Illinois Measles Cases Spike: Vaccination Urged

As of September 26, 2026, Illinois has reported 23 measles cases this year, with most cases stemming from an outbreak among unvaccinated individuals in central Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed that 16 of these cases are part of an outbreak that began in August in Douglas and Moultrie counties, affecting only unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination histories.

Additional unrelated cases have been identified in Kane and Madison counties. Recent exposure sites include Union Station in Chicago and a restaurant in Edwardsville. Local health departments have administered over 200 MMR vaccine doses through outreach efforts. Measles, eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has seen a resurgence nationally due to declining vaccination rates, with this year marking the highest number of cases in over three decades as of early September 2026.

State health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains very low, though they highlight areas with lower vaccination rates as high-risk zones. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing 97% protection and one dose offering 93% efficacy. Individuals exposed to measles who are unvaccinated and at least six months old are advised to seek immediate medical consultation.