As an outbreak of measles linked to several California Disney theme parks mounts, other states are also seeing measles appear. This week, for instance, a suburb of Chicago has announced its first case of the year.
Illinois Public Health Director Nirav Shah reported that the case was identified earlier this month and marks only the tenth case of measles in the last five years.
“This case in Illinois is a reminder of the importance of immunizations,” Shah said. “Immunizations are vital to protect not only each child, but the community as a whole.”
Neither the patient’s name nor exact suburb of residence was announced, although the patient is said to be an adult, and various locations were listed where possible exposures may have occurred.
Over 70 cases have now been identified and have been linked to the Disney theme parks.
Measles was once thought nearly eradicated in the U.S., but outbreaks of the disease have grown since 2008.
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