Measles Outbreak in Chicago Raises Questions About Migrant Health Care and Vaccinations

United States of America
Stoking fears that it could stigmatize new arrivals.
<strong>CPS students who attend Cooper Dual Language Academy in Pilsen</strong> and <strong>Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport were among those infected with measles.</strong>
The outbreak is raising questions about how the city manages migrant health care and vaccinations
There are 12 confirmed cases of measles in Chicago
Two new cases were reported on Thursday
Measles Outbreak in Chicago Raises Questions About Migrant Health Care and Vaccinations

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced that there are 12 confirmed cases of measles in the city, with two new cases reported on Thursday. The outbreak is raising questions about how the city manages migrant health care and vaccinations, and stoking fears that it could stigmatize new arrivals. Two CPS students who attend Cooper Dual Language Academy in Pilsen and Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport were among those infected with measles.



Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if all those infected with measles have been fully immunized.
  • <strong>Are there any other schools or public places where the outbreak has occurred?</strong>

Sources

77%

  • Unique Points
    • CPS learned of a positive measles case involving a student at Philip D. Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport and the Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed another case at Cooper Dual Language Academy in Pilsen earlier this week.
    • The outbreak is raising questions about how the city manages migrant health care and vaccinations, and stoking fears that it could stigmatize new arrivals.
    • Two of the people infected are CPS students who attend Cooper Dual Language Academy in Pilsen and Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport.
    • The highly contagious disease is spreading in the city amid a national measles outbreak. Chicago health commissioner Simbo Ige says the city's first measles case this year didn't come from the shelter.
  • Accuracy
    • The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Sunday that there were two unrelated measles cases among children at a migrant shelter in the city's Pilsen neighborhood. One child has recovered and is no longer infectious, while the second child is hospitalized but in good condition.
    • On Monday, the department also announced three further cases of measles among adults in the shelter, bringing the total count citywide to eight.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that the Chicago Department of Public Health advises all school-aged Pilsen shelter residents to stay in place and not attend school since last Friday. This statement is presented as fact without any evidence or citation provided, making it difficult for readers to verify its accuracy.
    • The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that the Chicago Department of Public Health advises all school-aged Pilsen shelter residents to stay in place and not attend school since last Friday. This statement is presented as fact without any evidence or citation provided, making it difficult for readers to verify its accuracy.
    • The author presents a dichotomous depiction when stating that the vast majority of Chicago residents are protected from measles by the MMR vaccine while also mentioning that 10 out of 12 confirmed cases have been reported from inside a Pilsen migrant shelter. This creates an either/or situation without providing any context or explanation for why these two groups may be at different levels of protection.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

66%

  • Unique Points
    • The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Sunday that there were two unrelated measles cases among children at a migrant shelter in the city's Pilsen neighborhood. One child has recovered and is no longer infectious, while the second child is hospitalized but in good condition.
    • On Monday, the department also announced three further cases of measles among adults in the shelter, bringing the total count citywide to eight.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that 'the majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk'. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all Chicagoans have been vaccinated when in fact there may be a significant portion who have not received the vaccine. Secondly, the article states that 'because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases'. This statement suggests that the author believes they can predict with certainty how many more cases will occur and implies an air of authority on this matter when in fact there are no guarantees about future outbreaks. Lastly, the article quotes Dr. Olusimbo Ige stating 'We believe the risk to our staff is low as vaccination is a requirement of employment at Cook County Health'. This statement suggests that all employees at Cook County Health have been vaccinated when in fact there may be some who are not protected by this policy.
    • The majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk
    • because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the CDC's recommendation for vaccination and stating that most people in the US are vaccinated against measles. However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone is protected from getting sick or spreading it to others. Additionally, there are several examples of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as
    • The majority of Chicagoans are vaccinated against measles and therefore are not at high risk but we are strongly urging those who aren't vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
    • Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases. Should you be exposed to someone who has measles, if you are not vaccinated you need to immediately quarantine and call a health provider.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains a clear example of ideological bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes migrants by implying they are responsible for the spread of measles in Chicago.
    • > Because of how contagious measles is, I anticipate seeing more cases. Should you be exposed to someone who has measles, if you are not vaccinated you need to immediately quarantine and call a health provider. If you are not sure of your vaccination status, stay home and call your health provider as soon as possible.
      • > Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious symptoms that can lead to pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications, but it is preventable with vaccination.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      70%

