(WAND) — The first measles case of 2026 in Illinois was confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Tuesday.
According to the IDPH, the case was in an adult living in the Metro East area who had recently returned from out-of-state travel. The Metro East area is near St. Louis.
The organization said it is working to investigate possible locations where others may have been exposed to the disease. The IDPH identified Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville as an exposure location. Officials said anyone who attended church on February 8 between 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. was potentially exposed to measles.
"This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2026 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "With almost a thousand cases in the US so far this year, the IDPH team has been preparing, working closely with local public health and health care partners on strategies to reduce spread and minimize outbreaks."
While this is the first confirmed case of measles in Illinois this year, the IDPH said measles has been on the rise around the country, surging in 2025 to the highest level in decades. Illinois saw a total of 14 cases statewide in 2025.
More information on measles and how to stay safe from the disease can be found on the IDPH website.
