Illinois Measles Cases Rise: What You Need To Know

Well, the measles case count in Illinois just ticked up again. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are now four confirmed cases across the state in 2025.

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The state's official dashboard updated this week, bumping the total from three to four. It's the latest in the growing string of measles cases making its way to Illinois from around the country.

The vaccine is the most important tool for preventing a measles infection, the advisory states. Measles was declared “eliminated” in the U.S. in 2000, although scattered infections were reported in the years that followed, usually in people who had traveled internationally and became infected. [yalemedicine]

Illinois saw its first case last year in April, down in the southern part of Illinois. Shortly after, a second case popped up. This time around, it involved a Chicago adult who had traveled overseas through O'Hare International Airport. They received an MMR shot and had to isolate at home after developing a rash on April 25th.

Then, a third case in Cook County was found. The person got it taken care of, but there was no further report if the situation was resolved.

Measle is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the respiratory system. It can find its way from human to human through coughs, sneezes, talking, or even contaminated surfaces. If you think you are infected, please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get it resolved and further prevent the spread to others around you.