State agencies now quarantining Chicago migrants exposed to measles
CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — As an outbreak of measles spreads in the city of Chicago, the state has relocated many quarantined individuals into a hotel this week to control the virus.
The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Public Health have helped quarantine migrants in Chicago who have been exposed to a measles outbreak at the Pilsen neighborhood’s asylum shelter.
CDC sending team to Chicago amid measles outbreak
“All people in Illinois deserve to be treated with dignity and when a public health issue emerges, it`s the responsibility of government to keep people safe,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a news release. “We continue to deploy State resources when and where we can meeting the most emergent needs as compassionately and efficiently as possible.”
Since Monday, the state has put up almost 100 family members from 26 households who have been exposed but not tested positive for the virus in the hotel. Families will quarantine for three weeks.
The hotel is being used as a temporary quarantine shelter solely and is not open to the public. It has a capacity of up to 110 families.
The Chicago Department of Public Health reported 12 new cases of measles in the city in the past week, with 10 in connection to the Pilsen shelter. The state has had 56 measles cases since 2010.
Can you get measles as an adult? What to know amid uptick in cases
Public health officials ask for every resident to get vaccinated if they haven’t already. Two doses of the Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccine results in 99% protection from the infection.
“While the vast majority of Chicago and Cook County residents are vaccinated for measles and not at risk, we strongly support the call from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) for all unvaccinated residents to get the MMR vaccine now.” Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH’s Director, said. “Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for those who are not immunized.”
According to the Comptroller’s website, the state has spent more than $58 million on asylum seekers since November 2023.
IL Comptroller announces new website portal showing state spending on asylum seekers
IDHS has been holding large clinics to help new arrivals secure work permits with more than 4,300 migrants applying with the help from the state so far. 1,932 people have received their work permits.
The state has also worked to reunite 5,200 new arrivals with family or friends to help reduce the number of people in the shelters.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
