SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — State health officials have confirmed Illinois’ first case of measles in 2026, involving an adult in the Metro East area who recently traveled out of state.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that it is working with local, state and federal partners to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed while the person was infectious.

So far, one Illinois exposure site has been identified: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. Individuals who attended services on Feb. 8 between 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. may have been exposed. Church officials have notified congregants and provided guidance, and local health departments are directly contacting people who can be individually identified. Additional exposure sites have been identified in other states.

Health officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra urged residents to ensure they and their family members are up to date on immunizations, noting that measles cases have surged nationally in recent years. Illinois recorded 14 cases in 2025.

Measles symptoms can develop seven to 21 days after exposure and include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact a health care provider by phone before seeking in-person care to help prevent further spread.