10-04-2025
IDPH offering new measles simulator amid national outbreaks
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — As measles cases continue to rise across the country, the Illinois Department of Public Health is providing a new way for in-state residents to be prepared for potential local outbreaks.
The IDPH has introduced a new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard to make it easier for school officials and other members of the public to look up measles vaccination rates for any school across the state. This dashboard also allows people to determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is brought into a specific school.
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Currently, cases of measles are being reported in over 20 jurisdictions across the country. However, Illinois has had zero reported cases of measles since the outbreak in Chicago in early 2024. There are also no active measles outbreak investigations within the state.
Despite this, IDPH officials are still closely monitoring an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in over 530 confirmed cases, including three deaths, two of which were children.
'IDPH continues to work closely with our local public health and health care partners as we prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois,' IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. 'The Department is building on the lessons we learned from our successful measles response in 2024 by ensuring that our residents have access to meaningful information to guide their decision-making.'
This new dashboard offerings predictions, projections and estimates for the size and spread of a potential measles outbreak in Illinois schools from Pre-K through 12th grade. It does this by using 2023-24 school vaccination and enrollment information and additional model parameters.
The dashboard will be updated with the 2024-25 school year data as soon as it becomes available.
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Additionally, school administrators and staff are urged to use this feature to help in their decisions on measles outbreak prevention and control in their schools. This simulator was inspired by the University of Texas, Austin, epiEngage Measles Outbreak Simulator.
According to the IDPH, most Illinois residents received the measles vaccine during childhood, which provides 'strong, long-lasting protection.' This means that the risk of contracting the measles is very low for the vast majority of people.
According to the CDC, one dose of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses are 97% effective in protection from measles. On the other hand, for people who aren't vaccinated, measles is more contagious than most other infections.
Measles is also easily spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes, and it can cause serious and long-term complications. These complications can include pneumonia and even swelling of the brain.
The IDPH is emphasizing the importance of everyone being up to date on their immunizations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates across the country have dropped. This increases the likelihood of more cases of vaccine-preventable diseases.
'Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect the health of our students,' State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said. 'We are grateful to IDPH for equipping school leaders, parents, and the public with clear, actionable data to assess measles risk and plan proactively.'
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