The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Sunday that a second confirmed case of measles has been reported in a Chicago immigrant shelter.
According to CDPH, these two reported cases are the first in the city in five years.
As the number of measles cases has increased across the country and around the world in recent months, the city reported an additional unrelated measles case in Chicago on Thursday.
Two cases of measles were confirmed in newly arrived young immigrant children.
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Recently arrived migrants sit on the floor and cots of a temporary city-run shelter at O’Hare International Airport on August 31, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The health department reported that the first infected person has recovered and is no longer contagious, while the second person is hospitalized in good condition.
“Although the majority of Chicagoans have been vaccinated against measles and are not at high risk, we strongly encourage unvaccinated and all newly arrived Chicagoans to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is the best prevention against measles, which is the first outbreak in our city in years,” said CDPH Director Dr. Olusimbo Simbo Ige.
City officials said vaccinated Pilsen shelter residents can enter and exit the facility at their own discretion. However, those who have not been vaccinated or who have only recently been vaccinated are required to quarantine for three weeks and monitor their symptoms.
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“Because measles is highly contagious, we expect to see more cases. If you have been in contact with someone infected with measles and have not been vaccinated, immediately isolate and call your health care provider. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please stay home and call your health care provider as soon as possible,” Dr. Ige said.
CDPH urges all new arrivals and Chicago residents to get vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and their communities.
“While we have recommended a period of isolation for all unvaccinated and newly vaccinated residents, some residents have left their shelters and we want to acknowledge that,” Dr. Ige said. “We therefore strongly recommend that unvaccinated people get vaccinated and immediately isolate themselves if they have been in contact with someone infected with measles.”
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The health department added that there is no confirmed link between this recent case and a measles case in an Indiana resident who traveled to Chicago last month. Officials said the incident did not result in any secondary measles infection among Chicago residents.
Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and bloodshot, watery eyes, according to CDPH. After exposure, it may take 7 to 21 days for symptoms to appear.
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Chicago has welcomed more than 36,000 immigrants since arrivals began in 2022, according to the city’s new arrivals dashboard.
