Chicago Public Schools confirmed in an email late Wednesday afternoon that a student at Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy developed measles on Monday, following several cases that emerged over the last week.
In a statement, CPS said they are working closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to respond to any unvaccinated students and the two recently reported positive measles cases involving CPS students.
“We will continue to provide resources, support and information to our entire community to ensure our valued staff and families have the appropriate information to stay safe,” a CPS spokesperson said Wednesday. “CPS provides multiple opportunities for vaccination as well as resources for community-based services and we work closely with families to help them be up-to-date on all vaccinations as it is known as one of the best tools to protect our youth from severe childhood illness.”
The student at Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy on the Lower West Side is the city’s ninth measles case reported in the past week.
The city’s first case of measles in five years was announced Thursday. The source of that infection in the Chicago case is unknown, but officials said in a news release that the contagious period ended Wednesday.
On Friday, a child staying at the city’s largest shelter for asylum seekers on the Lower West Side tested positive for measles. That child – not of school age – has recovered and is no longer infectious.
A second child, also not of school age and living at the quarantined facility for asylum seekers on Cermak Road and Halsted Street was reported to have measles on Sunday that child has also recovered.
By Monday, CDPH confirmed that two adults tested positive, bringing the total number of cases at the shelter to four.
City officials announced a third child with measles Sunday. Officials said the child, a Philip D. Armour Elementary School student in Bridgeport, was hospitalized and remained in good condition.
CPS said it has followed all standard communication protocols with Cooper Dual Language Elementary Academy families and staff.
CPS didn’t immediately comment on the total number of school-aged children living at the Pilsen shelter nor the status of efforts to verify their vaccination status.
The district also did not immediately comment on how CPS ensures students—including those who enrolled after the district’s Oct. 15 deadline to submit proof of immunizations—meet state-mandated minimum health requirements.
A two-dose measles vaccine is among the state’s requirements for all students unless a parent or guardian submits either proof the child previously contracted measles or a religious exemption.
CPS said families that need assistance enrolling in health insurance or identifying a medical home where they can receive comprehensive care, including routine vaccinations, can call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS
