CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 06/25/2026

Jump Ahead

• Potential Measles Exposure at O'Hare
• Annual CDPH Lead & Healthy Homes Conference
• Stay Cool in the Heat This Weekend
• Gun Safety Awareness Month
• Pride is Public Health

Potential Measles Exposure at O'Hare

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating a confirmed case of measles in an international traveler who arrived in Chicago on June 17, 2026. Based on timing of their illness, the case was exposed to measles outside the U.S. CDPH is working with healthcare partners, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and CDC to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.

The following has been identified as a public exposure location:

People who believe they may have been exposed should check their vaccination status. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Individuals who were potentially exposed and are unsure whether they are protected should contact their healthcare provider to determine if they need to be vaccinated or checked for immunity. There are also specific measles vaccination recommendations for adults and children prior to international travel. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is available to all Chicago residents at no cost at CDPH's Immunization Clinics.

Annual CDPH Lead Conference

Registration is now open for the CDPH Lead & Healthy Homes Program's 3rd annual Lead Conference, a daylong event that brings together a cross-section of individuals engaged in work to prevent lead poisoning, including healthcare professionals, contractors, residents, and educators.

This year's conference will take place on Wednesday, September 22 at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.) from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Attendees will participate in educational sessions, resource sharing, networking opportunities, and discussions focused on improving health outcomes for Chicago families and communities.

Under the banner of "One Chi, One Team, One Goal: Lead Awareness + Testing + Healthy Homes Remediation," bringing together different agencies and City departments can lead to strengthened collaboration around lead poisoning prevention, healthy homes education, environmental health, asthma reduction, and home remediation efforts across Chicago.

More information and registration details are at Chicago.gov/leadconference.

Heat Wave in the Forecast This Weekend

Temperatures are expected to spike over the weekend, reaching into the 90s early next week. If you're attending Sunday's annual Pride Parade in Lakeview, stay hydrated, wear plenty of sunscreen, and if you're marching or standing alongside the parade route, wear comfortable shoes and loose, light clothing. Other tips for staying cool in the extreme heat include:

• Limit outdoor activities and stay inside. If you do not have air conditioning, keep your shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open for air circulation.
• Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sodas.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Never leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• Check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.

For more information on heat preparedness, visit the CDPH website.

Gun Safety Awareness Month

June is Gun Safety Awareness Month, a time to promote responsible firearm storage, prevent unintentional injuries and suicides, and strengthen safety across Chicago.

CDPH offers free resources to help residents practice firearm safety and respond to emergencies. Free gun locks are available at CDPH vending machines and clinics, as well as select Chicago Police stations and Chicago Public Library branches. Residents can attend virtual or in-person workshops covering safe firearm storage, conflict de-escalation, lifesaving techniques for responding to serious injuries, and options for anonymously turning in unwanted firearms.

Please help keep Chicago safe this summer for all of our families and communities. Find resources and support at chicago.gov/gunsafety.

Pride Keeps Our LGBTQ+ Communities Healthy

As we head into warmer days, Chicagoans, especially within LGBTQ+ communities, look forward to gathering, celebrating, and connecting. A total of 11 new mpox cases (a tiny proportion compared to a few years ago) have been reported to CDPH in 2026, but awareness remains vitally important. Summer brings increased social activity, including close physical contact or new sexual partners, and that can create opportunities for transmission, making prevention and early recognition key to keeping our communities healthy.

CDPH has closely monitored mpox activity since the 2022 outbreak, and we will continue to support healthcare providers, and offer vaccination clinics across the city throughout summer. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent mpox and protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Those who may be at higher risk are encouraged to complete the two-dose vaccine series and stay informed about symptoms, testing, and local trends.

Chicago's diverse LGBTQ+ communities have shown time and again how strong and responsive we can be. With a vibrant summer season under way, staying informed and prepared will help ensure that everyone can celebrate safely and confidently. For the latest updates and resources, visit Chicago.gov/mpox including mpox prevention and FAQs.

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