Chicago measles outbreak grows after more cases diagnosed in a migrant shelter

Chicago's migrant shelter faces a measles outbreak, with eight cases reported this year, all since March. Most cases are linked to the shelter, including a hospitalized child from Philip D. Armour Elementary School. Chicago Public Schools advised affected students to stay home until vaccination status is verified. Health officials, including CDC experts, are tackling the outbreak, amid global measles spikes attributed to declining vaccine coverage.

The outbreak prompts vaccination efforts, with over 900 shelter residents vaccinated. Unvaccinated or recently vaccinated individuals face a 21-day quarantine. Shelter residents without immunity are relocated, and vaccines are extended to migrants in other shelters and arrivals in Chicago. Prompt vaccination within 72 hours of exposure can prevent infection.

Wider concerns arise about vaccination rates, with Illinois schools showing MMR vaccine coverage below 95%. Nationally, kindergarten vaccination rates declined, despite measles vaccines being highly effective. Early vaccination is crucial, as measles symptoms, including fever and rash, can lead to severe complications or death, highlighting the importance of vaccination campaigns and public health vigilance.