CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 07/23/2026

Take Steps to Avoid Cyclospora

Cases of cyclospora have been on the rise across the U.S., with more than 90 cases confirmed thus far in Chicago this year. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness. People are usually infected with Cyclospora by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. The parasite is not spread from person to person.

Cyclospora infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Abdominal cramping and bloating
• Nausea and, less commonly, vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms

Cyclospora is usually not life-threatening, and most healthy people will get better without treatment, but it can take a while. Antibiotics are available and can help shorten the illness.

Cyclospora is usually spread through contaminated produce. To prevent illness, always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food. Take measures for safe food preparation including:

• Wash all fresh produce under running water
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a produce brush
• Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.
• Remove any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within 2 hours.
• Cooking produce to 158° F (70° C) or higher kills Cyclospora.

Air Quality Guidance Reminder

Thankfully, temperatures have dropped and Chicago's air quality has returned to normal levels after last weekend's hazardous wildfire smoke. However, as summer continues, the possibility of more harmful conditions and extreme heat remains.

This is a reminder that extreme heat and poor air quality levels put extra stress on the body. During these events, all Chicagoans are advised to take precautions to limit their time outside, avoid strenuous activity when outdoors, and seek medical attention if health complications arise.

People in higher risk groups, such as those with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant people, and children, should reconsider going outside on Friday, July 17 or at least shorten their time spent outdoors while air quality remains unhealthy.

CDPH's guidance for everyone:

• Avoid or reduce strenuous outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running, so you don't breathe too hard.
• Shorten your outdoor activities.
• If you have asthma, follow your asthma action plan and keep your rescue inhaler with you.
• If you must be outside, a proper fitting N95 or KN95 mask can help filter the air you breath of PM2.5.

For additional guidance around air quality alerts and local air quality readings in Chicago, go to chicago.gov/OpenAirChicago.

2026 Black Women's Expo

Heart disease is the leading driver of the racial life expectancy gap in Chicago, accounting for nearly two years of that difference, and Black women are disproportionately impacted. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors, and many people don't know how to take their blood pressure reading or know their numbers.

That's why CDPH will be at the 2026 Black Women's Expo at Chicago's McCormick Place, July 31-August 2, offering free blood pressure and other health screenings. It's a chance for attendees to know their numbers, understand what they mean, and learn the steps they can take to protect their heart. For more information on the expo, and for tickets, visit bwenext.com.

Healthy Chicago Podcast - PlayStreets Chicago

It's PlayStreets Week in Chicago! PlayStreets Chicago is a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to foster healthier, stronger communities.

On this episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, Miguel Lopez is joined by Lisa Butler (Phalanx Family Services) and Felicia Walker (City Motivators) to discuss PlayStreets in 2026, what drives their work in the communities, and how Chicagoans can get involved.

Listen or Watch on the platform of your choice!

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