A case of measles has been confirmed in Lake County, Illinois by the Health Department, and it is related to the ongoing outbreak in Chicago. The Health Department has warned that anyone who visited specific locations on certain dates may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
In Chicago, two more cases of measles have been reported, bringing the total to 17. The majority of cases in Chicago are among migrants living in a shelter in Pilsen, with 11 cases in children under the age of 5. The Chicago Department of Public Health has been proactive in response to the outbreak, vaccinating about 4,000 people at new arrival shelters and at the landing zone in-take center.
Meanwhile, the East Chicago Health Department is investigating a possible mass exposure of measles at a local church, though it is not linked to the Chicago cases. It has been confirmed that the infected person in East Chicago is not a resident of Indiana. As a precaution, the East Chicago Health Department is encouraging vaccination for those eligible in response to the potential exposure at the local church.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. The best way to protect against measles is through vaccination, which is safe and highly effective.
It is important for individuals to be aware of the ongoing measles outbreak in the Chicago area and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Vaccination is key in protecting against measles and preventing further outbreaks in the community.