CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting another five measles cases.
There have now been 31 reported cases in the city with many at a migrant shelter in Pilsen. Two-thirds of the cases are in children ages four and younger.
The last time Chicago had any measles cases was 2019. The state has reported a total of 33 cases, which is the most in fifteen years.
Will County and Lake County have both reported one case each, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The 33 cases represent half of the total in the country, the Center for Disease Control said.
Symptoms, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or water eyes, can emerge within a week or two of exposure to the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A rash can appear three to five days after initial symptoms begin.
The “highly infectious” virus is spread through coughing, sneezing or contact with an infected person, and the virus can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person has left a space, according to the CDC. Those with the virus can spread it up to four days before and after a rash appears, and 90% of people without immunity who are exposed to the virus become infected.
Health officials say vaccination is the key way to avoid getting measles and spreading it. A CDC team has been assisting the city in responding to the infections.
The Sun-Times Wire contributed to this report.
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