2022-07-28T22:49:5946673902COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVIDHighIDPH: IL LTC Facilities are Eligible for a FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has obtained a supply of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests for deployment to its testing partners. In response to the increased community transmission of COVID-19 across many Illinois counties, IDPH will provide a one-time bulk shipment of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to all interested and eligible LTCFs. This shipment is intended to supplement the existing testing program on-site at your facility. <strong>All tests are completely FREE of charge and are provided at NO cost to your facility!</strong></p> <p>To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, your LTCF must have all the following in place:</p> <ul> <li>A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing.</li> <li>A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional.</li> <li>Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the State of Illinois.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Tests received by your LTCF may only be administered on-site for diagnostic and screening purposes.</strong><br /> The tests<u><strong> cannot</strong></u> be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of staff, patients, and residents of the facility. Available tests expire in November 2022.</p> <p>IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met <strong><u>all</u></strong> the above listed requirementsfor eligibility, you are welcome to complete the form here:<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA</a></p> <p>After you complete the request form, someone from IDPH will review your request. Please only submit one request per facility.</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has obtained a supply of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests for deployment to its testing partners. In response to the increased community transmission of COVID-19 across many Illinois counties, IDPH will provide a one-time bulk shipment of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests to all interested and eligible LTCFs. This shipment is intended to supplement the existing testing program on-site at your facility. **All tests are completely FREE of charge and are provided at NO cost to your facility!** To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, your LTCF must have all the following in place: * A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing. * A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional. * Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the State of Illinois. **Tests received by your LTCF may only be administered on-site for diagnostic and screening purposes.** The tests++**cannot**++ be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of staff, patients, and residents of the facility. Available tests expire in November 2022. IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met **++all++** the above listed requirementsfor eligibility, you are welcome to complete the form here: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA> After you complete the request form, someone from IDPH will review your request. Please only submit one request per facility. Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673902?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,4414442022-07-29T21:28:5846673980InfluenzaCOVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 29, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.&nbsp;Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/17/2022-07/23/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has dereased from&nbsp;5.4 to 4.9.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 3.9% to 4.3%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus has increased</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> **NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/17/2022-07/23/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has dereased from 5.4 to 4.9. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 3.9% to 4.3% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued a [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. * The percent of specimens testing positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus has increased **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673980?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4378352022-08-01T17:03:0946673982West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 29, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 29, 2022 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV positive mosquito pool in the Lincoln Square community area.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 29, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV positive mosquito pool in the Lincoln Square community area. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673982?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-08-01T20:28:5246673984MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighMonkeypox (MPV) Provider Clinical, Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination Update <p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clinical presentation of monkeypox virus (MPV) may include painful mucosal lesions requiring supportive care and antivirals, such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX).&nbsp;</li> <li>Testing capability has expanded to commercial reference labs but is available at the Illinois Department of Public Health lab for urgent testing due to severe clinical presentation, for those underinsured, and for cases associated with congregate settings.</li> <li>The antiviral Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is available for use under Expanded Access-Investigational New Drug; this process has been simplified. &nbsp;Clinicians may request TPOXX therapy at https://redcap.link//mpxtreatment.&nbsp;</li> <li>Post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination will be provided for individuals with identified close contact to a MPV case. Clinicians may request vaccine at monkeypoxPEP@cityofchicago.org</li> <li>Additionally, vaccination is available in select clinical and community settings for those who are gay, bisexual, or other man who have sex with men and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary who have intimate contact in a social or sexual venue, multiple or anonymous sexual partners, or give or receive money or goods in exchange for sex.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for more information.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * Clinical presentation of monkeypox virus (MPV) may include painful mucosal lesions requiring supportive care and antivirals, such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX). * Testing capability has expanded to commercial reference labs but is available at the Illinois Department of Public Health lab for urgent testing due to severe clinical presentation, for those underinsured, and for cases associated with congregate settings. * The antiviral Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is available for use under Expanded Access-Investigational New Drug; this process has been simplified. Clinicians may request TPOXX therapy at https://redcap.link//mpxtreatment. * Post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination will be provided for individuals with identified close contact to a MPV case. Clinicians may request vaccine at monkeypoxPEP@cityofchicago.org * Additionally, vaccination is available in select clinical and community settings for those who are gay, bisexual, or other man who have sex with men and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary who have intimate contact in a social or sexual venue, multiple or anonymous sexual partners, or give or receive money or goods in exchange for sex. Please see the attachments for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673984?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-08-01T21:42:4746674078Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationHighIDPH: Illinois Harm Reduction Summit - August 23-24, 2022<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Illinois Harm Reduction Summit</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>August 23-24, 2022<br /> Virtual Platform</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Summit Information</strong></p> <p>The <a href="https://about.illinoisstate.edu/harmreductionsummit/">Illinois Harm Reduction Summit</a> will promote the delivery of harm reduction services in Illinois, which engage people who use drugs to support connection, safety, and an improved quality of life.&nbsp; The 2022 Illinois Harm Reduction Summit will take place on August 23 – 24, 2022 on a virtual platform.</p> <p><a href="https://about.illinoisstate.edu/harmreductionsummit/registration/">Attendee Registration</a></p> <p><strong>Keynote Presentation</strong>: A History of Harm Reduction, presented by Maia Szalavitz, Award-Winning Neuroscience Author, Journalist &amp; Mental Health Advocate.&nbsp; The complete schedule of presentations is available on the Summit website.</p> <p><strong>Virtual Platform Access:</strong>&nbsp; All registered attendees will receive their platform access link 1 week prior to the Summit.&nbsp; All speakers will receive more information with a specific timeline and access in June.</p> <p>Questions regarding registration or the virtual platform can be directed to Megan McCann; <a href="mailto:memccan@ilstu.edu">memccan@ilstu.edu</a>.</p> **Illinois Harm Reduction Summit** **August 23-24, 2022 Virtual Platform** **Summit Information** The [Illinois Harm Reduction Summit](https://about.illinoisstate.edu/harmreductionsummit/) will promote the delivery of harm reduction services in Illinois, which engage people who use drugs to support connection, safety, and an improved quality of life. The 2022 Illinois Harm Reduction Summit will take place on August 23 -- 24, 2022 on a virtual platform. [Attendee Registration](https://about.illinoisstate.edu/harmreductionsummit/registration/) **Keynote Presentation**: A History of Harm Reduction, presented by Maia Szalavitz, Award-Winning Neuroscience Author, Journalist \& Mental Health Advocate. The complete schedule of presentations is available on the Summit website. **Virtual Platform Access:** All registered attendees will receive their platform access link 1 week prior to the Summit. All speakers will receive more information with a specific timeline and access in June. Questions regarding registration or the virtual platform can be directed to Megan McCann; [memccan@ilstu.edu](mailto:memccan@ilstu.edu). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674078?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942022-08-05T20:03:0146673989InfluenzaCOVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 5, 2022<p><span style="color:#c0392b"><strong>NEW</strong></span> During the summer months, CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.&nbsp;Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 07/24/2022-07/30/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases decreased from last week but&nbsp;remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from&nbsp;4.9 to 5.6.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 4.3% to 4.8%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> **NEW** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 07/24/2022-07/30/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases decreased from last week but remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 4.9 to 5.6. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 4.3% to 4.8% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued a [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673989?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4378352022-10-28T20:10:5946675478Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 28, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/16/2022 - 10/22/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 95.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 4.2 to 4.4.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;increased from 3.1% to 3.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection has increased slightly, but remains low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week. Since, October 2, 2022, One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization has been reported.</li> <li>108 of 4,899 (2.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 173 of 13,436 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 9.1% last week to 10.0% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 19.5% last week to 19.4% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.7% last week to 5.0% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 27.5% last week to 25.5% for the current week</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/16/2022 - 10/22/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 95. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 4.2 to 4.4. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.1% to 3.2%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection has increased slightly, but remains low. * No influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week. Since, October 2, 2022, One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization has been reported. * 108 of 4,899 (2.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 173 of 13,436 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 9.1% last week to 10.0% for the current week. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 19.5% last week to 19.4% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.7% last week to 5.0% for the current week. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 27.5% last week to 25.5% for the current week truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-31T19:36:1646675479BacterialDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighCDC: Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines <p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to emphasize the importance of following existing recommendations for maintaining and monitoring dental waterlines. Multiple outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have occurred in children who received pulpotomies in pediatric dental clinics where the dental treatment water contained high levels of bacteria. CDC provides guidelines on infection control in dental settings which contain recommendations to treat dental unit waterlines and monitor water quality. Dental providers should be familiar with these recommendations on how to properly maintain and monitor their dental equipment to ensure that dental treatment water is safe for patient care.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Dental Providers&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>For all oral surgical procedures, use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant or irrigant for surgical procedures.6 Appropriate delivery devices can include: <ul> <li>bulb syringe,</li> <li>sterile, single-use disposable products, or</li> <li>sterile water delivery systems that bypass the dental unit by using sterile single-use disposable or sterilizable tubing.</li> </ul> </li> <li>For all non-surgical dental procedures, use water that meets CDC recommendations (i.e., ≤500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic water bacteria). <ul> <li>For all non-surgical pulpal therapy and endodontic procedures, consider following more conservative recommendations from the following organizations which recommend irrigation with a sterile and/or antimicrobial solution: <ul> <li>the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), <a href="https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_PulpTherapy.pdf" target="_blank">Pulp Therapy for Primary and Immature Permanent Teeth</a></li> <li>the American Association of Endodontists, <a href="https://f3f142zs0k2w1kg84k5p9i1o-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/VitalPulpTherapyPositionStatement_v2.pdf" target="_blank">AAE Position Statement on Vital Pulp Therapy</a>, and</li> <li>the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), <a href="https://osapjdics.scholasticahq.com/article/5075-dental-unit-water-quality-organization-for-safety-asepsis-and-prevention-white-paper-and-recommendations-2018" target="_blank">Dental Unit Water Quality White Paper and Recommendations</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Consult with the dental unit manufacturer for appropriate methods and equipment to maintain the quality of dental water. Many commercial devices and procedures are available and designed for this purpose.</li> <li>Follow recommendations for monitoring water quality provided by the manufacturer of the unit or waterline treatment product.</li> <li>Discharge water and air for a minimum of 20–30 seconds after each patient from any device connected to the dental water system that enters the patient’s mouth (e.g., handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air/water syringes).</li> <li>Review the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-unit-waterlines" target="_blank">Dental Unit Waterlines</a> for recommendations for dental practitioners.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommendations for Dental Facilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure that the dental facility has an infection prevention plan that includes policies and standard operating procedures dedicated to maintaining and monitoring water quality.</li> <li>Provide staff training on how to properly maintain and monitor dental water quality. Training should be based on the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the products and devices used in the dental facility, provided for all new hires, and provided when new equipment is purchased and then at least annually. <ul> <li>Contact the manufacturer of the treatment product or device if you have questions about the instructions for use.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Document all maintenance records, monitoring results, and employee trainings. Accurate record keeping is an important component of a dental infection prevention program, ensures proper protocols have been met, and establishes accountability. Records should be maintained according to state and federal requirements.</li> <li>Report infections suspected to be associated with receiving health care, including dental care, to the appropriate public health authorities.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommendations for Medical Providers</strong></p> <ul> <li>Consider an odontogenic source for cervical lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy, and assess a history of dental care and procedures in all children presenting with lymphadenitis.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Reporting: </strong>To report non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections suspected to be associated with receiving healthcare, including dental care, to the HAI program at 312-744-1100.</p> <p><em>Please see the attachment for full details, including Recommendations for Dental Providers, Dental Facilties and Medical Providers.</em></p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to emphasize the importance of following existing recommendations for maintaining and monitoring dental waterlines. Multiple outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have occurred in children who received pulpotomies in pediatric dental clinics where the dental treatment water contained high levels of bacteria. CDC provides guidelines on infection control in dental settings which contain recommendations to treat dental unit waterlines and monitor water quality. Dental providers should be familiar with these recommendations on how to properly maintain and monitor their dental equipment to ensure that dental treatment water is safe for patient care. **Recommendations for Dental Providers** * For all oral surgical procedures, use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant or irrigant for surgical procedures.6 Appropriate delivery devices can include: * bulb syringe, * sterile, single-use disposable products, or * sterile water delivery systems that bypass the dental unit by using sterile single-use disposable or sterilizable tubing. * For all non-surgical dental procedures, use water that meets CDC recommendations (i.e., ≤500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic water bacteria). * For all non-surgical pulpal therapy and endodontic procedures, consider following more conservative recommendations from the following organizations which recommend irrigation with a sterile and/or antimicrobial solution: * the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), [Pulp Therapy for Primary and Immature Permanent Teeth](https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_PulpTherapy.pdf) * the American Association of Endodontists, [AAE Position Statement on Vital Pulp Therapy](https://f3f142zs0k2w1kg84k5p9i1o-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/VitalPulpTherapyPositionStatement_v2.pdf), and * the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), [Dental Unit Water Quality White Paper and Recommendations](https://osapjdics.scholasticahq.com/article/5075-dental-unit-water-quality-organization-for-safety-asepsis-and-prevention-white-paper-and-recommendations-2018) * Consult with the dental unit manufacturer for appropriate methods and equipment to maintain the quality of dental water. Many commercial devices and procedures are available and designed for this purpose. * Follow recommendations for monitoring water quality provided by the manufacturer of the unit or waterline treatment product. * Discharge water and air for a minimum of 20--30 seconds after each patient from any device connected to the dental water system that enters the patient's mouth (e.g., handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and air/water syringes). * Review the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website on [Dental Unit Waterlines](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-unit-waterlines) for recommendations for dental practitioners. **Recommendations for Dental Facilities** * Ensure that the dental facility has an infection prevention plan that includes policies and standard operating procedures dedicated to maintaining and monitoring water quality. * Provide staff training on how to properly maintain and monitor dental water quality. Training should be based on the manufacturer's instructions for use of the products and devices used in the dental facility, provided for all new hires, and provided when new equipment is purchased and then at least annually. * Contact the manufacturer of the treatment product or device if you have questions about the instructions for use. * Document all maintenance records, monitoring results, and employee trainings. Accurate record keeping is an important component of a dental infection prevention program, ensures proper protocols have been met, and establishes accountability. Records should be maintained according to state and federal requirements. * Report infections suspected to be associated with receiving health care, including dental care, to the appropriate public health authorities. **Recommendations for Medical Providers** * Consider an odontogenic source for cervical lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy, and assess a history of dental care and procedures in all children presenting with lymphadenitis. **Reporting:**To report non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections suspected to be associated with receiving healthcare, including dental care, to the HAI program at 312-744-1100. *Please see the attachment for full details, including Recommendations for Dental Providers, Dental Facilties and Medical Providers.* truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675479?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,440266,440472,20635202022-08-08T14:40:3746673994West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 8, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 8, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 31&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were fourteen&nbsp;(14) WNV positive mosquito pools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 8, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were fourteen (14) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673994?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-10-26T13:47:1446675284COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighIDPH: Updated Health Care COVID-19 Requirements<p>On October 21, 2022, IDPH released the attached memo regarding updated COVID-19 requirements for healthcare settings. Please read the memo in detail to better understand how these requirements impact your facility.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> CDPH strongly recommends that healthcare facilities continue universal masking as:</p> <p>COVID and other respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV) are currently circulating</p> <ul> <li>Healthcare facilities house medically vulnerable populations who are at higher risk for severe complications and death resulting from respiratory infections</li> <li>Healthcare facilities are already experiencing staffing shortages that will be further exacerbated if additional staff are excluded due to illness</li> <li>It will be difficult to implement frequent changes to facility-specific masking policies as the county transmission level and facility outbreak status will inevitably fluctuate</li> </ul> <p>Employers and facilities may choose to implement additional strategies in order to protect staff, patients, and residents from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.</p> <p>For questions, please contact Liz Shane at <a href="mailto:Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org">Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org</a> (LTC facilities) or Maria Campos-Bovee at <a href="mailto:Maria.Campos-Bovee@cityofchicago.org">Maria.Campos-Bovee@cityofchicago.org</a> (all other healthcare facilities).</p> On October 21, 2022, IDPH released the attached memo regarding updated COVID-19 requirements for healthcare settings. Please read the memo in detail to better understand how these requirements impact your facility. <br /> CDPH strongly recommends that healthcare facilities continue universal masking as: COVID and other respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, RSV) are currently circulating * Healthcare facilities house medically vulnerable populations who are at higher risk for severe complications and death resulting from respiratory infections * Healthcare facilities are already experiencing staffing shortages that will be further exacerbated if additional staff are excluded due to illness * It will be difficult to implement frequent changes to facility-specific masking policies as the county transmission level and facility outbreak status will inevitably fluctuate Employers and facilities may choose to implement additional strategies in order to protect staff, patients, and residents from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. For questions, please contact Liz Shane at [Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org) (LTC facilities) or Maria Campos-Bovee at [Maria.Campos-Bovee@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Maria.Campos-Bovee@cityofchicago.org) (all other healthcare facilities). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675284?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,4345562022-11-01T21:48:2446675480Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,Schools & Day Cares,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,School HealthHighPediatric Respiratory Illness Update for Youth Settings - Nov 1, 2022 <p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Chicagoland area has seen an early surge of respiratory illness in children that is impacting the availability of pediatric hospital beds.</li> <li>While the COVID-19 community level in Chicago is currently LOW, respiratory illness typically peaks from November through April.</li> <li>Staying up to date on vaccination continues to be the best way to protect children from severe outcomes from both influenza and COVID-19. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine.</li> <li>The Omicron-specific booster has been approved under EUA and is available for everyone 5 and older who has received their first COVID-19 vaccine series.</li> <li>Families should be reminded to keep their children home when sick, even if their illness is not caused by COVID-19, to practice good hand hygiene, and to mask when experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for further details including information regarding respiratory hygiene, school exclusion guidance, resources and a sample School Community Letter.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * The Chicagoland area has seen an early surge of respiratory illness in children that is impacting the availability of pediatric hospital beds. * While the COVID-19 community level in Chicago is currently LOW, respiratory illness typically peaks from November through April. * Staying up to date on vaccination continues to be the best way to protect children from severe outcomes from both influenza and COVID-19. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as the COVID-19 vaccine. * The Omicron-specific booster has been approved under EUA and is available for everyone 5 and older who has received their first COVID-19 vaccine series. * Families should be reminded to keep their children home when sick, even if their illness is not caused by COVID-19, to practice good hand hygiene, and to mask when experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms. Please see the attachment for further details including information regarding respiratory hygiene, school exclusion guidance, resources and a sample School Community Letter. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675480?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,441457,2027963,20635202022-11-03T14:39:4046675482Respiratory VirusCOVID-19,Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighIDPH & American Academy of Pediatrics (Ill.) Webinar: RSV & Flu in Illinois - November 7, 2022<p><strong>Webinar:</strong> RSV &amp; Flu in Illinois</p> <p>What is happening now and what pediatric healthcare providers need to know to navigate the health system crisis in pediatric critical care access.</p> <p>In partnership with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Illinois Department of Public Health.</p> <p><strong>Speakers:</strong><br /> Arti Barnes, MD, MPH<br /> Medical Director/Chief Medical Officer<br /> Illinois Department of Public Health</p> <p>Tina Q. Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS<br /> Ann &amp; Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> &nbsp;Monday, November 7, 2022</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong> &nbsp;12pm - 1pm</p> <p><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RFDBymLqSBSh69qt4qaPVQ" target="_blank">Click here to register</a></p> <p>For questions please email Stephanie Atella at <a href="mailto:satella@illinoisaap.com">satella@illinoisaap.com</a>.</p> <p>Flyers attached.</p> **Webinar:** RSV \& Flu in Illinois What is happening now and what pediatric healthcare providers need to know to navigate the health system crisis in pediatric critical care access. In partnership with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Illinois Department of Public Health. **Speakers:** Arti Barnes, MD, MPH Medical Director/Chief Medical Officer Illinois Department of Public Health Tina Q. Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS Ann \& Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital **When:** Monday, November 7, 2022 **Time:** 12pm - 1pm [Click here to register](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RFDBymLqSBSh69qt4qaPVQ) For questions please email Stephanie Atella at [satella@illinoisaap.com](mailto:satella@illinoisaap.com). Flyers attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675482?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-02-22T21:46:1246677103COVID19COVID,COVID-19,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighIDPH: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates: COVID-19 Treatment Sites<p>IDPH has created a list of outpatient and in-home remdesivir (Veklury) providers. IDPH has also partnered with SIU School of Medicine to offer a statewide test-to-treat telemedicine service for residents of Illinois who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p> IDPH has created a list of outpatient and in-home remdesivir (Veklury) providers. IDPH has also partnered with SIU School of Medicine to offer a statewide test-to-treat telemedicine service for residents of Illinois who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677103?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,434555,20475592023-12-06T23:10:0246682079VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - December 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>National Influenza Vaccination Week</li> <li>Reminder Recall for Flu &amp; COVID Vaccines</li> <li>RSV Prevention Updates</li> <li>End of Year Reminders and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * National Influenza Vaccination Week * Reminder Recall for Flu \& COVID Vaccines * RSV Prevention Updates * End of Year Reminders and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682079?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-08-09T21:00:0046673993Project FrontlineHealthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)HighProject Frontline: Infection Prevention Essential Webinar Series<p>Project Firstline is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) collaborative aimed to providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training to frontline healthcare workers and the public health workforce. IHA is partnering with Chicago Department of Public Health to deliver training sessions that will cover the following topics:</p> <ul> <li>The Concept of Infection Control</li> <li>Risk Recognition in Healthcare</li> <li>Mechanisms for Spreading Germs</li> <li>Body and Healthcare Environment Reservoirs</li> </ul> <p>Regardless of your previous training or educational background, these education sessions will provide the foundational knowledge you will need to be able to confidently apply the infection control principles and protocols necessary to protect yourself, your facility and your community.</p> <p>Register for the series <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/d1aa7450-181e-4764-89b8-22a584727d90/summary?RefId=13Sept22thru27Oct22ProjectFirstline" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>For additional information please see the attachment.</p> Project Firstline is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) collaborative aimed to providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training to frontline healthcare workers and the public health workforce. IHA is partnering with Chicago Department of Public Health to deliver training sessions that will cover the following topics: * The Concept of Infection Control * Risk Recognition in Healthcare * Mechanisms for Spreading Germs * Body and Healthcare Environment Reservoirs Regardless of your previous training or educational background, these education sessions will provide the foundational knowledge you will need to be able to confidently apply the infection control principles and protocols necessary to protect yourself, your facility and your community. Register for the series [here](https://web.cvent.com/event/d1aa7450-181e-4764-89b8-22a584727d90/summary?RefId=13Sept22thru27Oct22ProjectFirstline). For additional information please see the attachment. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673993?p_r_p_categoryId=4382132022-08-10T20:03:0746674084MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighWebinar: CDC and FDA Update: Interim Clinical Considerations for Monkeypox Vaccination<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the JYNNEOS vaccine. The EUA allows healthcare providers to administer the vaccine by intradermal injection for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at high risk for monkeypox infection, which will result in up to a five-fold increase in the total number of doses available for use. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM87597&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=Tomorrow%3A%20CDC%20COCA%20Call%3A%20CDC%20and%20FDA%20Update%3A%20Interim%20Clinical%20Considerations%20for%20Monkeypox%20Vaccination&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM87597" target="_blank">Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 Vaccines</a> during the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak that provides guidance for using the alternative (intradermal) regimen, as well as the standard (subcutaneous) regimen for JYNNEOS vaccine.</p> <p>During this COCA Call, presenters from FDA and CDC will provide updates on FDA’s EUA of the JYNNEOS vaccine and CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for using the JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 Vaccines during the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak. Presenters will also provide training on how to administer the vaccines using the interim clinical considerations.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Registration is not required.</p> <p> </p> <p>Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar Link:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09</a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Passcode: 181119</p> The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the JYNNEOS vaccine. The EUA allows healthcare providers to administer the vaccine by intradermal injection for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at high risk for monkeypox infection, which will result in up to a five-fold increase in the total number of doses available for use. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released [Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM87597&ACSTrackingLabel=Tomorrow%3A%20CDC%20COCA%20Call%3A%20CDC%20and%20FDA%20Update%3A%20Interim%20Clinical%20Considerations%20for%20Monkeypox%20Vaccination&deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM87597) during the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak that provides guidance for using the alternative (intradermal) regimen, as well as the standard (subcutaneous) regimen for JYNNEOS vaccine. During this COCA Call, presenters from FDA and CDC will provide updates on FDA's EUA of the JYNNEOS vaccine and CDC's Interim Clinical Considerations for using the JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 Vaccines during the 2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak. Presenters will also provide training on how to administer the vaccines using the interim clinical considerations. <br /> Registration is not required. Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022 <br /> Time: 2:00 PM -- 3:00 PM CT <br /> Webinar Link: <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09> <br /> Passcode: 181119 falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674084?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-08-11T14:45:0746674278MonkeypoxSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxLowCDPH and Partners Offer MPV Vaccinations This Weekend<p>MPV (monkeypox) JYNNEOS vaccines will be available, by appointment, at several clinics across the city this weekend. CDPH requests healthcare providers to share this information widely with patients.</p> <p>More than 2,000 appointments are available this weekend, by appointment only, at:</p> <ul> <li><strong>CDPH MPV Vaccination Clinics at City College locations</strong> on Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:&nbsp; <ul> <li>Kennedy King College (6301 S. Halsted St.), <a href="https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/nktvn/" target="_blank">events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/nktvn/</a> and use the voucher code 813MPV</li> <li>Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.), <a href="https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs/" target="_blank">events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs</a>/ and use the voucher code 813MPV</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>MPV Vaccination Clinic hosted by RUSH and UIC at the College of Nursing</strong> (845 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, 60612) on Sunday, August 14 for Illinois residents, register at <a href="https://uicort.setmore.com/" target="_blank">uicort.setmore.com</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Eligibility for MPV vaccination may change over time, but currently close contacts (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) of someone diagnosed with MPV are prioritized for vaccination regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, MPV vaccine is available to gay or bisexual men and transgender persons 18 years of age and older who:</p> <ul> <li>Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners, or sex at a social or sexual venue, or sex in exchange for money or goods, AND</li> <li>Have not previously been infected with MPV.</li> </ul> <p>For more information, please see the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2022/august/cdph-and-partners-offer-mpv-vax-this-weekend.html" target="_blank">August 10, 2022 press release</a>.</p> MPV (monkeypox) JYNNEOS vaccines will be available, by appointment, at several clinics across the city this weekend. CDPH requests healthcare providers to share this information widely with patients. More than 2,000 appointments are available this weekend, by appointment only, at: * **CDPH MPV Vaccination Clinics at City College locations** on Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: * Kennedy King College (6301 S. Halsted St.), [events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/nktvn/](https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/nktvn/) and use the voucher code 813MPV * Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.), [events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs](https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/xudqs/)/ and use the voucher code 813MPV * **MPV Vaccination Clinic hosted by RUSH and UIC at the College of Nursing** (845 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, 60612) on Sunday, August 14 for Illinois residents, register at [uicort.setmore.com](https://uicort.setmore.com/). Eligibility for MPV vaccination may change over time, but currently close contacts (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) of someone diagnosed with MPV are prioritized for vaccination regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, MPV vaccine is available to gay or bisexual men and transgender persons 18 years of age and older who: * Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners, or sex at a social or sexual venue, or sex in exchange for money or goods, AND * Have not previously been infected with MPV. For more information, please see the [August 10, 2022 press release](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2022/august/cdph-and-partners-offer-mpv-vax-this-weekend.html). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674278?p_r_p_categoryId=438739,20482392022-08-12T16:54:3046674178COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisLowBebtelovimab Commercial Availability Announcement<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has led the fair and equitable distribution of COVID19 therapeutics over the course of the pandemic. This has included distribution of the Eli Lilly and Company monoclonal antibody product bebtelovimab.</p> <p>Bebtelovimab is transitioning to the commercial marketplace. To ensure there is no break in availability of bebtelovimab to states/territories and providers, HHS has coordinated with Lilly to enable the transition from US government distributed supply to commercially available supply. Lilly will make the product commercially available for purchase through a sole distributor, AmerisourceBergen, beginning the week of August 15th, prior to the end of distribution of the government’s supply.</p> <p>Please carefully review the important information attached to assist you with this transition.</p> The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has led the fair and equitable distribution of COVID19 therapeutics over the course of the pandemic. This has included distribution of the Eli Lilly and Company monoclonal antibody product bebtelovimab. Bebtelovimab is transitioning to the commercial marketplace. To ensure there is no break in availability of bebtelovimab to states/territories and providers, HHS has coordinated with Lilly to enable the transition from US government distributed supply to commercially available supply. Lilly will make the product commercially available for purchase through a sole distributor, AmerisourceBergen, beginning the week of August 15th, prior to the end of distribution of the government's supply. Please carefully review the important information attached to assist you with this transition. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674178?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,20475592022-08-12T20:04:1546674279InfluenzaCOVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 12, 2022<p>During the summer months, CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.&nbsp;Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 07/31/2022-08/06/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases decreased from last week but&nbsp;remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from&nbsp;5.6 to 4.9.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 4.8% to 4.3%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza&nbsp; contins to decrease but remains elevated.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for rhinovirus/entervirus has increased&nbsp; for the past several weeks.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 07/31/2022-08/06/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases decreased from last week but remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from 5.6 to 4.9. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 4.8% to 4.3% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued a [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza contins to decrease but remains elevated. * The percent of specimens testing positive for rhinovirus/entervirus has increased for the past several weeks. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674279?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4378352022-08-12T21:47:2246674282School HealthAnnouncement,School HealthHighSchool Health Information Now Available on the Chicago HAN<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health" target="_blank">chicagohan.org/school_health.</a> &nbsp;</p> <p>Please sign up for our school-focused subscriptions if you serve any of these populations and would like to receive the most updated date guidance. You can unsubscribe from these at any time. You can update your existing account by signing into your account, going to your profile, and selecting the subscriptions tab. Select from the following subscriptions that support the population you work with to receive health alerts for that specific need. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Behavioral Health &nbsp;</li> <li>CDPH Data and Reports &nbsp;</li> <li>Child and Adolescent Health &nbsp;</li> <li>Early Childhood Education <span style="color:#e74c3c"><em>New</em></span>&nbsp;</li> <li>Education: K-12 <span style="color:#e74c3c"><em>New</em></span></li> <li>Geriatric Health &nbsp;</li> <li>Higher Education and Trade Schools <span style="color:#e74c3c"><em>New</em></span> &nbsp;</li> <li>Infectious and Communicable Diseases &nbsp;</li> <li>Maternal Health &nbsp;</li> <li>Novel and Emerging Diseases and Conditions &nbsp;</li> <li>Substance Use Issues &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>We look forward to a great school year and hope to continue building these resources in response to current needs. