Measles Update

Measles cases are now decreasing in Chicago, and more than 6,000 new arrivals have received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine since the first case was identified in Chicago, as the Chicago Department of Public Health and its community and healthcare partners continue to work to contain spread of the highly infectious virus. CDPH and our public partners have been able to quickly respond to measles reports to facilitate appropriate testing, ensure people are connected to care and isolating from others while infectious, and vaccinate those who are eligible and not yet up to date with the MMR vaccine. CDPH has hosted over 75 MMR vaccine events at new arrival shelters since the beginning of March, and continues to provide MMR vaccinations at the City's landing zone for those who need them.

CDPH has identified just four new cases this week, bringing Chicago up to 57 confirmed cases of measles, the majority of which have been associated with the Pilsen new arrivals shelter on Halsted Street. Planned efforts are underway for individuals at the affected shelter to receive 2nd doses of MMR vaccine and therefore increase their level of protection against measles. Of the 57 confirmed cases, 33 are in children below the age of 5, underscoring the critical importance of childhood vaccination in fighting the spread of this highly infectious disease.

The MMR vaccine is available at most doctor's offices and pharmacies, and is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Illinois children as young as 7 years old can get vaccinated at pharmacies under Illinois law. CDPH Immunization clinics provide MMR vaccine for no out-of-pocket cost to any child 0-18 years and uninsured adults 19 and older. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal. For more information on measles please visit the CDPH website.

National Public Health Week

It's National Public Health Week and CDPH is celebrating by acknowledging daily themes designated by the American Public Health Association at NPHW.org to encourage commemoration and engagement in public health for all.

This year's themes for National Public Health Week are Civic Engagement (Monday), Healthy Neighborhoods (Tuesday), Climate Change (Wednesday), New Tools and Innovations (Thursday), Reproductive and Sexual Health (Friday), Emergency Preparedness (Saturday), and Future of Public Health (Sunday).

For more information on how to get involved with #NPHW in 2024, view CDPH's daily themes and suggestions on social media, available on the CDPH website.

Total Solar Eclipse - Protect Your Eyes!

On Monday, April 8 a total solar eclipse will be observable across North America. A total solar eclipse is when the Moon crosses between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the view of the Sun.

On Monday, April 8 a total solar eclipse will be observable across North America. A total solar eclipse is when the Moon crosses between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the view of the Sun.

To avoid eye injury, do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse and do not use items like sunglasses, binoculars or a telescope for viewing. You can use safe solar viewing glasses or a pinhole projector to see the eclipse.

For more information on eclipse viewing times for your location, visit timeanddate.com/eclipse. For more information on eye safety during a solar eclipse, visit the NASA website on best practices for eclipse viewing.

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