Migrants at Pilsen Shelter Quarantined Due to Measles Outbreak
In the early hours of Friday morning, migrants at a city-run shelter in Pilsen were abruptly awakened and informed of a measles outbreak. The shelter, located at 2241 S. Halsted St., immediately went into lockdown, imposing a 10-day quarantine on its residents. Those who attempted to leave would risk losing their place at the shelter, leaving many new arrivals feeling panicked and uncertain about their situation.
The Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed that a young child at the shelter had contracted measles but assured the public that the child was recovering and no longer contagious. To prevent further spread of the disease, health department workers requested that all shelter residents remain inside until they could assess who had been vaccinated and screen those who were unvaccinated for symptoms.
Residents who could provide proof of vaccination were allowed to leave later that morning, while others were required to stay and undergo quarantine. However, concerns have been raised about the conditions within the shelter, which has faced criticism for its unsanitary environment and subpar food for several months.
The sudden announcement of the quarantine, combined with locked doors and the presence of police, caused panic among the migrants. Many were worried about how they would be able to prove their vaccination status and feared being trapped inside the shelter indefinitely. City officials arrived at 1 a.m., locking the doors until 9:30 a.m., further adding to the confusion and fear.
Interviews were conducted with shelter residents to verify vaccination records, and measles vaccinations were offered to those who hadn’t received them yet. Some residents expressed their dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled, citing concerns about communication and the vaccination process itself. There were reports of people being scared and reluctant to receive injections due to uncertainty about the contents of the vaccines.
City agencies have promised to provide masks, protective equipment, and meals for those who are required to remain in the shelter. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, whose ward includes the shelter, stated that vaccinated residents could resume their normal activities, while unvaccinated individuals would be monitored for measles symptoms during their quarantine. However, residents have expressed worries about the quality of the meals provided at the shelter, claiming that the food has made them sick in the past.
This recent case of measles at the Pilsen shelter is a cause for concern, as measles is rare in Chicago due to high vaccination rates. However, cases have been increasing throughout the United States. The city health department emphasizes the effectiveness of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing the illness and protecting individuals. The vaccine is widely available for free to individuals aged one and older.
Evelyn Figueroa, a family physician at the University of Illinois Health, stresses that outbreaks of measles are not related to a person’s country of origin or immigration status. Rather, it is primarily due to a lack of vaccination among certain populations. Figueroa emphasizes that it is the responsibility of eligible individuals to get vaccinated in order to protect vulnerable groups such as infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Measles is highly contagious and poses a significant risk to unvaccinated individuals, particularly young children. Symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor or an emergency department before visiting in person to prevent further spread of the disease.
The health department has clarified that there is no known link between the measles case in the Chicago resident and the case found in an Indiana resident who traveled to Chicago in February.
As the situation unfolds at the Pilsen shelter, concerns about the quarantine and the quality of meals provided continue to be voiced by residents. The city health department and other agencies are working to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