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at [chicagohan.org/school_health.](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health) Please sign up for our school-focused subscriptions if you serve any of these populations and would like to receive the most updated date guidance. You can unsubscribe from these at any time. You can update your existing account by signing into your account, going to your profile, and selecting the subscriptions tab. Select from the following subscriptions that support the population you work with to receive health alerts for that specific need. * Behavioral Health * CDPH Data and Reports * Child and Adolescent Health * Early Childhood Education *New* * Education: K-12 *New* * Geriatric Health * Higher Education and Trade Schools *New* * Infectious and Communicable Diseases * Maternal Health * Novel and Emerging Diseases and Conditions * Substance Use Issues We look forward to a great school year and hope to continue building these resources in response to current needs. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674282?p_r_p_categoryId=457397,20635202024-09-25T14:19:5746686782MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighCDC HAN Advisory along with the diagnostic Job Aid<ul> <li>If your patient is traveling to a country with a clade I mpox outbreak <strong>and</strong> anticipate any of the following activities during travel, <strong>regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation:</strong> <ul> <li>Sex with a new partner</li> <li>Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., a sex club or bathhouse)</li> <li>Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade</li> <li>Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., a rave, party, or festival)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Recommend starting, if possible, the mpox vaccine series at least 6 weeks before travel begins, since two doses should be given 28 days apart and it takes 14 more days for immunity to peak.</li> <li>Emphasize <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">risk reduction strategies</a> in conversation with patients who are not eligible for vaccination, or who do not present in time to receive the two recommended vaccine doses 28 days apart</li> <li>Advise patients that two vaccine doses are more effective than one dose. <ul> <li>&nbsp;Two doses of JYNNEOS can<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7320a3.htm"> prevent mpox and may reduce the severity</a> of symptoms in people with mpox.</li> <li>&nbsp;A<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm" target="_blank"> multijurisdictional study </a>conducted in 2022–2023 in the United States identified significant JYNNEOS vaccine effectiveness against clade IIb mpox: 75% after one dose and 86% after two doses.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:</strong><br /> After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. &nbsp;Each specimen must have CDPH/IDPH authorization number and a subsequent IDPH <a href="https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login" target="_blank">Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)</a> submission.<br /> Please sign up in advance of immediate need for testing for the required IDPH ETOR system to ensure a smooth submission process.<br /> This info can also be found under “<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf" target="_blank">Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR” in IDPH’s manual of services</a>.<br /> Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury.<br /> More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients with compatible symptoms who have recently been in DRC or any country sharing a border with DRC, including the Republic of the Congo (ROC), Central African Republic (CAR), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, and S. Sudan.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Evaluate all suspected cases related to DRC or its neighboring countries with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone).&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> JYNNEOS vaccine is believed to protect against both mpox clades and treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Public Health Lab Approval Process:</strong></p> <p>Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory. Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox (i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory CDPH approval is required for all public health testing. Please call the <strong>Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883</strong> during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call.&nbsp;</p> * If your patient is traveling to a country with a clade I mpox outbreak **and** anticipate any of the following activities during travel, **regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation:** * Sex with a new partner * Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., a sex club or bathhouse) * Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade * Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., a rave, party, or festival) * Recommend starting, if possible, the mpox vaccine series at least 6 weeks before travel begins, since two doses should be given 28 days apart and it takes 14 more days for immunity to peak. * Emphasize [risk reduction strategies](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/prevention/index.html) in conversation with patients who are not eligible for vaccination, or who do not present in time to receive the two recommended vaccine doses 28 days apart * Advise patients that two vaccine doses are more effective than one dose. * Two doses of JYNNEOS can[prevent mpox and may reduce the severity](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7320a3.htm) of symptoms in people with mpox. * A[multijurisdictional study](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm)conducted in 2022--2023 in the United States identified significant JYNNEOS vaccine effectiveness against clade IIb mpox: 75% after one dose and 86% after two doses. **Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:** After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. Each specimen must have CDPH/IDPH authorization number and a subsequent IDPH [Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)](https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login) submission. Please sign up in advance of immediate need for testing for the required IDPH ETOR system to ensure a smooth submission process. This info can also be found under "[Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR" in IDPH's manual of services](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf). Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury. More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid. <br /> Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients with compatible symptoms who have recently been in DRC or any country sharing a border with DRC, including the Republic of the Congo (ROC), Central African Republic (CAR), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, and S. Sudan. <br /> Evaluate all suspected cases related to DRC or its neighboring countries with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone). <br /> JYNNEOS vaccine is believed to protect against both mpox clades and treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox. <br /> Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others. <br /> **Public Health Lab Approval Process:** Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory. Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox (i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory CDPH approval is required for all public health testing. Please call the **Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883** during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46686782?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392022-08-15T15:07:0346674179West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 15, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 15, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 32&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were seventeen&nbsp;(17) WNV positive mosquito pools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 15, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were seventeen (17) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674179?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-11-03T21:02:0946675381STICongenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighCDPH Local Healthcare Providers Needs Assessment Survey<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau is conducting a survey to assess the need of local healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating syphilis infections. Understanding the needs of providers can help the health department divert resources and address gaps in STI services throughout the city.</p> <p>This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation.</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!SIDB_Provider_Survey" target="_blank">Click here to start survey.</a></p> The Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau is conducting a survey to assess the need of local healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating syphilis infections. Understanding the needs of providers can help the health department divert resources and address gaps in STI services throughout the city. This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation. [Click here to start survey.](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!SIDB_Provider_Survey) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675381?p_r_p_categoryId=437620,4387392023-02-24T17:00:2946677578HIVSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighLAST CALL: Injectable PREP Needs Assessment Survey<p>On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention" target="_blank">the FDA</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">Needs Assessment survey</a> to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option.</p> <p>This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">survey</a> is voluntary.</p> On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit [the FDA](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention). The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a [Needs Assessment survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option. This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) is voluntary. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677578?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392023-06-02T21:12:5846678778Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 2, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 19&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from&nbsp;3.1&nbsp;to 2.4.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.0% to 3.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>This is the last report of the season with expanded metrics related to influenza. An abbreviated report will continue to be published in the summer and the full report will resume in October. A summary describing the 2022-2023 influenza season in Chicago is at the end of the attached report.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization were&nbsp;reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 201&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">23&nbsp;of 2,330&nbsp;(1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,519&nbsp;of 160,394&nbsp;(7.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.1% to 5.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 21.6% to 20.3% .</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.4% to 6.0%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 2.5% to 1.7%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 19 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is Low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 3.1 to 2.4. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.0% to 3.1%. **Influenza:** * This is the last report of the season with expanded metrics related to influenza. An abbreviated report will continue to be published in the summer and the full report will resume in October. A summary describing the 2022-2023 influenza season in Chicago is at the end of the attached report. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 201 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 23 of 2,330 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,519 of 160,394 (7.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.1% to 5.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 21.6% to 20.3% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.4% to 6.0%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 2.5% to 1.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-12-07T12:00:0046682080Project FirstlineLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighProject Firstline December 2023 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the December 2023 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: &nbsp;Respiratory Virus Season</li> <li>Events in Healthcare</li> <li>Introducing the Project Firstline team</li> </ul> Attached please find the December 2023 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Respiratory Virus Season * Events in Healthcare * Introducing the Project Firstline team truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682080?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,438213,4402662021-09-08T14:34:4546667986COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Mandatory HCW vax deadline extension; Flu season; Provider appreciation September 7, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>On September 3, 2021, Governor Pritzker <strong>extended the deadline for mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers</strong>, now requiring that HCW have received their 1st dose by<strong> September 19, 2021</strong> and the 2nd dose within the next 30 days or be subject to a testing regimen.</li> <li><strong>REMEMBER</strong> to give annual flu vaccines along with the HCW’s first dose or upcoming booster doses this fall.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_090921.asp">CDC COCA Call: 2021-2022 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines </a>on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Central</strong>. Registration is not required. If you wish to attend, please click <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610456908?pwd=cFI3YzIvMWZzOFE4bmEwakswaUZsdz09external%20icon#success">HERE.</a> Webinar ID: 161 045 6908; Passcode: 220280; Dial-in US: US: +1 669 254 5252</li> <li><strong>BOOSTER PLANNING:</strong> Though there is still data to be reviewed by FDA and ACIP, it is important for providers to ensure their reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. Check out <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/438064/Downloads/Reminder%20Recall%20COVID-19.pdf">CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall.</a></li> <li>CDPH shows appreciation for all our hard-working vaccine providers. TOP HONORS this week go to:</li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <strong>Primecare Health </strong>– thank you for all the work that goes into maintaining your consistently high vax utilization rates (84%), reporting waste, and for having 0% unaccounted doses.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <strong>Oak Street Health</strong> – you got your unaccounted doses down from 11% to 3%! Keep up the momentum as you try to get to 0%. The time to estimate your eligible population for future booster reminder/recall is now.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <strong>Esperanza Health Centers –</strong> congrats on reaching your 100,000 doses administered milestone! And for being our top pediatric provider at 9,500 doses administered to children. Bravo!</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <strong>Other pediatric shout-outs:</strong></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong>Erie Family Health Center </strong>– #2 pediatric provider with over 7,500 doses given to children so far!</li> <li><strong>Children’s Medical Center</strong>, Northwestern Children’s Practice, Nava Segall MD – you are among our top solo pediatric providers and are steadily providing vaccine to children AND their families.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * On September 3, 2021, Governor Pritzker **extended the deadline for mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers** , now requiring that HCW have received their 1st dose by**September 19, 2021** and the 2nd dose within the next 30 days or be subject to a testing regimen. * **REMEMBER** to give annual flu vaccines along with the HCW's first dose or upcoming booster doses this fall. * **[CDC COCA Call: 2021-2022 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_090921.asp)on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Central** . Registration is not required. If you wish to attend, please click [HERE.](https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610456908?pwd=cFI3YzIvMWZzOFE4bmEwakswaUZsdz09external%20icon#success) Webinar ID: 161 045 6908; Passcode: 220280; Dial-in US: US: +1 669 254 5252 * **BOOSTER PLANNING:** Though there is still data to be reviewed by FDA and ACIP, it is important for providers to ensure their reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. Check out [CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall.](http://file:///C:/Users/438064/Downloads/Reminder%20Recall%20COVID-19.pdf) * CDPH shows appreciation for all our hard-working vaccine providers. TOP HONORS this week go to: o **Primecare Health**-- thank you for all the work that goes into maintaining your consistently high vax utilization rates (84%), reporting waste, and for having 0% unaccounted doses. o **Oak Street Health** -- you got your unaccounted doses down from 11% to 3%! Keep up the momentum as you try to get to 0%. The time to estimate your eligible population for future booster reminder/recall is now. o **Esperanza Health Centers --** congrats on reaching your 100,000 doses administered milestone! And for being our top pediatric provider at 9,500 doses administered to children. Bravo! o **Other pediatric shout-outs:** * **Erie Family Health Center**-- #2 pediatric provider with over 7,500 doses given to children so far! * **Children's Medical Center**, Northwestern Children's Practice, Nava Segall MD -- you are among our top solo pediatric providers and are steadily providing vaccine to children AND their families. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667986?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-01-03T21:40:1046688779InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 3, 2025<p><em>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 1 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH</a> website. </strong>This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level is HIGH across Chicago. Flu and RSV levels are particularly elevated, and COVID-19 continues to increase. </strong>&nbsp;</li> <li>The first pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of ED visits for flu has more than doubled since last week, surpassing last year’s peak; ICU admissions for flu are also rapidly increasing. ED visits for RSV remain very high, especially among children &lt;5 years, and those for COVID-19 continue to increase modestly across all ages.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu has increased substantially. Almost all (99%) flu specimens that were typed are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (54%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV remains elevated, likely at or near the season’s peak. Test positivity for COVID-19 continues to increase modestly. &nbsp;</li> <li>Wastewater data is unavailable for week of Dec 22–28, 2024, but during the last week of available data concentrations of flu, RSV, and the COVID-19 virus were all increasing. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> There is still time to get vaccinated! Other ways to protect yourself can be found <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation</a>.</li> <li>Healthcare personnel: please see attached 12/20/24 IDPH SIREN for consideration of enhanced precautions at your facilities including temporary visitor restrictions and broader source control measures (i.e., masking). &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> *Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 1 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.* **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) website.** This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level is HIGH across Chicago. Flu and RSV levels are particularly elevated, and COVID-19 continues to increase.** * The first pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week. * The percentage of ED visits for flu has more than doubled since last week, surpassing last year's peak; ICU admissions for flu are also rapidly increasing. ED visits for RSV remain very high, especially among children \<5 years, and those for COVID-19 continue to increase modestly across all ages. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu has increased substantially. Almost all (99%) flu specimens that were typed are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (54%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV remains elevated, likely at or near the season's peak. Test positivity for COVID-19 continues to increase modestly. * Wastewater data is unavailable for week of Dec 22--28, 2024, but during the last week of available data concentrations of flu, RSV, and the COVID-19 virus were all increasing. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** There is still time to get vaccinated! Other ways to protect yourself can be found [here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness.html) and [here](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html). * For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation](https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html). * Healthcare personnel: please see attached 12/20/24 IDPH SIREN for consideration of enhanced precautions at your facilities including temporary visitor restrictions and broader source control measures (i.e., masking). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46688779?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092022-08-16T13:57:0046674283COVID19School Health,COVID-19HighCOVID-19 in Schools and Early Childcare Centers Update - August 16, 2022<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH aligns with CDC and IDPH guidance on changes to COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in Schools and Early Childcare Centers.</li> <li>Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for 5 days and may return on day 6 if they are not experiencing symptoms, but they should mask from days 6-10 from the day symptoms started (or, if asymptomatic, positive test).</li> <li>Individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should no longer be excluded from school but should mask for 10 days following exposure, regardless of vaccine status.</li> <li>Testing is strongly encouraged 5 days after an exposure, and serial testing at days 3 and 5 can help to identify and isolate cases quickly.</li> <li>Classrooms or cohorts experiencing an outbreak, defined as 3 or more cases in a classroom (Pre-K-12) or 3 or more cases in a classroom (ECE) may have to increase layers of mitigation, as directed by CDPH, to prevent further spread within the school.</li> <li>Vaccination, including a booster if eligible, remains an important method to reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19. Vaccine is now available for ages 6m and older.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * CDPH aligns with CDC and IDPH guidance on changes to COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies in Schools and Early Childcare Centers. * Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for 5 days and may return on day 6 if they are not experiencing symptoms, but they should mask from days 6-10 from the day symptoms started (or, if asymptomatic, positive test). * Individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should no longer be excluded from school but should mask for 10 days following exposure, regardless of vaccine status. * Testing is strongly encouraged 5 days after an exposure, and serial testing at days 3 and 5 can help to identify and isolate cases quickly. * Classrooms or cohorts experiencing an outbreak, defined as 3 or more cases in a classroom (Pre-K-12) or 3 or more cases in a classroom (ECE) may have to increase layers of mitigation, as directed by CDPH, to prevent further spread within the school. * Vaccination, including a booster if eligible, remains an important method to reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19. Vaccine is now available for ages 6m and older. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674283?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4345552022-08-16T21:38:5246674182MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighMonkeypox (MPV) Provider Update <p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Transmission of monkeypox virus (MPV) continues locally, nationally, and internationally.</li> <li>Infections may occur in anyone who has had close contact with another infectious person. CDPH is strongly encouraging all clinicians and healthcare providers throughout the city to test any patient with possible <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html" target="_blank">MPV symptoms</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Patients being tested for MPV infection should be instructed to isolate to protect others pending their final diagnosis. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html" target="_blank">See MPV isolation at home instructions</a>.</li> <li>The JYNNEOS MPV vaccine has received<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/monkeypox-update-fda-authorizes-emergency-use-jynneos-vaccine-increase-vaccine-supply" target="_blank"> FDA emergency use authorization (EUA)</a> to be given by intradermal (ID) injection to individuals age 18 years and older and by subcutaneous (SC) injection to those under age 18. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html" target="_blank">CDC has updated clinical guidance on vaccination</a>.</li> <li>Lower volume intradermal injection allows for more doses to be delivered. Chicago has updated vaccine eligibility to include any gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender persons who are sexually active AND have not previously been infected with MPV, as well continuing to prioritize close contacts (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) of someone diagnosed with MPV regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.</li> <li>Patients with lesions or pain that interfere with the activities of daily living and patients at high risk for severe disease should be considered for treatment with tecovirimat (TPOXX). There is no shortage of tecovirimat. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/treatment.html" target="_blank">See Monkeypox Treatment.</a></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> <p> </p> <p>Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar Link:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09</a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Passcode: 181119</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * Transmission of monkeypox virus (MPV) continues locally, nationally, and internationally. * Infections may occur in anyone who has had close contact with another infectious person. CDPH is strongly encouraging all clinicians and healthcare providers throughout the city to test any patient with possible [MPV symptoms](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html). * Patients being tested for MPV infection should be instructed to isolate to protect others pending their final diagnosis. [See MPV isolation at home instructions](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html). * The JYNNEOS MPV vaccine has received[FDA emergency use authorization (EUA)](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/monkeypox-update-fda-authorizes-emergency-use-jynneos-vaccine-increase-vaccine-supply) to be given by intradermal (ID) injection to individuals age 18 years and older and by subcutaneous (SC) injection to those under age 18. [CDC has updated clinical guidance on vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html). * Lower volume intradermal injection allows for more doses to be delivered. Chicago has updated vaccine eligibility to include any gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender persons who are sexually active AND have not previously been infected with MPV, as well continuing to prioritize close contacts (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) of someone diagnosed with MPV regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. * Patients with lesions or pain that interfere with the activities of daily living and patients at high risk for severe disease should be considered for treatment with tecovirimat (TPOXX). There is no shortage of tecovirimat. [See Monkeypox Treatment.](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/treatment.html) Please see the attachment for more information. Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022 <br /> Time: 2:00 PM -- 3:00 PM CT <br /> Webinar Link: <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613504249?pwd=a25JSXJMSGp4Qk5Ka3h0dm1PVENXUT09> <br /> Passcode: 181119 truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674182?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-08-19T19:26:2346674184Substance AbuseOpioid Information,Substance Use,School HealthMediumMAR NOW Program and Illinois Helpline Webinar<p>Through a program funded by CDPH and IDHS/SUPR, the IL Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances can connect callers directly to buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone for opioid use disorder, 7 days/week. Through the MAR NOW Program, callers can speak immediately to a provider and receive a prescription over the phone or transportation to a clinic for same-day in-person treatment. Transportation is provided, and the program is available to all Chicagoans regardless of income, insurance status, or ability to pay. &nbsp;</p> <p>In <a href="https://hria.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqf-2uqDwpGtyr_QM9YGtat3KRQEksKITm" target="_blank">this webinar,</a> the Illinois Helpline will help you understand the full breadth of harm reduction, recovery, and support services available across the state. If you are a substance use service provider, you will also learn how to ensure the IL Helpline accurately includes the services provided by your organization.</p> Through a program funded by CDPH and IDHS/SUPR, the IL Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances can connect callers directly to buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone for opioid use disorder, 7 days/week. Through the MAR NOW Program, callers can speak immediately to a provider and receive a prescription over the phone or transportation to a clinic for same-day in-person treatment. Transportation is provided, and the program is available to all Chicagoans regardless of income, insurance status, or ability to pay. In [this webinar,](https://hria.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqf-2uqDwpGtyr_QM9YGtat3KRQEksKITm) the Illinois Helpline will help you understand the full breadth of harm reduction, recovery, and support services available across the state. If you are a substance use service provider, you will also learn how to ensure the IL Helpline accurately includes the services provided by your organization. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674184?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,2020999,20635202022-08-19T19:43:1746674185InfluenzaCOVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 19, 2022<p>This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data.&nbsp; This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level </a>is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases decreased from last week but&nbsp;remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from&nbsp;4.9 to 2.2.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from&nbsp;4.3% to 4.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low but some indicators suggest that activity may be increasing.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV increased from &lt;1% in mid-July to 1.8% for the current week. Similarly, the percent of specimens testing positive for RSV also increased from &lt;1% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html)is Medium. * The number of new cases decreased from last week but remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from 4.9 to 2.2. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 4.3% to 4.6%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued a [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low but some indicators suggest that activity may be increasing. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV increased from \<1% in mid-July to 1.8% for the current week. Similarly, the percent of specimens testing positive for RSV also increased from \<1% to 2.2%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674185?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4378352022-08-22T17:30:2346674187West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 22, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 22, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine (9) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 22, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine (9) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674187?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-11-04T22:01:2846675383Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 4, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/23/2022 - 10/29/2022 has been published.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 103.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.4 to 3.8.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;remained the same at 3.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity has increased since last week.</li> <li>Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported this week. Since, October 2, 2022, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalization have been reported.</li> <li>205 of 5,050 (4.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 378 of 18,486 (2.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;CDC is hosting a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp" target="_blank">COCA call on November 15</a> to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 10.0% last week to 10.1% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 19.4% last week to 20.2% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.0% last week to 4.7% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.5% last week to 21.5% for the current week</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report&nbsp;and please review&nbsp;the attached CDC Health Advisory regarding the increase in respiratory virus disease activity, especially among children.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/23/2022 - 10/29/2022 has been published. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 103. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.4 to 3.8. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has remained the same at 3.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity has increased since last week. * Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported this week. Since, October 2, 2022, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalization have been reported. * 205 of 5,050 (4.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 378 of 18,486 (2.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. CDC is hosting a [COCA call on November 15](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp) to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 10.0% last week to 10.1% for the current week. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 19.4% last week to 20.2% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.0% last week to 4.7% for the current week. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.5% last week to 21.5% for the current week Please see the attachment for the full report and please review the attached CDC Health Advisory regarding the increase in respiratory virus disease activity, especially among children. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675383?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-11-04T22:34:3246675385AnnouncementCOVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVIDHighUpdated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes and Other Licensed Long-Term Care Facilities - Nov 4, 2022<p>This interim guidance provides guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities that provide skilled personal care services. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.</p> <p>In accordance with updated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance</a> facility types such as Supportive Living Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care Facilities, and Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRFs), whose staff provide non-skilled personal care, similar to that provided by family members in the home (e.g., many assisted living group homes), should follow community prevention strategies based on<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=all_states&amp;list_select_county=all_counties&amp;data-type=CommunityLevels&amp;null=CommunityLevels" target="_blank"> COVID-19 Community Levels</a>, similar to independent living, retirement communities or other non-health care higher risk congregate settings. The CDC definition of non-skilled personal care is provided below.</p> <p>Any health care personnel (HCP) providing significant health care to one or more residents in non-skilled long-term care facilities (e.g., hospice care, memory support, physical therapy, wound care, intravenous injections, or catheter care) should follow the health care infection prevention and control (IPC) recommendations in this guidance, and all facility policies related to SARS-CoV-2.</p> <p>Employers should be aware that other local, state, and federal requirements may apply, including those promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).</p> <p><strong>Reason for Update</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made significant revisions to guidance for the community and health care settings. This health care guidance change reflects <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html">CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic</a>, released on September 23, 2022, which is based on “the high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention, which have substantially reduced the risk for medically significant COVID-19 illness (severe acute illness and post-COVID-19 conditions) and associated hospitalization and death.” These revisions focus on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on individual persons, communities, and health care systems.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> This interim guidance provides guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities that provide skilled personal care services. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. In accordance with updated [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html) facility types such as Supportive Living Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care Facilities, and Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRFs), whose staff provide non-skilled personal care, similar to that provided by family members in the home (e.g., many assisted living group homes), should follow community prevention strategies based on[COVID-19 Community Levels](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=all_states&list_select_county=all_counties&data-type=CommunityLevels&null=CommunityLevels), similar to independent living, retirement communities or other non-health care higher risk congregate settings. The CDC definition of non-skilled personal care is provided below. Any health care personnel (HCP) providing significant health care to one or more residents in non-skilled long-term care facilities (e.g., hospice care, memory support, physical therapy, wound care, intravenous injections, or catheter care) should follow the health care infection prevention and control (IPC) recommendations in this guidance, and all facility policies related to SARS-CoV-2. Employers should be aware that other local, state, and federal requirements may apply, including those promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). **Reason for Update** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made significant revisions to guidance for the community and health care settings. This health care guidance change reflects [CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html), released on September 23, 2022, which is based on "the high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention, which have substantially reduced the risk for medically significant COVID-19 illness (severe acute illness and post-COVID-19 conditions) and associated hospitalization and death." These revisions focus on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on individual persons, communities, and health care systems. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675385?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,4414442020-10-06T15:34:2946664402West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 40<p>This report provides data on week 40&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachment&nbsp;for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 40 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachment for more details.true2022-08-22T21:00:0346674188Vaccine PreventableDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Announcement,School HealthMediumCDC Vaccine Webinar Series<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering a series of weekly one-hour web-on-demand videos that will provide an overview of vaccination principles, general best practices, immunization strategies, and specific information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them. Each video will include updated information from recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meetings and votes.</p> <p>Audience:&nbsp;Immunization providers: Physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, DoD paraprofessionals, medical students, state and local immunization programs, etc.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/ce-credit-how-to.html" target="_blank">Continuing Education is availalbe</a> for each event.</p> <p>There is no registration process to view the sessions.&nbsp; Courses can be accessed <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/webinar-epv/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reminders for each course are listed on the Chicago HAN and&nbsp; can be accessed on/after the indicated date.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering a series of weekly one-hour web-on-demand videos that will provide an overview of vaccination principles, general best practices, immunization strategies, and specific information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them. Each video will include updated information from recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meetings and votes. Audience: Immunization providers: Physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, DoD paraprofessionals, medical students, state and local immunization programs, etc. [Continuing Education is availalbe](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/ce-credit-how-to.html) for each event. There is no registration process to view the sessions. Courses can be accessed [here](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/webinar-epv/index.html). Reminders for each course are listed on the Chicago HAN and can be accessed on/after the indicated date. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674188?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,457397,20635202022-11-07T21:20:5746675484School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighCDPH School HAN Usage Survey - November, 2022<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time.&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR</a></p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR> In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675484?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572023-02-24T21:17:5846677580Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 24, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/12/2023-2/18/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Points for the Week:</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>COVID-19</strong>: metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s local COVID-19 <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">Community Level</a> is Low.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 88.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 4.9 to 6.1.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.9% to 3.5%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 192 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">21 of 3,921 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,165 of 112,434 (10.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV is 0.6%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has remained constant at 1.5%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.8% to 17.6%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has remained constant at 5.1%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/12/2023-2/18/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points for the Week:** **COVID-19**: metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local COVID-19 [Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 88. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 4.9 to 6.1. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.9% to 3.5%. <br /> **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 192 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 21 of 3,921 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,165 of 112,434 (10.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV is 0.6%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has remained constant at 1.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.8% to 17.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has remained constant at 5.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677580?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-02-27T15:48:0546677479STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighNCSH: Inclusive Sexual Health Services Practical Guidelines<p>The <a href="https://nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/" target="_blank">National Coalition for Sexual Health</a> (NCSH) is launching a new tool “Inclusive Sexual Health Services: Practical Guidelines for Providers &amp; Clinics” to cultivate a clinical environment that supports primary care providers in the delivery of inclusive sexual health services.</p> <p>This guide is organized into six sections, starting with workforce and staff training and then following with the overall client flow during a health care visit. It also includes an appendix outlining specific STI screening recommendations for specific populations. We recognize some of these practices may not be relevant to all institutions/health centers because of various policies, resources, and/or state laws.