The measles outbreak in the Windy City has ramped up with the Chicago Department of Public Health confirming three additional cases this Tuesday, bringing the total to eight in just one week. Amid efforts to contain the spread, a specialized team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has touched down in Chicago to offer their expertise.

These new cases have been linked to a shelter in Pilsen housing new arrivals in the city, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Public health officials are working on a city-wide campaign to vaccinate individuals and are investigating the spread through contact tracing, paying particular attention to, those unvaccinated. CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo "Simbo" Ige in a statement emphasized that while the outbreak is concerning, "the vast majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore not at high risk," but she urged all unvaccinated persons to "quarantine immediately and connect with your healthcare provider" if exposed.

In response to the emergency, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) have been busy coordinating with state officials to relocate residents from the Pilsen shelter to hotels and other shelters to facilitate quarantine measures. Meanwhile, the CDC's arrival is set to enhance monitoring protocols and assist in the expansive vaccination efforts ongoing across the new arrival shelters.

With nearly 900 vaccinations administered at the Pilsen shelter, and the remaining residents assessed for immunity, City agencies are now taking the battle against measles to other shelters. The CDPH, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and various community partners, is rolling out vaccines to every corner of the City. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra warned in a statement of an "ongoing national rise in measles this year," and strongly recommended immediate vaccination for all unvaccinated residents.

As the United States grapples with a measles resurgence reporting cases across 17 states, the City of Chicago is doubling down on its preventative measures. Local health clinics are providing no-cost MMR vaccinations for uninsured adults and children, while all new arrivals at the City's Landing Zone are screened and, if necessary, vaccinated upon entry. Measles, despite being preventable, can lead to severe complications, particularly in babies and young children.

Chicagoans are urged to verify their vaccination status and those who need to get vaccinated against measles can do so at local clinics, pharmacies, or by using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.