The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health are investigating two measles cases, the first of the year, including one adult Chicago resident who traveled internationally though O’Hare Airport in early April.
Meanwhile, health officials in Denton County, Texas, reported their first measles case, also involving an adult patient with high profile exposure.
Chicago cases are both adults
The Chicago air traveler had received one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The patient’s rash began on April 25, and he or she has been isolating at home.
Meanwhile, the second patient is a suburban Cook County adult whose vaccination status is unknown. The patient sought care at a local hospital on April 28 and was quickly isolated.
Health officials noted potential exposures for the patients, including the airport, a restaurant, a grocery store, and two gas stations.
In 2024, Chicago officials battled a large measles outbreak that was tied to a migrant shelter, which resulted in 57 cases.
In a joint statement, Olusimbo Ige, MD, MPH, said, “Chicago is no stranger to measles after our outbreak last spring and having contained it once we know we can do it again.” She also emphasized that the MMR vaccine is an effective tool for combatting illness and saving lives. “It’s never too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself from measles.”
Dallas area patient attended Rangers game
In Texas, health officials in Denton County, which is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, reported their first case, which also involves an adult patient linked to multiple exposures, including a Texas Rangers baseball game on April 19.
The patient’s vaccination status is unknown, Denton County Public Health (DCPH) said in a statement yesterday. The initial investigation identified several other exposure locations between April 19 and April 22, including several restaurants, a Walmart store, a grocery store, and a church.
Matt Richardson, DrPH, MPH, DCPH director of public health, said the case is further evidence that measles cases are on the rise and that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is no exception. “While we haven’t linked this case to an existing outbreak, it highlights two realities: vaccines are important, and if you have signs and symptoms, you should be tested.”
