CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 07/16/2026

Take Steps to Avoid Cyclospora

Cases of cyclospora have been on the rise across the U.S., with around 60 cases reported thus far in Chicago this year. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness. People are usually infected with Cyclospora by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces. The parasite is not spread from person to person.

Cyclospora infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Abdominal cramping and bloating
• Nausea and, less commonly, vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms

Cyclospora is usually not life-threatening, and most healthy people will get better without treatment, but it can take a while. Antibiotics are available and can help shorten the illness.

Cyclospora is usually spread through contaminated produce. To prevent illness, always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food. Take measures for safe food preparation including:

• Wash all fresh produce under running water
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a produce brush
• Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.
• Remove any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within 2 hours.
• Cooking produce to 158° F (70° C) or higher kills Cyclospora.

Heat Safety for Children and Pregnant People

High temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and pregnancy complications. If you're pregnant:

• Drink water throughout the day even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Stay in air-conditioned spaces or visit a cooling center during the hottest hours (9 am-5 pm).
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and seek shade when outdoors.
• Choose hydrating foods like watermelon, berries, cucumbers, and oranges.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during extreme heat.
• Pay attention to your body. If you experience dizziness, severe headache, contractions, decreased fetal movement, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately.

If your child shows signs of heat stroke, seek medical care immediately. While waiting for help, move them to a cool place and begin cooling them with cool water or damp cloths.

Watch for these signs:

• Flushed, red, or dry skin
• Little or no sweating
• Deep or rapid breathing
• Dizziness, headache, or unusual tiredness
• Less frequent, dark yellow urine
• Loss of consciousness

Extreme heat can become dangerous, especially after long periods of exposure. For more information about heat safety, visit City of Chicago :: Learn What to Do: Heat Preparedness.

Healthy Chicago Podcast - Me & Nic Broke Up

"Me & Nic Broke Up" is a CDPH campaign that encourages Chicago youth to break away from their toxic relationships with nicotine and instead to focus on their personal well-being. On this episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, we collaborate with From The Go Show and True Star Media to encourage a candid discussion around awareness and support for those most impacted by vaping.

Co-hosts Gary Langfield Jr. and Iesha Brown talk with CDPH spokesperson Juan Ortega and Gen Z creator of the viral "Scuba" dance, Desean "Scuba" Logan-Russell, about why it's important to discuss vape-free living, the negative effects of smoking, the predatory marketing of nicotine companies, and resources available to those who want to "break up with with nic."

Listen to the Healthy Chicago Podcast on the platform of your choice.

Me & Nic Broke Up will be live at two free events this Saturday where Chicago teens and youth are encouraged to stop by and learn more about the dangers of vaping and can take the pledge to be vape-free.

• From the Go Fest 12-7 pm, DuSable Museum Campus, 5700 S Cottage Grove Ave.
• Tip Fest 12-7 pm, Oakwood Beach, 4100 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Visit ⁠MeAndNicBrokeUp.com ⁠ for more information.

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