The Chicago Department of Public Health has confirmed a growing outbreak of measles in the city, with a total of 10 cases reported. The majority of cases, 8 in total, have been linked to the largest shelter in the city.
Out of the 10 cases, 5 are children and 3 are adults, with 2 new cases recently confirmed in children at the Pilsen migrant shelter. Despite the outbreak, Mayor Brandon Johnson has stated that evictions of asylum seekers at the shelter will proceed at the end of the week.
This decision has sparked controversy, with more than a dozen aldermen calling for the Mayor to rescind the eviction policy. They are requesting exceptions for individuals in the process of securing housing or facing extenuating circumstances.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent representatives to Chicago to assist with containment efforts for the measles outbreak. Chicago Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Igem, has emphasized the importance of vaccination in stopping the spread of measles. He is urging those who are not vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Over the weekend, health officials vaccinated more than 900 people at the shelter. A 21-day quarantine is still in effect for those individuals developing immunity to the disease.
The situation remains critical as efforts continue to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story on Matzav Blog.
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