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IDPH confirms potential measles exposure

At Midway Airport and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospitalinformation provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (February 28, 2019) – On February 22, 2019, an Illinois resident with a now confirmed diagnosis of measles was on a flight that arrived in Concourse B at Chicago Midway Airport. The passenger was unvaccinated and infectious on that day. IDPH, along with local health departments, is investigating this isolated case.

People may have been exposed to measles if they were at Midway Airport on February 22, 2019, between 9:00pm and midnight. This individual also sought treatment in the emergency department at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital on February 24, 2019. People who were in the emergency department between 11:45am and 2:15pm also may have been exposed, as well as individuals who were in Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital from 4:00-6:15pm on February 24, 2019, and from 10:00am–1:00pm on February 25, 2019. These are the only known public locations in Illinois where exposures occurred.

Most people are vaccinated routinely in childhood and are not at high risk. Of most concern are people who have not been vaccinated. Individuals who think they have been exposed should check with their healthcare provider about protection through prior vaccination or the need for vaccination.

If infected, people could develop symptoms as late as March 20, 2019. Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. People who develop symptoms of measles are encouraged to call or email a healthcare provider BEFORE going to a medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Local health departments are working to notify Illinois residents who were identified as being potentially exposed on the affected person’s flights.

This most recent case is not related to the four cases reported in Champaign County earlier this month. This unvaccinated individual traveled overseas to countries where measles is regularly found.

The Lansing Journal
The Lansing Journalhttps://thelansingjournal.com
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