Overview
- An international traveler with confirmed measles was at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 between 5:50 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, creating a defined public exposure window.
- The Chicago Department of Public Health announced the exposure on Tuesday and is working with health care providers to identify close contacts and decide whether post-exposure prophylaxis should be offered to higher-risk people.
- Health authorities warn measles spreads easily through the air, can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and typically causes fever, cough, red or watery eyes and a rash within seven to 21 days of exposure.
- Officials urge people to check their MMR vaccine status because two doses are highly effective, and Cook County is directing residents to vaccination clinics with walk-ins accepted and registration available at GetVaxChi.
- People who were in Terminal 5 during the exposure window should monitor for symptoms, contact a health care provider if unsure about immunity, and expect contact tracing and possible recommendations for immediate treatment for those at greatest risk.