In the early hours of Friday, migrants residing at a city-run shelter in Pilsen were abruptly awakened and informed of a measles outbreak. The doors to the shelter were locked, and residents were placed under a 10-day quarantine, with the threat of losing their place if they left, according to new arrivals who spoke to Block Club Chicago.

The Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed a case of measles in a young child at the shelter located on 2241 S. Halsted St. Thankfully, the child is now recovering and no longer contagious. As a precautionary measure, health department workers requested all shelter residents to remain inside until they could assess vaccination records and screen for symptoms within the unvaccinated population, as stated in a health department news release.

Residents who were able to provide proof of vaccination were permitted to leave the shelter starting late in the morning on Friday. However, those without vaccination records were required to stay inside the shelter and adhere to the quarantine protocols. This has raised concerns among some residents, as the shelter has previously faced criticism for poor sanitation conditions and inedible food.

The sudden announcement of the quarantine, combined with the locked doors and the arrival of police, caused panic among residents and particularly frightened new arrivals who were unsure about the situation and how they could prove their vaccination status. Representatives from the health department have not yet responded to questions posed by Block Club regarding the incident, promising to release further information on Friday.

Alejandra, a shelter resident, shared her experience of being startled awake and expressed her fears over the situation. She stated that the announcement and subsequent restrictions were distressing, to say the least. Another resident, Ruth, who also requested anonymity, echoed the sentiment and expressed concern about the large number of children present in the shelter.

City officials, accompanied by the police, arrived at around 1 a.m. and kept the shelter's doors locked until approximately 9:30 a.m., according to Alejandra. She described how residents felt trapped and uncertain about what was happening. Eventually, city officials began interviewing migrants to verify their vaccination status and to administer measles vaccinations to those who hadn't received one yet.

The handling of the early-morning outbreak communication and the vaccination clinic has sparked concerns among the residents. A volunteer familiar with the shelter reported receiving messages from worried individuals who expressed increased anxiety about their inability to leave the premises. Some residents have even voiced apprehension about receiving injections without full knowledge of the substances involved.

To support the residents and the shelter staff, city agencies have announced plans to provide masks, other protective equipment, and meals for those required to remain inside during the quarantine period, as stated by the health department. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), representing the ward encompassing the shelter, emphasized that vaccinated individuals can resume their normal activities, while unvaccinated individuals must strictly follow quarantine guidelines and be monitored for measles symptoms.

However, residents remain concerned about the quarantine conditions and the quality of meals provided at the shelter. In the past, they have had to seek alternative sources of food, as they found the shelter's meals too spicy and sickness-inducing.

The situation in the Pilsen migrant shelter continues to unfold, leaving residents worried and uncertain about their immediate future.