Measles Case Confirmed in DeKalb County, Illinois: What You Require to Know
DeKalb County, Illinois, is currently experiencing its first confirmed case of measles in 2026, prompting health officials to warn residents of potential exposure. This case marks the second measles case reported in Illinois this year, as the U.S. Continues to spot a rise in measles infections.
Potential Exposure Locations and Dates
The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) has identified two locations where individuals may have been exposed to the virus:
- Walmart: 2300 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL – March 2, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. To 4:45 p.m.
- U.S. Post Office: 600 East Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL – March 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. To 8:30 p.m.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by several distinct symptoms. These include:
- Rash
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
What to Do If You Were Exposed
Individuals who were present at either Walmart or the Post Office during the specified times and are not vaccinated against measles should monitor themselves for symptoms for the next few weeks. If a rash develops in combination with any of the other symptoms listed above, it is crucial to contact the DeKalb County Health Department immediately.
Measles Vaccination: Your Best Protection
Health officials emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is approximately 97% effective in preventing infection. The CDC reports that the vast majority of measles cases this year (93%) have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
Rising Measles Cases in the U.S.
The U.S. Has been experiencing a resurgence of measles cases in recent years. In the first three months of 2026, 1,281 cases have been reported, compared to 2,283 cases for all of 2025. This increase is attributed to factors such as declining vaccination rates due to parental waivers, limited healthcare access, and the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
Illinois Measles Cases
Prior to this year, Illinois had maintained relatively low measles case numbers for nearly a decade. Still, cases began to rise in 2024, with 67 cases reported, followed by 14 cases in 2025.
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