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October 11, 2026 – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging residents to check their measles vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed as measles cases increase across the country.
IDPH reports 23 confirmed measles cases in Illinois so far in 2026, including 16 connected to an outbreak in Douglas and Moultrie counties. The agency says the overall risk to Illinois residents remains very low.
Health officials say the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air or through direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions. People who believe they have been exposed should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately, as preventive treatment may be available.
IDPH is also maintaining a list of potential measles exposure locations and has been working with local health departments to increase vaccination opportunities in communities affected by the outbreak.
More information is available through IDPH’s measles information page.
