A measles outbreak has struck Chicago, with 12 confirmed cases including two CPS students. The outbreak, which has impacted 10 migrants at a shelter in Pilsen, has raised concerns among parents and officials alike.
The infected students, one from Cooper Dual Language Academy and the other from Armour Elementary, are currently in quarantine along with 98 migrants who have been placed in isolation at a Chicago hotel for 21 days. Governor JB Pritzker has emphasized the necessity of government intervention during public health emergencies to ensure the safety of the public.
Chicago public health officials have noted that migrant CPS students are not required to be vaccinated due to an exemption for children in unstable housing, sparking concerns about transparency from CPS officials regarding the outbreak. Infectious disease specialists have warned about the highly contagious nature of measles and the potentially fatal consequences of the disease.
Dr. Robert Citronberg has stressed the importance of measles immunity and vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease. Efforts are underway by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state officials to properly isolate and quarantine migrants to prevent further spread of the outbreak. Governor Pritzker has called for increased vaccinations for those who may not have been previously vaccinated.
CDPH Director Dr. Olusimbo Ige is urging preventive measures, particularly for those around young children who have not yet been vaccinated against measles. As the outbreak continues to unfold, government officials and health experts are working diligently to contain the spread of the disease and protect the community from further harm.
