The recent measles outbreak in the U.S. has left many concerned and asking questions about whether they can protect themselves and their families. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH):
- Measles typically starts with cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever that can get very high. Three to five days after these symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop. The rash looks like tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread down to the rest of the body. If you think you or your child might have measles, call your healthcare provider immediately.
- Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing.
- Make sure you and your family are protected with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is very safe and effective.
Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. More information including travel notices can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html
Most individuals in Chicago are protected from measles because they were vaccinated as children. However, some children under the age of 12 months or those with weakened immune systems may not be able to receive the vaccine.
If you have been exposed to someone who has measles, CDPH recommends you immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know. Your healthcare provider can determine if you are immune, and can make special arrangements to evaluate you without putting other patients or medical staff at risk.
If you are unsure whether you or your child has received the MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your or your child’s immunization records. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry, Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE), can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health
Vax Verify portal. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can call 311 or visit
www.chicago.gov/health to locate a CDPH walk-in immunization clinic where MMR vaccine is provided for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0–18 years and uninsured adults 19 and older.
Lastly, please note DePaul requires students to provide proof of immunization for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Meningococcal Conjugate, in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Illinois Department of Health. Should a case of measles be identified in an individual in our DePaul community, the university would work with CDPH to perform necessary follow-up and notification as appropriate.
Take Care, DePaul!
DePaul Community Health Team