First case of measles reported in southern Illinois; second case confirmed in Kentucky

Illinois' first confirmed case of measles this year was reported Wednesday in southern Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health via the Southern 7 Health Department said that the case was confirmed by lab testing on Wednesday. An unidentified adult in "far southern Illinois" went to a clinic seeking treatment.

The clinic is checking the immune status of other patients at that location who might have been exposed. Officials are working to locate any other locations where the individual could have exposed others.

IDPH said that there is a very small risk of community transmission. Most people are vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella as a child, limiting the risk. Healthcare providers said that after an exposure, symptoms could take between seven and 21 days to reveal themselves. 

Meanwhile, hjealth officials with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced a second confirmed case of measles in the state this year.

The case occurred in March in a child, who is not a U.S. resident, was traveling through the commonwealth when they sought treatment. Officials said the child was diagnosed at a health care facility in Kentucky, which is why the case will be counted as a Kentucky incident.

Kentucky’s first confirmed measles case of 2025 occurred in an adult resident in February. 



Photo courtesy of immunize.org