SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health Thursday released more information about potential exposure to measles and what steps you should take after learning about a confirmed case of measles in southern Illinois.
People who have been vaccinated against measles are considered immune to or protected from the illness, as vaccination is 97% effective against measles. Most Illinois residents have been vaccinated against measles, but people who are not immune may be at risk if they were in proximity to someone with measles. Infants are not usually immunized until 12 months of age which means that young infants are at greater risk of infection. Infants and young children who are not immunized are also at higher risk of severe disease if infected.
There are seven identified locations in Marion where exposures to measles may have occurred from April 7 to April 15. They are Don Sol, Legacy Fitness, Walmart, Kroger, Wonder Wash Laundry, Easy Coin Laundry and Small Star Laundry.
Anyone who visited those locations during that time frame should be monitoring themselves for 21 days from the day they were potentially exposed for symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, pink-eye (conjunctivitis) and a rash that starts around the head/face and spreads through the rest of the body.
The chances of infection are minimal for those who are immune to measles either from vaccination or prior infection. If anyone exposed starts exhibiting measles symptoms, they should notify their medical provider. If someone with measles symptoms needs to be seen in person by a health care professional, they should notify their provider or health facility in advance so appropriate precautions can be taken to avoid additional exposures or spread of the illness.
Health care providers are reminded to immediately contact their local health department to report any suspected cases of measles; the health department can assist providers with arranging for testing and additional steps as needed.
IDPH also reminds the general public to check on their vaccination status to make sure you are fully protected from measles. If you are not fully immune, but are eligible to get vaccinated, you should contact your provider or local health department to make arrangements to do so. Immunization remains the best protection against serious illness from measles and other communicable diseases.
