Measles case confirmed in Kane County

KANE COUNTY, Ill. (FOX 32) - A case of measles has been confirmed in Kane County, according to a news release by the Kane County Health Department. 

Measles in Kane County 

What we know:

A case of measles has been reported in a Kane County resident by the Kane County Health Department (KCHD). The local health department is working alongside the Illinois Department of Health to collect more information, as well as to identify and inform any individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. 

KCHD is also working to provide education on measles and preventative measures, most notably, vaccinations. The health department will also be monitoring the situation for any potential additional measles cases. 

What we don't know:

It is not yet known how many more people may have been exposed to measles or how many likely cases there are. Measles is highly contagious and cases may increase in coming days based on potential exposures. 

KCHD is monitoring for potential additional cases and will work to track and contact anyone potentially exposed to measles. 

What they're saying:

"Our priority is identifying people who may have been exposed, making sure they receive timely guidance and providing the community with accurate information as the investigation continues," said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. "This disease is preventable, and the measles vaccine is very effective. The best thing someone can do to protect themselves and their children is to make sure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccines."

Preventing measles 

What you can do:

The best thing to do to prevent measles transmission is to receive the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease, while one dose is 93% effective at preventing measles, according to the CDC. 

You may be able to check your vaccine status using Vax Verify from the Illinois Department of Health, which is an online database that tracks vaccine records for Illinois residents. You can also contact your healthcare provider. 

Guidance on whether you should receive a measles vaccine booster is also provided by the KCHD:

• If you were born before 1957, you do not need a measles booster because you were likely already exposed to the disease.
• If you were vaccinated between 1957-1989 you may benefit from a measles booster. Some vaccines used between 1963 and 1967 were inactive. You should contact your healthcare provider for more guidance.
• If you were vaccinated after 1989, you have likely received two doses of the measles vaccine and have effective protection against the disease.

KCHD is also asking people to be familiar with the symptoms of measles. If you do go to a healthcare provider, it is important that you call them in advance to inform them of your potential measles status, so that they can take precautions to prevent further spread of the disease. 

Where to get vaccinated :

According to KCHD's website on measles, there are several avenues that can be utilized to receive a measles vaccination. ​Here are some options listed: 

• Your physician
• Your pharmacy
• Area health centers that often accept Medicare/Medicaid or offer free or sliding-scale services for low-income families
• The Kane County Health Department provides immunizations for children with Medicaid plans or who are uninsured or underinsured until their 19th birthday. KCHD also provides vaccines for adults who are uninsured or underinsured. To learn more about eligibility, schedule an appointment, or obtain a referral, you can call 630-208-3801.​

About measles 

Dig deeper:

Measles is an extremely contagious disease. If one person has measles, up to 90% of people who come into close contact with that person will become infected if they are not protected, according to the CDC. 

The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it an airborne virus. A person can contract measles simply by being in a room where an infected person with measles has been up to two hours after the person has already left the room. You can also get measles by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This means that the disease can be contracted anywhere in public life. 

Measles symptoms :

Symptoms of measles typically begin to develop 10 to 21 days after infection. Symptoms include: 

• Runny nose
• High fever (could be above 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes, known as conjunctivitis, or "pink eye"
• A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
• Rash that spreads all over the body, usually beginning three to five days after initial symptoms

Measles complications:

One out of every four people who get measles in the U.S. will be hospitalized, and up to two out of every 1,000 children who contract measles in the U.S. will die, even with advanced healthcare. These are other groups of people at higher risk of experiencing severe measles complications:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults older than 20 years old
• Pregnant women
• Those with weakened immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV

Serious health complications that can come as a result of measles infection include pneumonia, brain damage caused by swelling, and deafness. While common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. 

Measles cases on the rise 

The backstory:

Measles outbreaks have been on the rise in recent years. In 2025, the U.S. had more reported measles cases, outbreaks, affected states, and deaths than in any year since 1992, according to a study by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research organization. 

National measles vaccination levels have also decreased over the past five years, with kindergarten and childhood measles coverage rates dipping to 92.5%, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent transmission of measles virus. 

In Illinois, the CDC cites that during the 2025-2026 school year, about 93% of kindergartners in the state were vaccinated against measles.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, according to the CDC. This means there was no continuous spread of measles for longer than 12 months. The U.S. is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status, as Canada did in late 2025, according to The Associated Press.