The U.S. is seeing a rash of measles cases, with more than three dozen cases reported across 17 states already this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This comes two months after the agency warned clinicians to remain alert for measles cases.
So far this year, 45 cases have been reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, CDC data shows.
Among the most notable cases are those reported in Chicago, where the CDC said it’s “sending a team of experts to support the local response.”
As of Monday, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed five measles cases in the city, with four at a migrant shelter in the Pilsen neighborhood. The two most recent cases were confirmed in adults at the shelter who are in stable condition.
“If a measles outbreak continues for a year or more, the United States could lose its measles elimination status,” the agency notes on its website.