The DuPage County Health Department says a county resident vaccinated for measles contracted the disease after returning from international travel, calling it a rare breakthrough infection.
While measles after vaccination is uncommon, it can occur when there is intense or prolonged exposure to a person with measles, a health department news release said.
The town in which the person lives was not identified.
Vaccinated individuals who develop measles usually have a milder version of illness, are less likely to experience complications and may be less likely to spread the virus to others, the release said.
The risk to the public is low since most people in DuPage County are protected through vaccination, the release said.
Officials are following up with people who may have been exposed to the virus.
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Public exposure may have taken place between 4:20 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 5. Anyone who might have been exposed should monitor symptoms through Nov. 5, the release said.
Anyone at the airport’s Terminal 5 during that time should call their local county health department.
DuPage County residents should call 630-682-7400, and health officials will follow up if additional steps are needed.
The best protection is the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, the release said. Anyone receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine or who were born before 1957 are considered protected, the release said.
Health department officials recommend that everyone watch for measles symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. Anyone experiencing symptoms should isolate themselves, stay home and contact their doctor, the release said.
If seeking medical attention, notify the doctor’s office or emergency room that there’s been an exposure to measles to help protect other patients and staff, the release said.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.