Medical experts believe that the recent measles and tuberculosis outbreaks at migrant shelters in Chicago could have been prevented if migrants were vaccinated at the border and not living in cramped conditions. Unlike U.S.-born children, migrant students were not required to be vaccinated in order to attend school in Chicago until last month. Concerns are growing that similar outbreaks could occur in other sanctuary cities. The outbreaks have prompted Chicago to vaccinate all migrants at its shelters. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and early diagnosis for preventing and treating these diseases.
A 5-year-old girl at a Chicago migrant shelter tested positive for tuberculosis, one of a "small number" of confirmed cases among migrants. City officials declined to specify the exact number of cases. The girl's father, unable to afford an ambulance, expressed concern about the shelter's ability to provide adequate medical care. While the Chicago Department of Public Health emphasized that there is no outbreak and the risk to the public is low, experts noted the challenges of managing tuberculosis in crowded shelters. With concerns about infectious diseases spreading, migrants are calling for better communication and care from shelter staff.
Following a recent measles outbreak among migrants in Chicago, health officials have reported a "small number" of tuberculosis cases at some migrant facilities in the city. The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting contact tracing and addressing the issue, stating that TB is curable with antibiotics and not highly infectious. A Chicago Alderman expressed concern over vaccination requirements for migrant asylum seeker children, while a medical expert emphasized the preventability of measles through vaccination. The TB outbreak comes amid a rise in U.S. tuberculosis cases, with numbers increasing across all age groups.
Chicago officials have confirmed a "small number" of tuberculosis cases at city-run migrant shelters, raising concerns about health conditions at temporary emergency shelter facilities. The Chicago Department of Public Health did not disclose the exact number of migrants who tested positive for tuberculosis or identify which shelters were impacted. This news comes after previous outbreaks of measles and the death of a child at the shelters. The city has struggled to contain infectious diseases at these shelters, with reports of tuberculosis, measles, and other medical cases afflicting residents. The Chicago Department of Public Health has been working to vaccinate migrants and enforce quarantine measures to contain the spread of these diseases.
Chicago health officials are racing to vaccinate community members amid a measles outbreak in the city's largest migrant shelter, with 15 reported cases mostly from a shelter in the Pilsen neighborhood. The outbreak has prompted concerns over conditions inside crowded migrant shelters and a new wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric. While the shelter has reached a vaccination rate of over 95%, the city is also planning to vaccinate migrants at other facilities and isolate unvaccinated people for three weeks. The outbreak highlights the need for increased vaccination uptake among Chicagoans and globally, as measles cases have been on the rise.
Six cases of chickenpox at a migrant shelter in Roxbury, Massachusetts have raised concerns about the state's response to the health needs of migrant families. Public health experts and activists emphasize the importance of ensuring migrants are up-to-date on vaccinations as they move into shelters. While state officials took precautions after the cases were identified, questions remain about vaccination clinics and immunization histories. The situation highlights the challenges of providing healthcare to migrant families, who may have incomplete vaccinations and limited access to medical care, and the potential for infectious diseases to spread within the community.
Chicago is facing a measles outbreak at its largest migrant shelter, with 10 confirmed cases, 8 of which are from the shelter. Despite the outbreak, the city is moving forward with evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays, prompting concerns from local aldermen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are involved in containment efforts, and health officials have vaccinated over 900 people at the shelter. The city's public health commissioner is urging vaccination as a means to stop the spread of measles.
Six cases of chickenpox have been reported at a shelter site in Roxbury housing migrants, prompting vaccination efforts and isolation of infected individuals. Boston Public Schools also reported cases, and dozens of children from the shelter have been enrolled in the schools. The state-run shelter is one of four in the Greater Boston area, and more than 750 families are on the waitlist for shelter. The situation has raised concerns about disease prevention and vaccination among migrant populations in shelters.
A second case of measles has been confirmed at a Chicago migrant shelter, marking the city's first cases in five years. The infected individuals are new young migrant arrivals, and the health department is urging vaccination for both new arrivals and Chicago residents. Those who are unvaccinated or recently vaccinated are asked to quarantine for three weeks. The city has received over 36,000 migrants since 2022, and officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the disease.
Chicago's Department of Public Health is addressing the spread of measles after a child at the city's largest migrant shelter was diagnosed with the virus, sparking concerns about overcrowded and inhumane conditions. Volunteers are providing essential supplies to migrants, while health experts warn about the highly contagious nature of measles and the potential for rapid spread in crowded environments. Migrants and volunteers are expressing worry and frustration over the situation.
City officials in Pilsen woke up migrants at a shelter at 1 a.m. to announce a measles outbreak, imposing a 10-day quarantine and locking the doors, causing panic and concern among residents. Those who could prove vaccination were allowed to leave, while others had to stay and be screened for symptoms. The handling of the situation and the shelter's conditions have raised worries among residents and volunteers. The confirmed measles case has prompted city agencies to provide protective equipment and meals for those quarantined, while health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of measles.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham baselessly blamed migrants for Florida's measles outbreak, despite experts attributing the spread to low vaccination rates. Ingraham's claims were made without evidence and were criticized for being a racist dog whistle. The network's fearmongering about migrants and disease outbreaks overlooks the state's response to the situation and serves as a political tool against the Biden administration.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office revealed that a 5-year-old migrant boy, Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, died from sepsis caused by Strep Throat and COVID-19, with additional contributing factors. The mayor's office expressed condolences and outlined the city's efforts to provide medical screenings and care for shelter residents, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical help, especially in shared living spaces like migrant shelters.
A five-year-old Venezuelan migrant boy died from sepsis after contracting multiple infections, including COVID-19 and Group A Strep, inside a Chicago migrant center. The center, which serves around 2,300 people, has faced scrutiny for a growing list of medical emergencies, despite city officials maintaining that residents receive medical screenings and have access to healthcare. Illinois has allocated over $478 million in taxpayer money to address the migrant crisis, with more than 36,000 migrants passing through Chicago in the last 18 months and 13,000 currently in shelters within the city limits.
A 5-year-old Venezuelan boy who stayed at a Chicago migrant shelter died from sepsis caused by a bacterial infection, with COVID-19, adenovirus, and rhinovirus listed as contributing factors, prompting concerns about conditions for migrants in crowded shelters. The boy's death has led to calls for more resources and improved conditions for newly arrived migrants, as well as highlighting the urgent need for funding to provide necessary care. Group A Strep, the bacteria that caused the sepsis, is contagious and can lead to severe illness, and the boy's family, seeking asylum in the U.S., has recently found housing for themselves and their younger son.
