IDPH goes into action with new cases of measles in Chicago

ILLINOIS – While the Chicago Department of Public Health is warning residents that a person with a confirmed measles diagnosis may have exposed others at several locations last week, the Department of Public Health of Illinois (IDPH) has outlined its strategy to fight the highly contagious virus. . According to a recent study, Cook County is the most endangered country in terms of the risk of the measles epidemic, which has reached an unprecedented level since its eradication in 2000.

On Saturday, the Chicago Department of Public Health said that the infected person may have exposed other people to measles on the Blue Line of the O. Hare International Airport at the campus. University of Chicago on May 16, as well as at the Chicago Loop at Millennium Park. at State Street retail locations between Monroe and Randolph Streets and South Canal Street. On the morning of May 17, exhibitions may have been held at UIC Student Center East.

People who think they have been exposed should consult their vaccination booklet or contact their health care provider to determine if they should be vaccinated. Health care providers who have questions about vaccine exposures and recommendations should call 311 and request a call from the communicable disease physician.

In the meantime, the IDPH says it is taking steps to prevent measles cases and increase vaccination rates.

Recent actions of the IDPH include:

• COMMUNITY SUBSIDIES: IDPH is providing $ 3.5 million in additional grants to local health departments across the state to increase awareness campaigns and help set up infrastructure facilitating vaccination. With this additional funding:
  • Medical grade refrigerators will be purchased to store vaccines safely.
  • The vaccine and supplies such as syringes, gloves and gauze will be purchased.
  • Immunization videos will be shown in cinemas showing children's films in certain regions.
• MOBILE UNITS: IDPH is preparing to deploy its Wellness on Wheels mobile units (WOW) not only in local health departments, but also in other state organizations. Mobile WOW units can be conducted in lower-vaccination neighborhoods to make vaccination more accessible. They can also be requested for special community events that parents and children often attend, such as fairs and neighborhood parties.
• DIRECT AWARENESSDr. Ezike and the IDPH engage directly in communities where vaccination rates are low. Recent outreach activities include meetings with the Sangamon County Department of Health, the Springfield School District, and rabbinic and Islamic leaders in the Chicagoland area. This week, the IDPH also met with members of the Illinois Immunization Advisory Council and Stakeholders to discuss measles outbreaks across the country as well as the plan for the future. action for vaccination.
• CAMPAIGNS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION: The HPID launched a social media vaccination education campaign for National Infant Immunization Week, which reached more than 50,000 people on Facebook. IDPH is currently preparing additional teaching materials for a back-to-school vaccination campaign.
• GUIDANCE OF HEALTH CARE: IDPH has published guidelines for health care providers on measles screening, notification and prevention. On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, new information was sent to suppliers. They summarize current vaccine recommendations, strengthen testing and isolation recommendations, and encourage facilities to intensify their immunization efforts with a focus on timely childhood immunization. and at high risk. adults. The published information also included:
• VFC COVERIDPH continues to recruit and retain healthcare providers Vaccine for Children (VFC). The VFC program is a federally funded program that provides no-cost vaccines to children who may not be otherwise immunized because of their inability to pay. While previous administration efforts to oversee this program have resulted in a multimillion dollar debt, the current administration is committed to making this program work throughout Illinois. The VFC program helps children to get vaccinated according to the recommended vaccination schedule.

As of May 10, 2019, 839 cases of measles had been identified in 23 states, including eight confirmed cases in Illinois. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the largest number of cases reported in the United States since 1994 and since measles was eliminated in 2000.

"Vaccines are our most effective and safest tool for fighting disease and our department is deeply committed to helping people who are able to get vaccinated," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Acting Director of the Department of Health. IDPH. "We are actively working to increase immunization rates in communities with the lowest rates and will continue to engage local health departments, schools, and community-based organizations in the crucial work of maintaining the health and safety of people living with HIV." inhabitants of Illinois. "

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease that starts with symptoms that may reflect colds, can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and, in some cases, death. It causes a rash, fever, cough and runny nose, and is especially dangerous for babies and young children.

In the United States, according to IDPH, the death rate from measles is about two to three deaths out of 1,000 in recent years. These deaths occur mainly in children under 5, mainly by pneumonia and sometimes by encephalitis. Other problems include ear problems, diarrhea and brain damage.

Measles can be prevented with measles vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for children 12 months old. This vaccine is given as a vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). A second injection of measles vaccine, usually MMR, is now required in Illinois for all children from kindergarten to grade 12. Anyone born after January 15, 1957, who has not received at least one dose of measles vaccine after 12 months or who has not had measles should be vaccinated, said IDPH.

Anyone working in a health care facility should receive two doses of measles vaccine (MMR) unless they have the disease and, therefore, are immunized. Anyone considering traveling abroad should make sure to be protected against measles and other dangerous diseases before going abroad. Women should not receive the vaccine if they are already pregnant or if they plan to become pregnant within three months of receiving the vaccine.

Rubella, once a common disease that mainly affected young children, causes fever, rashes and, especially in women, arthritis. Rubella infection during pregnancy can also lead to congenital abnormalities.