Chicago migrant diagnosed with measles among city's first 2 cases since 2019

CHICAGO - Two cases of measles have been reported in Chicago this week, including a young child staying at a Pilsen migrant shelter, the city's first cases in five years, according to the Department of Public Health.

One case was identified in a young migrant at the new arrivals shelter in the Pilsen neighborhood, health officials said. The child's infectious period has ended and they have now recovered.

Chicago health officials are asking all residents of the new arrivals shelter, located at 2241 S. Halsted St., to remain in place until officials can determine their vaccination status. Those who have been vaccinated for the measles are allowed to leave the shelter.

"DFSS has secured increased meal services for those who will have to stay on site, and CDPH is delivering additional masks and other personal protective equipment for residents and staff. Agencies are also coordinating to ensure sufficient resources are on site including sanitary napkins, diapers, and other essentials," Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th Ward, said in a statement.

Sigcho-Lopez says he visited the shelter on Tuesday and that 1,876 people live there, including 95 toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2.

The other measles case was reported Thursday in a Chicago resident who said they had not traveled outside the city but did report interactions with domestic and international travelers. Their infectious period ended Wednesday and they are now recovering well at home, officials said.

The health department is working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to measles, including the medical facilities where the individual sought medical care.

Anyone who was at these locations below on Feb. 27 might have been exposed:

• Swedish Hospital, Galter Medical Pavilion at 5140 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
• CTA Bus #92 (Foster) between 9:15 and 11:30 a.m.

If you were at one of these locations and may have possible exposure, you're urged to call CDPH immediately at 312-743-7216. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The health department will then recommend next steps. If you show symptoms, contact a healthcare provider before going in person to help limit exposure. 

"It’s something that we should be concerned about, but not panic over," said Dr. Nicholas Cozzi with Rush University Medical Center, who adds that measles is more contagious than COVID.

So now is the time, he encourages, to see if you were vaccinated normally before the age of 6.

"When you were a kid, when I was a kid, having 2 doses of that vaccination, you are 94 percent covered," said Dr. Cozzi, who’s not surprised to see this case pop up, due to ever-decreasing vaccination rates and global migration. "I think it was inevitable and it was just time that it was going to eventually happen."

Dr. Cozzi adds because measles was eradicated in 2000 in the U.S., most doctors have never seen it and he says depending on your skin tone, it will look different. Unless doctors are looking out for it, he said they will not diagnose it.

"It's a specific rash, it’s elevated on the skin, sometimes can be associated with a cough, or runny nose and red eyes. It follows a characteristic pattern that starts on the middle of the body expands outward in terms of the rash," Cozzi said. "It's more contagious than Covid. Measles is airborne, which means it’s very small. It’s suspended in the air for an extended period of time, sometimes hours, sometimes even days."

Last month, an Indiana resident came up positive for measles and reportedly visited three Chicago hospitals while contagious. 

City health officials say there is no link between the Indiana and Illinois cases.

"No link has been identified between this case and a measles case in an Indiana resident who had visited Chicago last month. That case did not result in any secondary measles cases among Chicago residents," the Chicago Dept. of Health said. 

The symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, according to the CDPH. After exposure, the symptoms can take seven to 21 days to appear. 

"The key to preventing measles is vaccination. If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to get the vaccine," said CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo Ige, MD, MPH. "If you are unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, ask your healthcare provider to find out if you need an MMR. If your child is 1 year old or older, and has never received the MMR vaccine, contact your child's pediatrician to discuss how your child can get caught up with their vaccines."

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