There have been 53 confirmed cases of measles in ten states, including Illinois, as a result of one infected person having come into the US from out of the country. Judi VanHulzen, with Marion County Public Health, says that measles is very rare, but is very contagious as well, and symptoms don’t usually appear until about 4 days after infection. She says anyone born before 1957 is likely to have immunity, and if you have been vaccinated, you will have immunity as well. She says symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a red rash that moves from the face to the rest of the body, and if left untreated, it can be deadly, especially to those with a lower immune system. Vaccinations typically are given at one year of age, and a booster again at kindergarten age.

VanHulzen says if you think you have the illness, call your doctor. If you are not sure if you have immunity, you can get a titre drawn at your doctor’s office to find out.