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Health Department urges measles
prevention
[April 25, 2025]
As the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 800 cases of measles this
year in over 25 jurisdictions in the United States, the Illinois
Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now reporting the first
confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois involving an unvaccinated
adult in the far southern part of the state.
Anyone exposed to measles who is not immune should be aware of the
signs and symptoms of measles. These symptoms include rash, high
fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can show up
anytime from seven to 21 days after exposure. Individuals who
develop symptoms of measles should contact their healthcare provider
by email or by phone before going to the medical office or emergency
department to protect healthcare workers and other patients. When
calling your healthcare provider, it is also important to specify
you are concerned that you may have measles so your provider can
address the situation accordingly to protect others.
Most people are vaccinated in childhood as the initial vaccine is
recommended at 12-15 months of age. People who have not been
vaccinated, including infants, and people who cannot get vaccinated
due to other health concern, are of most concern.
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The key to
preventing measles is the highly effective measles/mumps/rubella
(MMR) vaccine. The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH)
stresses the need to ensure that you and your loved ones are
protected and up to date on receiving MMR and all vaccines. In
addition, if you are planning to travel internationally or to a
state with a measles outbreak, it is also important to check
your vaccination records. Keep in mind that you should get your
MMR vaccine at least two weeks prior to traveling to an area
with a high risk of measles.
LCDPH offers a wide variety of vaccine, including MMR, and no
appointment is needed. In addition, LCDPH will bill your
insurance directly. For more information, you can call LCDPH at
217-735-2317 or visit their website at
WWW.LCDPH.ORG.
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health] |