</p> <p>Developed by NCSH’s Health Care Action Group, which is comprised of leading health care provider organizations, this tool is available at no cost through NCSH’s website; you can use it in your clinical practice and share it with your colleagues. This guide was adapted from the American College Health Foundation’s<a href="https://www.acha.org/documents/ACHF/ACHF-Implementation_Guide_for_Sexual_Health_Best_Practices_in_College_Settings.pdf" target="_blank"> Implementation Guide for Sexual Health Best Practices in College Settings</a> and also cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> The [National Coalition for Sexual Health](https://nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/) (NCSH) is launching a new tool "Inclusive Sexual Health Services: Practical Guidelines for Providers \& Clinics" to cultivate a clinical environment that supports primary care providers in the delivery of inclusive sexual health services. This guide is organized into six sections, starting with workforce and staff training and then following with the overall client flow during a health care visit. It also includes an appendix outlining specific STI screening recommendations for specific populations. We recognize some of these practices may not be relevant to all institutions/health centers because of various policies, resources, and/or state laws. Developed by NCSH's Health Care Action Group, which is comprised of leading health care provider organizations, this tool is available at no cost through NCSH's website; you can use it in your clinical practice and share it with your colleagues. This guide was adapted from the American College Health Foundation's[Implementation Guide for Sexual Health Best Practices in College Settings](https://www.acha.org/documents/ACHF/ACHF-Implementation_Guide_for_Sexual_Health_Best_Practices_in_College_Settings.pdf) and also cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf). Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677479?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,440472,20635202023-02-27T17:26:5846677478BacterialDiseases & ConditionsHighCDC: Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00486.asp" target="_blank">health advisory</a> on Friday, February 24, 2023 regarding an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) shigellosis in the United States, which was described locally in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674502?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">Chicago HAN</a> on September 21, 2022. Healthcare providers are asked to be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR Shigella infection to their local Public Health Department and to educate patients at increased risk for shigellosis about prevention and transmission. &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Reporting:&nbsp;</strong><br /> Providers should report shigellosis infections in Chicago residents to the Chicago Department of Public Health (or the local health department appropriate for the patient's home jurisdiction).&nbsp;<br /> Report to Chicago Department of Public Health:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>through the Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or&nbsp;</li> <li>call 312-743-9000, option number 6, weekdays 8:30 am–5:00 pm.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Laboratories:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>If <u>culture independent diagnostic testing methods</u> (CIDT) are used and a positive test for Shigella is obtained, the hospital or commercial laboratory should <u>confirm their result through culture methods</u> and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. If an isolate is not available, laboratories should forward specimens positive for Shigella to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratory for identification and molecular characterization.&nbsp;</li> <li>Laboratories conducting <u>stool cultures</u> that identify Shigella species should send isolates to the IDPH laboratory for further molecular characterization. All isolates submitted to IDPH will undergo sequencing for public health surveillance purposes. Sequencing results will not be returned to providers.&nbsp;</li> <li>For further information, please refer to the attached IDPH memo from November 14, 2022: “Updated Submission Guidance and Requirements for Managing Culture-Independent Positive Results of Enteric Diseases.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>For questions regarding laboratory submission, please contact Manager of Quality Assurance-Lab Liaison, Kendall Anderson at <a href="mailto:Kendall.Anderson@cityofchicago.org">Kendall.Anderson@cityofchicago.org</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Providers:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clinicians should be aware of increasingly drug-resistant strains of Shigella and &nbsp;</li> <li>follow up with patients diagnosed with Shigellosis to ensure symptom resolution, &nbsp;</li> <li>provide education to patients who may be at risk for acquiring infection (e.g. men who have sex with men, people experiencing homelessness, international travelers, and people living with HIV) and &nbsp;</li> <li>ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed on Shigella isolates, particularly in the case of treatment failure.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>In addition, the CDC will be hosting a webinar Epidemiology, Testing, and Management of Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis tomorrow, February 28, 2023, at 1PM CST. Free CME is available. Registration is not required. Learn more and find the webinar link on the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2023/callinfo_022823.asp" target="_blank">CDC COCA webpage</a>. A recording of the webinar will be available on the webpage a few hours after the live event ends.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00486.asp) on Friday, February 24, 2023 regarding an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) shigellosis in the United States, which was described locally in the [Chicago HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674502?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) on September 21, 2022. Healthcare providers are asked to be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR Shigella infection to their local Public Health Department and to educate patients at increased risk for shigellosis about prevention and transmission. **Reporting:** Providers should report shigellosis infections in Chicago residents to the Chicago Department of Public Health (or the local health department appropriate for the patient's home jurisdiction). Report to Chicago Department of Public Health: * through the Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or * call 312-743-9000, option number 6, weekdays 8:30 am--5:00 pm. **Laboratories:** * If ++culture independent diagnostic testing methods++ (CIDT) are used and a positive test for Shigella is obtained, the hospital or commercial laboratory should ++confirm their result through culture methods++ and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. If an isolate is not available, laboratories should forward specimens positive for Shigella to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratory for identification and molecular characterization. * Laboratories conducting ++stool cultures++ that identify Shigella species should send isolates to the IDPH laboratory for further molecular characterization. All isolates submitted to IDPH will undergo sequencing for public health surveillance purposes. Sequencing results will not be returned to providers. * For further information, please refer to the attached IDPH memo from November 14, 2022: "Updated Submission Guidance and Requirements for Managing Culture-Independent Positive Results of Enteric Diseases." * For questions regarding laboratory submission, please contact Manager of Quality Assurance-Lab Liaison, Kendall Anderson at [Kendall.Anderson@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Kendall.Anderson@cityofchicago.org) **Providers:** * Clinicians should be aware of increasingly drug-resistant strains of Shigella and * follow up with patients diagnosed with Shigellosis to ensure symptom resolution, * provide education to patients who may be at risk for acquiring infection (e.g. men who have sex with men, people experiencing homelessness, international travelers, and people living with HIV) and * ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed on Shigella isolates, particularly in the case of treatment failure. In addition, the CDC will be hosting a webinar Epidemiology, Testing, and Management of Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis tomorrow, February 28, 2023, at 1PM CST. Free CME is available. Registration is not required. Learn more and find the webinar link on the [CDC COCA webpage](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2023/callinfo_022823.asp). A recording of the webinar will be available on the webpage a few hours after the live event ends. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677478?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-02-27T19:30:0046677581COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,AnnouncementHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp: March 3, 2023 <p><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YuWBsKmhTSCGE0K99asltQ" target="_blank">Register</a> for the March 2023 COVID 19 Vaccine Bootcamp:</p> <p>Topics include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Latest data from February 2023 ACIP meeting</li> <li>Commercialization update</li> <li>How to increase vaccine uptake</li> <li>How to integrate COVID-19 vaccines into routine clinical workflows</li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> [Register](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YuWBsKmhTSCGE0K99asltQ) for the March 2023 COVID 19 Vaccine Bootcamp: Topics include: * Latest data from February 2023 ACIP meeting * Commercialization update * How to increase vaccine uptake * How to integrate COVID-19 vaccines into routine clinical workflows * And more! Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677581?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,441444,4573972023-06-07T15:03:5046678779School HealthSchool HealthHighFINAL REMINDER: School Health Request for Assistance - June 7, 2023<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678779?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202022-08-23T22:40:2346674289COVID19COVID,School HealthLowIDPH: Updated COVID-19 School Guidance and School Decision Tree<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>To that end, CDPH will continue to update our <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/covid-in-schools" target="_blank">School Health COVID</a> page updated as guidance evolves. IDPH recently sent out their updated guidance to Schools, which has been updated on the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/covid-in-schools" target="_blank">COVID in Schools</a> page and attached to this email.</p> <p>Stay up to date on school health at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health" target="_blank">chicagohan.org/school_health</a>. &nbsp;</p> <p>If this email for forwarded and you are interested in receiving emails in the future sign up at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/registration" target="_blank">chicagohan.org/registration</a>&nbsp;and subscribe to School Health.&nbsp;</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH will continue to update our [School Health COVID](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/covid-in-schools) page updated as guidance evolves. IDPH recently sent out their updated guidance to Schools, which has been updated on the [COVID in Schools](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/covid-in-schools) page and attached to this email. Stay up to date on school health at [chicagohan.org/school_health](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health). If this email for forwarded and you are interested in receiving emails in the future sign up at [chicagohan.org/registration](https://www.chicagohan.org/registration) and subscribe to School Health. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674289?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,20635202022-08-26T20:48:1146674479Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsHighUpdate on Poliovirus in the United States - August 26, 2022<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>In July 2022, a case of poliovirus with acute flaccid paralysis was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult in Rockland County, New York, caused by community transmission of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2.</li> <li>Poliovirus has been detected in wastewater in Rockland County, as well as in neighboring Orange County, NY and New York City.</li> <li>Vaccination with the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the best way for Chicagoans to protect themselves against polio.</li> <li>Pediatric vaccination coverage dropped nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.</li> <li><em><strong>Healthcare providers should identify and schedule appointments for children in your practice who are behind on polio and other routine immunizations.</strong></em></li> <li>Healthcare providers should be familiar with symptoms of poliomyelitis and acute flaccid myelitis, and immediately report to CDPH any suspected cases by calling 312-743-9000 during business hours and 311 after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * In July 2022, a case of poliovirus with acute flaccid paralysis was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult in Rockland County, New York, caused by community transmission of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. * Poliovirus has been detected in wastewater in Rockland County, as well as in neighboring Orange County, NY and New York City. * Vaccination with the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the best way for Chicagoans to protect themselves against polio. * Pediatric vaccination coverage dropped nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. * ***Healthcare providers should identify and schedule appointments for children in your practice who are behind on polio and other routine immunizations.*** * Healthcare providers should be familiar with symptoms of poliomyelitis and acute flaccid myelitis, and immediately report to CDPH any suspected cases by calling 312-743-9000 during business hours and 311 after hours, on weekends, and on holidays. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674479?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542022-08-26T21:13:4846674379InfluenzaCOVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 26, 2022<p>During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/14/2022-8/20/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level </a>is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases has decreased from last week but remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days is 9.1.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.6% to 4.1%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> on ACIP recommendations on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines for the 2022-23 season. A summary of recommendations can be found <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is low but some activity indicators have continued to increase for the past several weeks.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV increased from &lt;1% at the end of July to 2.0% for the current week. &nbsp;Similarly, the percent of specimens testing positive for RSV increased from 1.1% to 2.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years.&nbsp; All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.</p> During the summer months, CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](http://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/14/2022-8/20/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html)is Medium. * The number of new cases has decreased from last week but remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days is 9.1. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.6% to 4.1%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) on ACIP recommendations on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines for the 2022-23 season. A summary of recommendations can be found [here](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is low but some activity indicators have continued to increase for the past several weeks. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV increased from \<1% at the end of July to 2.0% for the current week. Similarly, the percent of specimens testing positive for RSV increased from 1.1% to 2.6%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from lab-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674379?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4378352022-08-29T14:49:1846674380West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 29, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 29, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 29, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674380?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-08-29T22:11:5646674481Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsHighCDPH's New Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health has moved the viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C unit to the Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau will continue to follow up with all surveillance, reporting and investigations of both viral hepatitis B &amp; C. <strong>Please send all reportable labs, along with the morbidity report forms to our team.</strong> For more information, please contact the individuals listed below.</p> <p><u>Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Surveillance Unit Contact Information:</u><br /> Office of HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Surveillance<br /> 333 S. State Street, Room 210<br /> Chicago, IL 60604</p> <p>Fax Number: (312) 747-0699</p> <p>Points of Contact:</p> <ul> <li>Ashley Becht, Director of Disease Investigations – ashley.becht@cityofchicago.org</li> <li>Gordon Crisler, Public Health Administrator III – gordon.crisler@cityofchicago.org</li> </ul> The Chicago Department of Public Health has moved the viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C unit to the Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau will continue to follow up with all surveillance, reporting and investigations of both viral hepatitis B \& C. **Please send all reportable labs, along with the morbidity report forms to our team.** For more information, please contact the individuals listed below. ++Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Surveillance Unit Contact Information:++ Office of HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Surveillance 333 S. State Street, Room 210 Chicago, IL 60604 Fax Number: (312) 747-0699 Points of Contact: * Ashley Becht, Director of Disease Investigations -- ashley.becht@cityofchicago.org * Gordon Crisler, Public Health Administrator III -- gordon.crisler@cityofchicago.org truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674481?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542022-11-10T20:02:5846675578Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 10, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 106.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 3.8 to 6.9.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;decreased from at 3.2% to 3.1%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase and is at similar levels to peak activity during the 2021-2022 season.</li> <li>Four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>519 of 5,634 (9.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 904 of 24,288 (3.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing.&nbsp; CDC is hosting a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp" target="_blank">COCA call on November 15</a> to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season.</li> <li>The IDPH has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 9.1% last week to 9.2% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 20.2% last week to 17.4%.</li> <li>The weekly number of pediatric admissions for RSV has decreased for the second consecutive week. &nbsp;Since August 2022, 68% of pediatric admissions for RSV were &lt;2 years of age with a median age (IQR) of 13.5 months (4 months to 2.5 years).</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.0% last week to 4.7% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.5% last week to 21.5% for the current week.</li> </ul> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 106. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 3.8 to 6.9. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from at 3.2% to 3.1%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase and is at similar levels to peak activity during the 2021-2022 season. * Four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 519 of 5,634 (9.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 904 of 24,288 (3.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm) for prescribing. CDC is hosting a [COCA call on November 15](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp) to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season. * The IDPH has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 9.1% last week to 9.2% for the current week. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 20.2% last week to 17.4%. * The weekly number of pediatric admissions for RSV has decreased for the second consecutive week. Since August 2022, 68% of pediatric admissions for RSV were \<2 years of age with a median age (IQR) of 13.5 months (4 months to 2.5 years). * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.0% last week to 4.7% for the current week. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.5% last week to 21.5% for the current week. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675578?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352024-03-05T22:49:1546682981InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 1, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4&nbsp;to 5.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza B increasing for the seventh consecutive week.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 231&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>468 of 5,246&nbsp;(8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,661&nbsp;of 115,387&nbsp;(6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of ED&nbsp;visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.7%&nbsp;to 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.6%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 71.4% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.5&nbsp;to 7.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4 to 5.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza B increasing for the seventh consecutive week. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 231 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 468 of 5,246 (8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,661 of 115,387 (6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of ED visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.7% to 1.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.6%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 71.4% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.5 to 7.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682981?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202022-08-30T13:54:1946674482COVID19COVID-19HighWebinar: Planning For Bivalent COVID_19 Vaccine Rollout Part One<p><strong>Topic:&nbsp; Planning for the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Part One</strong></p> <p><strong>Description:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Pre-ordering/ordering information and anticipated timeline</li> <li>What we know now regarding eligibility, storage &amp; handling and dosage</li> <li>Other COVID-19 vaccine updates</li> </ul> <p>With: Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, &amp; Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp; Aug 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM</p> <p><a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE</a></p> <p>Flyer Attached</p> **Topic: Planning for the Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Part One** **Description:** * Pre-ordering/ordering information and anticipated timeline * What we know now regarding eligibility, storage \& handling and dosage * Other COVID-19 vaccine updates With: Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, \& Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics **Time:** Aug 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM [REGISTER HERE](https://illinoisaap.org/events/) Flyer Attached truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674482?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552022-11-08T23:08:4146675388COVID19COVID-19 Vaccine,Moderna,COVIDHighLimited Moderna Shelf Life Extension - Lot Numbers Identified<p>Moderna has announced that the 12 monovalent lot numbers identified on the table below have a shelf life extension of 3 months – if you have these lot number(s) in your freezer, please be sure to update I-CARE and your tracking labels accordingly to notate the new expiration date. &nbsp;</p> <p>These shelf life extensions only apply to doses that have been stored appropriately according to CDC guidelines in a freezer. Moving forward, be sure to quarantine doses that are expired in the event that more shelf life extensions are granted. You can always contact us at <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> for verification. Use the Moderna expiration tool if you have further questions on Moderna product expiration dates-&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?*vialLookUpTool__;Iw!!B24N9PvjPQId!dxGeM_jSsLx_ZvTFfeeoGf3kGlpJtMCpmWjRWwesRpdd5afWJfTUSDL2MPaq1Yhl0Ckko78zgyY4VdTh1EmZ6Q$" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?#vialLookUpTool</a>&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" class="Table" style="background:white; border-collapse:collapse"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:9px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Coun<span style="color:black">t</span></strong>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:9px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:black">Lot</span></strong>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:9px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:black">OLD Expiry (9-month from DOM)</span></strong>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:1px solid black; height:9px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:black">New Expiry (verified)</span></strong>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">1&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">054A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-01&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 1, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">055A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-02&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 2, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">3&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">057A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-06&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 6, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">4&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">056A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-07&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:8px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 7, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:4px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">5&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:4px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">059A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:4px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-09&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:4px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 9, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:16px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">6&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:16px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">058A22-2A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:16px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-10&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:16px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 10, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">7&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">060A22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-10&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 10, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:12px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">8&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:12px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">014B22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:12px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-11&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:12px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 11, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:10px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">9&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:10px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">015B22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:10px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-12&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:10px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 12, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">10&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">016B22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-13&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:14px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 13, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:6px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">11&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:6px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">017B22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:6px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-14&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:6px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 14, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:1px solid black; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:19px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">12&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:19px; vertical-align:top; width:84px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">011B22A&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:19px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">2022-11-18&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> <td style="background-color:white; border-bottom:1px solid black; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid black; border-top:none; height:19px; vertical-align:top; width:96px"> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Feb 18, 2023&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Moderna has announced that the 12 monovalent lot numbers identified on the table below have a shelf life extension of 3 months -- if you have these lot number(s) in your freezer, please be sure to update I-CARE and your tracking labels accordingly to notate the new expiration date. These shelf life extensions only apply to doses that have been stored appropriately according to CDC guidelines in a freezer. Moving forward, be sure to quarantine doses that are expired in the event that more shelf life extensions are granted. You can always contact us at [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) for verification. Use the Moderna expiration tool if you have further questions on Moderna product expiration dates- [https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?#vialLookUpTool](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?*vialLookUpTool__;Iw!!B24N9PvjPQId!dxGeM_jSsLx_ZvTFfeeoGf3kGlpJtMCpmWjRWwesRpdd5afWJfTUSDL2MPaq1Yhl0Ckko78zgyY4VdTh1EmZ6Q$) |-----------|-----------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------| | **Count** | **Lot** | **OLD Expiry (9-month from DOM)** | **New Expiry (verified)** | | 1 | 054A22A | 2022-11-01 | Feb 1, 2023 | | 2 | 055A22A | 2022-11-02 | Feb 2, 2023 | | 3 | 057A22A | 2022-11-06 | Feb 6, 2023 | | 4 | 056A22A | 2022-11-07 | Feb 7, 2023 | | 5 | 059A22A | 2022-11-09 | Feb 9, 2023 | | 6 | 058A22-2A | 2022-11-10 | Feb 10, 2023 | | 7 | 060A22A | 2022-11-10 | Feb 10, 2023 | | 8 | 014B22A | 2022-11-11 | Feb 11, 2023 | | 9 | 015B22A | 2022-11-12 | Feb 12, 2023 | | 10 | 016B22A | 2022-11-13 | Feb 13, 2023 | | 11 | 017B22A | 2022-11-14 | Feb 14, 2023 | | 12 | 011B22A | 2022-11-18 | Feb 18, 2023 | falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675388?p_r_p_categoryId=436929,440660,4414442022-11-10T20:13:4246675579VFCDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVIDHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - November 10, 2022<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In This Issue:</p> <ul> <li>Meet some of the CDPH VFC Staff!</li> <li>What October 2022 ACIP approvals on COVID-19 Vaccines mean</li> <li>World Immunization Day is November 10th!</li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In This Issue: * Meet some of the CDPH VFC Staff! * What October 2022 ACIP approvals on COVID-19 Vaccines mean * World Immunization Day is November 10th! * And more! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675579?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,437835,440472,4414442022-11-10T20:22:0946675580COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighIDPH: Ordering and Direct Shipment of Free (non commercial) Monoclonal Antibody Bebtelovimab<p>Providers must be registered with Amerisource Bergen (ABC) to order Bebtelovimab and have an HHS Health Partner Ordering Platform (HPOP) for ordering Bebtelovimab, from ordering hubs designated by IDPH.&nbsp;</p> <p>If an HPOP account is needed, please go to the IDPH link below to complete the request for the account:<br /> <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d837e34818574d3ab0e32ef5b0f4fa9a" target="_blank">https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d837e34818574d3ab0e32ef5b0f4fa9a</a></p> <p>For providers with an approved HPOP account, utilize the link below to request Bebtelovimab:&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://vpop.cdc.gov/account/signin" target="_blank">https://vpop.cdc.gov/account/signin</a></p> <p>See the attached for IDPH SIREN for further details. Questions can be directed to <a href="mailto:dph.mabtherapy@illinois.gov">dph.mabtherapy@illinois.gov</a>.</p> Providers must be registered with Amerisource Bergen (ABC) to order Bebtelovimab and have an HHS Health Partner Ordering Platform (HPOP) for ordering Bebtelovimab, from ordering hubs designated by IDPH. If an HPOP account is needed, please go to the IDPH link below to complete the request for the account: <https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d837e34818574d3ab0e32ef5b0f4fa9a> For providers with an approved HPOP account, utilize the link below to request Bebtelovimab: <https://vpop.cdc.gov/account/signin> See the attached for IDPH SIREN for further details. Questions can be directed to [dph.mabtherapy@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.mabtherapy@illinois.gov). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675580?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,20475592022-11-10T21:57:1446675679Hospital NotificationDiseases & Conditions,COVID,AnnouncementHighIDPH: Bed Reporting in EMResource<p>Many parts of the country are experiencing a surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses. Factors such as continued spread of COVID-19, the arrival of flu season, and an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are impacting the healthcare system and hospital bed availability.</p> <p>IDPH continues to monitor bed reporting and bed availability trends. As the cases of RSV continue to rise, the Department has decided to increase the bed availability reporting frequency for pediatric and pediatric intensive care beds. Additionally, there is a need to understand the number of children who may be holding in emergency departments awaiting bed placement or transfer to an appropriate children’s hospital.</p> <p>On or before November 14, 2022, hospitals will do the following:</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">1. Update bed availability for the following categories <strong><em>every 8 hours</em></strong> (10am, 6pm, and 2am)</p> <p style="margin-left:80px">a. Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU)<br /> b. Pediatrics (Peds)<br /> c. ED Boarders</p> <p style="margin-left:40px"><em><u>Rationale</u>: This will provide enhanced awareness of the available pediatric beds statewide and allow hospitals visibility when attempting to find open beds for transfer to the most appropriate facility with beds available. This will hopefully cut down on the number of phone calls a hospital attempts to make for patient transfer.</em></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">2. Specify the number of ED Boarders for ages 0-2 years</p> <p style="margin-left:80px">a. Provide the total number of ED Boarders in the appropriate section<br /> b. Using the comments section, provide the number of ED Boarders that are ages 0-4 years</p> <p style="margin-left:40px"><em><u>Rationale: </u>This will provide enhanced awareness of the younger patient population that are requiring bed placement and may require specialized age specific equipment and patient care resources.</em></p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> Many parts of the country are experiencing a surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses. Factors such as continued spread of COVID-19, the arrival of flu season, and an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are impacting the healthcare system and hospital bed availability. IDPH continues to monitor bed reporting and bed availability trends. As the cases of RSV continue to rise, the Department has decided to increase the bed availability reporting frequency for pediatric and pediatric intensive care beds. Additionally, there is a need to understand the number of children who may be holding in emergency departments awaiting bed placement or transfer to an appropriate children's hospital. On or before November 14, 2022, hospitals will do the following: 1. Update bed availability for the following categories ***every 8 hours*** (10am, 6pm, and 2am) a. Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU) b. Pediatrics (Peds) c. ED Boarders *++Rationale++: This will provide enhanced awareness of the available pediatric beds statewide and allow hospitals visibility when attempting to find open beds for transfer to the most appropriate facility with beds available. This will hopefully cut down on the number of phone calls a hospital attempts to make for patient transfer.* 2. Specify the number of ED Boarders for ages 0-2 years a. Provide the total number of ED Boarders in the appropriate section b. Using the comments section, provide the number of ED Boarders that are ages 0-4 years *++Rationale:++This will provide enhanced awareness of the younger patient population that are requiring bed placement and may require specialized age specific equipment and patient care resources.* Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675679?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441444,4573972025-01-06T16:51:3746688678School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighYouth Settings Webinars and Office Hours - January 2025<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is hosting a series of winter virtual webinars on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Thursday of every month. Upcoming sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li>QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for K12 Schools (January 7th) &nbsp;</li> <li>Foster Resilient Children for Early Childcare (January 9th)&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>NEW! Youth Settings monthly Office Hours, held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in English and Spanish!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Office Hours on January 14th:&nbsp; <ul> <li>English: 10 am – 11 am&nbsp;</li> <li>Spanish: 11 am – 12 pm</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong><u>QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) (K-12)</u></strong><br /> QPR is a suicide prevention gatekeeper training. QPR instructors will train school staff on how to recognize suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to mitigate risk of suicide attempt, and maker referrals to competent professional care. This training will be held virtually.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> January 7th &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 10:00 am – 11:30 am<br /> <strong>Location:</strong> Virtual&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Advance registration required! Space is limited to the first 40 people to register.</strong><br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-cdph-qpr-training-k-12-school-staff-tickets-1109626666229?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><u><strong>Fostering Resilient Children (Early Childcare)</strong></u><br /> Special guests from Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Center for Childhood Resilience will present. The webinar will provide participants with an expanded trauma-informed perspective, focusing on the impact of trauma, racism and inequity on children and families.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> January 9th &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm<br /> <strong>Location:</strong> Virtual<br /> <strong>Advance registration recommended, but not required<br /> Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/03e885be-93ff-4113-9d12-5abbdd7640d0@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p> <p><u><strong>Youth Settings Office Hours</strong></u><br /> Schools and early childcare settings can hear updates regarding communicable diseases, school health, and ask questions of our nurses. Held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Youth Settings Office Hours (English)</strong><br /> <strong>Date:</strong> January 14th &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 10:00 am – 11:00 am<br /> <strong>Microsoft Teams</strong>&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mjc5OTQyMzItYWE3OC00NWU4LTg1OTAtZmExNWQxNWQwMDcx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a>&nbsp;<br /> Meeting ID: 284 019 740 125&nbsp;<br /> Passcode: syJcvc&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Youth Settings Office Hours (Spanish)</strong><br /> <strong>Date:</strong> January 14th &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 11:0 am – 12:00 pm<br /> <strong>Microsoft Teams</strong><br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDg0ZDdhOTctYmNhNi00OWUwLWFkZmQtZjJmYWU3NWY2Y2I3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a>&nbsp;<br /> Meeting ID: 238 757 229 617&nbsp;<br /> Passcode: VXCfPV</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is hosting a series of winter virtual webinars on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Thursday of every month. Upcoming sessions will include: * QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for K12 Schools (January 7th) * Foster Resilient Children for Early Childcare (January 9th) NEW! Youth Settings monthly Office Hours, held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in English and Spanish! * Office Hours on January 14th: * English: 10 am -- 11 am * Spanish: 11 am -- 12 pm **++QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) (K-12)++** QPR is a suicide prevention gatekeeper training. QPR instructors will train school staff on how to recognize suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to mitigate risk of suicide attempt, and maker referrals to competent professional care. This training will be held virtually. **Date:** January 7th **Time:** 10:00 am -- 11:30 am **Location:** Virtual **Advance registration required! Space is limited to the first 40 people to register.** **Register [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-cdph-qpr-training-k-12-school-staff-tickets-1109626666229?aff=oddtdtcreator)** ++**Fostering Resilient Children (Early Childcare)**++ Special guests from Lurie Children's Hospital's Center for Childhood Resilience will present. The webinar will provide participants with an expanded trauma-informed perspective, focusing on the impact of trauma, racism and inequity on children and families. **Date:** January 9th **Time:** 1:00 pm -- 2:00 pm **Location:** Virtual **Advance registration recommended, but not required Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/03e885be-93ff-4113-9d12-5abbdd7640d0@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** ++**Youth Settings Office Hours**++ Schools and early childcare settings can hear updates regarding communicable diseases, school health, and ask questions of our nurses. Held monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. **Youth Settings Office Hours (English)** **Date:** January 14th **Time:** 10:00 am -- 11:00 am **Microsoft Teams** [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mjc5OTQyMzItYWE3OC00NWU4LTg1OTAtZmExNWQxNWQwMDcx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 284 019 740 125 Passcode: syJcvc **Youth Settings Office Hours (Spanish)** **Date:** January 14th **Time:** 11:0 am -- 12:00 pm **Microsoft Teams** [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDg0ZDdhOTctYmNhNi00OWUwLWFkZmQtZjJmYWU3NWY2Y2I3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 238 757 229 617 Passcode: VXCfPV truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46688678?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572022-08-31T18:54:2446674382COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,Programs,Vaccines for Children,COVID,Outpatient Settings,Schools & Day Cares,Correctional Facilities,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,Therapeutics and Prophylaxis,School HealthHighFDA Authorization of Bivalent Boosters and Information on Boosters for individuals over 12 Years of Age<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;</li> <li>Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.</li> <li>Monovalent mRNA CVOID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use as boosters in people ages 12 years and older.&nbsp;</li> <li>With today’s authorization, the monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are NOT AUTHORIZED as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older.</li> <li>Appointments for monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters in people 12 years of age and older must be rescheduled for when locations have the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines available.</li> <li>Chicago COVID-19 vaccine providers are able to request bivalent booster doses on the &nbsp;routine vaccine ordering survey <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Key Messages and Action Items** * Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. * Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. * Monovalent mRNA CVOID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use as boosters in people ages 12 years and older. * With today's authorization, the monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are NOT AUTHORIZED as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older. * Appointments for monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters in people 12 years of age and older must be rescheduled for when locations have the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines available. * Chicago COVID-19 vaccine providers are able to request bivalent booster doses on the routine vaccine ordering survey [here](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA). Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674382?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,436929,438212,440472,441444,441456,441457,441458,2027963,2047559,20635202022-08-31T22:18:5746674483MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighWebinar: MPV Update for Healthcare Providers Series - September 6th & 20th<p><strong>Topic:</strong> MPV Update for Healthcare Providers</p> <p><strong>When:</strong></p> <ul> <li>September 6, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)</li> <li>September 20, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Register in advance for this webinar:</strong><br /> <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_okZ7dettTLyo1HvrUW1gjA" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_okZ7dettTLyo1HvrUW1gjA</a></p> <p>After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.</p> **Topic:** MPV Update for Healthcare Providers **When:** * September 6, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) * September 20, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) **Register in advance for this webinar:** <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_okZ7dettTLyo1HvrUW1gjA> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674483?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-09-01T14:25:5346674484School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighUpcoming Back to School Webinar TONIGHT Sept 1, 2022 at 5:30 PM<p>On Thursday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET, the White House, in collaboration with the American Federal of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), will host a Back-to-School Town Hall for teachers and school staff featuring conversations on health and safety, academics, and mental health. Speakers will include Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, White House COVID Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and NEA President Becky Pringle.</p> <p>Register <a href="https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jE_vnPijRVKlPtjGFEI6SA" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also watch the program on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/WHCOVIDResponse?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@WHCOVIDResponse</a>) and YouTube (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse" target="_blank">The White House)</a>.</p> On Thursday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET, the White House, in collaboration with the American Federal of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), will host a Back-to-School Town Hall for teachers and school staff featuring conversations on health and safety, academics, and mental health. Speakers will include Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, White House COVID Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and NEA President Becky Pringle. Register [here](https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jE_vnPijRVKlPtjGFEI6SA). You can also watch the program on Twitter ([@WHCOVIDResponse](https://twitter.com/WHCOVIDResponse?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)) and YouTube ([The White House)](https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674484?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202022-09-01T21:55:0646674384Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationLowIDPH: Colored Fentanyl<p>A colorful version of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been introduced to the illicit drug market and is being referred to as “colored” or “rainbow” fentanyl. Colored fentanyl is showing up in the form of pills closely resembling candy and colorful chalk.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The rainbow-colored fentanyl pills have been identified in multiple states including CA, OR, WA, ID, AZ, NC, WV, Washington DC, and most recently, St. Louis, MO.</li> <li>Significant concern of accidental ingestion by young children due to the rainbow colors and candy-like appearance .</li> </ul> <p>If taking illicit substances, there are precautions that can be used to reduce risk for fatal and non-fatal overdose:</p> <ul> <li>Consider testing the substance for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips</li> <li>Carry naloxone and have a person who is able to administer naloxone available to assist&nbsp;</li> <li>Be aware that more than one dose of naloxone may be required to reverse an overdose, especially when synthetic opioids are involved.&nbsp;</li> <li>Keep all substances out of the reach of children</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachmets for more information,</p> A colorful version of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been introduced to the illicit drug market and is being referred to as "colored" or "rainbow" fentanyl. Colored fentanyl is showing up in the form of pills closely resembling candy and colorful chalk. * The rainbow-colored fentanyl pills have been identified in multiple states including CA, OR, WA, ID, AZ, NC, WV, Washington DC, and most recently, St. Louis, MO. * Significant concern of accidental ingestion by young children due to the rainbow colors and candy-like appearance . If taking illicit substances, there are precautions that can be used to reduce risk for fatal and non-fatal overdose: * Consider testing the substance for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips * Carry naloxone and have a person who is able to administer naloxone available to assist * Be aware that more than one dose of naloxone may be required to reverse an overdose, especially when synthetic opioids are involved. * Keep all substances out of the reach of children Please see the attachmets for more information, truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674384?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942024-03-11T16:00:1446682983Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Programs,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 11, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.9 to 6.3.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 5.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B for the first time this season.</li> <li>11 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 245 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. &nbsp;</li> <li>398 of 4,570 (8.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,065 of 119,996 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.&nbsp;</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20230927_2023-2024_Annual_Flu_Testin.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:&nbsp; <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.6% to 2.2%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September. &nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/recs/grade/nirsevimab-season2-rsv-infants-children-etr.html" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> </ul> </li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 7.5% to 10.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 1.8%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.9 to 6.3. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 5.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B for the first time this season. * 11 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 245 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 398 of 4,570 (8.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,065 of 119,996 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20230927_2023-2024_Annual_Flu_Testin.pdf) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5% * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.6% to 2.2%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/recs/grade/nirsevimab-season2-rsv-infants-children-etr.html) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 7.5% to 10.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 1.8%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682983?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,438212,440472,20635202022-09-02T22:49:5246674387Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,COVIDLowCorrected: Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - Septemeber 2, 2022<p>During the summer months, CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza dashboard</a>, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.&nbsp; CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/21/2022-8/27/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. &nbsp;</p> <p>Key points for the week:</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html">COVID-19 Community Level </a>is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases in the last 7 seven days per 100,000 population is 134.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days remains unchanged at 9.1.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 4.1% to 4.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should review <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The CDC will be holding a COCA call on Thursday, Sept 8 at 1:00 p.m. to present ACIP recommendations for the 2022-23 influenza vaccination season, including information on a new preferential vaccine recommendation for adults ages 65 and older. Call details can be found <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_090822.asp">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV decreased from 2.1% last week to 1.6% for the current week.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for RSV increased from 2.6% last week to 3.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 </a>activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.&nbsp;</p> During the summer months, CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html), which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/21/2022-8/27/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. Key points for the week: **COVID-19:** * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html)is Medium. * The number of new cases in the last 7 seven days per 100,000 population is 134. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days remains unchanged at 9.1. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 4.1% to 4.2%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should review [guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The CDC will be holding a COCA call on Thursday, Sept 8 at 1:00 p.m. to present ACIP recommendations for the 2022-23 influenza vaccination season, including information on a new preferential vaccine recommendation for adults ages 65 and older. Call details can be found [here](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_090822.asp). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV decreased from 2.1% last week to 1.6% for the current week. * The percent of specimens testing positive for RSV increased from 2.6% last week to 3.0%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html)activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674387?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,4414442022-09-06T16:38:3946674486West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 6, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September&nbsp;6, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 35&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 6, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674486?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-09-06T18:54:0846674488West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighFirst West Nile Virus Human Case - September 6, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first case of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year in a Chicago resident.</li> <li>West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31.</li> <li>The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection.</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION</strong>: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6.</p> **Key Messages and Action Steps** * Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first case of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year in a Chicago resident. * West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31. * The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction \[RT-PCR\]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION**: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674488?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-11-14T20:35:3246675582School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighREMINDER: CDPH School HAN Usage Survey - November, 2022<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time.&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR</a></p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR> In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675582?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572023-02-28T17:49:5146677583Healthcare-Associated InfectionsLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)LowProject Firstline: February 28, 2023 Newsletter<p><span style="font-size:14px">Attached please find the next&nbsp;edition&nbsp;in a series of Project Firstline newsletters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This week the newsletter covers:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Training your team is CDC Project Firstline</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For more information on Project Firstline please visit:<br /> <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/en/web/han/hai/pfl" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/en/web/han/hai/pfl</a><br /> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/index.html</a></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Attached please find the next edition in a series of Project Firstline newsletters. This week the newsletter covers: * Training your team is CDC Project Firstline For more information on Project Firstline please visit: <https://www.chicagohan.org/en/web/han/hai/pfl> <https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/index.html> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677583?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,4382132023-06-07T22:24:2446678678COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling - Refresher<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine should be stored for only up to 10 weeks in a refrigerator</strong> (36°F to 46°F) or in an ultra-cold storage unit (-130°F to -76°F) until the manufacturer expiration</li> <li><strong>Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should be stored in a freezer </strong>(-58°F to 5°F) until the listed expiration or in a refrigerator (36°F and 46°F) for up to 30 days</li> <li><em>All punctured multidose vials must be discarded after 8 or 12 hours – see details in the attachment</em></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine should be stored for only up to 10 weeks in a refrigerator** (36°F to 46°F) or in an ultra-cold storage unit (-130°F to -76°F) until the manufacturer expiration * **Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should be stored in a freezer**(-58°F to 5°F) until the listed expiration or in a refrigerator (36°F and 46°F) for up to 30 days * *All punctured multidose vials must be discarded after 8 or 12 hours -- see details in the attachment* Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678678?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-06-09T16:19:1746678781STICongenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighCongenital Syphilis, Testing & Treatment in Pregnancy, and State Family Planning Programs<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Congenital Syphilis, Testing &amp; Treatment in Pregnancy, and State Family Planning Programs</strong></p> <p style="text-align:center">Date: June 16</p> <p style="text-align:center">Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.</p> <p style="text-align:center">Where: Webinar</p> <p style="text-align:center"><a href="https://member.iphca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1747087&amp;group=" target="_blank">Register Here</a></p> <p><br /> Join IDPH Medical Director Dr. Arti Barnes and IDPH Women's Health Medical Advisor, Dr. Maura Quinlan to learn more about congenital syphilis, testing, and treatment for patients. The webinar will also provide an overview of state family planning programs. <strong>1.0 CEU available.</strong></p> <p><br /> Learning Objectives:</p> <ul> <li>Increase awareness of the rise in congenital syphilis across the nation and IL</li> <li>Enhance understanding of the clinical implications and management of congenital syphilis</li> <li>Improve knowledge of the missed opportunities in diagnosis and treatment</li> <li>Understand testing and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy</li> <li>Obtain updates on state programs for family planning services</li> </ul> **Congenital Syphilis, Testing \& Treatment in Pregnancy, and State Family Planning Programs** Date: June 16 Time: 12:00 p.m. -- 1:00 p.m. Where: Webinar [Register Here](https://member.iphca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1747087&group=) <br /> Join IDPH Medical Director Dr. Arti Barnes and IDPH Women's Health Medical Advisor, Dr. Maura Quinlan to learn more about congenital syphilis, testing, and treatment for patients. The webinar will also provide an overview of state family planning programs. **1.0 CEU available.** <br /> Learning Objectives: * Increase awareness of the rise in congenital syphilis across the nation and IL * Enhance understanding of the clinical implications and management of congenital syphilis * Improve knowledge of the missed opportunities in diagnosis and treatment * Understand testing and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy * Obtain updates on state programs for family planning services falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678781?p_r_p_categoryId=437620,4387392025-09-24T21:02:2646690690Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,Influenza,COVID,Congregate SettingsHighIDPH: Respiratory Virus Season Guidance for Clinicians<p>CDPH endorses the <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">IDPH immunization guidance</a> for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Flu vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>RSV immunization is recommended for:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>All pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.&nbsp;</li> <li>All infants under the age of 8 months without maternal RSV vaccine protection entering their first RSV season.&nbsp;</li> <li>Children ages 8 months through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease.&nbsp;</li> <li>Adults ages 50 years through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV disease&nbsp;</li> <li>All adults ages 75 years and older.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>All children ages 6 months through 23 months.&nbsp;</li> <li>Children ages 2 years through 17 years who have at least one underlying risk factor, who have weakened immune systems, who have never been previously vaccinated for COVID-19, who live in congregate settings or live in households with those at risk for severe COVID-19.&nbsp;</li> <li>Children ages 2 years through 17 years without underlying risk factors whose parents/guardians want them to get a COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;</li> <li>All pregnant people and those who are planning pregnancy, those who are postpartum (after pregnancy), or during lactation.&nbsp;</li> <li>All adults 18 years and older.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>These recommendations are the product of detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. IDPH’s recommendations align with those of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dr. Vohra has also signed a <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/2025-26-covid19-vaccination-standing-order.pdf" target="_blank">standing order</a> that will allow residents the access they need to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;</p> <p>These actions follow Governor JB Pritzker’s <a href="https://www.illinois.gov/government/executive-orders/executive-order.executive-order-2025-04.2025.html" target="_blank">executive order</a>, issued on September 12, to protect life-saving immunization access for Illinoisians. IDPH’s efforts today are the first public steps of the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative, established by the Governor’s Executive Order.&nbsp;</p> <p>For updates on respiratory illness activity throughout the season, please see the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH respiratory illness dashboard</a>.</p> <p>IDPH has also issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/health-care-personnel-work-exclusion-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">return-to-work guidance for healthcare workers</a> with acute respiratory illness on September 15.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> CDPH endorses the [IDPH immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season <br /> **Flu vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.** **RSV immunization is recommended for:** * All pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. * All infants under the age of 8 months without maternal RSV vaccine protection entering their first RSV season. * Children ages 8 months through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. * Adults ages 50 years through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV disease * All adults ages 75 years and older. **COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:** * All children ages 6 months through 23 months. * Children ages 2 years through 17 years who have at least one underlying risk factor, who have weakened immune systems, who have never been previously vaccinated for COVID-19, who live in congregate settings or live in households with those at risk for severe COVID-19. * Children ages 2 years through 17 years without underlying risk factors whose parents/guardians want them to get a COVID-19 vaccine. * All pregnant people and those who are planning pregnancy, those who are postpartum (after pregnancy), or during lactation. * All adults 18 years and older. These recommendations are the product of detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. IDPH's recommendations align with those of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Vohra has also signed a [standing order](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/2025-26-covid19-vaccination-standing-order.pdf) that will allow residents the access they need to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These actions follow Governor JB Pritzker's [executive order](https://www.illinois.gov/government/executive-orders/executive-order.executive-order-2025-04.2025.html), issued on September 12, to protect life-saving immunization access for Illinoisians. IDPH's efforts today are the first public steps of the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative, established by the Governor's Executive Order. For updates on respiratory illness activity throughout the season, please see the [CDPH respiratory illness dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html). IDPH has also issued [return-to-work guidance for healthcare workers](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/health-care-personnel-work-exclusion-guidance.pdf) with acute respiratory illness on September 15. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690690?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,436929,437835,441444,133213092025-01-10T20:04:1846688879InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 10, 2025<p><em>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 2 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH</a> website. </strong>This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains HIGH across Chicago. Flu and RSV levels remain high and very high respectively, and COVID-19 levels have increased from low to moderate. &nbsp;</strong></li> <li>The second pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week.</li> <li>ED visits for flu remains significantly elevated across all age groups, as do those for flu hospital and ICU admissions. Most flu-related ICU admissions have been among people ≥65 years. ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV remain very high and are likely at or near peak for the season. ED visits for COVID-19 continue to increase across all ages.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (52%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV remains elevated, but has been decreasing over the past 2 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 continues to increase. &nbsp;</li> <li>Wastewater concentrations of flu and RSV are moderately elevated above baseline. COVID-19 wastewater concentrations are approaching levels observed during the surge in infections seen over the summer and still increasing.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> There is still time to get vaccinated! Other ways to protect yourself can be found <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation</a>.</li> </ul> *Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 2 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.* **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) website.** This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains HIGH across Chicago. Flu and RSV levels remain high and very high respectively, and COVID-19 levels have increased from low to moderate.** * The second pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week. * ED visits for flu remains significantly elevated across all age groups, as do those for flu hospital and ICU admissions. Most flu-related ICU admissions have been among people ≥65 years. ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV remain very high and are likely at or near peak for the season. ED visits for COVID-19 continue to increase across all ages. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (52%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV remains elevated, but has been decreasing over the past 2 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 continues to increase. * Wastewater concentrations of flu and RSV are moderately elevated above baseline. COVID-19 wastewater concentrations are approaching levels observed during the surge in infections seen over the summer and still increasing. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** There is still time to get vaccinated! Other ways to protect yourself can be found [here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness.html) and [here](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html). * For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation](https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46688879?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092022-09-06T20:13:3446674388STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxMediumChicago HIV Breakfast Club Webinar: Not Your Usual STI Talk: A Case-Based Discussion - Sept 7, 2022<p>The Chicago HIV Breakfast Club Webinar will be hosting a webinar " Not Your Usual STI Talk: A Case-Based Discussionon&nbsp; Sept 7, 2022 at 8:00 AM.</p> <p><u>Learning Objectives</u></p> <ul> <li>Describe management of gonorrhea with consideration to antimicrobial resistance</li> <li>Explain management of syphilis via case-based examples</li> <li>Discuss the differential diagnosis of monkeypox</li> </ul> <p>Registration link: <a href="https://matec.caspio.com/dp/BA50700090280c9da9194a3daf9c" target="_blank">https://matec.caspio.com/dp/BA50700090280c9da9194a3daf9c</a></p> <p>For questions, or if you require special accommodations to attend, please contact Estela Balderas at 312-996-1484 or <a href="http://matecillinois@uic.edu" target="_blank">matecillinois@uic.edu</a>.</p> The Chicago HIV Breakfast Club Webinar will be hosting a webinar " Not Your Usual STI Talk: A Case-Based Discussionon Sept 7, 2022 at 8:00 AM. ++Learning Objectives++ * Describe management of gonorrhea with consideration to antimicrobial resistance * Explain management of syphilis via case-based examples * Discuss the differential diagnosis of monkeypox Registration link: <https://matec.caspio.com/dp/BA50700090280c9da9194a3daf9c> For questions, or if you require special accommodations to attend, please contact Estela Balderas at 312-996-1484 or [matecillinois@uic.edu](http://matecillinois@uic.edu). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674388?p_r_p_categoryId=438739,20482392022-09-08T00:30:3046674390Infectious DiseaseDiseases & Conditions,Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)High IDPH: Health Advisory - Acute Flaccid Myelitis / Polio Virus<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a Health Advisory.&nbsp; Full details can be found in the attachment.</p> <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ol> <li>To provide information regarding identification and reporting of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).</li> <li>To ask providers and local health departments to remain vigilant in identifying cases of AFM.</li> <li>To describe for providers available information about the polio case recently identified in New York.</li> <li>To alert providers to consider poliomyelitis in unvaccinated persons or those who have recent international travel or exposure to international travelers.</li> <li>To remind providers to ensure their patients are up to date on polio vaccinations</li> </ol> <p><br /> <strong>Reporting poliomyelitis:</strong><br /> Suspected poliomyelitis in a Chicago resident should be reported to CDPH immediately (as soon as possible within 3 hours). During weekday business, call the CDPH Disease Reporting Hotline at 312-743-9000 and press 1. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call.</p> <p><strong>Reporting AFM:</strong><br /> Instructions for reporting suspected AFM in a Chicago resident can be found on the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/afm" target="_blank">AFM HAN</a> page. For questions about testing and reporting during weekday business contact VPD surveillance coordinator, Maria Joseph (<a href="mailto:maria.joseph@cityofchicago.org">maria.joseph@cityofchicago.org</a>). After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a Health Advisory. Full details can be found in the attachment. **Summary and Action Items** 1. To provide information regarding identification and reporting of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). 2. To ask providers and local health departments to remain vigilant in identifying cases of AFM. 3. To describe for providers available information about the polio case recently identified in New York. 4. To alert providers to consider poliomyelitis in unvaccinated persons or those who have recent international travel or exposure to international travelers. 5. To remind providers to ensure their patients are up to date on polio vaccinations <br /> **Reporting poliomyelitis:** Suspected poliomyelitis in a Chicago resident should be reported to CDPH immediately (as soon as possible within 3 hours). During weekday business, call the CDPH Disease Reporting Hotline at 312-743-9000 and press 1. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. **Reporting AFM:** Instructions for reporting suspected AFM in a Chicago resident can be found on the [AFM HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/afm) page. For questions about testing and reporting during weekday business contact VPD surveillance coordinator, Maria Joseph ([maria.joseph@cityofchicago.org](mailto:maria.joseph@cityofchicago.org)). After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674390?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4370252022-09-12T12:00:0046673992Project FrontlineHealthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)HighREMINDER Project Frontline: Infection Prevention Essential Webinar Series<p>Project Firstline is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) collaborative aimed to providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training to frontline healthcare workers and the public health workforce. IHA is partnering with Chicago Department of Public Health to deliver training sessions that will cover the following topics:</p> <ul> <li>The Concept of Infection Control</li> <li>Risk Recognition in Healthcare</li> <li>Mechanisms for Spreading Germs</li> <li>Body and Healthcare Environment Reservoirs</li> </ul> <p>Regardless of your previous training or educational background, these education sessions will provide the foundational knowledge you will need to be able to confidently apply the infection control principles and protocols necessary to protect yourself, your facility and your community.</p> <p>The series starts Sept 13, 2022!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Register for the series <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/d1aa7450-181e-4764-89b8-22a584727d90/summary?RefId=13Sept22thru27Oct22ProjectFirstline" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>For additional information please see the attachment.</p> Project Firstline is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) collaborative aimed to providing infection prevention and control (IPC) training to frontline healthcare workers and the public health workforce. IHA is partnering with Chicago Department of Public Health to deliver training sessions that will cover the following topics: * The Concept of Infection Control * Risk Recognition in Healthcare * Mechanisms for Spreading Germs * Body and Healthcare Environment Reservoirs Regardless of your previous training or educational background, these education sessions will provide the foundational knowledge you will need to be able to confidently apply the infection control principles and protocols necessary to protect yourself, your facility and your community. The series starts Sept 13, 2022! Register for the series [here](https://web.cvent.com/event/d1aa7450-181e-4764-89b8-22a584727d90/summary?RefId=13Sept22thru27Oct22ProjectFirstline). For additional information please see the attachment. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673992?p_r_p_categoryId=4382132022-09-12T14:31:3446674490Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,COVIDLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 9, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/28/2022—9/3/ 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key points for the week:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population is 135</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 9.1 to 9.7.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.2% to &nbsp;4.1%.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The CDC will be holding a COCA call on Thursday, Sept 15 at 1:00 p.m. to present recommendations for influenza prevention and treatment in children. Call details can be found <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_091522.asp" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Emergency department visits amongst &gt;5 years old have increased slightly from 1.6% last week to 1.7% for the current week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for RSV decreased from 3.0% last week to 2.5%.</li> <li>Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus is 38.5%, the highest level in the last three years. CDC has issued a health advisory about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/28/2022---9/3/ 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population is 135 * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 9.1 to 9.7. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.2% to 4.1%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The CDC will be holding a COCA call on Thursday, Sept 15 at 1:00 p.m. to present recommendations for influenza prevention and treatment in children. Call details can be found [here](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_091522.asp). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Emergency department visits amongst \>5 years old have increased slightly from 1.6% last week to 1.7% for the current week. * The percent of specimens testing positive for RSV decreased from 3.0% last week to 2.5%. * Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus is 38.5%, the highest level in the last three years. CDC has issued a health advisory about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). **About this report: ** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from  laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards.  This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674490?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,4414442026-01-30T20:39:1346691978InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - January 30, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> Influenza and RSV activity remain Moderate. COVID-19 activity remains Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> continue to decrease or remain stable, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain high and the ICU admission rate is the second highest it's been in the past 10 seasons.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> slightly increased from the previous week but overall remains lower compared to last season. Admissions for RSV remain elevated among children &lt;5 years of age.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> decreased for the third week in a row. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children &lt;5 years of age. &nbsp; </li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza</strong> decreased from 9.7% to 8.9% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 5.2% to 6.8%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 6.8% to 7.1%. </li> <li>Almost all (95.5%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 86% have been H3N2 and 14% have been (H1N1)pdm09.</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations </strong>for Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 remain High, Influenza B concentrations decreased from Low to Minimal, and RSV concentrations increased from Moderate to High</li> <li>The <strong>predominant COVID-19</strong> variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;</li> <li>Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf" target="_blank">Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. </li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&amp;p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025</a> for full details. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** Influenza and RSV activity remain Moderate. COVID-19 activity remains Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** continue to decrease or remain stable, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain high and the ICU admission rate is the second highest it's been in the past 10 seasons.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** slightly increased from the previous week but overall remains lower compared to last season. Admissions for RSV remain elevated among children \<5 years of age. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** decreased for the third week in a row. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children \<5 years of age.    * **Test positivity for influenza** decreased from 9.7% to 8.9% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 5.2% to 6.8%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 6.8% to 7.1%.  * Almost all (95.5%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 86% have been H3N2 and 14% have been (H1N1)pdm09. * **Wastewater concentrations**for Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 remain High, Influenza B concentrations decreased from Low to Minimal, and RSV concentrations increased from Moderate to High * The **predominant COVID-19** variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the [Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf). * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). * IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the [Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) for full details. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691978?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092022-09-12T15:28:3546674492West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 12, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 12, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 35&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine&nbsp;(9) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 12, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine (9) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674492?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-09-12T16:32:0046674491ViralDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM),COVIDHighCDC HAN: Severe Respiratory Illnesses Associated with Rhinoviruses and/or Enteroviruses Including EV-D68 – Multistate, 2022<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Healthcare providers and hospitals in several regions of the United States notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during August 2022 about increases in pediatric hospitalizations in patients with severe respiratory illness who also tested positive for rhinovirus (RV) and/or enterovirus (EV). RVs and EVs can have clinically similar presentations and are indistinguishable from one another on multiplex assays often used in clinical settings. Upon further typing, some specimens have been positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). Concurrently, pediatric acute respiratory illness sentinel surveillance sites are reporting a higher proportion of EV-D68 positivity in children who are RV/EV positive compared to previous years. Although it primarily causes acute respiratory illness, EV-D68 has been associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious neurologic complication involving limb weakness.</p> <p>The purpose of thie CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to</p> <ol> <li>Notify healthcare providers, laboratories, infection control specialists, and public health departments about recent increases in severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization in children,</li> <li>Urge healthcare providers to consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of acute, severe respiratory illness (with or without fever) in children,</li> <li>Advise of the potential for an increase in AFM cases in the upcoming weeks, and</li> <li>Provide CDC recommendations to healthcare providers, laboratories, infection preventionists, public health departments, and the public</li> </ol> <p><br /> Chicago has also seen signs of increased circulation of rhinoviruses (RV) and/or enteroviruses (EV). There has been an increase in the percent of respiratory specimens positive for RV/EV since mid-August. During the last surveillance week (8/28/22-9/3/22), test positivity for RV/EV was 38.5%, the highest level in the last three years. Test positivity is tracked among a subset of Chicago hospital laboratories and reported weekly in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" target="_blank">Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report</a>.</p> <p>Refer to the past <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674390?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">advisory on acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)</a> for identification, testing, and reporting guidance for AFM among Chicago residents.</p> **Summary** Healthcare providers and hospitals in several regions of the United States notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during August 2022 about increases in pediatric hospitalizations in patients with severe respiratory illness who also tested positive for rhinovirus (RV) and/or enterovirus (EV). RVs and EVs can have clinically similar presentations and are indistinguishable from one another on multiplex assays often used in clinical settings. Upon further typing, some specimens have been positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). Concurrently, pediatric acute respiratory illness sentinel surveillance sites are reporting a higher proportion of EV-D68 positivity in children who are RV/EV positive compared to previous years. Although it primarily causes acute respiratory illness, EV-D68 has been associated with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious neurologic complication involving limb weakness. The purpose of thie CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to 1. Notify healthcare providers, laboratories, infection control specialists, and public health departments about recent increases in severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization in children, 2. Urge healthcare providers to consider EV-D68 as a possible cause of acute, severe respiratory illness (with or without fever) in children, 3. Advise of the potential for an increase in AFM cases in the upcoming weeks, and 4. Provide CDC recommendations to healthcare providers, laboratories, infection preventionists, public health departments, and the public <br /> Chicago has also seen signs of increased circulation of rhinoviruses (RV) and/or enteroviruses (EV). There has been an increase in the percent of respiratory specimens positive for RV/EV since mid-August. During the last surveillance week (8/28/22-9/3/22), test positivity for RV/EV was 38.5%, the highest level in the last three years. Test positivity is tracked among a subset of Chicago hospital laboratories and reported weekly in the [Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html). Refer to the past [advisory on acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674390?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) for identification, testing, and reporting guidance for AFM among Chicago residents. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674491?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437025,4414442022-11-14T22:46:4046675680InfluenzaCOVID-19,Influenza,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighIDPH: Influenza Hospital Visitor Memo<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding temporary visitor restriction policies during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> Influenza-like illness activity continues to increase in the United States and has reached high activity levels in Illinois. Many counties have experienced increasing levels of influenza-like illness (characterized as fever of 100ºF [37.8ºC] or higher plus cough and/or sore throat), increases in influenza-related ICU admissions, long-term care facility influenza outbreaks, and increases in influenza positive laboratory specimens.</p> <p>Additionally, as the influenza-like illness definition is broad, it may capture additional respiratory viruses that are also currently circulating such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and others that can cause similar symptoms.</p> <p><strong>IDPH and LHD Response</strong><br /> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that health care facilities implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) comprehensive influenza prevention and control recommendations: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm" target="_blank">Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings</a>.<br /> During times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community, IDPH supports implementation of temporary visitor restriction policies in health care facilities which may include the following:</p> <ul> <li>Do not allow visitation by persons less than 18 years of age,</li> <li>Limit the number of visitors to two per patient at any one time,</li> <li>Promote compliance with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm" target="_blank">Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette</a>,</li> <li>Assess visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat),</li> <li>Request that visitors with acute respiratory illness symptoms not visit, but if they insist, require a mask be worn, and</li> <li>Limit visits to patients in isolation for influenza to persons who are necessary for the patients’ emotional well-being and care.