or concerns about their vaccination status, they should talk to their primary care provider,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi with the Cook County Department of Public Health.

The health department shared the following locations and times for points of potential public exposure:

– April 21: Chicago Public Library – Independence Branch, 4024 N. Elston Ave.
– April 21: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Road
-April 22: O’Hare airport, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1
– April 23: O’Hare airport, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1
– Friday: Aldi. 7235 39th St., Lyons, between 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
– Sunday: Shell. 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, between 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
– Monday: Mobil, 2945 S. Harlem Ave, Berwyn, between 10:20 a.m.-1 p.m.

The two cases are the first Cook County cases this year, but they are likely not the last.

“I would not be surprised if cases rise, either associated with these two individuals or unassociated with them,” said Dr. Nicholas Cozzi with RUSH University Medical Center.

Those who may have been exposed should tell healthcare providers, if they are unsure about their vaccination status. The healthcare provider will determine the need for testing if symptoms develop.

“About 95%t of cases are unvaccinated individuals,” Dr. Cozzi said.

If an exposed person develops symptoms, her or she should notify his or her healthcare provider or a healthcare facility before going to a medical office or emergency department for evaluation to ensure that special arrangements can be made to prevent other patients and medical staff from possible exposure.

“Most individuals are vaccinated against measles routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. The best defense against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and generally provide lifelong immunity,” health officials said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported the first case of measles in the state in 2025 last week.

That patient is an adult in far southern Illinois.

An outbreak in Chicago early last year led to 67 cases.

Earlier this month, Indiana health officials announced at least six cases in Allen County, which is in the area around Fort Wayne.

RELATED: New measles dashboard allows public to track vaccination rates in Illinois schools

Measles is highly contagious, and is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Illinois officials said the risk of measles transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low.

Those who plan to travel internationally should ensure they have received two doses of MMR at least two weeks prior to travel, or have other evidence of immunity.

Local health departments are working together to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.

“We are experiencing a resurgence of measles in the United States, despite the fact that two doses of the MMR vaccine can prevent it. Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks. The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives,” interim CCDPH Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Joshi said.

Where to get vaccinated

To make an appointment for measles vaccination at a Cook County Healthcommunity health center in Chicago or suburban Cook County call 833-308-1988.

Unvaccinated individuals who do not have a healthcare provider are encouraged to contact Cook County Health at 833-308-1988 to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) offersfreeMMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status, atCDPH Immunization Clinicsthroughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment atgetvaxchi.chicago.govor by calling the clinic.

Visit cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/measles for more information.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger judge could slap contempt charges on leakers: Idaho-based lawyer

Bryan Kohberger Reaches Plea Agreement in Idaho Student Murders Case

Idaho student murders suspect Bryan Kohberger has accepted a plea deal to…
Meet the stunning model making her Wimbledon debut — against Aryna Sabalenka

Introducing the Gorgeous Model Set to Face Aryna Sabalenka in Her First Wimbledon Appearance

She’s got style, she’s got grace, and Carson Branstine also has one…
Police cars at a crime scene near a pink clothing and shoe donation bin.

Tragic Incident: Woman Dies After Becoming Trapped in Clothing Donation Bin, Found Partially Protruding

A WOMAN tragically suffocated after becoming trapped in a donation bin, with…
New Orleans jail escapee who begged Trump for help captured as manhunt targets last fugitive

New Orleans Jail Escapee Pleading to Trump Captured; Authorities Focus on Last Fugitive

One remaining Orleans Parish prison escapee is still on the run after…
'Lawn guy' accused of throwing party at former client's home while they were on vacation: 'Epic failures'

“‘Lawn Maintenance Worker’ Allegedly Hosts Unauthorized Party at Vacant Client’s Residence: A Series of Missteps”

A North Carolina landscaper found himself in the weeds after allegedly throwing…
Surprise witness in Idaho student murders says she 'saw Bryan there' on deadly night

Boxing Coach Reveals Kohberger’s Claims of Competition Were Exaggerated

Numerous defense witnesses for Bryan Kohberger are hesitant to travel to Idaho…
Barry Morphew extradited to Colorado to face murder charges in wife's 2020 disappearance

Barry Morphew Returned to Colorado to Stand Trial for Murder Charges in Connection with Wife’s Disappearance in 2020

Barry Morphew has been transported from Arizona back to Colorado following his…
Trump administration sues Los Angeles, claiming the city refuses to cooperate on immigration

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against Los Angeles for Non-Cooperation on Immigration

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Trump administration initiated a lawsuit on Monday…
CCTV footage of a car being pushed off an overpass by a lorry.

Terrifying Lorry Accident Sends Hatchback Carrying 5, Including Child, Off Bridge

This is the astonishing moment when a lorry that had lost its…
CBO says tax piece of GOP megabill could violate Senate Byrd Rule

The Congressional Budget Office Indicates GOP’s Major Tax Bill May Breach Senate Byrd Rule

The CBO anticipates that the tax component of President Trump’s highly-promoted legislation…
Lululemon accuses Costco in lawsuit of selling 'unauthorized' versions of its $128 pants

Lululemon Files Lawsuit Against Costco Over Alleged ‘Unauthorized’ Copies of $128 Pants

Lululemon is suing Costco, alleging that the discount wholesaler is selling knockoffs…
New Illinois laws in effect on July 1, 2025 include Chicago minimum wage, gas tax hike, hotel shampoo bottle changes

Illinois Implements New Laws on July 1, 2025: Changes to Chicago’s Minimum Wage, Gas Tax Increase, and Hotel Shampoo Bottle Regulations

CHICAGO (WLS) — Several new laws take effect in Illinois on July…