The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sending a team of experts to Chicago, expected to arrive on Tuesday, to help the state address the growing measles outbreak in the city.
Last week, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said the city had its first measles case in five years. Officials said that the patient who was found to have the disease was recovering well at home.
Chicago Measles Outbreak
On Sunday, the department announced that there were two unrelated measles cases found among children at a migrant shelter inside a large warehouse in the Pilsen neighborhood. One of the kids has already recovered and was no longer considered to be contagious. On the other hand, the second child was still in the hospital but was already in good condition.
Officials also identified two other cases among adults in the same shelter, bringing the total number of infections in the city to five. According to a source, both of the infected adults were said to be in stable condition.
The CDC said that it has not sent personnel to other recent measles outbreaks. The team of experts that the agency is sending to Chicago will work closely with the city and state health departments to assist in identifying people who could be at risk of getting sick.
Additionally, they will provide clinical guidance, help coordinate testing, and work with those on the ground to educate influential community leaders and clinicians who can emphasize the crucial importance of getting vaccinated against measles.
The health agency will also provide guidance on a vaccination campaign that covers certain schools, shelters, and other congregate settings. In a statement on Sunday, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo "Simbo" Ige said that the majority of residents in the city are vaccinated against measles.
CDC Team of Experts
However, they are still encouraging people who are not yet vaccinated, including new arrivals, to do so as soon as they can. Ige noted that vaccination is by far the best protection against the disease, which has come to the city for the first time in years.
The CDPH also advised all families staying at the shelter to keep their children in place "out of an abundance of caution" on Friday and Monday. CBS News reported that the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) sent a letter to parents urging them to follow CDPH guidelines and quarantine protocols.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine against measles: the first shot given between ages 12 and 15 months and the second one given between ages four and six. Adults who are not considered immune are also eligible to receive one dose of the vaccine.
The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that the MMR vaccine is required to attend Chicago Public Schools. However, parents are allowed to seek exemptions for religious reasons. According to ABC News, the latest outbreak comes as measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
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