Measles Outbreak in Chicago: CDPH Reports Two New Cases

Chicago has reported two cases of measles, one at a center for new migrants and another in an individual who had interactions with domestic and international travelers. This announcement comes as US officials raised the national tally to 45 cases.

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) stated that the case at the migrant center involves a young child at a shelter in Pilsen. Fortunately, the child has recovered and is no longer infectious. Officials are urging all shelter residents to stay put until they can confirm if residents are vaccinated against measles. Those who are unvaccinated will be screened for symptoms and offered the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

In a separate case announced yesterday, which is the city’s first since 2019, the source of the patient’s infection remains unknown. The patient did not travel but had interactions with domestic and international travelers. No connections have been established between the patient and a recent Indiana case who had visited Chicago in February.

The patient’s infectious period ended on March 6, and he or she is currently recuperating at home. The CDPH is actively monitoring potential exposures at Swedish Hospital in Chicago and on a specific bus route.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported 4 more measles cases in a weekly update, bringing the national total this year to 45 cases. This update included 1 more affected jurisdiction, Illinois, raising the number of affected locations to 17.

In January, the CDC issued a call to clinicians to be vigilant for measles cases, citing a continuous increase in global cases alongside declines in vaccine coverage.

The CDC underscored in its background information that measles outbreaks are happening in all regions of the world. The agency cautioned that outbreaks can occur in areas where people are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, including within the United States.