Carle doctor urges community to take measles seriously, after a reported case near Chicago
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A doctor with Carle Health wants the community to know about a recent rise in measles. Dr. Robert Healy said there aren’t any cases in Central Illinois right now, but feels it’s important to open the conversation to prevent the disease.
The Indiana Department of Public Health confirmed someone from Northwest Indiana has it, and that person went to three different Chicago hospitals while contagious.
It’s very contagious, and Dr. Healy said it’s best to stay up to date on your vaccines, especially the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
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“If you have a preschool-aged kid at home, if they’ve had their first vaccine, that’s great,” he said. “When they go into grade school, they get their second vaccine.”
He doesn’t want to alarm anyone but also wants the community to take it seriously.
“The fact is about 1 in 5 people who get measles now, get hospitalized,” Dr. Healy said.
Symptoms-wise, he said it can start with a high fever for a few days. You may also have a cough and feel fatigued. One of the bigger signs is having red eyes and developing a rash.
If you have any questions, be sure to contact your primary care doctor.
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