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Outbreak Information and Prevention

Measles Outbreak: Key Facts

Based on information from the World Health Organization:

• Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complication and death. Measles spreads through the air and via droplets. 
• Measles vaccination averted more than 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023. In turn, receiving an MMR vaccine serves as a cost-effective and safe tool to protect individuals from measles. 
• Even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, in 2023, there were an estimated 107,500 measles deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.
• The proportion of children receiving a first dose of measles vaccine was 83% in 2023, well below the 2019 level of 86%
• According to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, "A measles outbreak in the southwestern United States continues to grow as public health officials work to contain the spread and boost vaccination rates. At a time of rampant mis- and disinformation about vaccines, public health experts worry outbreaks like this may only become more common."
• Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. In a completely susceptible population, one person with measles will infect an average of 12–18 other people.
• As of Friday, March 7, 2025, there have been no reports of measles cases in Illinois. Measles case counts can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website, which is why it's important to implement prevention measures to help decrease the spread: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html 

Signs and Symptoms

• Symptoms of measles usually begin 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. A prominent rash is the most visible symptom.
• Early symptoms usually last 4–7 days. They include:
  • Running nose
  • Cough
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Small white spots inside the cheeks.
  • The rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading.

Most deaths from measles are from complications related to the disease. Complications can include:

• • Blindness
  • Encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage)
  • Severe diarrhoea and related dehydration
  • Ear infections
  • Severe breathing problems including pneumonia.
  • If a woman catches measles during pregnancy, this can be dangerous for the mother and can result in her baby being born prematurely with a low birth weight.

Prevention

• Community-wide vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. All children should be vaccinated against measles. The vaccine is safe, effective and inexpensive.
• Children should receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure they are immune. The first dose is usually given at 9 months of age in countries where measles is common and 12–15 months in other countries. A second dose should be given later in childhood, usually at 15–18 months.
• The measles vaccine is given alone or often combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella and/or varicella.
• Routine measles vaccination, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case rates are crucial for reducing global measles deaths. The measles vaccine has been in use for about 60 years and costs less than US$ 1 per child. The measles vaccine is also used in emergencies to stop outbreaks from spreading. The risk of measles outbreaks is particularly high amongst refugees, who should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Combining vaccines slightly increases the cost but allows for shared delivery and administration costs and importantly, adds the benefit of protection against rubella, the most common vaccine preventable infection that can infect babies in the womb.
• In 2023, 74% of children received both doses of the measles vaccine, and about 83% of the world's children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended to ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks, as not all children develop immunity from the first dose.
• Approximately 22 million infants missed at least one dose of measles vaccine through routine immunization in 2023.
• Complications are most common in children under 5 years and adults over age 30. They are more likely in children who are malnourished, especially those without enough vitamin A or with a weak immune system from HIV or other diseases. Measles itself also weakens the immune system and can make the body “forget” how to protect itself against infections, leaving children extremely vulnerable.
• Anyone who has not had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, or has not previously contracted measles, is susceptible to contracting measles.
• There are also people who cannot receive the MMR vaccine and thus are susceptible to measles. This includes people with certain medical conditions or severe allergies, people who are immunocompromised, and people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider about any questions and concerns surrounding measles and the MMR vaccine. 

The Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is available at most doctor's offices and pharmacies. Illinois children as young as 7 years-old can get vaccinated at pharmacies under Illinois law. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization clinics provide MMR vaccine for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0–18 years and uninsured adults 19 and older.

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 at a community health center in Chicago or suburban Cook County.