Potential Measles Exposure
We want to inform all our families that we were informed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) about a confirmed case of measles. The person with measles was in our office building on January 10. We have called our patients who were potentially exposed to the person at that time in our office, but we do want to inform our entire practice in case individuals may have had contact with the person in other places.
This is the second case of measles reported by the IDPH, but the two cases are unrelated. These two individuals did not become infected while at O’Hare airport but had already contracted measles. There is not a measles outbreak at O’Hare airport.
The newly reported case, who was infectious at the time, was at the locations listed below.
Two hours have been added to the time after the individual left because the measles virus can linger in the air and on surfaces two hours after an infected individual leaves the area.
People who are considered to be close contacts and most at risk, including passengers on the inbound flight to Chicago O’Hare and others in the airport, are being contacted directly by local health departments. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are working to identify all possible areas of exposure and notify susceptible patients, staff, and visitors. IDPH is working with local health departments and hospitals during this investigation and information is subject to change.
Most individuals are vaccinated routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. Of most concern are exposed people who have not been vaccinated. Individuals who think they have been exposed should check with us about their children’s protection through prior vaccination or the need for vaccination. We will determine the need for vaccination and/or testing.
If infected, individuals could develop symptoms as late as February 1, 2018. Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. If individuals develop symptoms of measles, please call us before going to a medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements will be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.