CHICAGO — The Cook County Health Department is notifying people who recently visited two medical centers and buildings about possible measles exposure.
The two exposures are related to two cases previously reported by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
On February 27, a person who later tested positive for measles presented to the emergency department at Stroger Hospital and was admitted under appropriate isolation and airborne precautions.
Anyone who was in the hospital’s emergency department between noon and 11:58 p.m. should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health at 312-743-7216.
On March 7, an individual who later tested positive for measles visited the Cook County Health Department Arlington Heights Health Center and the Cook County Health Department Specialist Building.
Anyone who was at the Arlington Heights facility between noon and 2 p.m. should call Cook County Public Health at 708-836-8600.
Anyone who was in a professional building between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. should call the Chicago Department of Public Health at 312-743-7216.
The Cook County Health Department said it is following all proper reporting procedures and working with patients and staff who were in close proximity to the measles case.
The Cook County Health Department said it believes the risk to employees is low because they are required to be vaccinated.
“It cannot be overstated how important vaccination is to prevent the spread of measles,” the release said. “The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. This vaccine has been used for more than 50 years and two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles. Anyone over the age of one should get vaccinated. You can and should.”
For more information on how to get vaccinated, call Cook County Health at 833-308-1988.
