26-04-2025
Downstate Illinois reports 1st measles case of 2025; local physician stresses MMR vaccine
CHICAGO (WGN) — The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed that the state's first case of measles in 2025 originated from downstate Marion.
The IDPH reported 67 cases in Illinois last year.
Dr. Nicholas Cozzi is an emergency physician at RUSH University Medical Center and has experience with measles. Joining WGN's Evening News at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 25, Cozzi warned about the dangers of the infectious disease.
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'It is unclear if the [individual diagnosed] is vaccinated or not for measles,' Cozzi told WGN's Lourdes Duarte. 'It is unclear of the age. However, we can say of over the 900 cases around the country, during this epidemic in the United States, 97% of those are unvaccinated.'
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirm that the MMR vaccine remains highly effective in combating the infectious disease.
'The MMR vaccine is extremely safe,' Cozzi added. 'Two doses. One at 12-15 months of age, the other dose at four-to-six years of age.'
According to health officials, symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can appear anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure.
Watch the entire interview in the video player above.
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