Feb. 18--The 14th case of measles has turned up in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health said Tuesday.
The most recent case is an infant who attended KinderCare Learning Center in Palatine, where the outbreak has been centered, a department spokeswoman said.
The outbreak of measles began in late January, when a suburban Cook County adult became ill.
Measles is a respiratory disease that can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, death. The virus is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing and can remain alive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
Last week, five children who attend KinderCare in Palatine and contracted the disease were allowed to return to the day care center after officials determined they were no longer contagious.
In reaction to the Palatine cases, KinderCare, the national chain that oversees the north suburban day care center, said earlier this month it is requiring all staff working with children younger than 15 months to be vaccinated, according to a letter addressed to families.
mmrodriguez@tribpub.com
