Chicago Authorities Identify Two Cases of Measles
Chicago authorities have confirmed two cases of measles, marking the first reported instances in the city since 2019. The first case involves a city resident with an unknown source of infection, who is currently recovering at home. The second case was identified in a young child at a migrant shelter in Pilsen, who has also made a full recovery.
The Department of Public Health is actively working to determine and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the two cases of measles. Residents of the migrant shelter have been advised to stay put until their vaccination status can be assessed. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez revealed that the shelter houses a population of 1,876, including 95 toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2.
The city resident with measles had not traveled outside of Chicago recently, but had been in contact with travelers. Authorities urge anyone who visited Swedish Hospital on Feb. 27 or rode on CTA Bus 92 on the same day to contact the department.
Measles cases have been on the rise both internationally and in the U.S., with five cases reported in Illinois in 2023 alone. However, no direct link has been established between the current cases in Chicago and a recent case involving an Indiana traveler.
It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing the transmission of measles. The public is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated for protection against this highly contagious disease. Stay tuned to the McCreary County Record for updates on this developing story.
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