Chicago is facing increasing health concerns as a second child from a Pilsen-area migrant shelter has been diagnosed with measles. The affected minor, who had been attending a Chicago Public School (CPS), represents the third case of measles within the city since last Thursday, the city's health officials announced Sunday.
As the situation escalates, a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is being dispatched to Chicago to aid in the response. According to a report obtained by ABC7 Chicago, the diagnosed child is currently in the hospital and is described as being in good condition. The first child, whose case was confirmed on Friday, has recovered and is no longer infectious. Meanwhile, health officials have initiated an investigation to trace potential contacts exposed to the virus.
In light of the emergence of measles, the Chicago Public Schools sent out a cautionary notice to its staff and families. "As we let you know on Friday, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) learned Thursday, March 7, 2024 that a young child, not of school age, at a newcomer shelter was diagnosed with measles," CPS CEO Pedro Martinez communicated in part of the message to CPS families. To prevent the spread of the virus, CPS advised that children from the affected shelter should not attend school on Friday and will continue to not do so on Monday, March 11.
Despite recommendations for exposed residents to quarantine for 21 days, particularly those unvaccinated or recently vaccinated, there are reports of some individuals leaving the shelter, potentially risking further transmission. Dr. Olusimbo 'Simbo' Ige, the CDPH Commissioner, expressed concern about the disease's highly contagious nature, "Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases," Ige said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune.
Local officials are scrambling to get ahead of a potential outbreak. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, from the 25th Ward, highlighted during a recent meeting with shelter residents that "CDPH is working with medical teams to vaccinate the remaining 13% of residents that have not presented proof of vaccination," as reported by ABC7 Chicago. In the Pilsen migrant shelter alone, there are approximately 1,876 individuals housed, including 95 toddlers aged between one and two years old.
Former Chicago Assistant Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Ehrman, along with other health authorities, has indicated vaccine hesitancy as a significant concern, particularly as measles cases in the U.S. rise. This year already records 41 cases nationally, compared to last year's total of 58. The CDC urges children to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose typically administered between 12 to 15 months and the second dose between ages 4 and 6, while adults may receive one dose if not already immune.
