Five cases of measles have been confirmed in Chicago, marking the first cases of the highly contagious virus in the city since 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to the outbreak by sending a team to Chicago, with an expected arrival on Tuesday.
Among the five confirmed cases, two were found in adults at a new arrivals shelter in Pilsen. In response, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been urging all residents, particularly those at the shelter, to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves and their communities.
To combat the spread of measles, the CDPH successfully administered over 900 measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to shelter residents. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine and adults who are not immune are eligible to receive one dose.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but sporadic outbreaks have occurred in pockets of unvaccinated or undervaccinated communities. As of March 7, 2024, a total of 45 measles cases have been reported in 16 states, including Illinois.
The recent outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of preventable diseases. The CDC team’s swift response in Chicago highlights the efforts being made to contain and control the spread of measles in the city and beyond.
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