CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 09/03/2026

Jump Ahead

• First West Nile Virus Cases of 2026
• Lead Poisoning Prevention Conference
• World Suicide Prevention Day
• Monthly Free Produce at Greater Lawn
• CDPH Observes Labor Day

First Human Cases of West Nile Virus in 2026

Earlier this week, CDPH confirmed Chicago's first two human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026, as well as one WNV-related death in a woman over the age of 50. The Illinois Department of Public Health has also confirmed several additional cases of WNV in the state of Illinois.

The risk of West Nile virus in Chicago is currently rated as moderate, and all Chicagoans are encouraged to take precautions against mosquitoes:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellant that contains ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.
• Eliminate standing water: empty water from any indoor or outdoor containers, such as flowerpots, gutters, pet water dishes, and birdbaths on a weekly basis.
• Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.
• When outside between dusk and dawn, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes.
• Make sure that all screens, windows, and doors are tight-fitting and free of holes. Use air conditioning when possible.
• People who are immunocompromised should consider avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn.

For more information about mosquito levels in Chicago and mosquito-borne diseases, including symptoms and prevention, visit chicago.gov/westnilevirus. To report standing water, dead birds or high grass/weeds, call 311.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Conference

CDPH hosts its 3rd annual Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Conference on Tuesday, September 22 at Malcolm X College. This year's conference will spotlight lead awareness, testing, and healthy homes remediation.

The daylong event (8 am-4 pm) will bring together community and City agency partners, healthcare providers, inspectors, contractors, and advocates who share one mission: protecting Chicago families from lead hazards and creating healthier homes for all. Through presentations from leading experts, group breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and more, this conference will offer valuable information and practical resources that support our shared mission of creating healthier homes and communities throughout Chicago.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Tour CDPH's Mobile Lead Testing Unit and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital mobile asthma clinic.
• Visit the Vendor and Resource Fair and connect with community organizations, public agencies, healthcare professionals, contractors, and other partners.
• Earn continuing education credit for eligible conference presentations.
• Explore the full process of moving a family from screening and referral through inspection and remediation.
• Experience "From Referral to Remediation: A Day in the Life of the Lead & Healthy Homes Program," in the closing plenary.

Registration is open now for the 2026 Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Conference.

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10 to bring awareness and support in preventing suicide in our communities. Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, whether you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, know someone who is, or know someone who has lost a loved one.

CDPH hosts free monthly Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) trainings to teach anyone interested how to recognize suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to mitigate risk of a suicide attempt, and make referrals to professional care. Learn more on the CDPH website.

If you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about someone who may need crisis support, call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org to get access to 24/7/365 crisis resources and confidential, free support from a trained professional.

Monthly Free Produce at Greater Lawn

The Greater Lawn West 55th Street WIC clinic partners with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide free, fresh fruits and vegetables to WIC and behavioral health clients.

Once a month, the Food Depository delivers produce to the clinic, where staff and volunteers work together to bag and distribute it directly to clients.

Distributions take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30-11:00 a.m. The next distribution is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

CDPH Observes Labor Day

This coming Monday, September 7, is Labor Day across the United States. CDPH offices and clinics will be closed in observation of this federal holiday and annual celebration of America's workers and laborers. We express our gratitude to our incredible staff and all of Chicago's healthcare professionals, and wish all Chicagoans an enjoyable long weekend! Offices and clinics will re-open as normal on Tuesday, September 8.

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