52 measles cases reported in Chicagoland as city battles ongoing outbreak
CHICAGO — Case numbers continue to climb in Chicago as the city battles a measles outbreak that has infected dozens since the start of the year.
Newly updated case numbers from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Friday brought the total number of cases in the city to 52, with 23 new cases confirmed since last Friday.
City officials say 31 of the cases have been in children below the age of 5.
The largest spikes in cases came on March 21, when 12 cases were reported, and on March 24, when 13 more were confirmed.
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As the number of cases continues to climb, the city continues taking steps to try and mitigate the outbreak.
On Monday, the city announced changes to its vaccine policy that would require some children to get a second dose of the measles vaccine, due to the increase in cases among kids at the Halsted new arrivals shelter.
“There are thousands of people in Chicago, especially children, that are not up to date with the MMR vaccine. We encourage everyone to ensure their children are vaccinated, especially so if they are traveling, and also ensure that children are vaccinated when returning to school after spring break,” CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige said in an update on Friday.
According to the CDPH, most of the confirmed cases have been found in the Pilsen new arrivals shelter on Halsted Street.
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“New arrivals didn’t bring measles to Chicago, it was circulating here and they are vulnerable to it because many come from countries where they didn’t receive the vaccinations we in the United States do, and they’re living in congregate settings where it can spread more easily,” Ige said.
As of Friday, city officials say about 5,000 migrants have received measles vaccines since the first case was identified, and vaccinations will continue.
Measles cases have also been confirmed in Lake County and Will County.
The recent rise in cases marks the first time in nearly a decade that the State of Illinois has seen the total number of Measelas cases reach double digits.
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In an effort to combat the spread, city officials have identified several locations where exposures could have been possible.
The CDPH has identified the following locations where people may have been at risk for measles exposure:
Exposure locations:
Swedish Hospital Galter Medical Pavilion in Lincoln Square on Tuesday, Feb. 27, between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Cook County Health Professional Building on the Near West Side on Thursday, March 7, between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Iglesia Bautista Fundamental Church in East Chicago on Sunday, March 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Bedford Park Walmart Supercenter in the 7000 block of South Cicero Avenue on Friday, March 22, between 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Public transit exposure locations:
CTA Bus #92 on Tuesday, Feb. 27, between 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
CTA Bus #8 on Monday, March 4, between 7:40 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and 4:20 p.m.
CTA Bus #8 on Tuesday, March 5, between 7:40 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 4:20 p.m.
CTA Bus #8 on Monday, March 11, between 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
CTA Orange Line on Friday, March 22, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Pace Bus # 379 on Friday, March 22, between 1:40 p.m. and 7 p.m.
School exposure locations:
Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport on Monday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 5.
Peter Cooper Elementary Dual Language Academy on the Lower West Side on Wednesday, March 6.
What do I do in the event of an exposure?
Health officials advise anyone who believes they may have been in a location that would have put them at risk of exposure to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine.
According to the CDPH, anyone who may have been exposed to measles should monitor themselves for symptoms like rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up.
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Health officials say those who develop symptoms should stay home and away from others. Symptomatic individuals should also contact a healthcare provider before the medical office or emergency department, so special arrangements can be made to protect patients and medical staff.
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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