A measles case has been reported in Lake County, Illinois, which health officials believe is related to the ongoing outbreak in Chicago. The infected individual visited two locations where others may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus: Consume Restaurant in Lake Zurich and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
Unvaccinated individuals who were at Advocate Condell Medical Center during the specified time frames are being urged to contact their healthcare provider or local pharmacy to receive the MMR vaccine. Those who were exposed and are unvaccinated, pregnant, infants under 6 months, or immunocompromised may still be eligible for immunoglobulin to prevent the disease.
Fortunately, vaccinated individuals are likely protected and do not need to take any further action. However, unvaccinated individuals who believe they may have been exposed at either location are asked to contact the health department’s communicable disease team at 847-377-8130 for further guidance.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads.
Health officials are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions, such as getting vaccinated and seeking medical attention if they believe they may have been exposed to measles.
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