With New Reports Of Measles In Chicago, IDPH Takes Action

ILLINOIS — As the Chicago Department of Public Health warns residents that an individual with a confirmed measles diagnosis may have exposed others to the illness at multiple locations last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) outlined its strategy for combating the highly contagious virus. According to a recent study, Cook County is the most at-risk county in the nation when it comes to the likelihood of an outbreak of measles, which has reached an all-time high since its eradication in 2000.

On Saturday, the Chicago Department of Public Health said the infected individual may have exposed others to measles on the Blue Line from O'Hare International Airport to the University of Chicago campus on May 16, as well as around the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park and retail establishments on State Street between Monroe and Randolph Streets and on South Canal Street. On the morning of May 17, exposures may have also occurred at UIC Student Center East.

Individuals who think they may have been exposed should check their immunization records or contact their healthcare providers to determine if they need to be immunized. Healthcare providers who have questions about exposures and vaccine recommendations should call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call.

Meanwhile, IDPH says it is taking action to prevent cases of measles and increase vaccination rates.

Recent IDPH actions include:

• COMMUNITY GRANTS: IDPH is providing an additional $3.5 million in grants to local health departments across the state to increase awareness campaigns and help build infrastructure so that it is easier to get vaccinated. With this additional funding:
  • Medical grade refrigerators will be purchased to safely store vaccines.
  • Vaccine and supplies such as syringes, gloves, and gauze will be purchased.
  • Vaccination videos will air in movie theaters showing children’s films in certain areas.
• MOBILE UNITS: IDPH is preparing to deploy its Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile units not only to local health departments, but to other organizations across the state. The WOW mobile units can be driven to neighborhoods with lower vaccination rates in an effort to make vaccination more accessible. They can also be requested for special community events that parents and children often attend like fairs and neighborhood celebrations.
  • Interested organizations can e-mail dph.cmhs.info@illinois.gov or call 217-785-4311 for more information. Organizations can fill out the Wellness on Wheels Mobile Request Form to request a WOW mobile unit.
• DIRECT OUTREACH: Dr. Ezike and IDPH are engaging in direct outreach to communities with low vaccination rates. Recent outreach includes meeting with the Sangamon County Health Department, Springfield school district and rabbinical and Islamic leaders in the Chicagoland area. This week, IDPH also met with the Illinois Immunization Advisory Council members and stakeholders to discuss the measles outbreaks across the country as well as the Immunization Action Plan.
• PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS: IDPH launched a social media vaccination education campaign for National Infant Immunization Week that, on Facebook alone, reached more than 50,000 people. IDPH is preparing additional educational materials for a back-to-school vaccination campaign.
• HEALTH CARE GUIDANCE: IDPH has issued guidance to health care providers for measles testing, reporting, and prevention. New information was sent to providers on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, that summarizes current vaccine recommendations, reinforces testing and isolation guidance, and encourages facilities to enhance vaccine efforts by focusing on age-appropriate, on-time vaccination of children and high-risk adults. Information issued also included:
  • Measles Infection Timeline – to better identify cases of measles
  • Measles Testing Flowchart – to outline when testing for measles should be done
• VFC COVERAGE: IDPH is continuing to recruit and retain Vaccine For Children (VFC) health care providers. The VFC program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost for children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. While the previous administration’s efforts to oversee this program resulted in a multi-million dollar debt, the current administration is committed to making this program work throughout Illinois. The VFC program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule.

As of May 10, 2019, 839 cases of measles have been identified in 23 states, including eight confirmed cases in Illinois. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was eliminated in 2000.

“Vaccines are our most effective and safest tool for combating disease and our department is deeply committed to helping those who are able get vaccinated,” said Acting IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We are actively working to increase vaccination rates in communities with the lowest rates and will continue to engage local health departments, schools, and community organizations in the critical work of keeping Illinoisans healthy and safe.”

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease that starts with symptoms that may mirror the common cold, can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and, in some cases, even death. It causes a skin rash, fever, cough and runny nose, and is especially dangerous for babies and young children.

In the United States, death from measles has occurred at a rate of about two to three per 1,000 cases in recent years, according to IDPH. These deaths occur mainly in children younger than 5 years of age, primarily from pneumonia and occasionally from encephalitis. Other complications include ear problems, diarrhea and brain damage.

Measles can be prevented with measles vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for children at 12 months of age. This shot is given as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. A second shot of measles vaccine, usually MMR, is now required in Illinois for all children kindergarten through 12th grade. Anyone born after January 15, 1957, who has not had at least one dose of measles vaccine after 12 months of age or who has not had the measles should be immunized, IDPH said.

Anyone working in health care settings should receive two doses of measles vaccine (MMR) unless they have had the disease and, therefore, are immune. Anyone planning to travel internationally should make sure they are protected against measles and other dangerous diseases before they go abroad. Women should not get the vaccine if they are already pregnant or if they plan to get pregnant within three months after getting the vaccine.

Rubella, once a common disease that occurred primarily among young children, causes fever, rash, and — mainly in women — arthritis. Rubella infection during pregnancy can also lead to birth defects.