PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – The Peoria County Health Department is urging residents to stay vigilant about measles as Illinois reports 23 confirmed cases statewide in 2026, according to 25 News.
No cases have been confirmed in Central Illinois, but local health officials say now is the time to make sure vaccinations are up to date.
Monica Hendrickson, a public health administrator for the Peoria County Health Department, recommends the MMR vaccine, which is administered in two doses. Recommendations vary depending on age.
Those born before 1957 may have already been exposed to measles naturally. Those born after 1957 may need an additional booster dose depending on when they received their first vaccine.
Those most at risk include unvaccinated individuals and those with developing immune systems.
Hendrickson warned that the effects of measles can extend beyond the initial illness.
“Even after you have ‘survived’ measles, your immune system gets suppressed. It actually almost acts as a clean slate, starting over again. So, in essence, measles can actually create long-term issues,” Hendrickson said.
Common symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, red eyes and cough. Most people also develop a rash that typically begins on the head before spreading to the rest of the body.
Hendrickson noted that Peoria County is in a strong position, with 97.8 percent of students vaccinated and an overall county vaccination rate of 95 percent for measles.
Anyone with concerns about measles or possible exposure is encouraged to contact their primary care provider. Additional information is available through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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