The McCreary County Record is saddened to report that a third case of measles has been diagnosed in a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) student at a migrant shelter in Pilsen. This marks the third case of measles in Chicago in recent days, causing concern among health officials.
In response to the outbreak, a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is being sent to Chicago to assist with the response to the measles cases. Residents at the Pilsen shelter who were recently vaccinated have been advised to quarantine for 21 days to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
The first child who was diagnosed with measles has since recovered and is no longer infectious. Chicago Public Schools has taken swift action, notifying staff and families of the CPS school attended by the second child diagnosed with measles.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez has organized a meeting with residents at the shelter to discuss vaccination efforts and safety protocols in an effort to prevent further cases. Health officials are particularly concerned about a potential outbreak due to vaccine hesitancy, which has been on the rise in the U.S.
Health screenings at the shelter have been ongoing to identify and vaccinate individuals who may have been exposed to the measles. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given between ages 12-15 months and the second between ages 4-6. Adults who are not already immune can also receive one dose of the vaccine.
Measles cases have been increasing in the U.S., with 41 cases reported in the first two months of this year compared to 58 cases in all of last year. It is important for the community to come together and prioritize vaccination to prevent further outbreaks of this preventable disease.
