Why Chicago's confirmed measles case is especially concerning

Chicago reported its first measles case — and the second confirmed in Cook County — May 19, reports the Chicago Tribune. The confirmed cases come less than two weeks after a study identified the county as most vulnerable for experiencing a measles outbreak.

Four things to know:

1. The infection marks the eighth measles case in Illinois this year.

2. The confirmed case occurred in an international traveler who visited several countries experiencing measles outbreaks, according to Elena Ivanova, a spokesperson for the city of Chicago.

3. Researchers identified Cook County as most at risk for a measles outbreak of all U.S. counties based on four factors: population, nonmedical vaccine exemption rates, international air travel volume, and measles incidence in the countries travelers are visiting.

4. As of May 17, the CDC reported 880 measles cases in 24 states.

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