2 new measles cases bring Chicago’s total to 12
CHICAGO — The Chicago Department of Public Health announced Thursday evening that the city now has 12 confirmed cases of measles.
The State has moved high risk families exposed to Measles at the Pilsen migrant shelter to an undisclosed hotel to keep them safe and keep the virus from spreading.
CDPH says within the last week, six adults and six children — 10 of whom are related to the new arrivals at the city’s largest migrant shelter in Pilsen — have contacted the viral infection.
Of the 10 cases at the Pilsen site, two are reportedly Chicago Public Schools students. In a letter, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said the outbreak would not mirror the COVID-19 pandemic, as more than 90% of Chicago is vaccinated against measles. As such, the city remains at low risk.
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The news of a dozen confirmed cases comes one day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discussed the city’s plan to enforce its 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays, beginning on Saturday.
“They don’t necessarily have to remain within the structure we’re providing,” Johnson said Wednesday.
In response to the outbreak, CDPH said more than 900 people were administered the MMR vaccine since last weekend. Those who have been exposed or vaccinated must quarantine in the shelter for 21 days, the amount of time it takes for symptoms to show up and for immunity to kick in.
“Those who are immune have a card to say, ‘I’m immune, and I can go in and out,’” Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige said on March 13. “Those who are not immune have cards to say, ‘Quarantine.’”
In an update Thursday, Ige urged the importance and effectiveness of all vaccines, including MMR.
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“I can’t stress this enough: vaccination, vaccination, vaccination. Vaccination is our shield against preventable diseases like measles, COVID-19, rubella, varicella, and flu,” Ige said. “I urge all Chicagoans, whether new arrivals or not, to get vaccinated. If you and your children are vaccinated, you are not at high risk. But if not, please take action now to protect yourselves and your community.”
The MMR vaccine is available at most doctor’s offices and pharmacies. For more information on measles please visit CDPH’s website.
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