The Latest Breaking News from the Chicago Department of Public Health

Chicago Reports Its First West Nile Death of the Year as Officials Point to a Rainy Summer

Chicago confirmed two West Nile cases and its first death of 2026. Officials cite the rainiest summer in years and have sprayed 15 areas.

Medical Daily · Sep 2

Heat and Drug Use Are a Dangerous Combination. What Chicago Documented Could Happen in Any City This Summer

Chicago saw a 40% opioid overdose spike during a 95-degree heat wave in June 2025. Extreme heat makes drugs far more dangerous, and peak summer temperatures are still ahead.

Medical Daily · Jul 23

CDC Confirms One Child Died in Chicago Migrant Shelter Group A Strep Outbreak with 166 Positive Cases

CDC's June 2026 EID report confirms one pediatric death and 166 GAS cases in a Chicago migrant shelter outbreak, highlighting congregate shelter infectious disease risks.

Medical Daily · Jun 23

At least 5 lawsuits filed against Avondale taqueria following Salmonella outbreak

Carniceria Guanajuato has been linked to at least 55 cases of Salmonella, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. So far, six of those people have been hospitalized.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 22, 2023

Updated COVID-19 vaccine expected to be available next week in Chicago

Doses of the vaccine are expected to be widely available within five to 12 days at clinics and pharmacies throughout Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 14, 2023

CDC OKs updated COVID-19 vaccine, clearing way for shots to begin this week

Chicago public health officials have said the CDC approval was all they needed to “begin the rollout” of the vaccine, which will be free for all city residents. “We already have the vaccine in Chicago,” Dr. Geraldine Luna, medical director for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Monday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 13, 2023

Activists call for public health funding, community programs in new ordinance

Lonette Sims, chair of People’s Response Network, announced Thursday that the group had drafted an ordinance calling for greater funding for community-based public health programs.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 11, 2023

Prognosis uncertain for Arwady post with Johnson — but city health chief ‘looking forward to the conversation’

Dr. Allison Arwady told the Sun-Times, “I am hopeful to stay on in my role,” but Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has voiced concerns about the way Chicago Public Schools were reopened during the COVID pandemic.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 17, 2023