Two Adults Also Contract Measles In Chicago, Sparking Concerns Despite A Total Of 5 Cases. CDC Mobilizes Team To Assist
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 12, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 day, 4 hours, 56 minutes ago
Measles News: The city of Chicago is grappling with a growing measles outbreak, raising concerns among health officials and the general population. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported two additional cases on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to five. Of particular concern is the fact that two adults have contracted the highly contagious virus at a migrant shelter in the city's Pilsen neighborhood.
City of Chicago :: Measles Update: Chicago Department of Public Health vaccinates hundreds at Pilsen shelter
Two Adults Also Contract Measles In Chicago
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively responding to the situation by dispatching a team of experts to assist with the local efforts to contain the outbreak.
The U.S. CDC told
Measles News journalists, “A team of experts, which will support the local response to recent measles cases, is expected to arrive on Tuesday in Chicago. The U.S. CDC continues to recommend the safe and effective MMR vaccination as part of the routine immunizations schedule for all children and adults, with special guidance for international travel."
Current Situation
The recent surge in measles cases has prompted the U.S. CDC to step in and provide support to Chicago's public health response. A spokesperson for the federal agency stated that the team of experts is expected to arrive on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles.
On Monday, CDPH officials confirmed the city's first measles case in five years. The virus was detected in a Chicago resident who isn't connected to the migrant shelter. As of Monday, the individual is no longer contagious and is recuperating at home.
The CDPH confirmed that, of the five reported cases, four are linked to the migrant shelter in Pilsen, where both children and adults have been affected. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented measures to curb the spread of the virus within the shelter. All are reported to be in a stable situation at the moment.
Vaccination Efforts
In response to the outbreak, the CDPH has undertaken a vaccination campaign, administering the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to over 900 shelter residents. Additionally, more than 700 individuals who were found to be immune due to previous vaccination or infection were allowed to enter and exit the facility. Those who received the vaccine were advised to remain at the shelter for 21 days, the period required for immunity to be fully established.
Symptoms and Vulnerable Populations
Measles symptoms typically manifest 7 to 14 days after con
tact with the virus, including high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and distinctive rashes.
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
Children under 5 years old, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Health officials stress the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations from serious consequences.
CDC Involvement and Global Measles Trends
The CDC's intervention in Chicago underscores the severity of the situation in the whole of United States, especially considering the global increase in measles cases. Measles has experienced a resurgence worldwide, partly due to declining vaccine coverage. The U.S. alone has recorded at least 45 cases this year, raising concerns about surpassing the previous year's total of 58 cases. Other states, such as Pennsylvania and Florida, have also reported outbreaks, emphasizing the need for vigilant vaccination efforts.
Chicago's Response and Impact on Schools
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system is actively cooperating with the CDPH in response to the outbreak. After confirming cases in a school-aged child at the migrant shelter, CPS officials have advised families to keep their school-aged children out of school as a precaution. The health department is working with the school system to manage potential measles exposures and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Challenges in the Migrant Shelter
While health authorities are making concerted efforts to contain the outbreak, challenges persist within the migrant shelter. Reports indicate that some residents have left the shelter despite warnings and quarantine recommendations.
Concerns have also been raised about the living conditions and food supply within the shelter. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, representing the 25th Ward, has highlighted the need for improved conditions, emphasizing that addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring residents' well-being.
Vaccination Rates and Public Awareness
The outbreak in Chicago brings attention to the broader issue of declining vaccination rates, not only in the city but also nationwide. Data from the Illinois State Board of Education reveals that many Chicago schools had less than 95% coverage for the MMR vaccine in the 2022-2023 school year. Nationwide, vaccination rates among kindergartners have seen a decline, reinforcing the urgency of public awareness campaigns and outreach to ensure that individuals of all ages are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Conclusion
As Chicago grapples with a measles outbreak, the collaborative efforts of local health authorities, the CDC, and the community are crucial in containing the spread of the virus. Vaccination remains a cornerstone in preventing and mitigating the impact of measles, especially in vulnerable populations. The situation also highlights the importance of addressing challenges within migrant shelters and promoting public awareness to combat declining vaccination rates. The collective response will determine the success of containing the outbreak and safeguarding the health of the population in the face of this highly contagious virus.
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