Measles Spreading In Chicago; Case Count Reaches 10

CHICAGO — Ten measles cases have been identified in Chicago in the last week, all but two of which were tied to a migrant shelter in the Pilsen neighborhood, authorities said in an announcement disclosing three cases Tuesday.

The cases are the city’s first in five years, and a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived Tuesday in Chicago to help curb the spread of the virus, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

“While we're seeing new cases every day, this is not like the COVID-19 outbreak. The vast majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore not at high risk,” department Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said in a news release. “But those who are unvaccinated need to take precautions and if they're exposed, quarantine immediately and connect with your healthcare provider.”

The department was investigating the cases, identifying unvaccinated people who may have come into contact with the virus and encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Agencies were working with the state Tuesday to move people from the Pilsen shelter to hotels and other shelters to create more space for quarantine. In recent days, authorities have assessed nearly all the Pilsen shelter residents, vaccinating around 900 and confirming immunity for the remainder, according to the department. Agencies also have been at the city's landing zone, providing vaccinations to people as they arrive in Chicago.

“IDPH is working to coordinate state assistance to support our local public health partners as they contend with a measles outbreak that reflects an ongoing national rise in measles this year,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the news release.

The U.S. is experiencing a resurgence of measles, and cases have been reported in 17 states so far. Measles is a highly contagious and serious respiratory infection that causes a rash and high fever and can lead to pneumonia and other complications, authorities said. It can be particularly challenging for babies and young children.