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] |
