Overview
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 935 measles cases across 29 states, with 96% involving unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals.
- Cook County health officials confirm two measles cases: one in a Chicago resident who traveled internationally through O’Hare Airport, and another in a suburban resident with unknown vaccination status.
- Potential public exposure sites in Cook County include O’Hare Airport (April 22–23) and several local businesses between April 21–28.
- Declining vaccination rates, misinformation, and increased travel are driving the resurgence, with MMR vaccine coverage among U.S. kindergarteners falling to 92.7% in 2023–2024.
- Public health agencies are urging immediate vaccination to curb the outbreak and prevent the U.S. from losing its measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.