The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending a team to Chicago to help respond to the first measles cases detected in the city since 2019, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed to ABC News, as more people contract the virus.
Five cases of the highly infectious disease have been confirmed over the last week, with the latest two confirmed by the CDPH on Monday
The CDC confirmed to ABC News a team is being sent to the city and is expected to arrive Tuesday.
“CDC is sending a team of experts to support the local response to the recent measles cases with arrival expected tomorrow,” a spokesperson told ABC News on Monday. “CDC continues to recommend the safe and effective MMR vaccination as part of the routine immunizations schedule for all children and adults, with special guidance for international travel. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Two additional measles cases were confirmed in adults at a new arrivals shelter in Pilsen, the CDPH said in a release Monday. Both are in stable condition.
It comes after cases were previously detected in two children at the shelter, according to city health officials. The first pediatric patient recovered and is no longer infectious while the second pediatric patient is hospitalized in good condition, according to the CDPH.
