Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 11/13/2025

Chicago Mpox Update, More Vaccination Clinics

For the third consecutive week, the number of new mpox cases reported to CDPH was fewer than 10, continuing a trend of decreasing weekly cases that began in late September.

Between October 26 and November 1, there were eight new mpox cases reported to CDPH. As recently as October 11, the weekly total of cases was 14.

As CDPH continues to closely monitor this encouraging trend, we remind Chicagoans, especially those who may be at higher risk, to stay vigilant and protect themselves. Vaccination is the best way to fight mpox. While the mpox vaccine may not always prevent a case of mpox, it will make the symptoms less serious.

CDPH and community partners are hosting multiple mpox vaccination events in November:

• Saturday, November 15 (9 am-3 pm) - Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, 2020 W. Harrison St.
• Wednesdays, November 19 and 26, and December 3 (5:30-7:30 pm) - Steamworks Baths, 3246 N. Halsted St.
• Wednesday, December 3 (6-9 pm) - Touche Bar, 6412 N. Clark St.

The mpox vaccine is also available at CDPH's Sexual Health Clinics in Lakeview, Roseland, and Austin.

Upcoming City College Vaccine Events

Don't Miss Out!

CDPH continues its collaboration with City College with the next vaccination event being held this Saturday, November 15 at Olive-Harvey College (10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.) from 9 am to 1 pm for no-cost 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the whole family. Everyone ages 6 months and over are recommended to get vaccinated!

Spanish-language radio station WRLL will be broadcasting live on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged. Register on the CDPH GetVaxChi website.

Why get vaccinated now? It's your #1 defense against getting sidelined this season. Whether it's holiday gatherings, football games, or quality time with loved ones, don't let preventable illness keep you from the moments that matter.

Plus, we're offering school-age physicals and pediatric vaccines at all City College locations, so you can check everything off your list in one visit.

See the full calendar of CDPH vaccine clinics to find one near you!

Syphilis Elimination Plan

At its annual Providers Conference last week, the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau released a new Syphilis Elimination Plan, to address rising syphilis infections and the alarming increase in congenital syphilis cases across the City. Like many large U.S. cities, Chicago continues to experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections than the nation overall. In 2023, Chicago saw more than 28,000 chlamydia cases, nearly 13,000 gonorrhea cases, and 712 primary and secondary syphilis cases-almost double the national rate. While primary and secondary syphilis cases decreased slightly from the previous year, congenital syphilis has continued to grow, increasing by 108% from 2020 to 2023.

The plan underscores the urgency of action, particularly for communities most affected. The burden of syphilis remains disproportionately high among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as Black and Latino communities, and young adults. Cases among women have also nearly doubled in recent years, leading to more preventable infections among infants. To combat this, the Syphilis Elimination Plan outlines strategies to increase awareness, expand routine screening-including prenatal testing and screening in emergency departments-and ensure timely, effective treatment for both patients and their partners.

Key priorities of the plan include strengthening community education, expanding partnerships with healthcare providers, improving access to testing and treatment, enhancing partner notification services, and supporting new prevention tools, such as doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) for eligible populations. The plan also emphasizes expanding research and collaboration with the CDC to increase self-testing options and improve data-sharing to respond quickly to trends and potential outbreaks.

Everyone has a role to play in reversing these trends by learning the signs, reducing stigma, getting tested, and encouraging others to do the same. To read the full plan, access resources, or find testing services, visit the CDPH website.

2 Years of the Healthy Chicago Podcast

On November 7, we marked the 2nd anniversary of our Healthy Chicago Podcast! With over 100 episodes in English and Spanish, we're as committed as ever to bringing you real, intriguing, relatable conversations that keep you informed on important health topics.

As always, thank you for listening and we're excited for another year of meaningful conversations to help keep you healthy, Chicago!

In Chicago and Illinois, changes are coming to the Health Insurance Marketplace. Did you know nearly 1 in 10 Chicagoans are uninsured? With open enrollment having started on November 1st and many new questions about affordability arising, it is the perfect time to take action.

On a new episode of the Healthy Chicago Podcast, Director Morgan Winters from Get Covered Illinois joins host Joy Macatangay, Public Health Administrator at CDPH, to break down everything you need to know about Open Enrollment. They discuss who's eligible, how Get Covered Illinois can help you navigate the Marketplace, and what happens if you miss this important window. Plus, learn about the important resources Get Covered Illinois offers to help Chicagoans get covered.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

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