</li> </ul> <p>Exemptions to these temporary visitor restrictions are permissible at the discretion of the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control departments for circumstances including, but not limited to, end-of-life situations. Lifting visitor restrictions is at the discretion of the health care facility. Facilities should follow the CDC guidelines and those above when making these decisions. Local health departments and facilities should monitor influenza-like illness activity in their community and facilities should monitor the level of activity and severity of illness they are experiencing within their facility (ER and urgent care visits, influenza hospitalizations, etc.) to help guide them with these decisions. The weekly Illinois influenza surveillance report is also a useful tool when evaluating activity levels for this purpose.<br /> <br /> Facilities may have additional restrictions in place due to COVID-19 that may be more stringent than the guidance listed in this memo. Facilities should defer to the appropriate guidance for the situation currently occurring in the community and the state, as more restrictive guidance may be recommended.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding temporary visitor restriction policies during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community. **Background** Influenza-like illness activity continues to increase in the United States and has reached high activity levels in Illinois. Many counties have experienced increasing levels of influenza-like illness (characterized as fever of 100ºF \[37.8ºC\] or higher plus cough and/or sore throat), increases in influenza-related ICU admissions, long-term care facility influenza outbreaks, and increases in influenza positive laboratory specimens. Additionally, as the influenza-like illness definition is broad, it may capture additional respiratory viruses that are also currently circulating such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and others that can cause similar symptoms. **IDPH and LHD Response** The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that health care facilities implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) comprehensive influenza prevention and control recommendations: [Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm). During times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community, IDPH supports implementation of temporary visitor restriction policies in health care facilities which may include the following: * Do not allow visitation by persons less than 18 years of age, * Limit the number of visitors to two per patient at any one time, * Promote compliance with [Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm), * Assess visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat), * Request that visitors with acute respiratory illness symptoms not visit, but if they insist, require a mask be worn, and * Limit visits to patients in isolation for influenza to persons who are necessary for the patients' emotional well-being and care. Exemptions to these temporary visitor restrictions are permissible at the discretion of the facility's Infection Prevention and Control departments for circumstances including, but not limited to, end-of-life situations. Lifting visitor restrictions is at the discretion of the health care facility. Facilities should follow the CDC guidelines and those above when making these decisions. Local health departments and facilities should monitor influenza-like illness activity in their community and facilities should monitor the level of activity and severity of illness they are experiencing within their facility (ER and urgent care visits, influenza hospitalizations, etc.) to help guide them with these decisions. The weekly Illinois influenza surveillance report is also a useful tool when evaluating activity levels for this purpose. <br /> Facilities may have additional restrictions in place due to COVID-19 that may be more stringent than the guidance listed in this memo. Facilities should defer to the appropriate guidance for the situation currently occurring in the community and the state, as more restrictive guidance may be recommended. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675680?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,437835,438213,440472,441444,20635202022-09-15T19:00:0046674497LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighLong Term Care Facility PPE Survey<p>As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility’s medical surge capacity is quintessential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in response to COVID-19, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau &amp; the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events &amp; emergencies.</p> <p>Please complete this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=PHEP!LTCF2022" target="_blank">brief survey</a> to help us determine your facility’s needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc.</p> <p>Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a></p> As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility's medical surge capacity is quintessential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in response to COVID-19, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau \& the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events \& emergencies. Please complete this [brief survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=PHEP!LTCF2022) to help us determine your facility's needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc. Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674497?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562022-11-15T00:30:0046675583AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,AnnouncementHighHektoen Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series:<p>Outpatient and ambulatory care providers are invited to participate in an Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series hosted by the Hektoen Institute. Learn how to implement robust antibiotic stewardship programs in your facilities to fight the spread of antibiotic resistance. These webinars are free to attend and up to 1 hour of continuing education credit will be offered for each webinar.</p> <p>Topics include:</p> <p><u>Topic 1: Action for Policy and Practice</u><br /> Speaker: Dr. Richard Ginnetti, MD, MBA, CPE, OSF Healthcare<br /> Thursday, November 17th, at 1 pm Central Time<br /> Register here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0H1aadkfSgGn2o6VMt0BLQ" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0H1aadkfSgGn2o6VMt0BLQ</a></p> <p><u>Topic 2: Tracking and Reporting</u><br /> Speaker: Lindsey Westerhof, PharmD, BCACP, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s<br /> Tuesday, November 22nd, at 1 pm Central Time<br /> Register here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i0EYjtqRSNqErBbbAiSEaw" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i0EYjtqRSNqErBbbAiSEaw</a></p> <p><u>Topic 3: Education and Expertise</u><br /> Speaker: Jeremy Tigh, PharmD and Mackenzie Keintz, MD, Nebraska Medicine<br /> Friday, December 2nd, at 1 pm Central Time<br /> Register here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MmTfeGy9TY22T1lbTEqioA" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MmTfeGy9TY22T1lbTEqioA</a></p> <p> </p> Outpatient and ambulatory care providers are invited to participate in an Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series hosted by the Hektoen Institute. Learn how to implement robust antibiotic stewardship programs in your facilities to fight the spread of antibiotic resistance. These webinars are free to attend and up to 1 hour of continuing education credit will be offered for each webinar. Topics include: ++Topic 1: Action for Policy and Practice++ Speaker: Dr. Richard Ginnetti, MD, MBA, CPE, OSF Healthcare Thursday, November 17th, at 1 pm Central Time Register here: <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0H1aadkfSgGn2o6VMt0BLQ> ++Topic 2: Tracking and Reporting++ Speaker: Lindsey Westerhof, PharmD, BCACP, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Tuesday, November 22nd, at 1 pm Central Time Register here: <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i0EYjtqRSNqErBbbAiSEaw> ++Topic 3: Education and Expertise++ Speaker: Jeremy Tigh, PharmD and Mackenzie Keintz, MD, Nebraska Medicine Friday, December 2nd, at 1 pm Central Time Register here: <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MmTfeGy9TY22T1lbTEqioA> falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675583?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,440266,4573972022-11-15T16:32:0246675681Hospital NotificationDiseases & Conditions,COVID,AnnouncementHighIDPH: UPDATE: Bed Reporting in EMResource<p>IDPH has updated bed&nbsp;reporting requirements in EMResource.</p> <p>Please see the highlighted information in the attached Memo for the Updated information.</p> IDPH has updated bed reporting requirements in EMResource. Please see the highlighted information in the attached Memo for the Updated information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441444,4573972023-03-02T15:39:3746677481BacterialDiseases & Conditions,AnnouncementHighUPDATE: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Assoc'd with Artificial Tears<p>On February 1, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00485.asp" target="_blank">health advisory</a> regarding infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA). CDC and the Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) recommended discontinuing use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. The FDA has since <a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-ezricare-artificial-tears-due-potential-contamination" target="_blank">recommended</a> that consumers and health care providers stop using Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment due to potential bacterial contamination. The FDA also recommended a recall and the manufacturer, Global Pharma Healthcare, has issued voluntary recalls for all three products.</p> <p>As of February 28, 2023, Illinois has one confirmed case associated with this outbreak. The patient presented to the hospital with an eye infection and reported use of EzriCare Artificial Tears purchased from Amazon in April 2022. The CDC will continue to post updated case counts and information to their <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/CRPA-artificial-tears.html" target="_blank">website</a>.</p> <ul> <li>Clinical laboratories that identify any carbapenem‐resistant P. aeruginosa from an ocular specimen or VIM‐CRPA from any specimen source should submit the isolate to the IDPH for further characterization. Please reach out to dph.dpsq@illinois.gov for assistance with submitting isolates.</li> <li><strong>To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents</strong> (e.g., ocular infection due to carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa [CRPA] with specimen collection dates since May 1, 2022), call 312-744-1100 or email <a href="mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org">doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org</a>.</li> </ul> On February 1, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00485.asp) regarding infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA). CDC and the Food \& Drug Administration (FDA) recommended discontinuing use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. The FDA has since [recommended](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-ezricare-artificial-tears-due-potential-contamination) that consumers and health care providers stop using Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment due to potential bacterial contamination. The FDA also recommended a recall and the manufacturer, Global Pharma Healthcare, has issued voluntary recalls for all three products. As of February 28, 2023, Illinois has one confirmed case associated with this outbreak. The patient presented to the hospital with an eye infection and reported use of EzriCare Artificial Tears purchased from Amazon in April 2022. The CDC will continue to post updated case counts and information to their [website](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/CRPA-artificial-tears.html). * Clinical laboratories that identify any carbapenem‐resistant P. aeruginosa from an ocular specimen or VIM‐CRPA from any specimen source should submit the isolate to the IDPH for further characterization. Please reach out to dph.dpsq@illinois.gov for assistance with submitting isolates. * **To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents** (e.g., ocular infection due to carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa \[CRPA\] with specimen collection dates since May 1, 2022), call 312-744-1100 or email [doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org](mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677481?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4573972023-03-02T21:21:3546677586ViralDiseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighCDC HAN 847: Increased Chikungunya Virus Activity in Paraguay and Associated Risk to Travelers <p>The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of an increase in the number of cases of chikungunya reported in Paraguay. Most cases have been reported in the capital district of Asunción and the neighboring Central department. &nbsp;The Health Advisory provides information on the current status of the chikungunya outbreak in Paraguay and advises on evaluating and testing travelers returning from Paraguay with signs and symptoms consistent with chikungunya virus infection. It also highlights those at increased risk for severe disease and prevention measures to mitigate additional spread of the virus and potential importation into unaffected areas, including the United States.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Providers</strong></p> <ul> <li>Consider chikungunya virus infection in travelers returning from Paraguay and surrounding countries with acute onset of fever and polyarthralgia.</li> <li><a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44188/9789241547871_eng.pdf;jsessionid=EAD6CC4EA70D7401631530DEBABA5029?sequence=1" target="_blank">Rule out dengue virus infection</a> in travelers with suspect chikungunya virus infection as these viruses often cocirculate and have similar clinical presentations during acute illness. Early clinical management of dengue can improve patient outcome.</li> <li>Consider other etiologies in the differential for patients testing negative for chikungunya and dengue infection (e.g., Zika, leptospirosis, malaria, infections caused by various bacterial or viral pathogens [e.g., rickettsia, group A streptococcus, rubella, measles, parvovirus, enteroviruses, adenovirus, Mayaro virus], post-infection arthritis, and rheumatologic conditions).&nbsp;</li> <li>Manage travelers with suspect chikungunya with acetaminophen as the preferred first-line treatment for fever and joint pain in travelers returning from Paraguay and surrounding areas. Aspirin and other NSAIDS should not be used until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.</li> <li>Be aware that people at risk for more severe disease include neonates exposed intrapartum, older adults (e.g., age &gt;65 years), and people with underlying medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease).</li> <li>Provide travelers to Paraguay and surrounding areas information on the risk of chikungunya and dengue and how to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">prevent these mosquito-borne infections</a>.</li> <li>Inform returning travelers suspected to have chikungunya of the need to protect themselves from mosquito exposure during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission in communities where the vector is present (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/professionals/range.html" target="_blank">Range of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the United States</a>).</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Reporting:</strong></u> &nbsp;All human arboviral infections, including, but not limited to Chikungunya are reportable diseases in Illinois. Use of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s INEDSS system to submit arboviral disease reports is encouraged. &nbsp;Cases may also be reported through the provider reporting line at 312-742-9000, select option number 6.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p> The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of an increase in the number of cases of chikungunya reported in Paraguay. Most cases have been reported in the capital district of Asunción and the neighboring Central department. The Health Advisory provides information on the current status of the chikungunya outbreak in Paraguay and advises on evaluating and testing travelers returning from Paraguay with signs and symptoms consistent with chikungunya virus infection. It also highlights those at increased risk for severe disease and prevention measures to mitigate additional spread of the virus and potential importation into unaffected areas, including the United States. **Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** * Consider chikungunya virus infection in travelers returning from Paraguay and surrounding countries with acute onset of fever and polyarthralgia. * [Rule out dengue virus infection](https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44188/9789241547871_eng.pdf;jsessionid=EAD6CC4EA70D7401631530DEBABA5029?sequence=1) in travelers with suspect chikungunya virus infection as these viruses often cocirculate and have similar clinical presentations during acute illness. Early clinical management of dengue can improve patient outcome. * Consider other etiologies in the differential for patients testing negative for chikungunya and dengue infection (e.g., Zika, leptospirosis, malaria, infections caused by various bacterial or viral pathogens \[e.g., rickettsia, group A streptococcus, rubella, measles, parvovirus, enteroviruses, adenovirus, Mayaro virus\], post-infection arthritis, and rheumatologic conditions). * Manage travelers with suspect chikungunya with acetaminophen as the preferred first-line treatment for fever and joint pain in travelers returning from Paraguay and surrounding areas. Aspirin and other NSAIDS should not be used until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. * Be aware that people at risk for more severe disease include neonates exposed intrapartum, older adults (e.g., age \>65 years), and people with underlying medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease). * Provide travelers to Paraguay and surrounding areas information on the risk of chikungunya and dengue and how to [prevent these mosquito-borne infections](https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/prevention/index.html). * Inform returning travelers suspected to have chikungunya of the need to protect themselves from mosquito exposure during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission in communities where the vector is present ([Range of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/professionals/range.html)). ++**Reporting:**++ All human arboviral infections, including, but not limited to Chikungunya are reportable diseases in Illinois. Use of the Illinois Department of Public Health's INEDSS system to submit arboviral disease reports is encouraged. Cases may also be reported through the provider reporting line at 312-742-9000, select option number 6. Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677586?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382122023-03-03T20:01:3446677587Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 3, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/18/2023-2/24/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Points for the Week:</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>COVID-19</strong>: metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s local COVID-19 <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">Community Level</a> is Low.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.1 to 6.2.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.5% to 3.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 194 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>23 of 3,836 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,190 of 116,451 (10.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.<br /> The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 12.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.1% to 3.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased for the fourth consecutive week from 2.1% at the end of January to 10.1% currently.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/18/2023-2/24/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points for the Week:** **COVID-19**: metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local COVID-19 [Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.1 to 6.2. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.5% to 3.1%. <br /> **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 194 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 23 of 3,836 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,190 of 116,451 (10.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 12.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.1% to 3.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased for the fourth consecutive week from 2.1% at the end of January to 10.1% currently. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677587?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-03-03T20:33:1246677588Vaccine PreventableDiseases & Conditions,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighCDC: Measles Exposure at a Large Gathering in Kentucky, February 2023 and Global Measles Outbreaks<p>The CDC has issued a HAN Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health officials about a confirmed measles case at a large gathering. The Kentucky Department for Public Health has identified a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual with a history of recent international travel. While infectious, the individual attended a large religious gathering on February 17–18, 2023, at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. An estimated 20,000 people attended the gathering. &nbsp;CDC recommends that clinicians be on alert for cases of measles that meet the <a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/measles-2013/" target="_blank">case definition</a>.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals</strong></p> <ul> <li>Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a febrile illness and clinically compatible symptoms (e.g., rash, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis) who: <ul> <li>attended the Kentucky event during the exposure dates of February 17 or 18 or has had contact with an attendee.</li> <li>has recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html">ongoing outbreaks</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Recommend MMR vaccine for patients who are unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated.</li> <li>Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of the healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available.</li> <li>Follow <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html#lab" target="_blank">CDC’s testing recommendations and collect</a> either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or urine specimen for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as well as a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories and through the <a href="https://www.aphl.org/programs/infectious_disease/Pages/VPD.aspx" target="_blank">APHL/CDC Vaccine &nbsp;Preventable Disease Reference Centers</a>. Nasopharyngeal or throat swabs are preferred over urine specimens. <ul> <li>Collect the first (acute-phase) serum specimen (IgM and IgG) as soon as possible upon suspicion of measles disease. If the acute-phase serum specimen collected ≤3 days after rash onset is negative and the case has a negative result for real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR), or one was not done, a second serum specimen collected 3–10 days after symptom onset is recommended because the IgM response may not be detectable until 3 days after symptom onset.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/measles/index.html" target="_blank">HCP should use respiratory protection</a> (i.e., a respirator), that is at least as protective as a fit-tested, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator, regardless of presumptive evidence of immunity, upon entry to the room or care area of a patient with known or suspected measles.</li> </ul> </li> <li>For people traveling abroad, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html" target="_blank">CDC recommends</a> that all U.S. residents older than 6 months be protected from measles and receive MMR vaccine, if needed, prior to departure.</li> <li>To potentially provide protection or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible people, either administer MMR vaccine within 72 hours of initial measles exposure, or immunoglobulin (IG) within six days of exposure. For vaccine eligible people aged ≥12 months exposed to measles, administration of MMR vaccine is preferable to using IG, if administered within 72 hours of initial exposure. The following patient groups are at risk for severe disease and complications from measles and should receive IG: infants aged &lt;12 months, pregnant women without evidence of measles immunity, and severely immunocompromised people. IG can be administered to other people who do not have evidence of measles immunity, but priority should be given to people exposed in settings with intense, prolonged, close contact (e.g., household, daycare, and classroom). Do not administer MMR vaccine and IG simultaneously, as this practice invalidates the vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Reporting: </strong></u>&nbsp;Suspected cases in Chicago residents or travelers diagnosed in Chicago should be reported as soon as possible to 311 after hours and to 312-743-9000 during business hours.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for more information.</p> The CDC has issued a HAN Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health officials about a confirmed measles case at a large gathering. The Kentucky Department for Public Health has identified a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual with a history of recent international travel. While infectious, the individual attended a large religious gathering on February 17--18, 2023, at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. An estimated 20,000 people attended the gathering. CDC recommends that clinicians be on alert for cases of measles that meet the [case definition](https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/measles-2013/). **Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals** * Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a febrile illness and clinically compatible symptoms (e.g., rash, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis) who: * attended the Kentucky event during the exposure dates of February 17 or 18 or has had contact with an attendee. * has recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with [ongoing outbreaks](https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html). * Recommend MMR vaccine for patients who are unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated. * Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of the healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available. * Follow [CDC's testing recommendations and collect](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html#lab) either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or urine specimen for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as well as a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories and through the [APHL/CDC Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers](https://www.aphl.org/programs/infectious_disease/Pages/VPD.aspx). Nasopharyngeal or throat swabs are preferred over urine specimens. * Collect the first (acute-phase) serum specimen (IgM and IgG) as soon as possible upon suspicion of measles disease. If the acute-phase serum specimen collected ≤3 days after rash onset is negative and the case has a negative result for real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR), or one was not done, a second serum specimen collected 3--10 days after symptom onset is recommended because the IgM response may not be detectable until 3 days after symptom onset. * [HCP should use respiratory protection](https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/measles/index.html) (i.e., a respirator), that is at least as protective as a fit-tested, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator, regardless of presumptive evidence of immunity, upon entry to the room or care area of a patient with known or suspected measles. * For people traveling abroad, [CDC recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html) that all U.S. residents older than 6 months be protected from measles and receive MMR vaccine, if needed, prior to departure. * To potentially provide protection or modify the clinical course of disease among susceptible people, either administer MMR vaccine within 72 hours of initial measles exposure, or immunoglobulin (IG) within six days of exposure. For vaccine eligible people aged ≥12 months exposed to measles, administration of MMR vaccine is preferable to using IG, if administered within 72 hours of initial exposure. The following patient groups are at risk for severe disease and complications from measles and should receive IG: infants aged \<12 months, pregnant women without evidence of measles immunity, and severely immunocompromised people. IG can be administered to other people who do not have evidence of measles immunity, but priority should be given to people exposed in settings with intense, prolonged, close contact (e.g., household, daycare, and classroom). Do not administer MMR vaccine and IG simultaneously, as this practice invalidates the vaccine. ++**Reporting:**++ Suspected cases in Chicago residents or travelers diagnosed in Chicago should be reported as soon as possible to 311 after hours and to 312-743-9000 during business hours. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677588?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438313,440472,20635202024-09-24T19:10:2846686781VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- September 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46686781?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-09-16T15:19:3346674498InfluenzaInfluenzaLowIDPH: Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. &nbsp;Influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations, pediatric influenza-associated deaths, outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting, and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</p> <p><em>Influenza-specific surveillance data can be found on the CDPH online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">dashboard</a> . &nbsp;Expanded respiratory virus surveillance reports are also available <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" target="_blank">online</a>.</em></p> <p><em>​​​​​​​</em>Please see attachment for full details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations, pediatric influenza-associated deaths, outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting, and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. *Influenza-specific surveillance data can be found on the CDPH online [dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) . Expanded respiratory virus surveillance reports are also available [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html).* *​​​​​​​*Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674498?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-09-16T18:19:0646674396Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 16, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/4/2022 - 9/10/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key points for the week:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 108.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.7 to 8.3.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 4.1% to 4.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 1.7% last week to 2.1% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.5% last week to 3.6% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus is 39.5%. CDC has issued <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_474.pdf" target="_blank">a health advisory about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus</a> seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/4/2022 - 9/10/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 108. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.7 to 8.3. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 4.1% to 4.3%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 1.7% last week to 2.1% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.5% last week to 3.6% for the current week. * Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus is 39.5%. CDC has issued [a health advisory about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_474.pdf) seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). **About this report: ** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from  laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards.  This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674396?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-09-19T15:02:5346674397West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 19, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 19, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 37&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one&nbsp;(1) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 19, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674397?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982025-06-17T16:15:5346690083COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID,Announcement,COVID-19 VaccineHigh IDPH: Dear Colleague Letters<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Chicago Department of Public Health is forwarding IDPH SIREN "Dear Colleague" letters from Dr. Vorha on the HAN, regarding COVID vaccine recommendations and the IDPH response to federal changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). &nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">On June 10, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of ACIP and appointed 8 members of his choosing, a move that did not follow the standard transition or reappointment process. This unusual step has raised concerns across medical and public health communities. The Chicago Department of Public Health remains committed to a transparent and collaborative approach, and is working alongside IDPH and professional partners using the most up-to-date scientific evidence to make our clinical and vaccine recommendations.</span></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">All attached documents are posted in the SIREN Document Library under HAN Notifications &gt; IDPH News Releases and can be viewed by logging in to <a href="http://www.siren.illinois.gov" target="_blank">www.siren.illinois.gov</a>.</span></span></em></p> <p> </p> Chicago Department of Public Health is forwarding IDPH SIREN "Dear Colleague" letters from Dr. Vorha on the HAN, regarding COVID vaccine recommendations and the IDPH response to federal changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). On June 10, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of ACIP and appointed 8 members of his choosing, a move that did not follow the standard transition or reappointment process. This unusual step has raised concerns across medical and public health communities. The Chicago Department of Public Health remains committed to a transparent and collaborative approach, and is working alongside IDPH and professional partners using the most up-to-date scientific evidence to make our clinical and vaccine recommendations. *All attached documents are posted in the SIREN Document Library under HAN Notifications \> IDPH News Releases and can be viewed by logging in to [www.siren.illinois.gov](http://www.siren.illinois.gov).* truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690083?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441444,457397,4369292022-09-20T15:16:4346674500COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,SYB Congregate Living FacilitiesHighIDPH: CDC Revised COVID-19 Booster Recommendations<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">On September 2, 2022 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccinations and revised the definition of “up-to-date” to include the primary vaccination series, applicable monovalent boosters, and the updated bivalent booster. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters&nbsp;</a></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">The Illinois Department of Public Health (Department) is in the process of updating guidance that aligns with the CDC recommendations and anticipates the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon issue updated guidance surrounding quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements in certified facilities.&nbsp; The Department’s administrative regulations applicable to certified skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, and medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities require staff that are not “up-to-date” to be tested for COVID-19 based on the level of community transmission (low, moderate, and substantial or high).&nbsp; Currently, just two counties, Brown and Marshall, are at a moderate level of transmission.&nbsp; All other counties in Illinois are at a substantial or high level of transmission.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Given the CDC’s recommendations, current CMS requirements, state regulations for licensed facilities, and the availability of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination, the Department encourages long-term care providers to:</span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Begin planning for booster clinics and administration of the bivalent (updated) vaccine </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Contact the usual vaccine provider to arrange a date for the COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccinations to be administered </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Educate staff, residents, families, and caregivers on the CDC recommendations and benefit of receiving the bivalent vaccine</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Implement a risk-based approach when quarantining new residents and residents that leave the facility for more than 24 hours taking into consideration whether the resident is up-to-date with monovalent boosters</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Ensure the facility continues to implement best infection control measure that prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as screening, the use of masks, and personal protective equipment</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">The Department will consider these factors together with the availability of the bivalent vaccine, the time necessary to plan for additional booster clinics, and the opportunity to ensure facilities, staff, and residents have been educated on the updated guidance and CDC recommendations.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p> On September 2, 2022 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccinations and revised the definition of "up-to-date" to include the primary vaccination series, applicable monovalent boosters, and the updated bivalent booster. [Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) The Illinois Department of Public Health (Department) is in the process of updating guidance that aligns with the CDC recommendations and anticipates the Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon issue updated guidance surrounding quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements in certified facilities. The Department's administrative regulations applicable to certified skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, and medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities require staff that are not "up-to-date" to be tested for COVID-19 based on the level of community transmission (low, moderate, and substantial or high). Currently, just two counties, Brown and Marshall, are at a moderate level of transmission. All other counties in Illinois are at a substantial or high level of transmission. Given the CDC's recommendations, current CMS requirements, state regulations for licensed facilities, and the availability of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination, the Department encourages long-term care providers to: * Begin planning for booster clinics and administration of the bivalent (updated) vaccine * Contact the usual vaccine provider to arrange a date for the COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccinations to be administered * Educate staff, residents, families, and caregivers on the CDC recommendations and benefit of receiving the bivalent vaccine * Implement a risk-based approach when quarantining new residents and residents that leave the facility for more than 24 hours taking into consideration whether the resident is up-to-date with monovalent boosters * Ensure the facility continues to implement best infection control measure that prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as screening, the use of masks, and personal protective equipment The Department will consider these factors together with the availability of the bivalent vaccine, the time necessary to plan for additional booster clinics, and the opportunity to ensure facilities, staff, and residents have been educated on the updated guidance and CDC recommendations. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674500?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,436929,436930,441444,20279632022-09-20T21:36:1546674399AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,AnnouncementHighFungal Disease Awareness Week, September 19-23, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>September 19-23, 2022, is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/awareness-week.html" target="_blank">Fungal Disease Awareness Week</a></li> <li>Participate in CDC’s Twitter storm planned for Wednesday, September 21, from 9-10a CT. &nbsp;Post from your organization’s handle at 9a CT using the following hashtags: #AntifungalResistance #AntimicrobialResistance #FungalWeek #ThinkFungus</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/lab-professionals.html" target="_blank">Appropriate laboratory diagnostics</a> are necessary to recognize fungal disease.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/covid19-impact-report-508.pdf" target="_blank">CDC 2022 report on impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance</a> describes a 60% increase in C. auris clinical cases in 2020 compared to 2019 in part, related to limited personal protective equipment, reuse or extended use of these times and changes in cleaning and disinfection practices.</li> </ul> <p>Reporting: &nbsp;Reportable fungal diseases, C. auris and histoplasmosis, should be reported through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). &nbsp;For providers without INEDSS access, please fax or send via encrypted email and case report form to Kelly Walblay (Fax: 312-746-6388; email: kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org.)</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Key Messages and Action Steps** * September 19-23, 2022, is [Fungal Disease Awareness Week](https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/awareness-week.html) * Participate in CDC's Twitter storm planned for Wednesday, September 21, from 9-10a CT. Post from your organization's handle at 9a CT using the following hashtags: #AntifungalResistance #AntimicrobialResistance #FungalWeek #ThinkFungus * [Appropriate laboratory diagnostics](https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/lab-professionals.html) are necessary to recognize fungal disease. * [CDC 2022 report on impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance](https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/pdf/covid19-impact-report-508.pdf) describes a 60% increase in C. auris clinical cases in 2020 compared to 2019 in part, related to limited personal protective equipment, reuse or extended use of these times and changes in cleaning and disinfection practices. Reporting: Reportable fungal diseases, C. auris and histoplasmosis, should be reported through the Illinois Department of Public Health's Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). For providers without INEDSS access, please fax or send via encrypted email and case report form to Kelly Walblay (Fax: 312-746-6388; email: kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org.) Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674399?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438213,440266,4573972022-09-21T15:49:0546674502BacterialInfection Control,Diseases & ConditionsHighExtended Spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Shigella Cases Identified in Chicago - September 21, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Three ESBL <em>Shigella </em>isolates resistant to third generation cephalosporins have been identified among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Chicago area and one out-of-state case was identified after travel to Chicago.</li> <li>Laboratories identifying <em>Shigella </em>by culture independent diagnostic testing methods (CIDT) should send specimens to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for identification and molecular characterization.</li> <li>Laboratories conducting stool cultures that identify <em>Shigella </em>species should send isolates to the IDPH laboratory for further molecular characterization.</li> <li>Clinicians should be aware of this circulating drug-resistant strain of <em>Shigella </em>and 1) follow up with patients diagnosed with <em>Shigellosis </em>to ensure symptom resolution, 2) provide education to patients who may be at risk for acquiring infection and 3) ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed on <em>Shigella </em>isolates, particularly in the case of treatment failure.</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:</strong> Report all cases of <em>Shigellosis </em>to CDPH through the Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p> **Key Messages and Action Steps** * Three ESBL *Shigella*isolates resistant to third generation cephalosporins have been identified among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Chicago area and one out-of-state case was identified after travel to Chicago. * Laboratories identifying *Shigella*by culture independent diagnostic testing methods (CIDT) should send specimens to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for identification and molecular characterization. * Laboratories conducting stool cultures that identify *Shigella*species should send isolates to the IDPH laboratory for further molecular characterization. * Clinicians should be aware of this circulating drug-resistant strain of *Shigella* and 1) follow up with patients diagnosed with *Shigellosis* to ensure symptom resolution, 2) provide education to patients who may be at risk for acquiring infection and 3) ensure that antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed on *Shigella*isolates, particularly in the case of treatment failure. