In a concerning update, the city health department in Chicago has reported a third case of measles since last week, resulting in the hospitalization of a child. The affected child is a resident of a city-run shelter for migrants located in the Pilsen neighborhood. However, the city has reassured the public that the child is currently in good condition, according to a news release by the health department.

This particular case is the second instance of measles being found in a child at the shelter. In addition to this, another case of measles was discovered in a Chicago resident last week, marking the third infection within a short span of time. Notably, prior to these recent incidents, Chicago had not seen any confirmed cases of measles since 2019.

The health department is actively collaborating with partners to conduct screenings for symptoms of measles among residents of the shelter. Moreover, efforts are being made to ensure that residents are vaccinated against the highly contagious virus. Vaccinations and screenings are deemed crucial in curtailing the further spread of the outbreak.

As a precautionary measure, the health department has requested families at the shelter to keep unvaccinated school-aged children away from school on Monday. This request has been made in an abundance of caution to prevent the potential transmission of measles within educational settings. The child who is currently hospitalized with measles attends a school under the Chicago Public Schools system, and appropriate notifications have been sent out to families and staff of the institution.

However, the city's handling of the outbreak has been met with controversy. Migrants residing in the shelter, situated at 2241 S. Halsted St., expressed concern over the sudden announcement of a measles outbreak. They stated that officials awakened them at 1 a.m. on Friday to inform them of the situation, subsequently imposing a quarantine and threatening the loss of their place within the shelter if they left.

In response to the outbreak, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez's staff from the 25th ward visited the Pilsen shelter on Sunday to assist city officials with language translation and addressing any culturally related barriers. The alderman emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated, urging both residents of the Pilsen shelter and Chicago residents at large to receive the measles vaccine. Notably, residents of the shelter who were vaccinated after February 8 and can provide proof of vaccination are strongly encouraged to remain in quarantine at the shelter for 21 days.

It is worth mentioning that measles cases have been rare in Chicago due to the city's high vaccination rates. However, reports of cases have been increasing across the United States. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely available for individuals aged one and older, and the city health department emphasizes that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and providing protection.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, particularly dangerous for unvaccinated individuals, especially infants and young children. Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It is important to note that symptoms may take up to 7 to 21 days to appear after exposure to the virus. Individuals experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor or an emergency department before visiting in person, allowing healthcare staff to make appropriate arrangements to protect others.

The city health department is working diligently to vaccinate the remaining 13 percent of shelter residents who have not yet provided proof of vaccination. Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety and well-being of both shelter residents and the wider Chicago community.

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