Feds, state deploy resources amid measles outbreak, alert issued for exposures in city, suburbs

Federal and state officials are assisting Chicago to help contain an outbreak of measles cases, many of which involved a city shelter for new arrivals.

So far, eight cases of measles have been reported in Chicago. At least four involved residents at the shelter.

As a result, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control team arrived in Chicago Tuesday to offer clinical and strategic support while the Illinois Department of Public Health is also mobilizing aid, such as lab testing.

The actions come as Cook County Health alerted patients and visitors Monday about potential measles exposures at two facilities, including one in Arlington Heights.

Cook officials said the first exposure occurred on Feb. 27 when a patient, who was later diagnosed with measles, went to the emergency department at Stroger Hospital in Chicago. Anyone who was in the ER between noon and 11:58 p.m. on Feb. 27 is asked to contact the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 743-7216.

The second exposure took place at Cook County Health’s Arlington Heights Health Center and the CCH’s Professional Building on Thursday. A patient who visited both facilities tested positive for measles.

Anyone who was at the Arlington Heights center between noon and 2 p.m. on Thursday is requested to contact Cook County Department of Public Health at (708) 836-8600. Anyone at CCH’s professional building, 1950 W Polk St., Chicago, between 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday is asked to contact the Chicago Department of Public Health.

For residents worried about contracting the disease, “if they either had measles, or had their childhood vaccinations or vaccination as an adult — they have nothing to worry about,” Cook County Department of Public Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. “If they haven’t, they should make sure they catch up and get up-to-date on their vaccines.”

The “attack rate” of measles is 90%, Hasbrouck said, referring to the percentage of people who contract a disease when exposed to it.

“If you’re in room with somebody with measles and they’re coughing, or sneezing … and you’re unvaccinated and not immune — because you didn’t get the vaccine or haven’t had it — you’re probably nine times out of 10 going to get the measles.”

To get a vaccination at a Cook County Health center, call (833) 308-1988.