The Chicago Department of Public Health is currently working to prevent the spread of measles in the city, following the confirmation of two cases since the start of 2019. One of the confirmed cases was a child residing at the city’s largest migrant shelter located in Pilsen.
Concerns have been raised about the well-being of migrants at the shelter, with reports of overcrowded conditions. In response to these reports, volunteers such as Maria Perez from the Southwest Collective have been delivering essential supplies like diapers and hygiene kits to migrants at the shelter.
Dr. Jennifer Grant, a health official, has warned that the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. Measles is highly contagious, with up to 90% of non-immune individuals around an infected person at risk of contracting the virus.
One asylum seeker at the shelter has expressed concern over the potential spread of measles and has described the shelter conditions as inhumane. With the combination of crowded living conditions and the highly contagious nature of measles, there is a heightened risk of an outbreak within the shelter.
Efforts are being made to contain the spread of measles within the city, with healthcare professionals urging vaccination and proper hygiene practices. The situation remains a concern for both the authorities and the migrant community, as they work together to prevent further cases and ensure the well-being of all individuals in the shelter.
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