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:** Report all cases of *Shigellosis*to CDPH through the Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6. Please see attachment for further detail. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674502?p_r_p_categoryId=441465,4345542022-11-15T23:22:5946675585AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)HighUpdated Submission Guidance and Requirements for Managing Culture-Independent Positive Results of Enteric Diseases<p>IDPH has issued a memorandum titled &nbsp;"Updated Submission Guidance and Requirements for Managing Culture-Independent Positive Results of Enteric Diseases"</p> <p><u>The memorandum updates:</u><br /> • Guidance on submission of specimens testing positive for gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens by non-culture methods, and<br /> • Information to local health departments and others on reporting and investigating reportable cases of gastrointestinal disease identified through non-culture methods.</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> IDPH has issued a memorandum titled "Updated Submission Guidance and Requirements for Managing Culture-Independent Positive Results of Enteric Diseases" ++The memorandum updates:++ • Guidance on submission of specimens testing positive for gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens by non-culture methods, and • Information to local health departments and others on reporting and investigating reportable cases of gastrointestinal disease identified through non-culture methods. Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675585?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382132025-09-23T20:23:0846690689School HealthSchool HealthHighRequest for Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools Book<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is providing a copy of the 6th edition of Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools (published by the American Academy of Pediatrics) to K-12 schools and early childcare centers in the city of Chicago. Please complete the form below to request a copy for your facility.</p> <p>You can find out more about the book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aap.org/Managing-Infectious-Diseases-in-Child-Care-and-Schools-6th-Edition-Paperback" target="_blank">https://www.aap.org/Managing-Infectious-Diseases-in-Child-Care-and-Schools-6th-Edition-Paperback</a></p> <p>To request a copy or copies, please complete the survey <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qc02cC0GUUGBRJfdxW5wJ5MYQBMeWHdBlRgXTJmRuQpUQkhRSkk5NDBSVTM5MVVZVDRNVE85SkxJUSQlQCN0PWcu" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p> <p>For any questions, email Youth Settings at <a href="mailto:SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org">SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is providing a copy of the 6th edition of Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools (published by the American Academy of Pediatrics) to K-12 schools and early childcare centers in the city of Chicago. Please complete the form below to request a copy for your facility. You can find out more about the book here: <https://www.aap.org/Managing-Infectious-Diseases-in-Child-Care-and-Schools-6th-Edition-Paperback> To request a copy or copies, please complete the survey [HERE](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qc02cC0GUUGBRJfdxW5wJ5MYQBMeWHdBlRgXTJmRuQpUQkhRSkk5NDBSVTM5MVVZVDRNVE85SkxJUSQlQCN0PWcu). For any questions, email Youth Settings at [SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SchoolsCD@cityofchicago.org) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690689?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202022-11-17T21:15:2746675878Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Influenza,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighICAAP Message: Outreach Materials for Respiratory Viruses<p>Below is a message from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics</p> <p>Hello,</p> <p>In light of the current surge in respiratory viruses that is exacerbating the ongoing strain on pediatric health care facilities, ICAAP has put together patient facing materials for you/your organization to use. They can be found <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/family-immunization-resources/" target="_blank">here</a> and include:</p> <ul> <li>Tips to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses</li> <li>How to care for a sick child at home</li> <li>FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines for children</li> <li>FAQs about bivalent (updated) boosters</li> <li>Various posters</li> <li>Ready to use social media images around RSV can be downloaded <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gQ2O_qbCqf-GfLMdDMso4XW3qLzpsEWs" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Additionally, ICAAP hosted a webinar on 11/7/22 around RSV/Flu in Illinois in partnership with IDPH and CDPH, featuring Dr. Tina Tan and Dr. Arti Barnes. Here is a <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/provider-immunization-resources/" target="_blank">link</a> to the slides, the recording and the Q&amp;A from the webinar.</p> <p>Thank you for all you are doing for the health and well-being of children in Illinois.</p> <p>Sincerely,<br /> The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics</p> Below is a message from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Hello, In light of the current surge in respiratory viruses that is exacerbating the ongoing strain on pediatric health care facilities, ICAAP has put together patient facing materials for you/your organization to use. They can be found [here](https://illinoisaap.org/family-immunization-resources/) and include: * Tips to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses * How to care for a sick child at home * FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines for children * FAQs about bivalent (updated) boosters * Various posters * Ready to use social media images around RSV can be downloaded [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gQ2O_qbCqf-GfLMdDMso4XW3qLzpsEWs) Additionally, ICAAP hosted a webinar on 11/7/22 around RSV/Flu in Illinois in partnership with IDPH and CDPH, featuring Dr. Tina Tan and Dr. Arti Barnes. Here is a [link](https://illinoisaap.org/provider-immunization-resources/) to the slides, the recording and the Q\&A from the webinar. Thank you for all you are doing for the health and well-being of children in Illinois. Sincerely, The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675878?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,437835,440472,20635202022-11-18T15:42:3046675879AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,COVIDHighPreparing Illinois Hospitals and Health Care Providers for the Fall Respiratory Viral Surge<p><strong>Upcoming IDPH Webinar</strong><br /> <span style="font-size:16px"><em><strong>“Preparing Illinois Hospitals and Health Care Providers for the Fall Respiratory Viral Surge</strong></em>"</span></p> <p>Monday, November 21, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. CDT&nbsp;</p> <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is scheduling a webinar presented by Dr. Arti Barnes, MD MPH, Chief Medical Officer and Ashley Thoele, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, MSN, MBA, RN<br /> <u>Audience:</u><br /> This webinar targets local health departments; hospitals; long-term care facilities and providers.</p> <p><u>Objectives:</u></p> <ul> <li>Preparing IL hospitals and health care providers for respiratory viral surge and will discuss:</li> <li>Evolving role of IDPH support for healthcare providers this season vs. last season</li> <li>Tools available to hospitals dealing with surges</li> <li>Maximizing telehealth and tele triage services to decrease need for hospitalizations and ER boarding</li> <li>Prevention and keeping patients out of the hospital: <ul> <li>Infection prevention</li> <li>Therapeutics</li> <li>Vaccination</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<br /> Registration: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e617e685e1f7ee1f46e4af5a8adc91e5f" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e617e685e1f7ee1f46e4af5a8adc91e5f</a><br /> Registration Questions: <a href="mailto:David.hale-arroyo@illinois.gov">David.hale-arroyo@illinois.gov</a></p> **Upcoming IDPH Webinar** ***"Preparing Illinois Hospitals and Health Care Providers for the Fall Respiratory Viral Surge***" Monday, November 21, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. CDT The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is scheduling a webinar presented by Dr. Arti Barnes, MD MPH, Chief Medical Officer and Ashley Thoele, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, MSN, MBA, RN ++Audience:++ This webinar targets local health departments; hospitals; long-term care facilities and providers. ++Objectives:++ * Preparing IL hospitals and health care providers for respiratory viral surge and will discuss: * Evolving role of IDPH support for healthcare providers this season vs. last season * Tools available to hospitals dealing with surges * Maximizing telehealth and tele triage services to decrease need for hospitalizations and ER boarding * Prevention and keeping patients out of the hospital: * Infection prevention * Therapeutics * Vaccination <br /> Registration: <https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e617e685e1f7ee1f46e4af5a8adc91e5f> Registration Questions: [David.hale-arroyo@illinois.gov](mailto:David.hale-arroyo@illinois.gov) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675879?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,4414442022-11-18T15:58:4646675881MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighCDC: Update on Managing Monkeypox in Patients Receiving Therapeutics<p>Monkeypox cases have declined since mid-August 2022 in the United States; however, new cases—including clinically severe cases—continue to occur. While there are currently no treatments specifically approved for monkeypox, therapeutics developed for patients with smallpox have been deployed during the current outbreak. For more information on accessing therapeutics, Chicago providers should email: <a href="mailto:MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org">MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>The CDC has issued updated guidance on <em>Managing Monkeypox in Patients Receiving Therapeutics</em>. In summary:</p> <ul> <li>Two cases of laboratory-confirmed tecovirimat resistance have been identified. The patients in both cases had immunocompromising conditions and progressive, severe manifestations of monkeypox, and both patients received prolonged courses (&gt;14 days) of tecovirimat.</li> <li>Viral resistance to tecovirimat has been rare, and when documented has occurred with prolonged administration and severe clinical outcomes.</li> <li>Therapeutics, including cidofovir, brincidofovir, or vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV), can be administered concurrently with tecovirimat for certain patients with (or at high risk for) severe monkeypox.</li> <li>Testing for tecovirimat resistance and pharmacokinetics for public health surveillance purposes is encouraged in patients who have persistent or progressive monkeypox after completing 14 days of tecovirimat.</li> <li>Diagnostic testing for monkeypox, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections is encouraged &nbsp;in every sexually active person for whom monkeypox is suspected.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> Monkeypox cases have declined since mid-August 2022 in the United States; however, new cases---including clinically severe cases---continue to occur. While there are currently no treatments specifically approved for monkeypox, therapeutics developed for patients with smallpox have been deployed during the current outbreak. For more information on accessing therapeutics, Chicago providers should email: [MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org](mailto:MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org). The CDC has issued updated guidance on *Managing Monkeypox in Patients Receiving Therapeutics*. In summary: * Two cases of laboratory-confirmed tecovirimat resistance have been identified. The patients in both cases had immunocompromising conditions and progressive, severe manifestations of monkeypox, and both patients received prolonged courses (\>14 days) of tecovirimat. * Viral resistance to tecovirimat has been rare, and when documented has occurred with prolonged administration and severe clinical outcomes. * Therapeutics, including cidofovir, brincidofovir, or vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV), can be administered concurrently with tecovirimat for certain patients with (or at high risk for) severe monkeypox. * Testing for tecovirimat resistance and pharmacokinetics for public health surveillance purposes is encouraged in patients who have persistent or progressive monkeypox after completing 14 days of tecovirimat. * Diagnostic testing for monkeypox, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections is encouraged in every sexually active person for whom monkeypox is suspected. Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675881?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392025-01-24T20:07:4846689178InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 24, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a></strong>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level is High across Chicago, driven mostly by elevated flu activity. Flu activity remains high and COVID-19 activity remains low. RSV activity decreased from high to moderate and is declining across all clinical surveillance indicators.</strong></li> <li>The first pediatric RSV death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits for flu remain significantly elevated across all age groups, as do flu hospital and ICU admissions. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season. Although ICU admissions for COVID-19 have increased since last week, COVID-19 ED visits have remained similar or decreased across all ages.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (55%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing over the past 4 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 has begun to decrease.</li> <li>In the most recent week, 100% of wastewater samples tested positive for all three pathogens. Wastewater concentrations for flu and RSV are high compared to baseline and COVID-19 is low compared to baseline.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> released on 1/13/2025 for more details. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation</a>.</li> </ul> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html)**. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level is High across Chicago, driven mostly by elevated flu activity. Flu activity remains high and COVID-19 activity remains low. RSV activity decreased from high to moderate and is declining across all clinical surveillance indicators.** * The first pediatric RSV death in Chicago of the 2024-25 season was reported this week. * ED visits for flu remain significantly elevated across all age groups, as do flu hospital and ICU admissions. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season. Although ICU admissions for COVID-19 have increased since last week, COVID-19 ED visits have remained similar or decreased across all ages. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped, about half (55%) have been H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing over the past 4 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 has begun to decrease. * In the most recent week, 100% of wastewater samples tested positive for all three pathogens. Wastewater concentrations for flu and RSV are high compared to baseline and COVID-19 is low compared to baseline. * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) released on 1/13/2025 for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see: [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation](https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689178?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092025-06-23T13:58:4146690084West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 23, 2025 <p>Arboviral Surveillance Report for June 23, 2025&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV positive mosquito pool.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Arboviral Surveillance Report for June 23, 2025 **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV positive mosquito pool. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690084?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982022-09-21T20:55:3746674503ImmunizationDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Hepatitis A,Influenza,Meningococcal Disease,Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Perinatal Hepatitis B,Varicella (Chickenpox),Vaccines for Children,COVID,Announcement,Monkeypox,School HealthMediumSeeking Immunization Workgroup Members<p>ICAAP is seeking a diverse group of Chicago-based immunization providers (physicians, nurses, medical assistants, etc.) to join a workgroup that supports the Chicago Department of Public Health’s provider-based immunization education initiatives.</p> <p>The workgroup will discuss barriers to vaccination, quality improvement, Medicaid billing issues, I-CARE and more. The workgroup will help inform future immunization education activities by identifying current immunizations issues and developing relevant materials.</p> <p>Workgroup meetings will be held monthly from October 2022 to June 2023. Attendance and participation are required. There is a stipend for participation. We ask applicants are aware of I-CARE, VFC, CHIP, and COVID-19 vaccination programs, and be interested in staying up to date on vaccine best practices. If you are interested in learning more or applying, visit <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt9hd57o5BxlatbzfYyI7XgA9R7xC3LN4grzyFyATZe3yvHQ/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>. Applications are due Friday, September 30th at 5PM.</p> <p>Please reach out to Monica Del Ciello at <a href="mailto:mdelciello@illinoisaap.com">mdelciello@illinoisaap.com</a> with any questions.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p> ICAAP is seeking a diverse group of Chicago-based immunization providers (physicians, nurses, medical assistants, etc.) to join a workgroup that supports the Chicago Department of Public Health's provider-based immunization education initiatives. The workgroup will discuss barriers to vaccination, quality improvement, Medicaid billing issues, I-CARE and more. The workgroup will help inform future immunization education activities by identifying current immunizations issues and developing relevant materials. Workgroup meetings will be held monthly from October 2022 to June 2023. Attendance and participation are required. There is a stipend for participation. We ask applicants are aware of I-CARE, VFC, CHIP, and COVID-19 vaccination programs, and be interested in staying up to date on vaccine best practices. If you are interested in learning more or applying, visit [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt9hd57o5BxlatbzfYyI7XgA9R7xC3LN4grzyFyATZe3yvHQ/viewform). Applications are due Friday, September 30th at 5PM. Please reach out to Monica Del Ciello at [mdelciello@illinoisaap.com](mailto:mdelciello@illinoisaap.com) with any questions. Please see the attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674503?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,437742,437835,438007,438313,438438,438544,438640,439550,440472,441444,457397,2048239,20635202022-09-22T19:02:0046674402COVID19COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVIDHighWebinar on Planning for Pediatric Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters - September 29, 2022<p>Please join us for a webinar on:</p> <p><strong>Planning for Pediatric Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters</strong></p> <p>This webinar will cover:</p> <ul> <li>Pre-ordering/ordering information and anticipated timeline</li> <li>What we know now regarding eligibility, storage &amp; handling, and dosage</li> <li>Other COVID-19 vaccine updates</li> </ul> <p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp; September 29, 2022</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp; 12 PM</p> <p><strong>​​​</strong><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JZUUQ2AqQ8y5qQkh_yH6tA" target="_blank">Register here</a></p> <p>Flyer attached.</p> Please join us for a webinar on: **Planning for Pediatric Bivalent COVID-19 Boosters** This webinar will cover: * Pre-ordering/ordering information and anticipated timeline * What we know now regarding eligibility, storage \& handling, and dosage * Other COVID-19 vaccine updates **Date:** September 29, 2022 **Time:** 12 PM **​​​** [Register here](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JZUUQ2AqQ8y5qQkh_yH6tA) Flyer attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674402?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,436929,440472,4414442022-09-22T20:17:4746674504MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighIDPH: CDC Monkeypox 101 Webinar - September 28, 2022<p>Please find the link below to a <strong>Monkeypox 101 Webinar</strong> on 9/28 (Wed) at 1 p.m. CT.</p> <p><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/epic/learn/2022/webinar_20220928.asp" target="_blank">https://emergency.cdc.gov/epic/learn/2022/webinar_20220928.asp</a></p> <p>The intended audiences are listed below. Please share as appropriate.</p> <ul> <li>Public health professionals</li> <li>Administrators</li> <li>Emergency responders</li> <li>Health communicators</li> <li>Program managers</li> <li>Health educators</li> <li>Nonclinical members of the public</li> </ul> <p>Commercial reference laboratories are automatically electronically reporting test results to public health. CDPH will therefore receive results and pursue appropriate contact tracing and other public health follow up. For Chicago residents, healthcare providers do not need to routinely report cases to CDPH - as with all diagnostic testing, it remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider to notify the patient of their result and pursue all relevant clinical assessments and treatment. If you have a need for urgent public health guidance, please call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the CDPH medical director on call.</p> <p><strong>2022 Monkeypox Virus (MPV) Resource Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/monkeypox/home.html" target="_blank">Chicago Department of Public Health – MPV (General Public)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/monkeypox" target="_blank">Chicago Health Alert Network – MPV (Providers)</a></li> <li><a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/monkeypox.html" target="_blank">Illinois Department of Public Health - Monkeypox</a></li> <li><a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/monkeypox.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Monkeypox</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Monkeypox Information for Healthcare Professionals</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/world-map.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map</a></li> <li><a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/contact-us/regional-health-departments.html" target="_blank">IDPH Health Regions and &nbsp;Local Health Departments</a></li> </ul> Please find the link below to a **Monkeypox 101 Webinar** on 9/28 (Wed) at 1 p.m. CT. <https://emergency.cdc.gov/epic/learn/2022/webinar_20220928.asp> The intended audiences are listed below. Please share as appropriate. * Public health professionals * Administrators * Emergency responders * Health communicators * Program managers * Health educators * Nonclinical members of the public Commercial reference laboratories are automatically electronically reporting test results to public health. CDPH will therefore receive results and pursue appropriate contact tracing and other public health follow up. For Chicago residents, healthcare providers do not need to routinely report cases to CDPH - as with all diagnostic testing, it remains the responsibility of the healthcare provider to notify the patient of their result and pursue all relevant clinical assessments and treatment. If you have a need for urgent public health guidance, please call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the CDPH medical director on call. **2022 Monkeypox Virus (MPV) Resource Links:** * [Chicago Department of Public Health -- MPV (General Public)](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/monkeypox/home.html) * [Chicago Health Alert Network -- MPV (Providers)](https://www.chicagohan.org/monkeypox) * [Illinois Department of Public Health - Monkeypox](https://dph.illinois.gov/monkeypox.html) * [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Monkeypox](https://dph.illinois.gov/monkeypox.html) * [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Monkeypox Information for Healthcare Professionals](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/index.html) * [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/world-map.html) * [IDPH Health Regions and Local Health Departments](https://dph.illinois.gov/contact-us/regional-health-departments.html) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674504?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-09-23T18:58:0746674678Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 23, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/11/2022 - 9/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key points for the week:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 100.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 7.1 to 6.6.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.8% to 3.6%..</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.1% last week to 3.3% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 3.6% last week to 5.4% for the current week. This is the second week with RSV PCR test positivity over 3%, indicating that the RSV season has started.</li> <li>Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus decreased from 39.5% last week to 32.1% for the current week.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/11/2022 - 9/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 100. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 7.1 to 6.6. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.8% to 3.6%.. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.1% last week to 3.3% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 3.6% last week to 5.4% for the current week. This is the second week with RSV PCR test positivity over 3%, indicating that the RSV season has started. * Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus decreased from 39.5% last week to 32.1% for the current week. **About this report: ** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from  laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards.  This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674678?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-09-26T14:17:0946674579West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 26, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 26, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 26, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674579?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982025-01-14T21:24:2146688979VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - January 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>DDL Temperature/I-CARE Change</li> <li>Respiratory Virus Season Update</li> <li>Bird Flu - What to Know Now</li> <li>The Importance of Routine Immunizations</li> <li>Quick Updates &amp; Upcoming Events</li> <li>And More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * DDL Temperature/I-CARE Change * Respiratory Virus Season Update * Bird Flu - What to Know Now * The Importance of Routine Immunizations * Quick Updates \& Upcoming Events * And More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46688979?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-09-26T22:09:2046674583LTCFDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)MediumIDPH: CDC Releases Updated Resources to Combat Sepsis in Long-term Care Facilities<p>September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated several Get Ahead of Sepsis resources for long term care settings. Key to preventing sepsis in residents is to recognize the risks, identify the signs/symptoms, and ensure the resident receives immediate medical attention.</p> <p><strong>Sepsis Facts</strong></p> <ul> <li>In America, about 1.7 million adults develop sepsis each year. <ul> <li>About 350,000 of those die or are discharged to hospice care.</li> <li>In about 87 percent of cases, the infection causing sepsis or sepsis itself begins before the individual is hospitalized.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Bacterial infections are most often associated with sepsis but viral infections, including COVID-19, can also lead to sepsis.</li> <li>Infections of the lung, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal tract can result in sepsis.</li> <li>While anyone can develop sepsis, those over 65 who are immunocompromised or who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer or kidney disease are at greater risk.</li> <li>Signs and symptoms can include: <ul> <li>Increased heart rate or low blood pressure</li> <li>Fever, shivering or feeling cold</li> <li>Becoming clammy or sweating</li> <li>A change in mental status such as increased confusion or disorientation</li> <li>Shortness of breath</li> <li>Extreme pain or discomfort</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details and additional resources.</p> September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated several Get Ahead of Sepsis resources for long term care settings. Key to preventing sepsis in residents is to recognize the risks, identify the signs/symptoms, and ensure the resident receives immediate medical attention. **Sepsis Facts** * In America, about 1.7 million adults develop sepsis each year. * About 350,000 of those die or are discharged to hospice care. * In about 87 percent of cases, the infection causing sepsis or sepsis itself begins before the individual is hospitalized. * Bacterial infections are most often associated with sepsis but viral infections, including COVID-19, can also lead to sepsis. * Infections of the lung, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal tract can result in sepsis. * While anyone can develop sepsis, those over 65 who are immunocompromised or who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer or kidney disease are at greater risk. * Signs and symptoms can include: * Increased heart rate or low blood pressure * Fever, shivering or feeling cold * Becoming clammy or sweating * A change in mental status such as increased confusion or disorientation * Shortness of breath * Extreme pain or discomfort Please see the attachment for more details and additional resources. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674583?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4345562022-11-18T17:17:2146675780COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighMonoclonal Antibodies Show Reduced Activity Against Circulating Omicron Subvariants <p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Local data show increases in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants likely to be resistant to currently used anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (tixagevimab/cilgavimab and bebtelovimab).</li> <li>Continue administering tixagevimab/cilgavimab [Evusheld] as pre-exposure prophylaxis to eligible individuals. Encourage patients to receive bivalent COVID-19 vaccines unless contraindicated, have a treatment plan in place and seek timely medical attention if symptoms occur.</li> <li>Prioritize antivirals (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir [Paxlovid] or remdesivir [Veklury]) for the treatment of high-risk, non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms.&nbsp;</li> <li>Continue to utilize bebtelovimab and molnupiravir [Lagevrio] as alternative treatments when preferred treatments are not available, feasible or appropriate.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Key Messages and Action Steps** * Local data show increases in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants likely to be resistant to currently used anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (tixagevimab/cilgavimab and bebtelovimab). * Continue administering tixagevimab/cilgavimab \[Evusheld\] as pre-exposure prophylaxis to eligible individuals. Encourage patients to receive bivalent COVID-19 vaccines unless contraindicated, have a treatment plan in place and seek timely medical attention if symptoms occur. * Prioritize antivirals (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir \[Paxlovid\] or remdesivir \[Veklury\]) for the treatment of high-risk, non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms. * Continue to utilize bebtelovimab and molnupiravir \[Lagevrio\] as alternative treatments when preferred treatments are not available, feasible or appropriate. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675780?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,441444,20475592023-03-07T17:08:5546677484AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Hepatitis A,Perinatal Hepatitis B,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Tuberculosis,Vaccines for Children,Announcement,School HealthHighYou're Invited! Syndemics: Current and Future State – May 2, 8:30-4:00pm, Hosted by Chicago Department of Public Health <p>Please save the date for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6771526,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639" target="_blank">Malcolm X College</a>.</p> <p><strong>Syndemics: Current and Future State</strong> will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public Health. Registration information and agenda will be forthcoming. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> Please save the date for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at [Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6771526,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639). **Syndemics: Current and Future State** will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public Health. Registration information and agenda will be forthcoming. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677484?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,437742,438640,438739,438818,440472,457397,20635202023-06-09T18:49:1746678679Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,LabHighUpdate to Submission of Select Agent Pathogens for Clinical Rule-Out at IDPH Laboratories<p>Beginning June 20, 2023, and until further notice, all clinical isolates of Select Agent Pathogens must be submitted to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory for confirmatory testing. To prevent delays in testing, submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory.</p> <p>Specimens submitted to the IDPH Springfield or Chicago laboratories will be routed to the Carbondale laboratory and will cause delays in testing. Please submit all clinical isolates of suspected Select Agent Pathogens directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory. Additionally, please notify the Carbondale laboratory of any specimens being submitted for rule-out testing.</p> <p>This includes confirmatory testing of the following clinical isolates:<br /> <em>Bacillus anthracis<br /> Burkholderia spp.<br /> Brucella spp.<br /> Franciscella tularensis<br /> Yersina pestis</em></p> <p>A completed Communicable Diseases Laboratory Test Requisition form must accompany each clinical isolate submitted for testing and can be found on the IDPH Clinical Testing site at <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html</a>.</p> <p>Submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory at:<br /> Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Division of Laboratories<br /> 1155 S. Oakland Ave.<br /> Carbondale, IL 62901</p> <p>For questions pertaining to specimen submissions, and to notify the laboratory of all specimens requiring rule-out testing, please contact the IDPH Carbondale laboratory at (618) 457-5131.</p> <p><u>Additional Resources</u>: Refer to the IDPH Emergency Procedures website for risk assessment information about each of these organisms (<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergency-procedures.html" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergency-procedures.html</a>).</p> Beginning June 20, 2023, and until further notice, all clinical isolates of Select Agent Pathogens must be submitted to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory for confirmatory testing. To prevent delays in testing, submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory. Specimens submitted to the IDPH Springfield or Chicago laboratories will be routed to the Carbondale laboratory and will cause delays in testing. Please submit all clinical isolates of suspected Select Agent Pathogens directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory. Additionally, please notify the Carbondale laboratory of any specimens being submitted for rule-out testing. This includes confirmatory testing of the following clinical isolates: *Bacillus anthracis Burkholderia spp. Brucella spp. Franciscella tularensis Yersina pestis* A completed Communicable Diseases Laboratory Test Requisition form must accompany each clinical isolate submitted for testing and can be found on the IDPH Clinical Testing site at <https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html>. Submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Carbondale laboratory at: Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories 1155 S. Oakland Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 For questions pertaining to specimen submissions, and to notify the laboratory of all specimens requiring rule-out testing, please contact the IDPH Carbondale laboratory at (618) 457-5131. ++Additional Resources++ : Refer to the IDPH Emergency Procedures website for risk assessment information about each of these organisms (<https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergency-procedures.html>). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678679?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4414682023-09-01T14:42:3846680491ImmunizationDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighImmunization Information for School Aged Children<p>State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older.&nbsp;</p> <p>For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.</p> <p>To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html" target="_blank">website</a> or call 312.746.6181.</p> <p>If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H" target="_blank">event request form.</a> A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm.</p> State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations. Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older. For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations. The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our [website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html) or call 312.746.6181. If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this [event request form.](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H) A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680491?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,440472,20635202025-01-31T21:01:3446689184InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 31, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a></strong>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains High across Chicago. Flu activity increased from High to Very High—the maximum category; COVID-19 activity increased from Low to Moderate. RSV activity remains Moderate and is declining across all surveillance indicators.</li> <li>ED visits for flu remain significantly elevated across all age groups, as do flu hospital and ICU admissions. There has been a notable increase in severe flu cases among 5–24 year olds. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season. Although COVID-19 ED visits have increased since last week, ICU admissions have decreased.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu is high (24%) and increasing. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped 59% have been H1N1 and 41% H3N2. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing over the past 5 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 has increased slightly.</li> <li>Wastewater monitoring detected increased viral concentrations of flu A and the COVID-19 virus throughout Chicago, which are at Very High and Moderate levels compared to baseline, respectively. There was a slight decrease in average weekly RSV concentrations, but the overall level remains Very High compared to baseline.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance, see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html)**. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains High across Chicago. Flu activity increased from High to Very High---the maximum category; COVID-19 activity increased from Low to Moderate. RSV activity remains Moderate and is declining across all surveillance indicators. * ED visits for flu remain significantly elevated across all age groups, as do flu hospital and ICU admissions. There has been a notable increase in severe flu cases among 5--24 year olds. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season. Although COVID-19 ED visits have increased since last week, ICU admissions have decreased. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu is high (24%) and increasing. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped 59% have been H1N1 and 41% H3N2. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing over the past 5 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 has increased slightly. * Wastewater monitoring detected increased viral concentrations of flu A and the COVID-19 virus throughout Chicago, which are at Very High and Moderate levels compared to baseline, respectively. There was a slight decrease in average weekly RSV concentrations, but the overall level remains Very High compared to baseline. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance, see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689184?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092022-09-27T20:41:2646674679COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighBebtelovimab Product Replacement Initiative<p>As of Friday, September 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/09/23/hhs-announces-initiative-help-uninsured-underinsured-americans-access-covid-19-monoclonal-antibody-treatment.html" target="_blank">bebtelovimab product replacement initiative</a> to help uninsured and underinsured Americans access bebtelovimab. With bebtelovimab now available on the commercial market, we recognized concerns around continued product access for some of the most vulnerable in our communities.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> As of Friday, September 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a [bebtelovimab product replacement initiative](https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/09/23/hhs-announces-initiative-help-uninsured-underinsured-americans-access-covid-19-monoclonal-antibody-treatment.html) to help uninsured and underinsured Americans access bebtelovimab. With bebtelovimab now available on the commercial market, we recognized concerns around continued product access for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674679?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,20475592022-11-18T17:36:0046675779School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighFINAL REMINDER: CDPH School HAN Usage Survey - November, 2022<p><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>SURVEY CLOSES TONIGHT at 5&nbsp;PM</strong></span></p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time.&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR</a></p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> **SURVEY CLOSES TONIGHT at 5 PM** Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR> In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675779?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572022-10-03T13:49:2046674779Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 30, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/18/2022 - 9/24/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 86.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.6 to 6.4.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.6% to 3.5%..</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.1% last week to 4.8% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 5.4% last week to 8.0% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for Parainfluenza has increased from 4% to 4.2% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 32.1% last week to 31.8% for the current week. CDC has issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_474.pdf" target="_blank">health advisory</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7140e1.htm?s_cid=mm7140e1_w" target="_blank">MMWR</a> about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/18/2022 - 9/24/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 86. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.6 to 6.4. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.6% to 3.5%.. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.1% last week to 4.8% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 5.4% last week to 8.0% for the current week. * The test positivity for Parainfluenza has increased from 4% to 4.2% for the current week. * Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 32.1% last week to 31.8% for the current week. CDC has issued a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_474.pdf) and [MMWR](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7140e1.htm?s_cid=mm7140e1_w) about increases in severe respiratory illnesses associated with rhinovirus and/or enterovirus seen in several regions across the county. Some of the specimens have been typed as enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). **About this report: ** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from  laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards.  This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674779?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-03T16:20:2046674587West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for October 3, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 3, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 39&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 3, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674587?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-10-04T19:42:3746674781AnnouncementAnnouncementHighLetter to Chicago Healthcare Partners Regarding Access to Medical Services For Asylum-Seekers<p>Since August 31, 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed approximately 2,000 individuals arriving from the southern border of the United States into Chicago, most of whom are entering the city by bus from Texas. The majority of these individuals are asylum-seekers from Venezuela, with a smaller subset coming from other South or Central American countries. There are adults and families with young children. The City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois have mobilized resources to provide shelter and wrap-around services, including medical care, to these individuals. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has coordinated access to medical services for asylum-seekers. The purpose of this letter is to ensure ongoing coordination and partnership with the Chicago healthcare system as we work to meet the health and wellness needs of our new community members.