57 cases of measles so far this year in Chicago shelters

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Chicago city officials have announced 57 “confirmed cases” of measles so far this year, primarily in its migrant shelters. In 2023, just 58 cases were reported across the entire country.

Of Chicago’s confirmed cases, 33 are in migrant children aged four or younger. Seven cases are in individuals aged five to 17, and adults aged 18 to 24 account for 16 cases. One case is in a person over 50. City officials have also warned that members of the public may have been exposed to the disease across the city’s public transit, various stores, clinics, and schools.

The increase in Chicago’s measles cases, mainly amongst sheltered illegal border crossers, has shown a surge compared to previous years. In 2022, a total of 121 cases were recorded countrywide. However, only two months into 2024, 41 cases have already been reported across 16 states, excluding the new Chicago cases.Measles is a rare disease in the U.S. and has been considered eliminated since the year 2000. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have long maintained that the disease only appears when brought into the country from outside.

Alongside measles, a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has also raised concerns, with the Chicago Department of Public Health recently reporting “a small number of cases” among new arrivals in several migrant shelters.

Last August, doctors warned that migrants crossing the border may be bringing with them tuberculosis and measles, both of which Chicago is currently grappling with in migrant shelters. Last month, it was reported that the U.S. was on the verge of a major measles outbreak due to conditions at migrant shelters.