Measles is making a comeback — and that worries parents. The highly contagious virus can spread fast, especially in young children, and may cause serious complications.
While Illinois has no reported cases as of late March 2025, there are reports of 222 cases across 12 states, with most active outbreaks in New Mexico and Texas. Last year, in 2024, Illinois saw 67 cases.
Dr. Leonard Pollack, a pediatrician, notes that fewer vaccinations are a contributing factor.
“People don’t see the measles very often,” he says. “Therefore, some think it’s extinct — and there’s no need for the immunization.”
6 key things Chicagoland parents should know about measles
1. Measles spreads quickly.
This virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, the CDC notes, making exposure possible even without direct contact.
- It spreads through the air: Coughing, sneezing and even breathing can expose others.
- The virus lingers: It can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
- One person can infect many: Up to 90% of unvaccinated children who are exposed will get sick, says Johns Hopkins.
Without widespread vaccination, measles can move rapidly, leading to outbreaks.
2. Measles starts out like a cold and includes a rash.
Measles typically symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure, the CDC reports, and start like a bad cold. Some signs:
- High fever (up to 104°F, per the CDC)
- Cough, red eyes and sneezing
- White spots inside the mouth
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
3. It lasts a week and can have complications.
“Most of the time, after about seven days, it goes away on its own,”Pollack says, “but it does carry with it the risk of complications.”
- Pneumonia and neurologic issues can occur, Pollack says.
- Ear infections happen in 10% of kids, the CDC reports.
- Rare cases become life-threatening. “About 1 in 1,000 will develop brain inflammation, which can result in brain damage,” Pollck says, “and 1 to 2 out of 1,000 will die from measles.”
4. Young kids are among the most at-risk.
Pollack notes that measles can be especially dangerous for:
- Children under 5
- Adults over 20
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
5. The measles vaccine offers strong protection
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine — part of a typical immunization schedule for kids — is the best way to prevent measles, says Pollack.
“The vaccine works by taking a strain of the virus and altering it so that it is not going to cause virus,” he explains. “It then causes the immune system to develop antibodies to protect it against the virus.”
MMR is administered in the thigh or arm in a two-shot series:
- First dose: 12-15 months old
- Second dose: 4 years old
A few considerations:
- For infants younger than 1 traveling to high-risk areas, an extra early dose may be recommended — but they should still get both routine doses later.
- For older kids, Pollack says, “They should get two doses of the vaccine — the first and the second one a month later.”
6. What to do if your child gets sick
If you think your child has measles, call your doctor before going in to avoid exposing others, says the Mayo Clinic. At check-in, you may need a mask. Tips to keep in mind:
- Isolate your child at home until seen by a doctor.
- Track symptoms and any recent travel to share with your doctor.
- Keep your child hydrated and manage fever safely.
- Be ready to discuss vaccination history and exposure risks with your doctor.
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