The measles outbreaks in Chicago keeps on increasing and health specialists arrive to help limit its spread. The rise in measles cases has sparked warnings from area officials, calls for monitoring and questions about vaccinations.
What Is Measles?
Measles outbreak in Chicago According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Measles is a highly transmissible and severe airborne disease. Triggered by a virus that can lead to serious complications and death.” While the virus can affect anyone, it is most prevalent in children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify measles as “one of the most contagious diseases. So dangerous that if one person catches it, up to 90% of individuals close to the affected person who are not immune will also become infected.”
Symptoms Of The Outbreak
According to the CDC, the first symptoms of the virus might appear seven to 14 days after exposure.
- High fever (may reach greater than 104°).
- Symptoms of coryza include coughing and runny nose.
- Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Two to three days following symptom onset, “koplik spots” may occur.” Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth. Within two to three days following symptoms begin,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. Three to five days after symptom onset, a rash will likely begin. “It generally starts as flat red spots that develop. The face at the hairline before spreading downward to the neck, body, arms, legs, and feet.” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Small raised bumps may also form on top of the flat red areas.
- As spots expand from the head to the rest of the body, they may merge.
- When the rash occurs, a person’s fever may reach more than 104° Fahrenheit.
How Does Measles Spread?
According to the CDC, measles transmits when an infected person sneezes or coughs. “If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface. Touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.
According to representatives, the disease can remain in the airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has left.
How effective is the vaccine and how many shots do you need?
According to the CDC, two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at avoiding measles. While one dose is 93% effective. Usually, the first dose is administered to children aged 12 to 15 months. The second dosage is administered around the ages of four and six years old. Yet, those without an immunization record might receive the vaccination.
In accordance with the Chicago Department of Public Health, “most Chicagoans are consistently vaccinated. As children and therefore not at high risk.”
“Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles should do so,” The Center for Disease Control stated in an announcement. “The MMR vaccine is available at the majority of medical offices and pharmacies. Illinois legislation enables children who are under ten years old to get vaccinated at pharmacies. The Center for Disease Control Vaccination clinics deliver the MMR vaccine at no expense. To any child aged 0 to 18 and uninsured individuals aged 19 and up.”
The CDC states that those who got two doses of the vaccine as youngsters. “Protected for life” and do not require additional shots.
CDC team arrives in Chicago to help outbreak
The Chicago State Department of Public Health reported last week that the city has seen its first measles case since 2019. The victim is recovering well at home, according to the department.
The Department of Health said that particular child was recovering and was no longer infectious. The second child has been hospitalized but in good health.
The Center for Disease Control team will be working extensively with the local and state health agencies. A group of experts will provide professional guidance, assist in arranging all aspects of testing. Centers for Disease control will also provide guidelines on a campaign for certain schools. Refuges, and other types of congregate settings, as well as additional, vaccines to ensure an adequate supply for both adults and children.
By Desmond Jackson
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Image Courtesy of Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
