First Confirmed Case of Measles Identified in DeKalb County Illinois

March 12, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First Confirmed Case of Measles Identified in DeKalb County Illinois

The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed the first case of measles in DeKalb County in 2026. The case was confirmed through laboratory testing. To protect patient privacy, no other personal information will be shared. DCHD staff are investigating the case and contacting people who may have been exposed.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it can be prevented with vaccination,” said Stacia Runge, Director of Community Health and Prevention. “We encourage community members to check their vaccination records and make sure they are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

Possible Exposure Locations

More information will be shared if additional public exposure sites are identified. If people can be identified individually from an exposure, the health department will contact them directly.

Possible indoor exposure locations in DeKalb County, Illinois include:

  • 03/02/26: Walmart (2300 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb, IL.) from 2:30 pm – 4:45pm
  • 03/09/26: Post Office (600 E. Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL.) from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Most people receive the measles vaccine during childhood and are protected from the disease. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The MMR vaccine requires two doses to be considered fully vaccinated.

People who are most at risk include those who have not been vaccinated, including infants who are too young to receive the vaccine, and people who cannot be vaccinated due to certain health conditions.

Anyone who may have been exposed and is not fully vaccinated should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure. Symptoms of measles may include:

  • Rash
  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

If you have been exposed, develop a rash, and another one of these symptoms, contact the health department. Call or email your healthcare provider BEFORE visiting a clinic or hospital so staff can take steps to prevent the illness from spreading to others.

The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. DCHD encourages everyone to make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations.

To schedule an appointment for the MMR vaccine or to ask questions, call the DeKalb County Health Department at 815-748-2467. You can also visit the IDPH website https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/measles.html for more information.

To learn more about services offered by the DeKalb County Health Department, visit health.dekalbcounty.org  or follow us on social media.

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