Illinois measles count to six; four in southern end of state

The Illinois Department of Public Health said Monday that the number of measles cases in Illinois this year has reached six.

Two new cases in southern Illinois were confirmed over the weekend, adding to two in the Marion area that were identified in April. Two unrelated cases were previously confirmed in Cook County.

One of the new cases was confirmed over the weekend is in the Franklin-Williamson County area. 

Another southern Illinois case may have visited locations in Missouri, including the St. Louis Aquarium.

Authorities said the chances of infection are still low, but prevention is still a good practice, including an up to date vaccine.

Current information on potential sites where infected individuals may have exposed others can be found on the IDPH website at Measles Exposure Locations. This will be updated as the department gets more information.



Signage outside a clinic in Texas. (AP Photo Julio Cortez)