15 cases of measles reported so far in Chicago in 2024

Andrew Smith
·3 min read
2

CHICAGO — At least 15 cases of measles have been reported so far in 2024 in Chicago, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

According to information from the department, two new cases were reported on Monday.

Measles outbreaks: Is the vaccine good for life or do you need a booster?

More than half of the cases reported are in kids ages 4 years old or younger, according to the data. Five of the cases are in adults 18-49 years old, one person is 5-17 years old and one person is older than 50 years old.

Exposures have been reported on several CTA buses, two health buildings and two schools, according to CDPH.

CDPH has information posted on its website about the latest measles infections, exposure locations and more.

Infection timeline 

First infection – March 7 

On Thursday, March 7, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported the first measles case in a Chicago resident since 2019.

Officials said the infected resident had not recently traveled outside of Chicago but had reportedly interacted with domestic and international travelers.

The CDPH offered a warning about potential exposure to individuals who may have been at the following locations on Tuesday, Feb. 27,

  • Swedish Hospital, Galter Medical Pavilion at 5140 North California Avenue in Chicago between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

  • CTA Bus #92 (Foster) between 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Second infection – March 8

On Friday, March 8, the CDPH confirmed a measles case in a resident staying at the Pilsen migrant shelter.

The infected individual was identified as a young child who has already recovered and is no longer infectious.

Third infection – March 10

A third infection was confirmed in another resident staying at the Pilsen migrant shelter on Sunday, March 10.

The second case was also confirmed in a young child, who was admitted to the hospital in good condition on Sunday.

Fourth & fifth Infections – March 11

On Monday the CDPH said two more cases had been confirmed at the Pilsen migrant shelter.

Both cases were confirmed in adults and as of Monday, both individuals were in stable condition.

Sixth, Seventh & eighth infections – March 12

The total number of Chicagoans who have contracted measles climbed to eight on Tuesday after the CDPH confirmed three more cases at the migrant shelter in Pilsen.

City officials did not confirm the ages of those infected.

Gabriel Castillo contributed to this report.

Am I protected against measles?

Measles, which is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, can spread easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Many in the United States are already protected.

Cook County Health warns of possible measles exposures at these 3 locations

The CDC said the measles vaccine, which has been used for over 50 years, is considered to be very effective. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus, and one dose is about 93% effective.

According to the CDC, 45 measles cases have been reported across the United States since January 1. In 2023 a total of 58 cases were reported across the U.S.

Those who received the vaccine are usually fully protected for life after about two or three weeks, according to the CDC.

While the vaccine has historically proven to be highly effective, the CDC said about three out of 100 who get the vaccine will still have measles if exposed.

For more information on how to get vaccinated, call Cook County Health at 833-308-1988.

Gabriel Castillo contributed to this report

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