Measles, a viral infection, has been reported nationwide, with spiking case numbers in various regions, including Illinois. The Indian Prairie School District has been prepared with plans to take preventative action, informing schools about the possible outcome of an outbreak.
In early 2024, measles cases were increasing rapidly, with over 680 cases confirmed spreading from Texas and New Mexico, and slowly moving up towards Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), there have been 10 reported cases in Cook County and Southern Illinois, prompting hospitals, schools, and families to take preventative action. While the number of cases remains low in those areas, it still qualifies as an outbreak. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, one of the most recent cases confirmed in the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County area meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official criteria for an outbreak due to known social links between three cases.
Patients who have contracted the virus are not required to be admitted to a hospital; however, 13% of overall cases in the US have required admission to a hospital due to the severity of the illness. Mary Anderson, Manager of Infection Prevention at Edward Hospital, stated that those who are younger are at a greater risk of contracting the virus, as it’s more severe for kids than it would be for adults.
Anderson talks about the severity of measles and the impact it has on young children.
“The risk for severe illness and hospitalization is particularly greatest in young children, those who are too young to be vaccinated at all,” Anderson said.
With summer right around the corner, mistaking measles for bug bites can happen. It’s important to keep an eye on any possible symptoms relating to the virus.
The identifying factor of measles is a rash that starts at the head and spreads downward. Anderson explains the importance of realizing how measles can initially be mistaken for a common cold or fever.
“Measles causes a very significant rash, but before the rash develops, people will have just kind of a general flu-like illness,” Anderson said.
The infection is best prevented with a vaccine, which has proven to be one of the most effective. Many parents agree with the effectiveness of the vaccine and believe in the necessity of getting vaccinated. Metea health teacher and parent Ashley Hartke talks about the spread of measles, saying she saw multiple signs warning patients in a hospital. Hartke also discusses how to prevent the spread of measles.
“I think researching about what you can do to avoid getting measles would be really important,”
Hartke said. “Getting a vaccine for measles would mean that your risks of getting it or getting it severe, or, you know, dying from it, are none.”
Measles hasn’t been a major issue in Illinois, with no reported cases at Metea, but staff and students are being notified about having proof of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). Hartke explains the importance of vaccinations and their impact on keeping our community safe.
“Consider safety for other people,” Hartke said. “There are people who can’t get vaccinated for measles, so you making the choice to keep yourself safe is going to make sure that other people around you are safe as well.”