Test results show two potential measles cases reported over the weekend in the Bloomington-Normal area actually were not instances of the highly infectious malady.
OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center says tests for the rubeola virus on the mother and daughter who had a rash were negative. The two went to OSF Promptcare on Fort Jesse Road in Normal on Sunday, and healthcare workers there shut down part of the facility until it could be decontaminated. OSF says it cannot say what illness caused the rash that presented similar enough symptoms to prompt a measles inquiry.
Lisa Slater of the McLean County Health Department said testing will be done to determine whether the initial assessment is correct. She says the agency will conduct interviews as well about where the two people have been.
"We'll want to know, were they in an area where there is active measles? Were they up in the Chicago area where there are cases? Were they on vacation somewhere? Those are all pieces that are pretty critical to trying to determine their level of risk."
Slater says measles is highly contagious from airborne droplets or contact with surfaces that have those droplets deposited on them.
"Patients are considered to be contagious about four days before and four days after the rash appears."
Slater says they will consult with the Illinois Department of Public Health about potential next steps.
There are 15 confirmed cases of measles in Illinois this year. All were in Cook County. The outbreak cost the county $150,000.