Measles Exposure Reported at Chicago's O'Hare Airport

Officials warn of potential measles spread at airport, grocery store, and medical clinic

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:34pm

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The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has issued a warning about possible measles exposure at several locations in the Chicago area, including O'Hare International Airport, a grocery store, and a medical clinic. The department says individuals may have been exposed to measles if they were in specific areas of these locations on certain dates in late March.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. This warning highlights the ongoing challenges public health officials face in containing measles outbreaks, which have seen a resurgence in recent years due to declining vaccination rates in some communities.

The details

According to the CCDPH, the individual with measles visited Terminal 5 at O'Hare Airport between 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on March 24. The person also went to Fresh Farms grocery store in Niles, Illinois between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 26, and then to the Marshalls store on the same block between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. that day. The infected individual also visited the Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center in Mt. Prospect, Illinois on March 27.

  • On March 24, the infected individual was at O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 between 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. CST.
  • On March 26, the infected individual was at Fresh Farms grocery store in Niles, Illinois between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. CST, and then at the Marshalls store on the same block between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. CST.
  • On March 27, the infected individual visited the Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

The players

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH)

The public health department for Cook County, Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

One of the busiest airports in the United States, located in Chicago.

Fresh Farms

A grocery store located in Niles, Illinois.

Marshalls

A retail store located in Niles, Illinois, near the Fresh Farms grocery store.

Endeavor Health Immediate Care Center

A medical clinic located in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

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What’s next

The CCDPH is urging anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus at these locations to contact their healthcare provider, especially if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash. Unvaccinated individuals in Cook County can schedule a vaccination appointment with a county health clinic.

The takeaway

This measles exposure warning highlights the ongoing public health challenges in containing the spread of this highly contagious disease, especially in densely populated areas like airports and grocery stores. It underscores the importance of vaccination and vigilance in responding quickly to potential outbreaks.