Measles Update

As of April 3, 607 measles cases have been reported across 22 jurisdictions in the United States this year, including three deaths—the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. This is just the third time since 1995 in which over 600 confirmed cases of measles were reported in the U.S. in a calendar year. While no cases of measles have been identified in Chicago or Illinois to date in 2025, measles is highly contagious, and with the rising number of national cases, CDPH is tracking the outbreaks closely.

Measles is very contagious: if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not immune. It can also cause severe disease, long-term complications, and—in rare cases—death. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.

All Chicagoans are encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on MMR vaccine. Immunization records in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

CDPH offers MMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of immigration status, at CDPH Immunization Clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.

As measles is circulating in the U.S., Chicago residents traveling internationally or to domestic locations with measles outbreaks should ensure full protection with MMR prior to travel: infants (six months to 12 months old) should receive one shot, and anyone older than 12 months should receive two shots for full protection before traveling.

National Public Health Week

It's National Public Health Week. Public health is important because it saves lives.

CDPH aims to protect our communities against health threats, prevent diseases and illnesses, and promote overall wellness for all Chicagoans. We want to take a moment to spotlight a few services and resources available to help people live healthier, happier lives.

• If you are a new or expectant family, utilize Family Connects Chicago to access free postnatal home care.
• Visit our public health vending machines for health & hygiene products including drug testing kits, Narcan, socks, and more.
• If you're not up to date on your measles, COVID, or other vaccinations, CDPH can help you find clinics or no-cost options near you.

Taking an Arts-based Approach to Mental Wellness

Healing Arts Chicago, in collaboration with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), is an innovative approach to mental wellness for Chicago communities. It takes an arts-based approach to mental wellness, paying artists in City Mental Health Centers to amplify the proven benefits of arts engagement in fostering holistic recovery, well-being and social cohesion in communities. Sessions are offered every day of the week throughout the year, free of charge to all Chicagoans, and provide a space to engage, restore, and rejuvenate.

The current sessions span the areas of sound meditation, movement and dance, journaling, breathwork, poetry and spoken word, candle making, floral arrangements, and more. Get more details and register here: chicago.gov/HealingArts.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Seminar and Panel Discussion

On Thursday, April 17, CDPH's Lead Poisoning Prevention & Healthy Homes Program will hold convening of partners from healthcare, early childhood and community for a panel discussion on lead poisoning and prevention from 9 am–12:30 pm (flyer). The meeting will address the challenges and opportunities related to the lowering of the threshold for an elevated blood lead level in children, along with strategies for eliminating childhood lead poisoning.

The event at Malcolm X College will feature speakers and panelists from CDPH, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital, community and tenants' organizations. CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, MD, MS, MPH will welcome attendees with opening remarks. You can register for this event here.

Adolescent Immunization Week

Adolescent Immunization Action Week is a yearly observance held April 7-11, highlighting the importance of adolescent immunizations by encouraging healthcare providers, parents and guardians to take action by keeping their adolescents up to date on their recommended vaccines. On-time vaccination is critical to protect and prevent adolescents and young adults from getting sick and missing out on activities that are important to them.

To see the schedule of immunizations for kids by age, visit the Centers for Disease Control site.

To get your kids immunized in Chicago, visit CDPH's Immunization page for clinic locations and hours, here.

Healthy Chicago Newsletter

The spring edition of the Healthy Chicago Newsletter is now available! In this issue, you'll find updates on Healing Arts Chicago, including the types of sessions available and their locations. You'll also learn about the expansion of Illinois Medicaid coverage to include 12 months postpartum, plus insights for National Public Health Week! In celebration, we're spotlighting the vital work of some of the dedicated team members at CDPH who are committed to keeping Chicagoans safe and healthy.

Stay informed—sign up for CDPH's free Healthy Chicago Newsletter today at this link!

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Episode 79 [SPANISH]: April is Alcohol Use Awareness Month, and in the latest episode of the Spanish-language Healthy Chicago podcast, therapist and founder of Encuéntrate Counseling and Consulting, Daisy Gómez, joins our host, Dr. Francisco Rodríguez, Director of Mental Health Clinics at CDPH, to discuss how alcohol use impacts mental health and a person's environment. They also explore how trauma in the Latino community—such as migration stress, anxiety, and depression—can lead to increased alcohol consumption, the stigma surrounding seeking help, and how cultural factors shape alcohol use within Latino communities.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

Episode 76 [ENGLISH]: This April, for Alcohol Awareness Month, we delve into how alcohol use is habitualized and what one can do to get help, should they want it. Dr. Jenny Hua (Medical Director for Behavioral Health and Interim Deputy Commissioner at CDPH) speaks with Dr. Nicole Gastala (Medical Director for the Division of Substance Use Prevention Recovery at the Illinois Department of Human Services) about addressing stigma, and how public health is supporting individuals to treat alcohol use disorder with reliable medications and mental health care.

If you or your loved ones are struggling with alcohol use, help is available 24-7 at HelplineIL.org or call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

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