1st Measles Case Reported In DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, IL — The first case of measles has been confirmed in DeKalb County, the health department said Thursday.

Possible exposure locations include Walmart, 2300 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, between 2:30 and 4:45 p.m. March 2 and the U.S. Post Office, 600 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, between 6 and 8:30 p.m. March 9, officials said. The case of measles was confirmed through laboratory testing.

DeKalb County Health Department staff are investigating the case and contacting people who may have been exposed. Officials did not share additional information about the case to protect patient privacy.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it can be prevented with vaccination,” Director of Community Health and Prevention Stacia Runge wrote in a statement. “We encourage community members to check their vaccination records and make sure they are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

The health department said two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing the disease.

Anyone who may have been exposed and is not fully vaccinated should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure. Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

If someone has been exposed, or develops a rash along with another symptom, they should contact the health department. Officials recommend people call or email their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital so staff can take steps to prevent the illness from spreading to others.