Chicago health officials confirmed two additional measles cases, both of which originated from the Pilsen immigrant shelter. The latest update brings the total number of infected people in the city to 12.
According to CDPH, 10 of the 12 cases are from the Pilsen migrant shelter, and the confirmed cases are divided into six adults and six children.
The Chicago cases come amid a national resurgence of measles, with cases now confirmed in 17 different states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Gov. J.B. Pritzker earlier this week directed the agency, along with the Illinois Department of Health and the Illinois Office of Emergency Management, to assist Chicago and Cook County officials in containing the spread of the virus.
“IDPH is committed to coordinating state assistance to support local public health partners in combating measles outbreaks, reflecting the continued rise in measles cases across the country this year.” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Bohra. “Although the majority of Chicago and Cook County residents have been vaccinated against measles and are not at risk, all unvaccinated residents should be vaccinated against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR). We strongly support the Chicago Department of Public Health's call to get vaccinated now. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for those who are not vaccinated. there is.”
The case is currently in Chicago, but Dr. Lamar Hasbrouck, chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, said health officials are currently tracking about 100 people who may have been exposed to the virus. said.
In addition to assisting Chicago health officials with isolation and isolation solutions, Illinois health officials are also providing infection control assessments, medical evaluations, and testing assistance at isolation facilities.
The new cases occurred as a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived at the Pilsen evacuation center on Tuesday to help curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.
Health officials said an investigation is underway to determine whether the person came into contact with an unvaccinated infected person while they were contagious.
“While we are seeing new cases every day, this is not the same as a COVID-19 outbreak. The majority of Chicagoans have been vaccinated against measles, so they are not at high risk,” CDPH Director said. said Dr. Olusimbo Simbo Ige. “However, unvaccinated people should take precautions and immediately isolate and contact their health care provider if they become infected. Above all, get vaccinated so you too can be protected from this virus.” Let's.”
Health officials are encouraging all new arrivals and all previously unvaccinated Chicago residents to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Officials said about 900 residents in the Pilsen shelter have been vaccinated in recent days, and other residents have been found to be immune, meaning they were previously vaccinated or infected. It turns out.
The MMR vaccine is available at most clinics, health care provider offices, and pharmacies. Under Illinois law, children 6 months and older can receive vaccinations, but children 7 years and older can also receive their MMR vaccination at a pharmacy.
The first dose of MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 months of age, and the second dose is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age.
Adults who are unsure whether they have received the measles vaccination should contact their health care provider. For more information about measles and how to protect yourself, visit the CDC's website.
