A case of measles has been confirmed at a Chicago migrant facility where a five-year-old boy died in December from an unknown illness.
The shelter currently hosts 1,876 migrants.
The infected child has now recovered, but it is unclear how many migrants were exposed to the virus in the shelter.
Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who represents the neighborhood where the shelter is located, told NewsNation, “At this time, with this potential exposure to a rapidly spreading virus like measles, it is critical to have a plan of isolation”.
The councilor continued: “People need to isolate while they are being tested and they will learn more about the assessment as people shelter in place, and we will wait for the test results.”
NewsNation reports:
City of Chicago health officials are asking all shelter residents to remain in place until it can be determined whether the migrants are vaccinated against measles and immune to the infectious disease. Sigcho-Lopez said those who are vaccinated will be able to continue with their daily routines, but those who have not been vaccinated should stay indoors and watch for symptoms.
Chicago Public Schools officials confirmed that the child was not of school age and told parents that the city’s health department had told shelter families not to send their children to school on Friday.
In an email to parents, school officials said they would search for drop-in center students accompanied by a parent. Those parents would be told that their children would not be allowed to attend classes.
“Unfortunately this is too long a process when there are 1,800 people (in the shelter),” Sigcho-Lopez said. “I recognize the process that has been undertaken, but given the speed at which this virus is spreading, we need to isolate people.
“I think what we want from the governor is a commitment to better protocols so we can work towards better conditions and prevent cases like this.”