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> <p>For any questions or concerns about the City’s asylum-seeker response, please reach out to CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org.<br />  </p> Since August 31, 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed approximately 2,000 individuals arriving from the southern border of the United States into Chicago, most of whom are entering the city by bus from Texas. The majority of these individuals are asylum-seekers from Venezuela, with a smaller subset coming from other South or Central American countries. There are adults and families with young children. The City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois have mobilized resources to provide shelter and wrap-around services, including medical care, to these individuals. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has coordinated access to medical services for asylum-seekers. The purpose of this letter is to ensure ongoing coordination and partnership with the Chicago healthcare system as we work to meet the health and wellness needs of our new community members. Please see the attached for more information. For any questions or concerns about the City's asylum-seeker response, please reach out to CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674781?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972022-11-18T19:42:3846675781Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 18, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 104.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.9 to 8.1.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;increased from at 3.1% to 3.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase and is above levels to peak activity during the 2021-2022 season.</li> <li>Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 14 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>792 of 6,008 (13.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 1,696 of 30,296 (5.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing.&nbsp; CDC is hosting a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp" target="_blank">COCA call on November 15</a> to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season.</li> <li>The IDPH has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 9.2% last week to 8.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 17.4% last week to 14.7%.</li> <li>The weekly number of pediatric admissions for RSV has decreased for the third consecutive week. &nbsp;Since August 2022, 67% of pediatric admissions for RSV were &lt;2 years of age with a median age (IQR) of 13&nbsp;months (4 months to 2.5 years).</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.0%&nbsp;to 3.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 17.3% to 18.9%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 104. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.9 to 8.1. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from at 3.1% to 3.6%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase and is above levels to peak activity during the 2021-2022 season. * Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 14 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 792 of 6,008 (13.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 1,696 of 30,296 (5.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm) for prescribing. CDC is hosting a [COCA call on November 15](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_111522.asp) to discuss seasonal influenza testing and treatment recommendations for the 2022-23 season. * The IDPH has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 9.2% last week to 8.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 17.4% last week to 14.7%. * The weekly number of pediatric admissions for RSV has decreased for the third consecutive week. Since August 2022, 67% of pediatric admissions for RSV were \<2 years of age with a median age (IQR) of 13 months (4 months to 2.5 years). * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.0% to 3.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 17.3% to 18.9%. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675781?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352025-02-07T19:33:1746689185InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 7, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a></strong>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains High across Chicago. &nbsp;Flu activity decreased from Very High to High—other influenza surveillance indicators also decreased slightly from last week. &nbsp;COVID-19 activity decreased from Moderate to Low. &nbsp;RSV activity decreased from Moderate to Low and continues to decline across all surveillance indicators.</li> <li>ED visits for flu remain elevated across all age groups, especially among those &lt;18 years of age but have decreased slightly since last week. &nbsp;Influenza hospital and ICU admissions also remain elevated. &nbsp;ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are past peak for the season. &nbsp;COVID-19 ED visits and ICU admissions have decreased.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high (23%). &nbsp;Almost all (98%) typed flu specimens for the week are flu A; among those subtyped 74% have been H1N1 and 26% H3N2. &nbsp;The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza B remains low but has increased for the past two weeks. &nbsp;Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. &nbsp;Test positivity for COVID-19 has decreased slightly.</li> <li>Wastewater monitoring detected high levels of viral concentrations of flu A and RSV virus throughout Chicago, which are at High levels compared to baseline. &nbsp;COVID-19 concentrations are Low compared to baseline.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance, see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> <li><strong>Clinician Reminder</strong>: The seasonal administration of maternal RSV vaccine ended on January 31, 2025. Clinicians should continue to administer nirsevimab to eligible newborns through the remainder of RSV season ending March 31, 2025.</li> </ul> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html)**. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains High across Chicago. Flu activity decreased from Very High to High---other influenza surveillance indicators also decreased slightly from last week. COVID-19 activity decreased from Moderate to Low. RSV activity decreased from Moderate to Low and continues to decline across all surveillance indicators. * ED visits for flu remain elevated across all age groups, especially among those \<18 years of age but have decreased slightly since last week. Influenza hospital and ICU admissions also remain elevated. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are past peak for the season. COVID-19 ED visits and ICU admissions have decreased. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains high (23%). Almost all (98%) typed flu specimens for the week are flu A; among those subtyped 74% have been H1N1 and 26% H3N2. The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza B remains low but has increased for the past two weeks. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 has decreased slightly. * Wastewater monitoring detected high levels of viral concentrations of flu A and RSV virus throughout Chicago, which are at High levels compared to baseline. COVID-19 concentrations are Low compared to baseline. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance, see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. * **Clinician Reminder**: The seasonal administration of maternal RSV vaccine ended on January 31, 2025. Clinicians should continue to administer nirsevimab to eligible newborns through the remainder of RSV season ending March 31, 2025. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689185?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092026-02-06T19:35:1546691880InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - February 6, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. </strong>Influenza activity decreased from Moderate to Low, RSV activity remains Moderate, and COVID-19 activity remains Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> continue to decrease, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain high, and the ICU admission rate is one of highest it's been in the past 10 seasons. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> slightly decreased from the previous week and overall remains lower compared to last season. ED visits and admissions for RSV remain elevated among children &lt;5 years of age.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> continue to decrease. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza </strong>decreased from 8.9% to 7.0% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 6.8% to 6.3%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 5.7% to 6.6%. &nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (92%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 100% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past two weeks.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations for influenza A</strong> remain Moderate, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 remains High, and RSV concentrations remains Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The <strong>predominant COVID-19</strong> variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;</li> <li>Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf" target="_blank">Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. </li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.**Influenza activity decreased from Moderate to Low, RSV activity remains Moderate, and COVID-19 activity remains Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** continue to decrease, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain high, and the ICU admission rate is one of highest it's been in the past 10 seasons. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** slightly decreased from the previous week and overall remains lower compared to last season. ED visits and admissions for RSV remain elevated among children \<5 years of age. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** continue to decrease. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.   * **Test positivity for influenza**decreased from 8.9% to 7.0% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 6.8% to 6.3%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 5.7% to 6.6%.  * Almost all (92%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 100% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past two weeks. * **Wastewater concentrations for influenza A** remain Moderate, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 remains High, and RSV concentrations remains Low. * The **predominant COVID-19** variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the [Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf). * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691880?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-03-10T15:26:5046677489MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,MonkeypoxHighCDC Releases Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox<p>While the U.S. mpox outbreak has slowed considerably, severe manifestations continue to occur. Severe manifestations include ocular lesions, neurologic complications, myopericarditis, complications associated with mucosal (oral, rectal, genital, and urethral) lesions, and uncontrolled viral spread due to moderate or severe immunocompromise. Some deaths have also been reported, particularly among people living with advanced HIV. Therapeutic medical countermeasures (i.e., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir, trifluridine ophthalmic solution, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) have been used to treat severe mpox.&nbsp;</p> <p>On March 3, 2023, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a <em>Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled</em> “<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7209a4.htm?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM100856&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=COCA%20Now%3A%20CDC%20Releases%20Interim%20Clinical%20Treatment%20Considerations%20for%20Severe%20Manifestations%20of%20Mpox&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM100856" target="_blank">Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox—United States, February 2023</a>.” The report provides updated clinical treatment considerations about using therapeutic countermeasures to treat severe mpox cases. Until data gaps are filled through randomized controlled studies and other carefully controlled research studies, this MMWR represents the best available information about human mpox treatment.</p> <p>CDC clinician consultants remain available 24/7 through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) and can assist with complicated cases.</p> While the U.S. mpox outbreak has slowed considerably, severe manifestations continue to occur. Severe manifestations include ocular lesions, neurologic complications, myopericarditis, complications associated with mucosal (oral, rectal, genital, and urethral) lesions, and uncontrolled viral spread due to moderate or severe immunocompromise. Some deaths have also been reported, particularly among people living with advanced HIV. Therapeutic medical countermeasures (i.e., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir, trifluridine ophthalmic solution, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) have been used to treat severe mpox. On March 3, 2023, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a *Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled* "[Interim Clinical Treatment Considerations for Severe Manifestations of Mpox---United States, February 2023](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7209a4.htm?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM100856&ACSTrackingLabel=COCA%20Now%3A%20CDC%20Releases%20Interim%20Clinical%20Treatment%20Considerations%20for%20Severe%20Manifestations%20of%20Mpox&deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM100856)." The report provides updated clinical treatment considerations about using therapeutic countermeasures to treat severe mpox cases. Until data gaps are filled through randomized controlled studies and other carefully controlled research studies, this MMWR represents the best available information about human mpox treatment. CDC clinician consultants remain available 24/7 through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) and can assist with complicated cases. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677489?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20482392023-03-10T21:25:5946677590Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 10, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/18/2023-2/24/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Points for the Week:</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>COVID-19</strong>: metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s local COVID-19 <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">Community Level</a> is Low.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.1 to 6.2.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.5% to 3.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 194 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>23 of 3,836 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,190 of 116,451 (10.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.<br /> The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 12.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.1% to 3.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased for the fourth consecutive week from 2.1% at the end of January to 10.1% currently.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/18/2023-2/24/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points for the Week:** **COVID-19**: metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local COVID-19 [Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 6.1 to 6.2. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.5% to 3.1%. <br /> **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 194 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 23 of 3,836 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,190 of 116,451 (10.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 12.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.1% to 3.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased for the fourth consecutive week from 2.1% at the end of January to 10.1% currently. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677590?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-04T21:28:4946674590School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighEarly Childhood School Health News, October, 2022<p>Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. &nbsp;</p> <p>October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674590?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722022-11-18T22:19:5246675882AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighU.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24, 2022<p> </p> <p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>November 18-24, 2022, is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/week/index.html" target="_blank">U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW)</a></li> <li>Educate patients and clients that antibiotics do not work against viruses and may not be needed for somecommon bacterial infections, including many sinus and ear infections in humans and uncomplicatedkennel cough in dogs. <ul> <li>Talk to your patients/clients about when antibiotics are and are not needed, and discuss possible sideeffects such as C. diff (in humans), allergic reactions, and antimicrobial-resistant infections.</li> <li>Remember to prescribe the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and at the right time.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Share information on how we can all combat antimicrobial resistance by using the hashtags #WAAW and #AntimicrobialResistance on social media platforms.</li> <li><strong>CDPH is launching a One Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Workgroup! See our <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=A4RR8D8FKEXK97AD" target="_blank">survey</a> for interest</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Key Messages and Action Steps** * November 18-24, 2022, is [U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW)](https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/week/index.html) * Educate patients and clients that antibiotics do not work against viruses and may not be needed for somecommon bacterial infections, including many sinus and ear infections in humans and uncomplicatedkennel cough in dogs. * Talk to your patients/clients about when antibiotics are and are not needed, and discuss possible sideeffects such as C. diff (in humans), allergic reactions, and antimicrobial-resistant infections. * Remember to prescribe the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and at the right time. * Share information on how we can all combat antimicrobial resistance by using the hashtags #WAAW and #AntimicrobialResistance on social media platforms. * **CDPH is launching a One Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Workgroup! See our [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=A4RR8D8FKEXK97AD) for interest**. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675882?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438213,4402662023-03-07T20:29:5046677485VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighVFC ReEnrollment Training - March 8, 2023<p>On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 12pm, CDPH will be host a webinar on the requirements around re-enrollment for Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers in Chicago. Please plan to send at least one staff to this training. Registration is required and is available through <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iJKhTFG2QX-OJeKropTlzQ" target="_blank">this registration link</a>. If no one can attend, please register to ensure a recording of the training is made available to your program/clinic.</p> <p>Webinar slides attached.</p> On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 12pm, CDPH will be host a webinar on the requirements around re-enrollment for Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers in Chicago. Please plan to send at least one staff to this training. Registration is required and is available through [this registration link](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iJKhTFG2QX-OJeKropTlzQ). If no one can attend, please register to ensure a recording of the training is made available to your program/clinic. Webinar slides attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677485?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722026-02-13T18:56:1646692178InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - February 13, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> RSV activity remains Moderate, with signs of increasing activity. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza </strong>continue to decrease, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV </strong>slightly increased from the previous week and overall remains lower compared to last season. ED visits and admissions for RSV remain elevated among children &lt;5 years of age.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity </strong>for influenza decreased from 7.2% to 6.2% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 6.4% to 8.4%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 6.5% to 4.5%. &nbsp;</li> <li>Most (82%) <strong>typed influenza specimens </strong>for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 100% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past three weeks.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for influenza A are Low, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 remains High, and RSV concentrations are High.&nbsp;</li> <li>The<strong> predominant COVID-19 variant </strong>currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. Detections of XFG.1 &nbsp;have been increasing. &nbsp;</li> <li>Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf" target="_blank">Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report.&nbsp;</a></li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. &nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.  &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> <p> </p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** RSV activity remains Moderate, with signs of increasing activity. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza**continue to decrease, but among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV **slightly increased from the previous week and overall remains lower compared to last season. ED visits and admissions for RSV remain elevated among children \<5 years of age. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.   * **Test positivity **for influenza decreased from 7.2% to 6.2% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 6.4% to 8.4%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 6.5% to 4.5%.  * Most (82%) **typed influenza specimens **for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 100% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past three weeks. * **Wastewater concentrations** for influenza A are Low, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 remains High, and RSV concentrations are High. * The** predominant COVID-19 variant **currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. Detections of XFG.1 have been increasing. * Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the [Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report.](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf) * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html).   Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46692178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-03-09T17:07:1146677487AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Measles,AnnouncementHighIDPH Communicable Disease Measles Webinar - April 12, 2023<p>Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness characterized by a diffuse, maculopapular rash. &nbsp;Measles containing vaccines are highly effective at preventing infections. &nbsp;In the U.S. there were 1,274 measles cases reported in 2019, but during the recent coronavirus pandemic incidence of measles decreased, likely due to decreased travel and exposures. &nbsp;With recent reports of lower vaccine rates or missed doses, &nbsp;increases in travel abroad, and reports of measles outbreaks in the U.S., local health departments should be prepared to investigate suspect measles cases. &nbsp;This webinar will provide an overview of measles, reporting and investigation of suspect cases, and will cover resources available to LHDs during those investigations.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Date and time: &nbsp;Wednesday, April 12, 2023 1:00 PM | (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US &amp; Canada)<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Register link: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r986f85c45d08bd8644dfab55e2154de5" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r986f85c45d08bd8644dfab55e2154de5</a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar attendance is limited so if you cannot register or get in, email: <a href="mailto:michael.moore@illinois.gov">michael.moore@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>IDPH will be recording the webinars.</p> Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness characterized by a diffuse, maculopapular rash. Measles containing vaccines are highly effective at preventing infections. In the U.S. there were 1,274 measles cases reported in 2019, but during the recent coronavirus pandemic incidence of measles decreased, likely due to decreased travel and exposures. With recent reports of lower vaccine rates or missed doses, increases in travel abroad, and reports of measles outbreaks in the U.S., local health departments should be prepared to investigate suspect measles cases. This webinar will provide an overview of measles, reporting and investigation of suspect cases, and will cover resources available to LHDs during those investigations. <br /> Date and time: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 1:00 PM \| (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US \& Canada) <br /> Register link: <https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r986f85c45d08bd8644dfab55e2154de5> <br /> Webinar attendance is limited so if you cannot register or get in, email: [michael.moore@illinois.gov](mailto:michael.moore@illinois.gov). IDPH will be recording the webinars. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677487?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438313,4573972023-03-13T18:49:2446677591AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID,AnnouncementHighWebinar: Redetermination: What to Expect During the End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)<p>March 16, 2023 webinar:&nbsp;Redetermination: What to Expect During the End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)</p> <ul> <li>Help patients secure coverage as redetermination resumes.</li> <li>Learn who you can refer to if you have questions.</li> </ul> <p>Register Here: <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">https://illinoisaap.org/events/</a></p> <p>Please see attached for more information</p> March 16, 2023 webinar: Redetermination: What to Expect During the End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) * Help patients secure coverage as redetermination resumes. * Learn who you can refer to if you have questions. Register Here: <https://illinoisaap.org/events/> Please see attached for more information truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677591?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,441444,4573972022-10-04T22:03:4146674591School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighSchool Health News, October, 2022 - Higher Education edition<p>Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. &nbsp;</p> <p>October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674591?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722022-10-04T22:18:5146674589School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighSchool Health News, October, 2022 - K12 Edition<p>Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. &nbsp;</p> <p>October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and saving billions of dollars per decade. Immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. It is especially important during a pandemic or other public health emergency to maintain routine immunizations to prevent further outbreaks. October is the perfect time to get updated vaccines and to catch up on routine vaccination. Attached you will find some school population-specific guidance to support these efforts. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674589?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722022-10-06T16:47:2346674592EbolaDiseases & Conditions,EbolaHighCDC Health Advisory: Outbreak of Ebola virus disease (Sudan ebolavirus) in Central Uganda<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about a recently confirmed outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Uganda caused by Sudan virus (species Sudan ebolavirus) to summarize CDC’s recommendations for U.S. public health departments and clinicians, case identification and testing, and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations. No suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have yet been reported in the United States. However, as a precaution and to remind clinicians about best practices, CDC is communicating with public health departments, public health laboratories, and healthcare workers in the United States to raise awareness of this outbreak.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> <p>In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits <strong>immediately</strong> for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for EVD testing if indicated and approved.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about a recently confirmed outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Uganda caused by Sudan virus (species Sudan ebolavirus) to summarize CDC's recommendations for U.S. public health departments and clinicians, case identification and testing, and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations. No suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have yet been reported in the United States. However, as a precaution and to remind clinicians about best practices, CDC is communicating with public health departments, public health laboratories, and healthcare workers in the United States to raise awareness of this outbreak. Please see the attached for more information. In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits **immediately** for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for EVD testing if indicated and approved. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674592?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20995002022-10-07T15:04:1046674785COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighCMS Rescinded the CLIA change-still able to test asymptomatic persons with the point of care tests<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <ul> <li>CMS has rescinded their September 26, 2022 memo (QSO-22-25-CLIA) regarding the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests on asymptomatic individuals outside of the test's instruction for use</li> <li>Effective immediately, facilities can continue to test asymptomatic individuals using SARS-CoV-2 tests with instructions that state that the test can only be used for symptomatic individuals</li> <li>Please reach out to Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org with any questions.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> **Summary** * CMS has rescinded their September 26, 2022 memo (QSO-22-25-CLIA) regarding the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests on asymptomatic individuals outside of the test's instruction for use * Effective immediately, facilities can continue to test asymptomatic individuals using SARS-CoV-2 tests with instructions that state that the test can only be used for symptomatic individuals * Please reach out to Elizabeth.Shane@cityofchicago.org with any questions. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674785?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4345562022-11-23T20:12:0146676277EbolaDiseases & Conditions,Announcement,EbolaHighInterim Job Aid: Frontline Hospital Considerations for Ill Travelers Returning from Uganda (Ill Travelers)<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">Please see the attached document developed by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a guide for clinicians during the evaluation of a patient with concern for Ebola Virus Disease.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black"><strong>Purpose of Document&nbsp;</strong></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">To guide clinicians, front line providers, and other healthcare personnel while evaluating low risk travelers returning from a country with an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">The&nbsp;document will guide you through consideration of alternative diagnoses, infection prevention and control practices, transfer instructions, and communication with CDPH.</span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">The&nbsp;document is NOT intended for facilities assessing high risk travelers, travelers to areas with an active outbreak, patients with EVD compatible wet symptoms, or Persons Under Investigation.</span></span></span></span></span></strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black"><strong>Contact CDPH</strong><br /> If you have questions at any time during the arrival, triage, or assessment of a patient, please call CDPH. <strong>If Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, call 312-744-1100 right away and ask for the Disease Control Medical Director on call. If after hours, call 311 and ask to page the Medical Director on call. Outside of the City of Chicago but pertaining to Chicago residents or when requesting transfer to a Special Pathogen Treatment Center, call 312-744-5000.</strong></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">Please distribute to your staff, as appropriate, and make available to your Emergency Department clinicians. Feel free to print and distribute.</span></span></span></span></span></p> Please see the attached document developed by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a guide for clinicians during the evaluation of a patient with concern for Ebola Virus Disease. **Purpose of Document** * To guide clinicians, front line providers, and other healthcare personnel while evaluating low risk travelers returning from a country with an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. * The document will guide you through consideration of alternative diagnoses, infection prevention and control practices, transfer instructions, and communication with CDPH. * **The document is NOT intended for facilities assessing high risk travelers, travelers to areas with an active outbreak, patients with EVD compatible wet symptoms, or Persons Under Investigation.** **Contact CDPH** If you have questions at any time during the arrival, triage, or assessment of a patient, please call CDPH. **If Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, call 312-744-1100 right away and ask for the Disease Control Medical Director on call. If after hours, call 311 and ask to page the Medical Director on call. Outside of the City of Chicago but pertaining to Chicago residents or when requesting transfer to a Special Pathogen Treatment Center, call 312-744-5000.** Please distribute to your staff, as appropriate, and make available to your Emergency Department clinicians. Feel free to print and distribute. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676277?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,457397,20995002022-10-07T17:51:2846674787Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 7, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/25/2022 - 10/1/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 77.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.4 to 5.9.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp; remained at 3.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 4.8% last week to 5.7% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.0% last week to 11.1% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for Parainfluenza has increased from 4% to 4.2% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 31.8% last week to 26.4% for the current week.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/25/2022 - 10/1/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 77. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.4 to 5.9. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has remained at 3.5%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 4.8% last week to 5.7% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.0% last week to 11.1% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for Parainfluenza has increased from 4% to 4.2% for the current week. * Test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 31.8% last week to 26.4% for the current week. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674787?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-11-21T15:29:0946675884School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighSchool Health News, November, 2022 - Higher Education edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Primary care is essential to help an individual navigate to good health and stay healthy, prevent disease by identifying risk factors and coordinate and manage chronic disease care for longevity and a better quality of life. As student transition into adulthood, establishing primary care is vital to a healthy future. As November is open enrollment for most insurance, so now is a great time to have conversations with students about getting them insured. Please take a look at the attached document to learn more.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Primary care is essential to help an individual navigate to good health and stay healthy, prevent disease by identifying risk factors and coordinate and manage chronic disease care for longevity and a better quality of life. As student transition into adulthood, establishing primary care is vital to a healthy future. As November is open enrollment for most insurance, so now is a great time to have conversations with students about getting them insured. Please take a look at the attached document to learn more. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675884?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722025-02-14T15:53:3946689277VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - February 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Register for Required VFC Reginal Training</li> <li>Invalid Vaccine Doses</li> <li>Respiratory Virus Season Update</li> <li>Bird Flu - What to Know Now</li> <li>Quick &amp; Important Updates &amp; Dates</li> <li>And More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Register for Required VFC Reginal Training * Invalid Vaccine Doses * Respiratory Virus Season Update * Bird Flu - What to Know Now * Quick \& Important Updates \& Dates * And More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689277?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-11-25T19:29:4746676178Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 25, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages&nbsp;</em></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 103.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 8.1 to 9.1.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.6% to 3.7%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase and is above levels of peak activity during the 2021-2022 season.&nbsp;</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">18 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 32 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">1,261 of 6,008 (21.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 3,177 of 37,382 (8.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are above local thresholds.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a memo regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.5%to 5.9%.&nbsp;</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 14.7% to 9.1%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.5% to 2.0%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.9% 15.7%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.4% to 4.1%&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 103. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 8.1 to 9.1. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.6% to 3.7%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase and is above levels of peak activity during the 2021-2022 season. * 18 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 32 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,261 of 6,008 (21.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since, October 2, 2022, 3,177 of 37,382 (8.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are above local thresholds. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a memo regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.5%to 5.9%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 14.7% to 9.1%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.5% to 2.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.9% 15.7%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.4% to 4.1% Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-03-14T18:08:0346677593COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID,Correctional Facilities,SYB Congregate Living FacilitiesHighIDPH: Interim COVID-19 Guidelines for Assisted Living, and other Higher Risk Community Congregate<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has adopted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/community-congregate-living-settings.html">COVID-19 Guidance for Assisted Living Facilities and other Higher Risk Community Congregate Living Settings</a>, which is summarized in the attachment. Clarifications have been added to aid facilities with assessing risk and responding to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. In addition to Assisted Living Facilities, this guidance applies to other Illinois non-skilled facilities such as Supportive Living, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care, and Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF), whose staff provide nonskilled personal care, similar to that provided by family members in the home.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached for full information.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has adopted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [COVID-19 Guidance for Assisted Living Facilities and other Higher Risk Community Congregate Living Settings](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/community-congregate-living-settings.html), which is summarized in the attachment. Clarifications have been added to aid facilities with assessing risk and responding to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. In addition to Assisted Living Facilities, this guidance applies to other Illinois non-skilled facilities such as Supportive Living, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care, and Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF), whose staff provide nonskilled personal care, similar to that provided by family members in the home. Please see the attached for full information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677593?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,441444,441458,20279632023-09-01T15:11:5146680577ImmunizationDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,Meningococcal Disease,Programs,Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Varicella (Chickenpox),Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighVaccination Information for School Aged Children<p>State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older.&nbsp;</p> <p>For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.</p> <p>To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html" target="_blank">website</a> or call 312.746.6181.</p> <p>If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H" target="_blank">event request form.</a> A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm.</p> State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations. Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older. For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations. The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our [website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html) or call 312.746.6181. If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this [event request form.](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H) A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680577?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,438007,438212,438313,438438,438544,439550,440472,20635202022-10-11T15:12:0246674788West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for October 11, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 11, 2022&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 40&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 11, 2022 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 40 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674788?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-10-11T18:14:5446674789Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighIDPH: An earlier than typical increase in RSV detected in Illinois<p>An earlier than typical increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been detected in Illinois. In Chicago:</p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 4.8% last week to 5.7% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.0% last week to 11.1% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/2/415/33013/Updated-Guidance-for-Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-Among?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached SIREN for more information. The Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report can be accessed here: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza</a></p> An earlier than typical increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been detected in Illinois. In Chicago: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 4.8% last week to 5.7% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.0% last week to 11.1% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/2/415/33013/Updated-Guidance-for-Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-Among?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000) for information on use. Please see the attached SIREN for more information. The Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report can be accessed here: <https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674789?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-12T14:38:0046674792School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighCDPH School HAN Usage Survey<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time.<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR</a></p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. The survey will be open through Nov 18, 2022 at 5pm CENTRAL time. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=YD8HT4KAY8DCLAKR> In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674792?