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Chicago health officials on Tuesday confirmed three new measles cases at the Pilsen immigrant shelter, bringing the total number of cases in the city to eight.
Of the eight cases, one was unrelated to new arrivals, and the remaining seven were found inside the Pilsen evacuation center.
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,” said CDPH Secretary. 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.
Chicago health officials say the United States is experiencing a measles “resurgence” with confirmed cases in 17 different states during the current outbreak.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is assisting Chicago health officials with the response.
“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 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.
