CHICAGO — Public health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure at O’Hare Airport and two north suburban stores last week.

A person confirmed to have contracted measles visited O’Hare’s Terminal 5 between 10:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. March 24, according to a Tuesday news release from the Cook County Department of Public Health.

The person also visited Fresh Farms at 8203 W. Golf Road in Niles 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday and the Marshalls at 8249 W. Golf Road 8-9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the county health department.

The same patient then visited Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center, 199 W. Rand Road in Mt. Prospect, on Friday.

Anyone at those locations during those times may have been exposed to measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, according to the health department. It can take seven to 21 days for symptoms to appear after a person is exposed.

Anyone presenting symptoms of measles should first call their doctor or an emergency department before going in person so staff can make arrangements to protect other people.

What To Know About Measles

Measles is rare in Chicago because there is a high vaccination rate in the city, but reports of cases have increased in the United States in recent years.

Being fully immunized with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect against being infected by and spreading the virus, Dr. Sameer Vohra, Illinois Department of Public Health director, said in the news release.

This vaccine is widely available to people 1 and older.

“The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots,” Vohra said.

Measles is highly contagious and can be dangerous for those who are unvaccinated, particularly babies and young children, health department officials said.

The illness spreads easily through the air. When an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, the virus can remain in a room for up to two hours.

Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, hearing loss, lifelong brain damage and death, according to health department officials.  

“Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks” of measles, said Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim Cook County health department COO. “The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective and has protected millions of lives.”

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