Will County reports positive case of measles, connected to Chicago outbreak

Michael Johnson
·2 min read
6

WILL COUNTY, Ill. — The ongoing measles outbreak in Chicago has spread to another county.

The Will County Health Department announced in a news release on its website that it has confirmed a positive case of measles in the county, which is south/southwest of Chicago.

The Will County Health Department says it’s been in close contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health, and case investigation has determined the measles case there is related to the ongoing rash of cases in the City of Chicago.

On Saturday, Lake County in the north suburbs confirmed a resident there had contracted a case of measles connected to the outbreak in Chicago.

Number of confirmed measles cases in Chicago climbs

According to the Chicago Department of Public Health’s most recent data, 26 cases of measles have been reported among Chicagoans in 2024, including four already in the current week, measured from Sunday (March 24) through Saturday (March 30).

The data is updated each day at 8 a.m., according to the Chicago Department of Public Health, and can be accessed HERE.

There were no specific locations or dates for when and where exposure may have been possible provided by the Will County Health Department in its release, but the department says it’s working to contact those who may have been exposed to measles.

“The Will County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff is working to collect additional details to identify and notify people that may have been exposed to measles, provide education and recommend appropriate measures,” the release states.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles,” advises Muneeza Azher, Will County’s Communicable Disease Program Manager, in the release. “If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to get the vaccine. If you are unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, ask your healthcare provider to find out if you need a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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“If your child is 1 year or older and has never received the MMR vaccine, contact your child’s pediatrician to discuss how your child can get caught up with their vaccines.”

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