SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first measles case of 2025 in the state, involving an adult in far southern Illinois. The case was verified through laboratory testing on April 23. Officials emphasize that this is the only known case in Illinois at this time and is not considered an outbreak. The risk of community transmission remains low.
The patient sought care at a local clinic, where healthcare staff were masked and are confirmed to be immune. IDPH is working with local health officials to identify any potential exposure sites and monitor anyone who may have come into contact with the individual.
IDPH encourages Illinois residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccinations. “This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2025 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
Though most people are vaccinated in childhood, concern remains for unvaccinated individuals, including infants under 12 months and those unable to receive vaccines due to health conditions. IDPH urges those who think they may have been exposed to watch for symptoms such as high fever, cough, rash, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility.
Illinois has not seen a case since a 2024 outbreak in Chicago that included 67 cases. Nationally, more than 800 measles cases have been confirmed in over 25 jurisdictions so far in 2025, more than doubling last year’s total.
In response, IDPH recently launched a Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard to help parents and schools assess local vaccination rates and potential risks. The department also stresses that individuals traveling internationally or to states with ongoing outbreaks should review their vaccination status well in advance.
For more information, residents are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or visit the IDPH measles information webpage.
