SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WSIL) � The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first case of measles in southern Illinois on Wednesday for 2025.
State health officials said the case involved an adult in the far southern Illinois area and they do not consider this an outbreak. This was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23.Ìý
IDPH is encouraging all Illinoisans to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations.Ìý
“This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2025 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination,� said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “With hundreds of cases being reported nationally, we have been working closely with our local public health and health care partners to prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois. IDPH is urging medical providers to consider a measles diagnosis in patients with consistent symptoms and alert their local health department immediately if they suspect a case.�
Health officials state the risk of transmitting measles to another remains low. Health officials also state the measles vaccine is safe and effective and urges everyone to make sure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations.Ìý
“The key to preventing measles is the highly effective measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles,� said Dr. Vohra. “I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the MMR vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.�
IDPH said they are working with local health officials to identify all potential exposure locations. Health officials said the southern Illinois clinic where the patient sought care at is also working to make sure to identify any possible exposed patients and also to check immune status of those individuals.Ìý
All exposed healthcare staff were wearing masks and are considered immune, health officials added.Ìý
State health officials urge anyone who is exposed and not immune to measles should stay alert for any signs and symptoms of measles such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. You are also urged to notify your local health department if you become symptomatic.
This is the first case of reported measles in Illinois since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 which resulted in 67 cases.Ìý
For more information, you can go to the Illinois Department of Public HealthÌýÌýor the CDC’sÌý. You may also go here to view the newÌý.Ìý
