Chicago, Illinois – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported a second case of measles in a migrant shelter in the city, marking the first instances of the disease in Chicago in five years.
The recent measles cases occurred in new migrant child arrivals. The first reported case has recovered and is no longer contagious, while the second case is currently hospitalized in stable condition. With the rise of measles cases nationwide and globally in recent months, health officials are urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against the disease.
CDPH Commissioner, Dr. Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, emphasized the importance of vaccination against measles as the best form of protection. Residents of the Pilsen shelter who are vaccinated are allowed unrestricted movement, but unvaccinated individuals or those recently vaccinated are advised to quarantine for three weeks and monitor for symptoms.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, health officials anticipate more cases in the coming days. Individuals who are not vaccinated and have been exposed to the disease are urged to quarantine immediately and seek medical assistance. The CDPH is encouraging all new arrivals and residents of Chicago to prioritize getting vaccinated in order to protect themselves and the community.
Despite the recent cases, health authorities have not identified a link between the Chicago cases and a measles case involving an Indiana resident who visited the city last month. The symptoms of measles typically include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, with an incubation period of seven to 21 days after exposure.
As the city continues to grapple with the measles outbreak, Chicago has welcomed over 36,000 migrants since their arrival in 2022, according to the city’s situational dashboard. With the ongoing risk of measles transmission, health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination and prompt action in response to potential exposure.