Prairie State Wire

With reports of measles in over 20 jurisdictions across the United States, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched a new data dashboard to help school officials and the public gauge the potential severity of measles outbreaks should they occur in Illinois. The Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard allows users to check the measles vaccination rate in any Illinois school, both public and private, and assess the risk of exposure to measles if a case emerges.

Illinois has had no measles cases since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024, and there are currently no active investigations in the state. However, IDPH is monitoring an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, consisting of more than 530 confirmed cases, including three fatalities, two of which were children.

“IDPH continues to work closely with our local public health and health care partners as we prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois,” stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "The Department is building on the lessons we learned from our successful measles response in 2024 by ensuring that our residents have access to meaningful information to guide their decision-making. Our new dashboard provides the public with the ability to review the measles vaccination rates in their child’s school and its risk for an outbreak. Two doses of measles vaccines are 97% effective in preventing measles. I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.”

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders also commented, “Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect the health of our students. We are grateful to IDPH for equipping school leaders, parents, and the public with clear, actionable data to assess measles risk and plan proactively. I encourage every school administrator to explore this resource to support families in staying informed and up to date on vaccinations.”

The dashboard, utilizing 2023-2024 school vaccination and enrollment data, offers predictions, projections, and estimates regarding the potential size and spread of a measles outbreak within individual Illinois schools from Pre-K through 12th grade. Updates will incorporate data from the 2024-25 school year once it becomes available.

School administrators and staff are urged to use this tool to aid in the prevention and control of measles outbreaks. The development of this simulator was inspired by the epiEngage Measles Outbreak Simulator from the University of Texas, Austin.

Most residents of Illinois have received the childhood measles vaccine, providing them strong, long-lasting protection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single dose of the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling.

The IDPH emphasizes the importance of keeping up to date with immunizations, noting that vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the risk of outbreak. By ensuring families are vaccinated, individuals can protect themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.