(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The number of measles cases reported in Illinois continues to rise. They include 61 cases in Chicago, two cases in Will County, and one each in Lake and suburban Cook counties. Meanwhile, schools in Illinois are being asked to review the immunization records of students.
The Illinois Department of Public Health wants schools to determine which students might have to be excluded from school during a measles outbreak.
That would include students who are not up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for a variety of reasons, including religious or medical exemptions.
Illinois requires most students from kindergarten through the 12th grade to have two doses of the MMR vaccine, unless they have proof they are immune because of a past case of measles.
Federal law requires schools to admit homeless students temporarily, even if there's no proof they've been vaccinated or have immunity.
Measles symptoms generally appear 10 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, according to the Center for Disease Control. A rash can appear three to five days after initial symptoms begin.
Families with children ages 1 to 5 should keep them home until 21 days after receiving the second dose of the vaccine, or 21 days after last exposure if they cannot be vaccinated.
The Chicago Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
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