At least eight cases have been confirmed, with at least seven among children and adults at a new arrivals shelter, according to the Chicago Department of Public Heath.
At least 45 measles cases have been reported across 17 states so far this year, according to CDC data.
Measles was considered eliminated in 2000 because most Americans were vaccinated against the disease or had some level of immunity. Over the last several years, however, vaccination rates have dipped and pockets of unvaccinated and undervaccinated communities have led to sporadic outbreaks across the U.S.
The George Washington University has experts available on why we keep seeing an outbreak, how to contain it and information on the vaccine. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, [email protected].
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He can speak about the current cases, symptoms to look for and steps to take to slow this outbreak.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She can talk about how to contain the virus and why we are seeing an uptick.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. She can talk about the importance of isolation and vaccination in preventing the spread of measles.
-GW-