CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A second case of measles has been confirmed at a migrant shelter in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, according to an announcement from the city’s Department of Public Health.
Earlier this month, measles was detected in a young child who was staying at the same shelter. In its announcement on Sunday, health officials said the new measles case was identified in another young child.
Officials said the first child has recovered and is no longer infectious. The second child has been hospitalized and is in good condition.
No details were shared about how the children were exposed to the disease. An investigation is currently underway to figure out who may have come into contact with the children while they were infectious.
Local health teams have been on site throughout the weekend at the Pilsen shelter in order to screen all residents for symptoms and their vaccination status. They have been administering vaccinations as needed, officials said.
An unrelated measles case in Chicago was reported Thursday. That individual is recovering well at home, and health officials said no link was identified between that case and a measles case in an Indiana resident who visited Chicago in February. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said lower vaccination coverage has led to higher numbers of measles cases.
CDPH officials said the department had “doubled down on its message that new arrivals and all Chicagoans need to be vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.”
“The majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk, but we are strongly urging those who aren’t vaccinated to do so as soon as possible — new arrivals and all Chicagoans,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo Ige. “It is by far the best protection against measles, which for the first time in years is in our city.”
Ige said he expects to see more measles cases due to how contagious the disease is. He added that anyone who isn’t vaccinated and is exposed to measles should “immediately quarantine and call a health provider.”
Measles is a respiratory infection that causes a rash and high fever, and it can lead to a number of health complications, including pneumonia.
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