Measles in Chicago: Child diagnosed at Pilsen migrant shelter in second city case in 24 hours, CDPH says – WLS-TV

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A second case of measles was diagnosed in Chicago in less than 24 hours.

The second case involved a child living inside a migrant shelter in Pilsen.

CDPH officials say the young child infected with the measles, has recovered and is no longer infectious.

An investigation is underway to determine who the child may have come into contact with while contagious

Part of that requirement is that everyone in the shelter in the 2200-block of South Halsted Street must stay here until they are screened.

The Alderman of this ward said there are 1,876 people living there, including 95 toddlers between the ages of one and two.

Officials said, "Those who have been vaccinated can leave the shelter while those who have not been vaccinated will have to remain.

All unvaccinated residents will be screened for symptoms and offered the measles vaccine."

This is the second case in Chicago. The investigation is on to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the first patient on the North Side.

That patient went to Swedish Hospital's Galter Pavilion in the 5100-block of North California, last Tuesday to seek care.

The patient also rode the number 92 Foster CTA bus, between 9 and 11:30 a.m. That person is now recovering at home.

"Measles is highly contagious," Dr. Jonathan Pinsky of Endeavor Edward Hospital said. It can be spread very quickly, so it can take only one case to cause a massive outbreak."

CDPH, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and other City agencies began assessing the vaccination status of all residents of the shelter Friday morning.

They also secured increased meal services for those who will have to stay on site.

The health department is also delivering additional masks and other personal protective equipment for residents and staff.

Dr. Pinsky said the best way to protect yourself right now is to vaccinate.

"Measles is highly contagious," Dr. Pinsky said. "For those who don't have immunity, up to 80 percent of people will get infected after an exposure but if you are fully immunized, vaccinated or born before 1957, the chances of getting an infection are very low."

Measles is making a comeback because of vaccine hesitancy health officials said.

In the first two months of this year, there were 41 cases in the U.S. All of last year, there were only 58.

The assessment of the shelter residents will begin early Friday morning.

Vaccine hesitency is an issue, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine.

That first dose is given ages 12 to 15 months. The second dose between the ages of 4 and 6.

Adults are also eligible to get one dose of the vaccine, if they're not already immune.

A young child staying at a Chicago shelter was diagnosed with measles, the Chicago Department of Health said Friday.

New safety orders are in effect for people staying at the new arrivals shelter in Pilsen and health officials are warning Chicagoans about who else may have been exposed.

CDPH officials said the young child has recovered and is no longer infectious.

But now, an investigation is underway to determine who the child may have come into contact with while infectious.

Part of that requirement is everyone in the shelter in the 2200-block of South Halsted Street must stay there until they are screened.

Officials said, "Those who have been vaccinated can leave the shelter while those who have not been vaccinated will have to remain. All unvaccinated residents will be screened for symptoms and offered the measles vaccine."

Officials are also working to identify anyone who may have been exposed outside the shelter.

Health officials said that patient was in two public settings in which they cannot obtain a list of all exposed people. If you were in the following locations on Feb. 27, 2024, you may have been exposed to measles:

Galter Medical Pavilion at Swedish Hospital, located at 5140 N. California Ave., between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

CTA Bus #92 (Foster) between 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

If you were at either of the above locations during those times, please immediately contact CDPH at 312-743-7216, Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

"Measles is airborne, which means it suspends in the air for multiple hours, even two days after that person was in the vicinity," Dr. Nicholas Cozzi of RUSH University Medical Center said.

Measles is making a comeback because of vaccine hesitancy health officials said.

In the first two months of this year, there were 41 cases in the U.S. All of last year, there were only 58.

The assessment of the shelter residents will begin early Friday morning.

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Measles in Chicago: Child diagnosed at Pilsen migrant shelter in second city case in 24 hours, CDPH says - WLS-TV