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A team of experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived in Chicago on Tuesday to help local public health officials manage a measles outbreak there.
The Chicago Department of Public Health said last week that the city had its first measles case since 2019. The person is recovering well at home, the department said.
The department announced Sunday that there were two unrelated measles cases among children at a migrant shelter in a large warehouse in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood. One child has recovered and is no longer infectious, the health department said. The second child is hospitalized but is in good condition.
The department also announced two cases among adults in the shelter on Monday and three further cases Tuesday, bringing the total count citywide to eight. stable condition.
The CDC, which sends its experts when requested by local authorities, says it has not sent personnel to other recent measles outbreaks.
The CDC team will work closely with the city and state health departments to help identify people who may be at risk for getting sick. The team will provide clinical guidance, help coordinate testing and work with those on the ground to educate influential community leaders and clinicians who can emphasize how important it is to get vaccinated. The CDC will also provide guidance on a vaccination campaign covering certain schools, shelters and other congregate settings, as well as provide extra vaccines to ensure that there is an adequate supply for both adults and kids.
“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. It is by far the best protection against measles, which for the first time in years is in our city,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige said in Sunday’s statement.
“Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases. Should you be exposed to someone who has measles, if you are not vaccinated you need to immediately quarantine and call a health provider. If you are not sure of your vaccination status, stay home and call your health provider as soon as possible.”
Health care system Cook County Health said Monday that it was coordinating with other local departments to get in touch with patients and staff that were known to be in the vicinity of some of the patients with measles. The patients with measles had sought medical help from Stroger Hospital’s emergency department, Arlington Heights Health Center and the CCH’s Professional Building. In responding to the measles cases, Cook County Health said it followed all reporting protocols with local and state public health authorities.
“We believe the risk to our staff is low, as vaccination is a requirement of employment at Cook County Health,” the health care system said. “We cannot emphasize enough how important vaccination is to preventing the spread of measles.”
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious symptoms that can lead to pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications, but it is preventable with vaccination.
People who aren’t vaccinated against the virus can get sick if they breathe in contaminated air or touch a surface that someone infected with…
Read More: CDC team arrives in Chicago to help officials with response to measles outbreak