      • Unique Points
        • The Chicago Department of Public Health announced a measles outbreak at the city's largest shelter.
        • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays would proceed, beginning at the end of the week.
        • Dr. Olusimbo Igem, commissioner for Chicago Public Health, urged anyone who isn't vaccinated against measles to do so.
      • Accuracy
        • The Chicago Department of Public Health announced a measles outbreak at the city's largest shelter, with 10 cases confirmed as of Wednesday. The two new cases are children and one is from the Pilsen migrant shelter.
        • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays would proceed, beginning at the end of the week. However, he also said there will be exceptions for individuals who are in the process of securing housing or outmigration and have other extenuating circumstances around their health or pregnancy.
        • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) representatives remain in Chicago to contain efforts related to the measles outbreak. The 21-day quarantine remains in effect due to the time it takes to develop immunity.
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated on Wednesday that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays would proceed, beginning at the end of the week. However, this statement contradicts information provided by other sources such as a letter obtained by WGN News from more than a dozen aldermen who asked Johnson to rescind the eviction policy. Secondly, while it is true that there are two new cases of measles confirmed in children at the Pilsen migrant shelter, this does not necessarily mean that all individuals staying at the shelter have been exposed or infected with measles. The article also fails to disclose any sources for its information.
        • The author claims that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated on Wednesday that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays would proceed, beginning at the end of the week. However, this statement contradicts information provided by other sources such as a letter obtained by WGN News from more than a dozen aldermen who asked Johnson to rescind the eviction policy.
        • The article fails to disclose any sources for its information.
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when quoting the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Mayor Brandon Johnson without providing any context or criticism of their statements. Additionally, the author presents a dichotomy by stating that asylum seekers can either return to the loading zone or move on, implying that there are no other options available to them. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when describing the situation as an
        • The Chicago Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that a measles outbreak at the city's largest shelter continues to spread.
      • Bias (85%)
        The article contains a statement from the Chicago Department of Public Health that two more cases have been confirmed at the Pilsen migrant shelter. The author then quotes Mayor Brandon Johnson saying that evictions tied to the 60-day limit on migrant shelter stays will proceed, beginning at the end of the week. This creates an example of monetary bias as it implies a financial interest in removing these individuals from shelters and potentially forcing them into homelessness.
        • The article contains a statement from the Chicago Department of Public Health that two more cases have been confirmed at the Pilsen migrant shelter.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of evictions as they are reporting on a migrant shelter that is facing eviction. The article also mentions Brandon Johnson who may have ties to the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which could further compromise their objectivity.
          • The article also notes that there have been measles cases at the Pilsen migrant shelter. The author does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to this topic, but it is worth noting that Dr. Olusimbo Igem, who was previously a member of Johnson's mayoral campaign team and has ties to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), could have an interest in reporting on the measles outbreak at the shelter.
            • The article reports on the ongoing eviction process at a migrant shelter in Pilsen, Illinois. The author mentions that Brandon Johnson, who is running for mayor of Chicago, has been vocal about his support for the shelter and its residents. This could create a conflict of interest as Johnson may have ties to organizations or individuals with an interest in keeping the shelter open.

