Lake County, IL – A resident of Lake County has been diagnosed with measles, marking a continuation of the outbreak that began in Chicago, officials announced on Saturday. This case contributes to the expanding reach of the disease, now affecting both Will and Lake Counties. The Lake County Health Department has linked this latest case to the ongoing outbreak in Chicago, emphasizing the critical need for community awareness and preventive measures.
In response to this development, the health department is actively working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus. Notably, potential exposure locations have been identified in Lake Zurich and Libertyville, including the Consume Restaurant on W IL-22 Telser Road and the Advocate Condell Medical Center’s Emergency Department on South Milwaukee Avenue. Exposure dates range from March 13 to March 21, highlighting several days during which community members may have been at risk.
Health officials are urging those unvaccinated or at higher risk—including infants under six months, pregnant women, or individuals who are immunocompromised—to seek medical guidance promptly. They may be eligible for an MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin to prevent the disease. The Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease team is available for consultation and can be reached at (847) 377-8130 for those concerned about potential exposure.
This case follows the recent report of two additional measles cases in Chicago, increasing the city’s total to 17 instances primarily among residents of the Pilsen new arrivals shelter. To date, the CDC has reported 45 measles cases across the United States since January 1, advocating for vaccination as the most effective defense against the measles virus. The measles vaccine is reported to be approximately 97% effective after two doses, according to the CDC.
As measles continues to spread beyond Cook County, health officials in Lake and Will Counties are emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public health vigilance to mitigate further transmission of this highly contagious disease. For more information on obtaining the measles vaccine, Cook County Health can be contacted at 833-308-1988.
