Public health officials in central Illinois have confirmed a case of the measles.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District confirmed Thursday afternoon that a resident has been put in isolation after being diagnosed with the highly-contagious disease. Public administrator Julie Pryde said the symptoms can seem like the onset of flu, with the exception of the trademark rash.

“It spreads through the air when a person coughs or sneezes,” she said. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

If you suspect you or another has measles, don’t go to a hospital because that could spread the infection.
Instead, Pryde says to call your primary care provider.

“They need to not go directly to the doctor but call ahead of time to make arrangements,” she said.

Measles can cause serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.

The department has a list of locations and times where the person had been since Jan. 12.

94.1 WGFA