Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois is experiencing a surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with 277 confirmed cases as of July 2024, compared to 249 in the same period last year. The CDC reports 1,645 confirmed cases nationwide and 5,100 under analysis, linked to the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which causes severe diarrhea and other symptoms. The outbreak's origin remains unclear, but past cases have been tied to contaminated produce.

The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed 216 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. Eighteen people were hospitalized, and 96 cases were linked to travel outside the US.

Illinois health officials report an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, a contagious parasite causing gastrointestinal issues. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is monitoring the situation.

Gov. JB Pritzker will sign Illinois legislation to protect abortion-related medical records from access by outside authorities. The Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, sponsored by Sen. Celina Villanueva and Rep. Mary Beth Canty, requires segregation of abortion data and limits cross-state sharing without patient consent. Patients may sue for violations, and health exchanges must implement changes by 2027.

Chicago health officials are investigating a possible measles exposure at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5 on June 17, linked to a confirmed case in an international traveler. The city is collaborating with state and federal agencies to notify potentially exposed individuals and emphasize vaccination as a preventive measure. A similar exposure was reported at the same terminal in March.

West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes were found in Wilmette, Illinois, on June 17, marking the latest in a series of cases across the Chicago area this summer. Officials report a low risk to residents with no human cases yet, but emphasize removing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

A former Evanston assisted-living employee has been charged with disabled resident abuse. The Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is leading the prosecution following a referral from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

31st Street Beach in Chicago was placed under a swim advisory early in the season due to water quality failing federal standards. Environmental advocates warn of more advisories this summer, citing a study showing all Lake Michigan beaches had unsafe fecal indicator levels in 2024. Environment Illinois urged lawmakers to oppose a bill that would cut funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which supports water-quality infrastructure.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a potential case of hantavirus in an Illinois resident, which is not linked to the deadly cruise ship outbreak. The investigation is ongoing and no further details have been released. The resident's condition is currently unknown.