Second case of measles confirmed at Pilsen migrant shelter
CHICAGO — The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating it’s third measles case, two of which have been confirmed at the Pilsen migrant shelter on North Halstead.
According to CDPH, there has been an increase in measles cases worldwide in recent months due to lower vaccination coverage.
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can cause a rash and high fever. It can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
Most chicagoans are vaccinated against measles, but the CDPH is now reiterating the importance of getting that shot, while also working to determine who might have been exposed.
Child with measles is second confirmed case in city since 2019: CDPH
The two cases at the shelter are among young children, CDPH said. The first child who was infected has since recovered and the second child is hospitalized in good condition.
The Chicago Department of Public Health is reiterating the importance of getting vaccinated and working with its partners at the migrant shelter to screen residents for symptoms and get them vaccinated.
Those partners include Cook County Health, RUSH University Medical Center, University of Illinois – Chicago and a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It is so hard to contain some things and its through no ones fault,” Jaime Groth Searle, founder of the Southwest Collective, said. “We don’t want to attach stigmas. It’s the situation they’re in, unfortunately.”
Dr. Olsimbo Ige, the commissioner of the CDPH, said more cases are anticipated because of how contagious the virus is.
Those who have been exposed to someone who has measles should quarantine and call a health provider.
Residents at the Pilsen shelter who have been previously vaccinated are able to come and go from the shelter. Those who have not been vaccinated or were vaccinated in recent days will need to quarantine for 21 days.
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“We have advised all unvaccinated and newly vaccinated residents of the quarantine period but some of those residents have left the shelter, and I want to acknowledge that,” Ige said. “That is why we so strongly advise the unvaccinated to get the vaccine and to immediately quarantine if you have had contact with anyone with measles.”
The Department of Family and Support Services has secured more meal services for those who have to quarantine at the shelter.
More than 1,800 people are staying in the shelter.
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“It is imperative to the residents and Chicago residents at large to get the MMR vaccine. Residents of the 2241 S Halsted shelter who were vaccinated after Feb. 8th are strongly encouraged to remain in quarantine at the shelter for 21 days. CDPH along with medical groups have been on-sight, around the clock, to provide and encourage vaccination against measles to all residents. CDPH is working with medical teams to vaccinate the remaining 13% of residents that have not presented proof of vaccination,” Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) said in a statment on Sunday afternoon.
More information about the measles virus and vaccinations can be viewed online from the CDPH.
Last week, a Chicagoan was diagnosed with measles for the first time since 2019.
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