CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 07/30/2026

Jump Ahead

• 2026 Black Women's Expo
• Mosquito Spraying This Week
• Stay Safe at Lollapalooza
• Healthy Chicago Newsletter

Black Women's Expo This Weekend

Heart disease is the leading driver of the racial life expectancy gap in Chicago, accounting for nearly two years of that difference, and Black women are disproportionately impacted. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors, and many people don't know how to take their blood pressure reading or know their numbers.

That's why CDPH will be at the 2026 Black Women's Expo at Chicago's McCormick Place, July 31-August 2, offering free blood pressure and other health screenings. It's a chance for attendees to know their numbers, understand what they mean, and learn the steps they can take to protect their heart. For more information on the expo, and for tickets, visit bwenext.com.

CDPH Spraying for Mosquitoes This Week

Based on an increased number of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, CDPH is spraying to kill adult mosquitoes in three communities this Wednesday, July 29, 2026 (O'Hare) and Thursday, July 30 (Pullman and South Deering). These are the first spraying events to occur in the city this season.

The material being used to control the adult mosquitoes, Permanone™, is approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has been widely applied to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas. The low concentrations of the spray are unlikely to cause health effects in people or pets and Permanone™ is routinely sprayed in residential areas across the nation. To avoid or lessen exposure to adulticide, residents can stay indoors and close their windows, keep pets and their food and water indoors, and bring children's or pet's toys inside during spraying. CDPH staff will be leaving door hangers in the affected areas to notify residents that the spraying will occur.

CDPH reminds residents that the most effective way to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Eliminate standing water. This means regularly emptying water from flowerpots, gutters, pool covers, etc.
• Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.
• When outside between dusk and dawn, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, socks, and shoes

Additional information on the virus, including symptoms, how to protect against the virus, and recent mosquito testing trends can be found on the CDPH WNV Surveillance Dashboard and the CDPH website.

Stay Safe at Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza starts today! If you're headed to Grant Park to enjoy the music and festivities, remember some of CDPH's basic safety tips:

• Wear sunscreen
• Use Earplugs
• Stay hydrated
• Carry Naloxone

Learn how to spot heat-related illness and find more harm reduction tips on the CDPH website. If you're downtown, you can find Naloxone nearby by using bit.ly/FindNarcan.

Healthy Chicago Newsletter

The newest edition of the Healthy Chicago Newsletter is now available! In this issue, we discuss important summer safety topics such as staying cool under extreme heat and how CDPH's Food Protection team keeps Chicagoans and festival-goers safe from foodborne illnesses. We also touch on the fast-approaching Back to School season and options for Chicagoans to stay up to date on lifesaving vaccinations.

Stay informed, sign up for CDPH's free Healthy Chicago Newsletter today!

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