10 cases of measles have now been reported at the migrant shelter for new arrivals in Pilsen, the Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed Mar. 11.
There are now 10 confirmed measles cases in the city. Eight are at the Pilsen Pilsen migrant shelter on Halsted Ave. 10 total cases have been identified citywide since last week, but two cases are not related to the new arrivals.
Two of the cases are in Chicago Public Schools students, CPS confirmed. The students attend Philip D. Armour Elementary School and Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy. One of those cases was identified over the weekend, though which school they attended had not yet been released.
Students at those schools and their families should be aware that they are at risk for measles exposure and be aware of the symptoms so they can monitor for infection.
Since Mar. 16, about 900 measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations have been administered at the Pilsen shelter.
According to CDPH, that young child has recovered and is no longer contagious. Health officials have been investigating to determine who may have been exposed while the child was infectious.
The city has encountered obstacles as they move forward with the vaccination effort. Many of the migrants, most of whom are men, have been hesitant.
The city has encountered obstacles as they move forward with the vaccination effort. Many of the migrants, most of whom are men, have been hesitant. As one volunteer told CBS 2, educating the group about the importance of getting vaccinated and gaining their trust has become a priority.
“You are working with people with a lot of trauma, so it’s not as simple as saying, ‘Just get the shot,'” volunteer Jaime Groth Searle said. “The big problem these folks have is this disrupts any plans that they have.”
You are working with people with a lot of trauma, so it’s not as simple as saying, ‘Just get the shot’. The big problem these folks have is this disrupts any plans that they have.”
— Volunteer Jaime Groth Searle
Rush University Medical Center Dr. David Nguyen, a specialist in infectious diseases, said that if the virus is caught, results could be severe causing rashes in the first week. Dr. Nguyen has also found that results could appear much more dangerous for young children and pregnant women.
“Besides death, there are complications like inflammation of the brain,” Nguyen said. “One very common side effect, that actually I don’t believe is talked about enough, is your immune system could be put out of commission for a couple of weeks if not months.”
The measles outbreak in Chicago underscores the critical need for vaccination and public health initiatives. These stories emphasize the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and stress the importance of educating the public and dispelling misinformation. By prioritizing immunization and addressing misconceptions, we can work towards a healthier and safer community for everyone in Chicago and beyond.
