First Measles Case of the Year in Illinois Reported in Unvaccinated Adult in Marion

In Illinois, health officials confirmed the state's first measles case of 2025, involving an unvaccinated adult residing in Marion, located in the southern part of the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the case on April 23 amid a nationwide increase in measles incidents. The individual’s vaccination status remains unspecified, but public health authorities are actively investigating the case.

The health advisory disclosed that exposure to the virus likely occurred at multiple locations in Marion, including three laundromats, a Walmart, a Kroger grocery store, a gym, and a restaurant, all between April 7 and April 15. The individual also visited a healthcare clinic during this period, though the exact location was not specified.

Public health officials are conducting an investigation to determine where the person was while contagious. People who may have been exposed are being contacted to assess their immunity. Those found susceptible to the virus are being monitored for symptoms and may be asked to quarantine to prevent further spread.

Measles is a highly contagious virus capable of causing severe complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms often include a high fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The virus primarily spreads through the air, with infected individuals transmitting it via coughs and sneezes. In fact, a person can contract measles by being in a room where an infected person was up to two hours earlier.

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provide approximately 97% protection, while a single dose offers about 93% effectiveness. Vaccination typically occurs at 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose administered between ages 4 and 6.

This year has seen a surge in measles cases across the United States, largely due to vaccine hesitancy. As of April 17, there have been around 800 reported cases—marking the second-highest number in a quarter-century and a 180% increase compared to last year. Tragically, three individuals, all unvaccinated, have died from measles so far this year.

Outbreaks have been reported in ten states, with Texas experiencing the largest, totaling 624 cases as of April 22. The last previous case in Illinois was recorded in March 2024, linked to a large outbreak concentrated at a migrant shelter in Chicago, which was the biggest in Illinois since 1990.

Healthcare providers and residents are encouraged to verify their vaccination status by reviewing medical records or using online tools like Vax Verify provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Additionally, the state has developed an online platform that displays measles vaccination rates and assesses outbreak risks at local schools, aiming to bolster vaccination efforts and outbreak preparedness.

For more information, consult health authorities or visit credible sources such as the CDC, and ensure that you and your family are adequately protected against measles through complete vaccination.