The Cook County Health Department is warning patients about possible measles exposure within the facility.
The Cook County Health Department announced Monday that the infections are linked to two of the five confirmed measles cases reported by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
The exposures occurred at two different facilities, according to the release.
“On February 27, a patient presented to the Stroger Hospital Emergency Department complaining of measles-like symptoms,” the statement said. “The patient's PCR test was positive on March 5. The patient was admitted to the hospital on February 27 under appropriate isolation and airborne precautions.”
“On March 7, a second patient who visited CCH's Arlington Heights Health Center and CCH's Professional Building later tested positive for measles,” the announcement continued.
Cook County Health Department officials are asking anyone who was in the Stroger Hospital Emergency Department or CCH's Arlington Heights Health Center during the above infection timeline to contact CDPH at 312-743-7216. There is.
More information: Measles vaccine data: Explore Illinois school immunization rates
A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will visit Chicago on Tuesday to help the city respond to measles cases following a rise in cases of the highly contagious virus, the federal agency said.
“CDC continues to recommend safe and effective MMR vaccination as part of the routine immunization schedule for all children and adults, with special guidance against international travel,” the statement continued.
The Chicago Department of Public Health announced two more cases on Monday, bringing the total number of reported cases to five. Both cases were reported by adults staying at migrant shelters in the city's Pilsen district.
According to CDPH, both men are in stable condition.
Four of the city's five cases are linked to evacuation centers.
The first case at the shelter was reported Friday and involved a child. This weekend, health officials confirmed that another child at the facility was hospitalized with the illness but is in good condition.
On Monday, CDPH officials confirmed the city's first measles outbreak in five years. The virus was detected in a Chicago resident who was not associated with an immigrant shelter. As of Monday, the person is no longer contagious and is recuperating at his home.
While health officials note that most Chicagoans have been routinely vaccinated during childhood, they urge all unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated to reduce their risk of getting sick. .
To reduce the spread of infection at the Pilsen evacuation center, CDPH vaccinated more than 900 evacuation residents against measles, mumps, and rubella. Officials said more than 700 shelter residents were allowed into the facility after testing showed they were already immune from previous vaccinations or infectious diseases.
Those who received the vaccine were required to remain in the shelter for 21 days from the date of vaccination to develop immunity.
According to the CDC, measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. The distinctive rash associated with measles usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear.
Children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to serious complications from measles infection, as are those with weakened immune systems.
Measles cases can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
The first dose of MMR vaccine is recommended at 12 months of age, and the second dose is recommended between 4 and 6 years of age. But if you haven't gotten it yet, it's not too late. Adults who are unsure whether they have been vaccinated should contact their health care provider.
