Student at Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy reported to have measles, CPS confirms

Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune
Updated ·2 min read
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Chicago Public Schools said the Chicago Public Health Department confirmed Monday that a student at Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy had developed measles. The confirmation follows several cases that emerged over the last week.

In a statement, CPS said it is working closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health to respond to any unvaccinated students and two recently reported positive measles cases involving CPS students.

“We will continue to provide resources, support and information to our entire community to ensure our valued staff and families have the appropriate information to stay safe,” a CPS spokesperson said Wednesday. “CPS provides multiple opportunities for vaccination as well as resources for community-based services and we work closely with families to help them be up-to-date on all vaccinations as it is known as one of the best tools to protect our youth from severe childhood illness.”

CPS said it has followed all standard communication protocols with Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy families and staff.

The city’s first case of measles in five years was announced Thursday. The source of that infection in the Chicago case is unknown, but officials said in a news release that the contagiousness period ended Wednesday.

On Friday, a child staying at the city’s largest shelter for asylum seekers, located on the Lower West Side, tested positive for measles. That child—not school-age—has recovered and is no longer infectious. By Sunday, a second child living at the facility for asylum seekers on Cermak Road and Halsted Street was reported to have measles, was hospitalized, and was said to be in good condition.

As more measles cases have been reported this week, the Lower West Side shelter has been placed on a 21-day quarantine. In response to the outbreak, the city launched a widespread vaccination outreach effort, including recruiting several Spanish-speaking aldermen to join the Department of Family and Support Services workers to visit local shelters to educate asylum seekers on the importance of vaccination.

A two-dose measles vaccine is among the state’s requirements for all students unless a parent or guardian submits either proof the child previously contracted measles or a religious exemption.

CPS said families that need assistance enrolling in health insurance or identifying a medical facility where they can receive comprehensive care, including routine vaccinations, can call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS.