😷 MORE MEASLES EXPOSURES REPORTED AT CHICAGO UNION STATION

📍CHICAGO — If you recently traveled through Union Station, Chicago health officials say you may want to check the calendar.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is warning commuters about three additional potential measles exposure periods at Union Station after two people with confirmed cases traveled through the busy downtown transportation hub.

And yes, this comes after officials had already warned about another measles exposure connected to Union Station in August.

At this point, Union Station needs more than train schedules posted.

We need the “WHO HAD MEASLES AND WHEN WERE THEY HERE?” schedule too.

SMH.

🚨 HERE ARE THE NEW EXPOSURE WINDOWS:

Health officials say people may have been exposed at Union Station, 255 S. Canal Street, during these periods:

Thursday, September 1010:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 128:45 p.m. to midnight

Sunday, September 131:40 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The warning involves two confirmed measles cases involving people who traveled through the station.

An earlier confirmed case also prompted an alert for possible exposure at Union Station during August 27 after 8 p.m. and August 28.

So if you've been moving through Union Station lately, don't panic.

But don't ignore this either.

😷 WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?

Measles symptoms can include:

• High fever• Cough• Runny nose• Red or watery eyes• A rash that can spread across the body

And here's the tricky part:

Symptoms don't necessarily show up immediately.

Health officials say they can appear seven to 21 days after exposure.

That means somebody could feel perfectly fine for days before symptoms develop.

⚠️ DON'T JUST WALK INTO A DOCTOR'S OFFICE

If you were potentially exposed and begin developing symptoms, health officials recommend calling your healthcare provider before showing up in person.

Why?

Because measles is extremely contagious.

Walking into a crowded waiting room while potentially infectious could expose babies, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and others who may be especially vulnerable.

So CALL FIRST.

Let the medical professionals tell you where to go and what precautions to take.

💉 WHAT ABOUT THE VACCINE?

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, remains the primary protection against measles.

Chicago residents can receive MMR vaccination through Chicago Department of Public Health immunization clinics, including free vaccination services offered by the city.

People who aren't sure whether they're vaccinated should check their medical records or speak with a healthcare provider.

And Chicago...

We are not doing the Facebook School of Medicine today.

Please don't diagnose yourself because somebody's cousin posted a screenshot that somebody else's auntie shared from a TikTok.

If you were at Union Station during one of these exposure periods and you're concerned, contact an actual healthcare professional.

Because trains aren't the only thing traveling through Union Station apparently.

😐

Stay informed.

Pay attention to symptoms.

And if you think you've been exposed, CALL before seeking in-person medical care.

Chicago is Home. The World Is Welcome.

It Hits Different. Every Time. BOOM!