By AJ Perna

Two cases of measles have been reported in Kane County as of Sept. 9. The first case was an unvaccinated student who attends Kaneland High School in Maple Park, Ill. The second case was a vaccinated individual who came into contact with the first case. Kaneland High School closed down for a full day to contact trace students and faculty.

The Kaneland School District is fully cooperating with the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) who is closely monitoring these cases. The KCHD set up a measles testing site located in the parking lot of their office at 1240 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora. Anyone who believes they have come into contact with either case is recommended to get tested as soon as possible.

“The primary way to keep yourself safe from the disease is to have received the vaccine,” said Deborah Franzone, the district school nurse when asked how you can protect yourself from the disease. “Most people will typically receive the first dose between 12-15 months of age. A second dose will then be given at 4-6 years, usually before you start school.”

A staff-wide email was sent out on Sept. 17 by the head of HR at BPS101, stating for all staff to find their immunization records in case of possible future contact tracing, although there is little to be worried about, according to Batavia High School administration. 

“The Kane County Health Department gets very involved with cases like these,” said Dr. Joanne Smith, the BHS principal when asked about concern with the two existing cases. “If there was any concern with contact with that student, the Health Department would have taken the case over.”