The measles virus/WJEZ file photo

By Todd Wineburner

Public health officials in Livingston County say the measles hasn't been reported in the county or the surrounding area. Concerns began to emerge when a measles outbreak made headlines after affecting children who'd visited Disneyland. Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health added a headline of its own by announcing several cases reported in Palatine and other parts of the Chicagoland area.

Livingston County Public Health Department Health Educator Linda Rhodes says reports of the measles catch the attention of health professionals because the disease is exceptionally contagious. "It's a respiratory disease," Rhodes says, "so anytime someone is coughing sneezing, they're putting the virus out there." Rhodes adds that the virus is capable of living outside of a host for up to 2 hours, and it remains largely airborne, so treating surfaces with antiseptics isn't a complete solution to eliminating the risk.

Jackie Dever is the head of nursing at the LCPHD. She says the key to controlling the disease is immunization. "We just need to get back to being diligent about getting the vaccines," Dever says, "and not being so lackadaisacal that (we say) 'we don't see this anymore so it's not important.' It's extremely important."

The M-M-R vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella and is available at the Livingston County Public Health Department. More information and appointments are available at 844-7174. You can hear more with Linda Rhodes and Jackie Dever on our pocasts page. Just click HERE.