3 more measles cases confirmed at Chicago migrant shelter
CHICAGO — Three more cases of measles have been confirmed at a migrant shelter in Pilsen, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said Tuesday.
Eight infections have been confirmed across the city in the last week, with seven of the cases confirmed in individuals staying at the shelter.
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The CDPH said it is conducting investigations into the cases to identify any unvaccinated individuals who may have come into contact with those who were infected.
“While we’re seeing new cases every day, this is not like the COVID-19 outbreak. The vast majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore not at high risk,” CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD, MPH said on Tuesday. “But those who are unvaccinated need to take precautions and if they’re exposed, quarantine immediately and connect with your healthcare provider. Above all else, get vaccinated so you, too, can be protected from this virus.”
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The new cases come as local and federal agencies work to contain the recent reash of infections.
On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it would be sending a team to Chicago to help support health officials in their fight against the highly contagious disease.
According to city officials, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are working with the state to relocate residents at the Pilsen shelter to create more quarantine space.
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Over the weekend, the CDPH evaluated and immunized 900 shelter residents against MMR and confirmed immunity for the remainder of the residents.
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.
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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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