The Illinois Department of Public Health reported the first measles case in the state this year in southern Illinois.

The case was confirmed in an adult through lab testing Wednesday, the department said. It is the only case in Illinois the IDPH are aware of and the risk of community transmission for the general public in the state remains low.

“This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2025 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 hundreds of cases being reported nationally, we have been working closely with our local public health and health care partners to prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois.”

Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against measles — including infants — are of most concern, officials said.

“Anyone exposed and not immune to measles should stay alert for any signs and symptoms of measles such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and notify their local health department if they become symptomatic,” the department said in a press release.

Symptoms can take from one to three weeks to to appear after exposure to someone with measles, according to health officials.

As part of the department’s preparations for potential cases of measles, the IDPH recently unveiled a new data dashboard to help school officials and members of the public assess the potential severity of any school outbreaks of measles, if one were to happen in Illinois.

For more information about measles, contact your health care provider, or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health webpage on measles or the CDC’s measles site .