DuPage County well being officers introduced on Saturday {that a} county resident examined constructive for measles, the primary case recognized within the county since 2009, amid a nationwide and regional uptick within the extremely contagious virus.
The supply of the an infection is unknown, though the case doesn’t look like linked to the migrant shelters in Chicago, the county’s well being division stated in a information launch. The particular person recognized with measles acquired outpatient medical care, the discharge said.
Whereas the division hasn’t recognized any publicity places in DuPage County, they stated they’re “working diligently with public well being companions to establish and notify people who might have been uncovered to the virus.”
Measles is a critical respiratory an infection that’s able to resulting in pneumonia and different problems and may be significantly extreme for younger kids. Widespread signs, which usually seem 10 to 14 days after publicity, embrace fever, cough, runny nostril, sore throat and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the remainder of the physique, the DCHD stated.
It’s transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne unfold when an contaminated particular person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
“With an growing variety of measles circumstances being recognized, being updated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations is one of the best ways to guard your self and your family members,” stated Adam Forker, the chief director of the DuPage County well being division.
“Measles is very contagious however fortunately, the MMR vaccine is efficient at stopping measles and stays by far the most effective safety in opposition to measles for folks of all ages,” Forker added.
Chicago well being officers recognized town’s first measles case in 5 years final month on the Northwest Facet. It was unrelated to asylum-seekers, officers stated. The outbreak rapidly unfold to town’s largest migrant shelter on the Decrease West Facet, the place practically 1,900 folks lived in shut quarters, prompting swift vaccination efforts for migrants. Instances related to Chicago’s outbreak had been additionally reported in suburban Will and Lake counties.
As of Saturday, Chicago’s whole circumstances for the 12 months tally as much as 61, together with three circumstances this week. In about two months, Chicago well being officers say they’ve administered greater than 13,000 vaccinations to Chicago residents.
Measles circumstances are practically double the overall for all of final 12 months throughout the USA.