Chicago Life Expectancy Reaches All-Time High

For the fourth consecutive year, CDPH has announced an increase in life expectancy for Chicagoans, reaching a record 79.5 years in 2024. This is the highest life expectancy ever recorded for the City and a new baseline for future progress. The previous record was 78.8 years, recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

All racial and ethnic groups in Chicago have seen improvements in life expectancy since the pandemic. As of 2024, Black Chicagoans saw the largest increase from the previous year, reaching 73.3 years. This represents an increase of 1.5 years and marks an all-time high for Black Chicagoans.

The data also show progress in narrowing Chicago's racial life expectancy gap. In 2024, the gap between Black Chicagoans and non-Black Chicagoans decreased to 9.4 years, down from 10.6 years in 2023, a reduction of 1.2 years.

Chronic disease continues to be the largest contributor to the racial life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black Chicagoans, accounting for 4.7 years of the 9.4-year gap in 2024. Other major contributors to the 2024 racial life expectancy gap include homicide, opioid overdose, infant mortality, unintentional injury, infectious disease, and other causes.

To access the data brief providing an update on the life expectancy of Chicagoans, please visit the CDPH Public Health Reports, Data, and Publications webpage. For more data on life expectancy, please visit the Chicago Health Atlas.

First West Nile-Positive Mosquitoes of 2026

CDPH has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV)-positive mosquitoes in Chicago in 2026. The Illinois Department of Public Health previously reported the first mosquitoes to test positive for WNV in the state on May 14, 2026. No human cases of WNV have been reported in Illinois this year.

CDPH has a robust program to prevent and control WNV, which includes treating over 80,000 catch basins with larvicide to prevent adult mosquitoes, collecting and testing mosquitoes every week for WNV, spraying to kill adult mosquitoes in specific areas if indicated, and monitoring human WNV infections.

The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Chicagoans can prevent mosquito bites by:

• Using EPA-registered insect repellent according to label instructions, especially when applying to children.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside between dusk and dawn.
• Controlling mosquitoes indoors by making sure that window and door screens do not have holes and by using air conditioning if possible.
• Controlling mosquitoes outdoors by keeping grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for mosquitoes and emptying items that hold water like flowerpots or birdbaths once weekly.
• Checking on neighbors regularly, especially those who are older, live alone or need additional assistance.

For more information, visit chicago.gov/westnilevirus.

Black Men's Wellness Day Location Update

Location Update: CDPH is participating in Black Men's Wellness Day on Saturday, June 20 (7 am-12 pm) at *update* Washington Park South, Groves 1 and 2 (5531 S. Russell Drive). This free event brings together Black men, families, and community members for a morning focused on health, connection, and action.

• Get access to free heart health and other screenings
• Connect with local providers and organizations
• Take part in a 5K walk/run designed to get people moving together
• Enjoy activities for kids, a senior pavilion, live entertainment, and local vendors

For more information and to register for free, visit the EventBrite registration page.

Overdose and Suicide Prevention Trainings

Keeping Chicagoans safe this summer requires all of us to work together to prevent harm and injury. As part of the City of Chicago's 2026 Summer Safety Initiative, CDPH is offering free trainings that give residents practical skills to recognize a crisis, act quickly, and connect someone to care during critical moments, when help is needed most.

Click the links below to register for the following upcoming trainings:

Both upcoming sessions will take place virtually. Monthly training opportunities are also available.

Individuals, families, friends, neighbors, and community partners across Chicago are encouraged to participate. To learn more about related services and resources, visit chicago.gov/behavioralhealth.

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