After releasing information Monday on a confirmed measles case in the area, the Kane County Health Department has now begun to identify possible locations where individuals may have been exposed to the disease.
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Anyone who was at Kaneland High School in Maple Park throughout the school day on Aug. 18 or at Next Generation Pediatric Clinic at 107 S. McLean Blvd. in South Elgin on Aug. 21 between 12:30 and 4 p.m. may have been exposed, the health department says.
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The confirmed measles case the county health department reported Monday is the fifth reported in Illinois so far in 2026, in a year that has already seen nationwide numbers exceed the total tally for the year prior. It’s also the county’s first case since 2019, and only its third in the past roughly 30 years.
Meanwhile, vaccination rates nationwide have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks of the disease. In November, international health officials will meet to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status.
As of Tuesday, the health department said the individual with a confirmed case of measles — who was unvaccinated against the disease — is no longer infectious.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that often begins on the head and then spreads.
Following learning of the case and ensuring the individual was isolated, the Kane County Health Department began to take steps to identify the places the person may have been to identify any potential contacts.
While the health department has so far identified two locations where exposure may have occurred, a news release from the department Tuesday indicated that additional exposure information may be released as the investigation continues and information is confirmed.
“We understand that news of a confirmed measles case may be concerning, particularly when there are potential exposures in schools and other community settings,” Michael Isaacson, the Kane County Health Department’s executive director, said in the news release. “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.”
Individuals who were at one of the identified locations during the potential exposure period should determine whether they are protected against measles, the health department news release on Tuesday said. Evidence of immunity could include documentation of the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of a previous measles infection.
People born before 1957 are generally assumed to have immunity to the disease because of how widespread it used to be.
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Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective, according to the county health department.
Individuals may be able to view their vaccination records on Vax Verify, or they can obtain records from their previous healthcare provider, school, employer or state immunization information system where the vaccinations were given.
People who are unsure whether they’re protected against measles should contact their healthcare provider, the news release Tuesday indicated.
Those who are in need of vaccinations can contact their physician or pharmacy, or area health centers, which often accept Medicare and/or Medicaid or offer free or sliding-scale services for low-income families, the health department said. The health department also provides immunizations for children with Medicaid plans or who are uninsured or underinsured until their 19th birthday, and provides vaccines for adults who are uninsured or underinsured.
Anyone who is unprotected and was potentially exposed to the disease should stay home and quarantine for 21 days from the date of potential exposure unless they can provide evidence of immunity, the news release said. The health department or another public health authority may provide specific quarantine instructions based on an individual’s circumstances.
A person who develops symptoms and believes they may have been exposed to measles should call their healthcare provider before going to a medical office, urgent care or emergency department, according to the health department, because it allows the facility to make appropriate arrangements to protect other patients and healthcare workers.
In addition to urging steps like determining your vaccination status and quarantining if you’re unprotected from the disease and have potentially been exposed, the Kane County Health Department has also opened a call center for questions about measles, potential exposure, symptoms, vaccination or quarantine. Individuals with questions can reach the call center, which is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 331-240-3311, a news release from the health department said on Tuesday.
The health department says it is continuing to investigate the confirmed case and potential exposure locations, identify and notify people who may have been exposed, work with the affected location, coordinate with the Illinois Department of Public Health and other public health partners, provide guidance regarding things like immunity and quarantine and monitor for additional cases.