As of May 13, 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) has reported eight measles cases in Illinois this year.
Given the uptick of measles in our region, we want to provide you with information to:
- Increase awareness of the disease;
- Help with disease recognition and reporting;
- Emphasize the importance of prevention through vaccination;
- Help control and prevent the spread of measles in our community.
It is very important that children and adults are up to date on their immunizations. If you or anyone in your family is not vaccinated against measles, we recommend you contact your physician, local pharmacy, or the DeKalb County Health Department for immunization information and resources.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms begin with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, followed by a rash that spreads throughout the body. The measles virus can remain infectious for up to 2 hours in the air and on surfaces after an infected person leaves a location.
Every student enrolling in the District must present proof of immunity against measles within one year prior to entering (1) early childhood programs, Head Start, preschool, or pre-kindergarten; (2) kindergarten or first grade; (3) sixth grade; and (4) ninth grade, unless the student is granted a religious or medical exemption from immunization.
We strongly advise all families to review the following resources:
In the event of a confirmed measles case in our District, we will follow all state-mandated procedures and IDPH guidance. As required by the Illinois Administrative Code, individuals six months or older who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine will be excluded from school and school-related activities for 21 days following their last known exposure, unless they receive a measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure. All individuals who have a confirmed case of measles or are suspected of having measles must isolate themselves at home and will be excluded from school and school-related activities for at least four days after appearance of the rash. This is true regardless of immunization-exempt status.
We are actively reviewing our preparedness procedures and collaborating with the DeKalb County Health Department to ensure we are prepared to respond effectively should a case be identified in our district.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in safeguarding the health and well-being of our school community.