The Chicago Department of Public Health has reported three more measles cases at a migrant shelter, raising the city’s total to five this year. All three patients reside at the shelter, including two adults in stable condition and a younger child now in good condition. In response to the outbreak, local authorities advised school-age residents at the shelter to stay home while their vaccination status is confirmed.
Vaccination teams were placed at the migrant shelter, and over 900 residents were vaccinated over the weekend. Those with potential exposure to the virus who have only recently been vaccinated or haven’t been vaccinated have been instructed to quarantine. Despite these measures, some residents left the shelter.
Chicago’s first measles diagnosis of the year, announced last Thursday, doesn’t appear to be connected to the other cases. Responding to the rising measles incidents, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending an expert team to support disease control efforts in Chicago.
The US has recorded 45 cases so far this year, and US cases are projected to surpass 2023’s total. The recent uptick in global measles cases has been partially attributed to lower vaccine coverage. However, measles outbreaks in the US may be connected directly to the ongoing border crisis.
In August 2023, doctors warned that migrants crossing the US-Mexico border illegally were bringing with them measles, among other diseases. In January, authorities warned of potential measles exposure at Dulles and Reagan airports, and in February, Ohio health officials warned of possible measles exposure at Cincinnati airport.
