Public Health

4 articles

Chicago skyline under a sweltering, hazy sky with heat waves rising from the streets during an extreme heat warning.

Chicago braces for extreme heat index near 100 degrees

Chicago faces three consecutive days with a heat index peaking between 100-105 degrees, a level the National Weather Service classifies as an Extreme Heat Warning.

Rafael Mendoza·June 29, 2026

Travelers in a busy airport terminal, with a subtle public health announcement visible, conveying a sense of unease and potential health risk.

Neighborhoods

Traveler with measles visited O'Hare Airport on June 17

For nearly four hours on the morning of June 17, an international traveler confirmed to have measles moved through O'Hare's Terminal 5, potentially exposing hundreds to the highly contagious virus.

Aisha Patel·June 24, 2026

Stylized mosquito silhouette against a darkening Chicago skyline with ominous red warning lights, symbolizing the West Nile Virus threat.

Business & Economy

Chicago Area Sees 17 Severe West Nile Virus Cases

Illinois has reported its first human West Nile virus-related death in 2023: an individual in their 90s from suburban Cook County, confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (dph) .

Rafael Mendoza·June 13, 2026

Chicago's 31st Street Beach with a yellow swim advisory flag flying, indicating high bacteria levels in the water.

Business & Economy

31st Street Beach Swim Advisory Issued Due to High Bacteria

At Chicago's 31st Street Beach, a yellow swim advisory flag was implemented on Thursday, May 28, 2026, when bacteria levels exceeded 235 CFU, according to City of Chicago Beach Lab Data .

Rafael Mendoza·May 30, 2026