The city of Chicago woke up with an alarm due to a measles outbreak, This was announced by the city Department of Public Health (CDPH)who confirmed the second case of measles in a resident of a shelter for new arrivals in Pilsenwith this case, are in total three people infected with measles in the citythese are the first in the state since 2019, when the last case of measles was identified in Chicago.
The infected minor is hospitalized, recovering and in good condition.Meanwhile, case investigations are underway to ensure those you may have had contact with while infected are informed and vaccinated.
According to the CDPH, an unrelated case of measles was announced last week in Chicago, and in recent months there have been a greater number of measles cases across the country and globally, due to lower vaccination coverage. .
For her part, Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, Commissioner of the CDPH, noted that; “Most Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk, but we strongly urge those who are not vaccinated to do so as soon as possiblenewcomers and all Chicagoans. It is, by far, the best protection against measles, which for the first time in years affects our city. Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases. If you are exposed to someone who has measles, if you are not vaccinated, you should quarantine yourself immediately and call a healthcare provider. “If you are unsure of your vaccination status, stay home and call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.”
Given this situation in the Pilsen shelter, all inhabitants who were previously vaccinated will be able to enter and leave the place, however, those who have not yet been vaccinated must quarantine for 21 and they should be attentive to the symptoms.
“We have notified all unvaccinated and newly vaccinated residents of the quarantine period, but some of those residents have left the shelter, and I want to acknowledge that… That’s why we strongly encourage unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated and quarantine immediately.” if they have had contact with someone who has measles,” Dr. Ige said.
The first case of measles, occurred last Friday at the shelter 2241 S. Halsted St, was also a minor who is currently stable and recovering, and according to health authorities, is no longer contagious.
According to the CDPH, measles is a serious, highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a rash and high fever and can lead to pneumonia and other complications, and can be particularly challenging for babies and childrenwhich is why he stressed the importance of newcomers and everyone Chicagoans get vaccinated to protect themselves and all communities.
Measles symptoms
Measles usually begins with a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a fever that can become very high. Three to five days after these symptoms begin, a rash will begin to develop. The rash looks like small red dots that start on the head and spread to the rest of the body. If you think you or your child might have measles, call your healthcare provider right away.
According to the World Health Organization, Complications can include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and potentially brain damage), severe diarrhea, dehydration, ear infections, severe breathing problems, including pneumonia.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles simply by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person has left. Infected people can spread measles to others four days before they get a measles rash and four days after the rash appears. Someone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (called the MMR vaccine) or who has not had a previous infection is very likely to get measles if exposed to the measles virus.
What is the risk of measles in Chicago?
The city of Chicago has one of the highest measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in the world. country, meaning most Chicago children and adults are vaccinated and protected, still residents are encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date with vaccines, especially in minors.
Most people in Chicago are protected against measles because they were vaccinated as children. However, some children younger than 12 months or those with weakened immune systems may not be able to receive the vaccine. Since 2011, there have been several confirmed cases of measles in Chicago, largely related to international travel. Travelers returning to Chicago from areas experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks, both in the U.S. and abroad, could be at risk of spreading measles within the city if they are not vaccinated.
Measles Vaccine in Chicago
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing measles (as well as mumps and rubella). Most children do not have any side effects from the MMR vaccine. If side effects occur, they are usually mild and may include fever, pain or redness where the injection was given, or a mild rash.
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