CDC Experts to Assist Chicago in Managing Measles Outbreak
A team of experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Tuesday to aid local public health officials in managing a measles outbreak. The city reported its first case of measles since 2019 last week, with the patient currently recovering at home.
Measles Outbreak in Chicago: Five Confirmed Cases
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that there are currently five confirmed measles cases in the city, with two unrelated incidents occurring among children at a migrant shelter. One child has already recovered and is no longer infectious while the second child remains hospitalized but in good condition.
CDC Experts to Provide Assistance and Coordination
The CDC, which sends its team when requested by local authorities, has not deployed personnel to other recent measles outbreaks. The expert team will collaborate closely with the city and state health departments to help identify individuals potentially at risk of contracting the disease, provide clinical guidance, coordinate testing, educate influential community leaders and clinicians on the importance of vaccination, and guide a vaccination campaign for specific schools, shelters, and other congregate settings.
Urgent Call for Vaccination: Chicago’s Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, urged all residents, especially those not vaccinated, to get immunized as soon as possible. With measles being highly contagious, Dr. Ige expects more cases and emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the best protection against the disease.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Virus with Serious Complications
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious symptoms, including pneumonia and potentially life-threatening complications. Unvaccinated people are at risk of contracting measles if they inhale contaminated air or touch surfaces where an infected person has coughed or sneezed. Measles can linger for about an hour or two after someone has sneezed or coughed, research indicates.
Symptoms and Incubation Period of Measles
People with measles typically develop symptoms, such as a mild to moderate fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, about four days before developing the characteristic rash. The illness can be particularly challenging for babies and young children.
Vaccination: A Safe and Effective Means of Prevention
Most people in the US receive a series of two measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots during childhood. The MMR vaccine is more than 95% effective with one dose and 97% effective after the second dose in preventing illness after exposure.
Current Measles Outbreaks Across the US
The CDC continues to recommend the MMR vaccine as part of the routine immunization schedule for all children and adults. As of March 7, there have been 45 reported cases in 17 jurisdictions across the country this year. In comparison, only 58 cases were reported throughout the entirety of last year.
Vaccination Rates and Exemptions in the US
The CDC reported that about 92% of US children have been vaccinated against MMR by age 2, falling below the federal target of 95%. The percentage of kindergartners who received their state-required vaccines for measles also remained below the target for the 2022-23 school year, and vaccine exemptions have reached an all-time high.
Protecting the Community: Vaccination and Quarantine Measures
The CDPH and its partners assessed nearly all residents at the shelter over the weekend, vaccinated more than 900 of them, and provided MMR shots to newly arrived migrants who had not previously been vaccinated. Those not vaccinated or recently vaccinated by the city are required to quarantine for 21 days and monitor for symptoms.
Preparing for an Influx of Migrants: The Anticipated Impact on Public Health
Public health officials, including then-CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, had anticipated an influx of migrants following the expiration of Title 42 in May and warned communities about potential infectious disease threats. As measles cases continue to emerge across the country, it is crucial that healthcare providers recognize the potential presence of under-vaccinated individuals and take appropriate measures to protect their communities.