            60%

            • Unique Points
              • The outbreak is raising questions about how the city manages migrant health care and vaccinations
              • Two of the people infected are CPS students who attend Cooper Dual Language Academy in Pilsen and Armour Elementary School in Bridgeport.
              • School-aged Pilsen shelter residents have been advised to stay out of school until the vaccination status of all fellow residents has been resolved.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (30%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that Chicago health officials reported two more cases of measles at a Pilsen migrant shelter. However, this statement is misleading because it implies that these are new cases when in fact they were previously identified and included in the initial 12 case count mentioned earlier in the article. Secondly, there is no evidence presented to support the claim made by health commissioner Simbo Ige that none of Chicago's first measles cases this year came from the shelter. This statement could be seen as an attempt to shift blame away from migrants and onto other sources of infection, which may not be accurate or fair. Lastly, there is a lack of transparency regarding how many Chicagoans are currently vaccinated against measles and whether they have been affected by this outbreak.
              • The statement 'Chicago health officials reported two more cases of measles at a Pilsen migrant shelter' is misleading because it implies that these are new cases when in fact they were previously identified and included in the initial 12 case count mentioned earlier in the article.
            • Fallacies (70%)
              The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that Chicago health commissioner Simbo Ige says the city's first measles case this year didn't come from the shelter. This statement is not supported by any evidence and should be taken with a grain of salt.
              • The article contains several fallacies.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article by Monica Eng contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes migrants and implies they are a threat to public health due to their lack of vaccination status. Additionally, the article mentions how the city's first measles case this year was not from the shelter, which could be interpreted as an attempt to downplay the role of migrants in spreading disease. The author also uses language that implies that providing comprehensive medical screenings and vaccinations to all new arrivals would be too expensive for taxpayers.
              • The article mentions how some residents at a Pilsen shelter were not immunized against measles, which could be interpreted as an attempt to dehumanize migrants and imply they are a threat to public health due to their lack of vaccination status.
                • The article mentions how the city's first measles case this year was not from the shelter, which could be interpreted as an attempt to downplay the role of migrants in spreading disease.
                  • The author uses language that implies providing comprehensive medical screenings and vaccinations to all new arrivals would be too expensive for taxpayers.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  69%

                  • Unique Points
                    • The state has relocated many quarantined individuals into a hotel to control the measles outbreak in Chicago.
                    • Governor J.B. Pritzker said that it is the responsibility of government to keep people safe when a public health issue emerges.
                    • Since Monday, 100 family members from 26 households who have been exposed but not tested positive for the virus have been put up in the hotel and will quarantine for three weeks.
                    • The Chicago Department of Public Health reported 12 new cases of measles in the city in the past week, with 10 in connection to the Pilsen shelter.
                  • Accuracy
                    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                  • Deception (50%)
                    The article is deceptive because it does not provide any evidence or sources for the claims that it makes. It relies on unnamed officials and agencies to make statements without attributing them to anyone specific. It also implies that all migrants are a public health risk without providing any data or context to support this claim. The article is biased against asylum seekers and portrays them as a burden on the state, while ignoring their human rights and needs.
                    • The statement 'All people in Illinois deserve to be treated with dignity' is deceptive because it implies that some people do not deserve this treatment. It also does not specify who are the exceptions to this rule or why they are excluded from this principle. This is a lie by omission and a fallacy of equivocation.
                  • Fallacies (70%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when he quotes Governor J.B. Pritzker's statement about the responsibility of government to keep people safe during a public health issue.
                    • > As an outbreak of measles spreads in the city of Chicago, the state has relocated many quarantined individuals into a hotel this week to control the virus. <br> The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Public Health have helped quarantine migrants in Chicago who have been exposed to a measles outbreak at the Pilsen neighborhood's asylum shelter.
                    • The state has had 56 measles cases since 2010.
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The author demonstrates bias by implying that the state's actions in quarantining migrants are motivated by a desire to control the virus and keep people safe, rather than being necessary due to the fact that these individuals have been exposed to measles. The use of language such as 'compelled' implies that the state is forcing these individuals into quarantine against their will.
                    • The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Public Health have helped quarantine migrants in Chicago who have been exposed to a measles outbreak at the Pilsen neighborhood’s asylum shelter.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication