Chicago (CBS) — On Sunday morning, as police briefed the media about the overnight shooting, CBS 2 cameras stumbled upon a sign outside the 25th Police Precinct that some feared. . The department notified the community of a suspected measles outbreak on the station premises, adding that those entering the building were putting themselves at risk.
“This facility has been contaminated by a measles outbreak. By entering, you agree to accept this risk,” the notice said.
The city told CBS 2 on Sunday night that it does not consider this a public health crisis.
When CBS 2 started asking questions about the situation, the notice was quickly removed. On Sunday night, the city said a measles outbreak was unlikely but insisted it was monitoring the situation.
The city issued the following statement:
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to consult with Cook County and community health partners about the health of the new arrivals, and while meticulous precautions were taken this morning, there are currently no possible measles cases. sex is very low. The 25th Police District has resumed normal operations. Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox (chickenpox) are rare in the United States because of high vaccination coverage, and most Chicagoans receive routine childhood vaccinations, or occasionally is protected by vaccination. Childhood infections. Although this is a difficult situation, we do not consider this a public health crisis. Reports that immigrants may be the source of Chicago’s rampant disease are inaccurate and could fuel xenophobia. The City will continue to monitor the situation with partners and provide appropriate guidance and services as needed.
CBS 2 first noticed the sign on Sunday morning, according to a police source, who said it was installed after a supervisor determined that there were three reported cases of measles in the building.
Supervisors have sent messages to staff warning them of possible cases, people familiar with the matter said. Exactly when they happened is unknown.
“This is not a disease to take lightly,” says Catherine Wallace, PhD, an epidemiologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
After the CBS 2 investigation, a city spokesperson said the measles epidemic was “very low” despite precautions being taken.
Doctors say measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, so caution is needed. It can be spread by close or direct contact, such as sneezing or coughing, and can cause many health problems, including death, in unvaccinated people. It was eradicated in the United States in 2000, with sporadic cases among unvaccinated populations.
“One to three children in 1,000 can die from measles, and it can lead to serious complications such as swelling of the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage.” Mr Wallace said.
A medical expert interviewed by CBS 2 said the public should also be informed of the timeline of the measles outbreak, in addition to the standard outbreak notification, once the outbreak is finally confirmed.
“It is helpful to know that there is an incubation period of about 10 to 14 days after being infected with measles before symptoms appear, so it is very important to inform the public about this immediately after exposure. “It doesn’t show up in 2018,” Wallace said.
As reported by CBS 2, police stations across the city, including Precinct 25, serve as shelters for asylum seekers.
A city spokeswoman denied reports speculating that immigrants may have originated the measles outbreak, saying these claims were not only inaccurate but could fuel xenophobia. added.