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572022-10-14T14:03:2146674879COVID19COVID-19,COVID-19 VaccineHighI-VAC COVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp - November 3, 2022<p><strong>I-VAC COVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp In Person Event!</strong></p> <p>Clinical guidance around COVID-19 vaccines has and continues to change. Ensure your facility and staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccine best practices.</p> <p><strong>Where:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Malcolm X City College located at 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612.</p> <p><strong>When:&nbsp;</strong> Thursday, November 3, 2022</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp; 9am to 2pm</p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoB410MXGlySjxLmL7_L1mWdhPObrxcW-M95CAs3j7C1cTNw/viewform" target="_blank">Click here to register</a></p> <p>This event is free and offers free CME.</p> <p>Target Audience: Physicians, PAs, Advanced Practice Nurses, RNs, Pharmacists, MAs, Vaccine Administrators.</p> <p>For questions please email us at <a href="mailto:join@ilvaccinates.com">join@ilvaccinates.com</a></p> <p>Flyer attached.</p> **I-VAC COVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp In Person Event!** Clinical guidance around COVID-19 vaccines has and continues to change. Ensure your facility and staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccine best practices. **Where:** Malcolm X City College located at 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612. **When:** Thursday, November 3, 2022 **Time:** 9am to 2pm [Click here to register](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoB410MXGlySjxLmL7_L1mWdhPObrxcW-M95CAs3j7C1cTNw/viewform) This event is free and offers free CME. Target Audience: Physicians, PAs, Advanced Practice Nurses, RNs, Pharmacists, MAs, Vaccine Administrators. For questions please email us at [join@ilvaccinates.com](mailto:join@ilvaccinates.com) Flyer attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674879?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4369292020-12-30T18:53:1146664813VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin December 30, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>How to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider</li> <li>Getting your clinic ready for vaccination</li> <li>Bi-weekly vaccine planning webinars</li> <li>VFC Reg. Mtg. Requirement Due 12/31/20</li> <li>Vaccine Deliveries Resume</li> <li>Flu Vaccine Still Available</li> </ul> <p>Attachements includes:</p> <p>VFC News Bulletin Issue #17<br /> Instructions for Completing COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Enrollment in I-CARE</p>In this Issue: * How to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider * Getting your clinic ready for vaccination * Bi-weekly vaccine planning webinars * VFC Reg. Mtg. Requirement Due 12/31/20 * Vaccine Deliveries Resume * Flu Vaccine Still Available Attachements includes: VFC News Bulletin Issue #17 Instructions for Completing COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Enrollment in I-CAREtrue2022-10-14T18:50:0846674979Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 14, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/2/2022 - 10/8/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 94.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.9 to 5.7.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;decreased from 3.5% to 3.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the first week of the season.<br /> 30 of 3,969 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 5.7% last week to 6.1% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 11.1% last week to 15.1% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at 5.9% for the second consecutive week.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 26.4% last week to 24.9% for the current week.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/2/2022 - 10/8/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 94. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.9 to 5.7. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.5% to 3.2%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the first week of the season. 30 of 3,969 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 5.7% last week to 6.1% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 11.1% last week to 15.1% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at 5.9% for the second consecutive week. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 26.4% last week to 24.9% for the current week. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674979?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-18T20:56:3846674881AnnouncementAnnouncementMedium2-1-1 Metro Chicago Virtual Information Session for Health Care and Hospital System Representatives<p>The City of Chicago, Cook County, and United Way of Metro Chicago are collaborating to launch 211 Metro Chicago. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people to the essential health and social service help they need when they need it, such as food, housing support, legal aid, and more. A virtual information session specifically for health and hospital systems is scheduled for <strong>Wednesday, November 9th from 3-4pm</strong>. &nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://portal.liveunitedchicago.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3131313036" target="_blank">Register Here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program and how your organization can help spread the word to communities and support this effort.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> If you have any questions please reach out to: <a href="mailto:211MetroChicago@liveunitedchicago.org">211MetroChicago@liveunitedchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached flyer for more information.</p> The City of Chicago, Cook County, and United Way of Metro Chicago are collaborating to launch 211 Metro Chicago. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7/365 confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people to the essential health and social service help they need when they need it, such as food, housing support, legal aid, and more. A virtual information session specifically for health and hospital systems is scheduled for **Wednesday, November 9th from 3-4pm**. [Register Here](https://portal.liveunitedchicago.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3131313036) to learn more about the program and how your organization can help spread the word to communities and support this effort. <br /> If you have any questions please reach out to: [211MetroChicago@liveunitedchicago.org](mailto:211MetroChicago@liveunitedchicago.org). Please see the attached flyer for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46674881?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972022-11-21T15:31:3346675883School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighSchool Health News, November, 2022 - EC/K12 Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. CDPH works to detect and address exposures to lead hazards. Through pediatric lead testing, home inspections, remediation, and abatement of lead hazards, as well as public education campaigns, CDPH is leading efforts to eliminate lead exposure. As a result, the number of children with elevated lead levels has declined from one in four tested in the late 1990s to less than one in 100 today. Despite these incredible gains, there is still work to be done. Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. Please take a look at the attached document to learn more.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. CDPH works to detect and address exposures to lead hazards. Through pediatric lead testing, home inspections, remediation, and abatement of lead hazards, as well as public education campaigns, CDPH is leading efforts to eliminate lead exposure. As a result, the number of children with elevated lead levels has declined from one in four tested in the late 1990s to less than one in 100 today. Despite these incredible gains, there is still work to be done. Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children. Please take a look at the attached document to learn more. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675883?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722022-11-28T16:00:0046675887LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighLong Term Care Facility PPE Survey<p>As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility’s medical surge capacity is quintessential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in response to COVID-19, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau &amp; the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events &amp; emergencies.</p> <p>Please complete this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=PHEP!LTCF2022" target="_blank">brief survey</a> to help us determine your facility’s needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc.</p> <p>Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a></p> As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility's medical surge capacity is quintessential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in response to COVID-19, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau \& the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events \& emergencies. Please complete this [brief survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=PHEP!LTCF2022) to help us determine your facility's needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc. Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675887?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562022-11-30T21:06:3946676283COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighFDA Announces Bebtelovimab is Not Currently Authorized in Any US Region<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced bebtelovimab is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S. because it is not expected to neutralize Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1., according to data included in the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/156152/download" target="_blank">Health Care Provider Fact Sheet</a>. &nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">Nowcast data</a> from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published last week estimates that the combined proportion of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants to be above 57% nationally, and already above 50% in all individual regions but one, and data shows a sustained trend of increasing prevalence across all regions. Given that a COVID-19 infection is likely to be caused by a non-susceptible SARS-CoV-2 variant, and consistent with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Authorization, <strong>bebtelovimab is not currently authorized for emergency use in any U.S. region at this time</strong>. &nbsp;</p> <p>Eli Lilly and its authorized distributors have paused commercial distribution of bebtelovimab until further notice by the Agency. Additionally, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has paused the fulfillment of any pending requests under its <a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/Products/Bebtelovimab/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Bebtelovimab Product Replacement Initiative</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p> The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced bebtelovimab is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S. because it is not expected to neutralize Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1., according to data included in the [Health Care Provider Fact Sheet](https://www.fda.gov/media/156152/download). [Nowcast data](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published last week estimates that the combined proportion of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants to be above 57% nationally, and already above 50% in all individual regions but one, and data shows a sustained trend of increasing prevalence across all regions. Given that a COVID-19 infection is likely to be caused by a non-susceptible SARS-CoV-2 variant, and consistent with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Authorization, **bebtelovimab is not currently authorized for emergency use in any U.S. region at this time**. Eli Lilly and its authorized distributors have paused commercial distribution of bebtelovimab until further notice by the Agency. Additionally, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has paused the fulfillment of any pending requests under its [Bebtelovimab Product Replacement Initiative](https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/Products/Bebtelovimab/Pages/default.aspx). Please see attachment for further detail. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676283?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,20475592022-12-01T21:23:3746676285Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Influenza,Vaccines for ChildrenHighIDPH: Advisory - Oseltamivir Suspension Compounding from Commercially Available Oseltamivir Capsules<p>Illinois pediatric providers have reported a shortage of commercially available oseltamivir suspension at their institution or in surrounding community pharmacies.&nbsp;</p> <p>Illinois pharmacists have additionally expressed concern over the legality of compounding oseltamivir suspension (a commercially available product) from commercially available oseltamivir capsules to fulfill individual prescriptions.&nbsp;</p> <p>IDPH is releasing the following advisory:&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li>The FDCA and the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act permit the compounding of commercially available products such as oseltamivir suspension on a limited, prescription basis in this setting.&nbsp;</li> <li>To facilitate this, prescribers should consider adding “please compound if necessary” language to their oseltamivir suspension prescriptions. Pharmacists should consider documenting the details of the experienced shortage on any prescription for which oseltamivir suspension is compounded.&nbsp;</li> <li>Branded TAMIFLU (oseltamivir) package inserts include instructions for “Emergency Compounding of an Oral Suspension from 75 mg TAMIFLU Capsules (Final Concentration 6 mg/mL)” that are applicable to any commercially available, therapeutically equivalent 75 mg oseltamivir oral capsule.</li> </ol> <p>CDPH also reminds prescribers that when dosing allows, they may prescribe oseltamivir capsules and provide patients with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/mixing-oseltamivir-qa.htm" target="_blank">CDC guidance</a> on opening and mixing capsules with liquids at home for children who cannot swallow capsules.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Illinois pediatric providers have reported a shortage of commercially available oseltamivir suspension at their institution or in surrounding community pharmacies. Illinois pharmacists have additionally expressed concern over the legality of compounding oseltamivir suspension (a commercially available product) from commercially available oseltamivir capsules to fulfill individual prescriptions. IDPH is releasing the following advisory: 1. The FDCA and the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act permit the compounding of commercially available products such as oseltamivir suspension on a limited, prescription basis in this setting. 2. To facilitate this, prescribers should consider adding "please compound if necessary" language to their oseltamivir suspension prescriptions. Pharmacists should consider documenting the details of the experienced shortage on any prescription for which oseltamivir suspension is compounded. 3. Branded TAMIFLU (oseltamivir) package inserts include instructions for "Emergency Compounding of an Oral Suspension from 75 mg TAMIFLU Capsules (Final Concentration 6 mg/mL)" that are applicable to any commercially available, therapeutically equivalent 75 mg oseltamivir oral capsule. CDPH also reminds prescribers that when dosing allows, they may prescribe oseltamivir capsules and provide patients with [CDC guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/mixing-oseltamivir-qa.htm) on opening and mixing capsules with liquids at home for children who cannot swallow capsules. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676285?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437835,4404722023-09-01T15:16:4246680579TestTest CategoryHighTest - 2 attachments<p>Test - 2 attachments</p> Test - 2 attachments truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680579?p_r_p_categoryId=4414452022-10-19T20:34:5546675077MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighMonkeypox (MPV) Provider Update - Oct. 19, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Transmission of monkeypox virus (MPV) continues locally, nationally, and internationally and disproportionately affects the same populations affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).</li> <li>CDPH encourages healthcare providers to adopt a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/syndemic-infographic-may-2022.pdf" target="_blank">syndemic approach</a> to addressing MPV and including incorporating MPV screening, treatment and prevention into existing sexual health services.</li> <li>JYNNEOS™ MPV vaccine is widely available and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/monkeypox/home/vaccine.html" target="_blank">updated eligibility criteria allow for pre-exposure prophylaxis</a>. All eligible Chicagoans should receive two doses 28 days apart.</li> <li>Severe outcomes have been observed in people with uncontrolled HIV. Patients with severe MPV disease and those at risk of severe disease should be treated with tecovirimat (TPOXX).</li> <li>For more information on prescribing or accessing TPOXX, email: <a href="mailto:MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org">MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Key Messages** * Transmission of monkeypox virus (MPV) continues locally, nationally, and internationally and disproportionately affects the same populations affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). * CDPH encourages healthcare providers to adopt a [syndemic approach](https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/syndemic-infographic-may-2022.pdf) to addressing MPV and including incorporating MPV screening, treatment and prevention into existing sexual health services. * JYNNEOS™ MPV vaccine is widely available and [updated eligibility criteria allow for pre-exposure prophylaxis](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/monkeypox/home/vaccine.html). All eligible Chicagoans should receive two doses 28 days apart. * Severe outcomes have been observed in people with uncontrolled HIV. Patients with severe MPV disease and those at risk of severe disease should be treated with tecovirimat (TPOXX). * For more information on prescribing or accessing TPOXX, email: [MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org](mailto:MPXtherapeutics@cityofchicago.org). Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675077?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392022-10-19T21:30:0046675078MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Schools & Day Cares,Correctional Facilities,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,Monkeypox,School HealthHighCDC Webinar: Update on Monkeypox in Children, Adolescents, and People Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding<p>The CDC will be holding a webinar titlted<em>&nbsp;Update on Monkeypox in Children, Adolescents, and People Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding </em>on October 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM</p> <p>During this Call, presenters will focus on current information about monkeypox as it relates to children, adolescents, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Presenters will address clinical considerations for diagnosis, treatment, and post-exposure prophylaxis; vaccination; contact and breastfeeding recommendations; infection prevention and control measures; and resources available to care for these patient populations.</p> <p>Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022<br /> Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT<br /> Webinar Link: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16050874" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16050874</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; Passcode: 776650</p> <p>Further Info available at: the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_102722.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM92194" target="_blank">COCA Call Webpage</a>.&nbsp;</p> The CDC will be holding a webinar titlted*Update on Monkeypox in Children, Adolescents, and People Who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding*on October 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM During this Call, presenters will focus on current information about monkeypox as it relates to children, adolescents, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Presenters will address clinical considerations for diagnosis, treatment, and post-exposure prophylaxis; vaccination; contact and breastfeeding recommendations; infection prevention and control measures; and resources available to care for these patient populations. Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022 Time: 1:00 PM -- 2:00 PM CT Webinar Link: <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16050874> Passcode: 776650 Further Info available at: the [COCA Call Webpage](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_102722.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM92194). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675078?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,441457,441458,2027963,2048239,20635202022-10-21T16:19:0646675280Situational AwarenessDiseases & Conditions,AnnouncementHighIDPH: PICU Bed Capacity Health Alert<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> Illinois has seen a steady increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to respiratory infections (especially RSV) in those under 18. The elevated visits and hospitalizations are creating a health system crisis in pediatric critical care access with an acute shortage in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds, directly impacting the health system capacity heading into the fall/winter. This advisory is to alert providers to the situation and provide tools to help mitigate the surge in respiratory illnesses.</p> <p><strong>Situational Awareness</strong><br /> Currently in Illinois, there are 289 PICU beds; with more than 50% of the beds in the City of Chicago. As of October 18, 2022, there were only 6% open PICU beds remaining across the state. As we head into flu season and await a potential COVID-19 surge, this low number of PICU beds makes prevention of non-vaccine preventable infections, like RSV and other respiratory diseases, even more important. When<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7046a5.htm" target="_blank"> PICU bed capacity is compromised, the hospital system’s ability to fully address acute care and serious illness may also become compromised, leading to severe health outcomes, including death</a>. Protecting this critical infrastructure is vital for children across Illinois.</p> <p><strong>Health Care Facility Surge Mitigation Strategies</strong><br /> Providers and health care facilities are advised to consider the following mitigation measures to ease the strain on PICU bed capacity:</p> <ul> <li>Enhance communications with other hospitals that have pediatric units.</li> <li>Expedite discharges when applicable, including considering the feasibility of home health care and home hospital care.</li> <li>Utilize contractual staffing.</li> <li>Cross-train other non-pediatric staff who may be able to provide patient care in pediatric areas.</li> <li>Ensure timely and accurate reporting of available staffed pediatric and PICU beds.</li> <li>Increase the frequency of pediatric bed availability reporting in EmResource for a region or regions.</li> <li>Share information/education on wearing face masks, enhancing hand hygiene and physical distancing, particularly for those children with chronic medical conditions/weakened immune conditions.</li> <li>Utilize the <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/RSV-Parent-Fact-Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">IDPH RSV fact sheet</a> for sharing education and information about RSV.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** Illinois has seen a steady increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to respiratory infections (especially RSV) in those under 18. The elevated visits and hospitalizations are creating a health system crisis in pediatric critical care access with an acute shortage in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds, directly impacting the health system capacity heading into the fall/winter. This advisory is to alert providers to the situation and provide tools to help mitigate the surge in respiratory illnesses. **Situational Awareness** Currently in Illinois, there are 289 PICU beds; with more than 50% of the beds in the City of Chicago. As of October 18, 2022, there were only 6% open PICU beds remaining across the state. As we head into flu season and await a potential COVID-19 surge, this low number of PICU beds makes prevention of non-vaccine preventable infections, like RSV and other respiratory diseases, even more important. When[PICU bed capacity is compromised, the hospital system's ability to fully address acute care and serious illness may also become compromised, leading to severe health outcomes, including death](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7046a5.htm). Protecting this critical infrastructure is vital for children across Illinois. **Health Care Facility Surge Mitigation Strategies** Providers and health care facilities are advised to consider the following mitigation measures to ease the strain on PICU bed capacity: * Enhance communications with other hospitals that have pediatric units. * Expedite discharges when applicable, including considering the feasibility of home health care and home hospital care. * Utilize contractual staffing. * Cross-train other non-pediatric staff who may be able to provide patient care in pediatric areas. * Ensure timely and accurate reporting of available staffed pediatric and PICU beds. * Increase the frequency of pediatric bed availability reporting in EmResource for a region or regions. * Share information/education on wearing face masks, enhancing hand hygiene and physical distancing, particularly for those children with chronic medical conditions/weakened immune conditions. * Utilize the [IDPH RSV fact sheet](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/RSV-Parent-Fact-Sheet.pdf) for sharing education and information about RSV. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675280?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4573972022-10-21T19:15:1246675191Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 21, 2022<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/9/2022 - 10/15/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:&nbsp;</strong><em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 83.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.7&nbsp;to 4.2.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has&nbsp;decreased from 3.2% to 3.1%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week. One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization has been reported since the beginning of the season.</li> <li>35 of 4,463 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Clinicians should <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.1% last week to 9.1% for the current week.</li> <li>Test positivity for RSV has increased from 15.1% last week to 19.4% for the current week.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full" target="_blank">AAP guidance</a> for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.9% last week to 5.6% for the current week.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 24.9% last week to 27.5% for the current week</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/9/2022 - 10/15/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points:** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 83. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.7 to 4.2. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.2% to 3.1%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * No influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported this week. One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization has been reported since the beginning of the season. * 35 of 4,463 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/HAN_flu_111021_F.pdf) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.1% last week to 9.1% for the current week. * Test positivity for RSV has increased from 15.1% last week to 19.4% for the current week. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See [AAP guidance](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/415.full) for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.9% last week to 5.6% for the current week. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 24.9% last week to 27.5% for the current week truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675191?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-10-21T22:33:5546675192Food BorneDiseases & Conditions,Foodborne IllnessHighTravel-associated Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Newport Infections Among Travelers to and from Mexico -- October 20, 2022<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has observed an<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/salmonella-newport-mexico" target="_blank"> increase in certain <em>Salmonella </em>infections</a> among travelers to and from Mexico. The <em>Salmonella</em> causing these infections are a strain of multidrugresistant <em>Salmonella</em> serotype Newport (MDR <em>Salmonella</em> Newport). MDR infections can be harder to treat, and patients may be at increased risk for developing serious complications.</p> <p>Healthcare providers should consider this strain of MDR <em>Salmonella</em> Newport in the differential diagnosis of patients with symptoms compatible with salmonellosis (e.g., diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps) who traveled to and from Mexico in the 7 days before onset of symptoms. CDC has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/technical/newport.html" target="_blank">guidance for managing patients</a> known or suspected to have an infection with this strain, including information on diagnosis, treatment, patient education, and additional resources.&nbsp;</p> <p>Healthcare providers can advise patients planning travel to and from Mexico to view <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/salmonella-newport-mexico" target="_blank">CDC’s travel health notice</a> to learn about this strain, some of the foods associated with it, and steps they can take to prevent a <em>Salmonella</em> infection. Additional guidance for patients on staying healthy and safe while traveling is available on <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mexico" target="_blank">CDC’s Travelers’ Health</a> webpage for Mexico.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has observed an[increase in certain *Salmonella*infections](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/salmonella-newport-mexico) among travelers to and from Mexico. The *Salmonella* causing these infections are a strain of multidrugresistant *Salmonella* serotype Newport (MDR *Salmonella* Newport). MDR infections can be harder to treat, and patients may be at increased risk for developing serious complications. Healthcare providers should consider this strain of MDR *Salmonella* Newport in the differential diagnosis of patients with symptoms compatible with salmonellosis (e.g., diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps) who traveled to and from Mexico in the 7 days before onset of symptoms. CDC has released [guidance for managing patients](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/technical/newport.html) known or suspected to have an infection with this strain, including information on diagnosis, treatment, patient education, and additional resources. Healthcare providers can advise patients planning travel to and from Mexico to view [CDC's travel health notice](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/salmonella-newport-mexico) to learn about this strain, some of the foods associated with it, and steps they can take to prevent a *Salmonella* infection. Additional guidance for patients on staying healthy and safe while traveling is available on [CDC's Travelers' Health](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mexico) webpage for Mexico. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675192?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20210152022-10-24T17:21:0946675193ViralDiseases & Conditions,Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)HighSlides and Recording Available for October 13, 2022 Webinar on AFM<p> </p> <p>Slides and Recording Available from the October 13, 2022 Webinar on Acute Flaccid Myelitis are now available.</p> <p>The recording can be found <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/166QXsqmjUUiZTnDDM74_oACLRarjvtGGIx-3UP7ve0ks1PPydaFB4mBpbCy37eP.FEA06tHm59Sa-V_F" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>The slides are attached.</p> Slides and Recording Available from the October 13, 2022 Webinar on Acute Flaccid Myelitis are now available. The recording can be found [here](https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/166QXsqmjUUiZTnDDM74_oACLRarjvtGGIx-3UP7ve0ks1PPydaFB4mBpbCy37eP.FEA06tHm59Sa-V_F) The slides are attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675193?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4370252022-10-24T19:43:1646675282VFCDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVIDHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - October 24, 2022<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In This Issue:</p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Reminder Recall</li> <li>American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2022-2023</li> <li>Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children</li> <li>15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine</li> <li>And more</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In This Issue: * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * Reminder Recall * American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2022-2023 * Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children * 15-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine * And more Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46675282?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,437835,440472,4414442022-12-01T22:31:3846676286AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighWebinar: Bivalent Boosters for Children 6 Months and Older - Dec 5, 2022<p>Join CDPH this Monday, December 5th at 12:00 &nbsp;PM for a webinar on bivalent boosters for children 6 months and older*. This webinar will cover:</p> <ul> <li>Ordering information and timeline (pre-orders can be placed NOW <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=N8437HMJCTAE8WKL" target="_blank">here</a>)</li> <li>Anticipated clinical guidelines and storage &amp; handling</li> </ul> <p>Register for the webinar <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_glC-Ko8NQ0ODXamQMoP0HA">here</a>.</p> <p>This webinar is in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, &amp; the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>*Administration of bivalent boosters to children younger than 5 years old cannot begin until after FDA EUA is issued AND a CDC recommendation is granted.</em></p> Join CDPH this Monday, December 5th at 12:00 PM for a webinar on bivalent boosters for children 6 months and older\*. This webinar will cover: * Ordering information and timeline (pre-orders can be placed NOW [here](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=N8437HMJCTAE8WKL)) * Anticipated clinical guidelines and storage \& handling Register for the webinar [here](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_glC-Ko8NQ0ODXamQMoP0HA). This webinar is in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, \& the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. *\*Administration of bivalent boosters to children younger than 5 years old cannot begin until after FDA EUA is issued AND a CDC recommendation is granted.* truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676286?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-03-15T18:40:0646677491School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, March, 2023 - K12 Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools" target="_blank">Sexual Health Education in Schools</a>.</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion. Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, [Sexual Health Education in Schools](https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677491?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-03-16T16:42:4746677495BacterialDiseases & Conditions,School HealthHighIDPH: Update to iGAS Health Alert<p>IDPH is reissuing this Health Alert to provide updated guidance for schools and laboratory testing (new information is highlighted in yellow in the attachment).</p> <p>IDPH and the CDC are observing an increase in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections among children. In Illinois, eight large GAS outbreaks in school settings are under investigation. In late December, 2022, the&nbsp; CDC issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00484.asp" target="_blank">Health Alert</a> on this situation. &nbsp;IDPH stresses the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these diseases in children and adults.</p> <p><u>For Medical Providers:</u><br /> Chicago cases of Invasive group A streptococcal infections should be reported through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-743-9000. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><u>For Schools:</u><br /> Outbreaks of Strep throat or scarlet fever (i.e. 10 cases in the same grade within 10 days), should be reported via the following link: https://redcap.link/SchoolECEDiseaseReport. &nbsp;<br /> Schools can also reach the Youth Settings team with questions at <a href="mailto:schoolscd@cityofchicago.org">schoolscd@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>For more information, please see the&nbsp;<a href="https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/lsr.php?RCID=7c49fe5e03c0326fefcb23ab1afd19ed" target="_blank">IDPH Group A Strep (GAS) in Schools</a> webinar held on March 8, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> IDPH is reissuing this Health Alert to provide updated guidance for schools and laboratory testing (new information is highlighted in yellow in the attachment). IDPH and the CDC are observing an increase in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections among children. In Illinois, eight large GAS outbreaks in school settings are under investigation. In late December, 2022, the CDC issued a [Health Alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00484.asp) on this situation. IDPH stresses the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these diseases in children and adults. ++For Medical Providers:++ Chicago cases of Invasive group A streptococcal infections should be reported through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-743-9000. ++For Schools:++ Outbreaks of Strep throat or scarlet fever (i.e. 10 cases in the same grade within 10 days), should be reported via the following link: https://redcap.link/SchoolECEDiseaseReport. Schools can also reach the Youth Settings team with questions at [schoolscd@cityofchicago.org](mailto:schoolscd@cityofchicago.org). For more information, please see the [IDPH Group A Strep (GAS) in Schools](https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/lsr.php?RCID=7c49fe5e03c0326fefcb23ab1afd19ed) webinar held on March 8, 2023. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677495?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20635202023-03-17T20:48:1446677594Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 17, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/5/2023 - 3/11/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Points for the Week:</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>COVID-19</strong>: metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">Community Level </a>is Low.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 195 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>21 of 4,334 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,238 of 126,100 (9.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.<br /> Other Respiratory Viruses:</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV is &lt;1%.</li> </ul> <p>About this report: &nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/5/2023 - 3/11/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points for the Week:** **COVID-19**: metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local COVID-19 [Community Level](http://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html)is Low. <br /> **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 195 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 21 of 4,334 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,238 of 126,100 (9.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Other Respiratory Viruses: <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV is \<1%. About this report: This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677594?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-03-20T18:07:1846677595VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - March 20, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>VFC Re-Enrollment</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Post Vaccination Serology Testing</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>2023 Routine Immunization Schedule</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * VFC Re-Enrollment * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Post Vaccination Serology Testing * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * 2023 Routine Immunization Schedule Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677595?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-12-02T21:25:1246676182Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 2, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages&nbsp;</em></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 95.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.1 to 8.9.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.7% to 3.4%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">28 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 60 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">1,952 of 6,862 (28.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 6,862 of 44,593 (15.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above</strong> local thresholds.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a memo regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9%to 4.7%.&nbsp;</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 9.1% to 5.8%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 3.1%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.7% 13.1%.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 3.0%&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 95. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.1 to 8.9. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.7% to 3.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * 28 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 60 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,952 of 6,862 (28.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 6,862 of 44,593 (15.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above** local thresholds. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a memo regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccine may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccine. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9%to 4.7%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 9.1% to 5.8%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 3.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.7% 13.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 3.0% Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676182?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-12-02T22:09:2546676183School HealthInfluenza,Meningococcal Disease,School Health,Schools & Day CaresHighIDPH: Flu Vaccine and Meningococcal Vaccines for Teens and Preteens Memo - English and Spanish flyer<p>State code 20 ILCS 2310/2310-700 requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations.</p> <p>Attached, you will find publications regarding both influenza and meningococcal vaccines to be distributed to students. Both the influenza and meningococcal publications are provided in English and Spanish.</p> <p>Please distribute printed or electronic copies to parents or guardians of the students in your school to students in the following age groups:</p> <ul> <li>The influenza publication should be provided to parents or guardians of all students.</li> <li>The meningococcal publication should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The age-based recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older.</li> </ul> <p>Thank you for your assistance in providing this important information to the families of students in your care.</p> State code 20 ILCS 2310/2310-700 requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations. Attached, you will find publications regarding both influenza and meningococcal vaccines to be distributed to students. Both the influenza and meningococcal publications are provided in English and Spanish. Please distribute printed or electronic copies to parents or guardians of the students in your school to students in the following age groups: * The influenza publication should be provided to parents or guardians of all students. * The meningococcal publication should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The age-based recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older. Thank you for your assistance in providing this important information to the families of students in your care. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676183?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,438007,2063520,4414572022-12-06T23:33:4246676185School HealthCOVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighIt Is Not Too Late to Get an Influenza Vaccine!<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>December 5-9 is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/nivw/index.htm" target="_blank">National Influenza Vaccination Week</a>.</li> <li>Seasonal Influenza is on the rise <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">locally</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">nationally,</a> and this increase in influenza cases is occurring earlier than in previous years.</li> <li>Children under 5 are at higher risk than the general population to develop <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm" target="_blank">flu-related complication</a>s.</li> <li>This year’s flu vaccine is a good match for the circulating influenza virus, meaning that that it offers strong protection against severe illness from flu.</li> <li>Everyone 6m and older should get vaccinated for flu every year.</li> <li>It is not too late to get a flu vaccine this season. Flu AND COVID vaccines are available through <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Clinics at Community Colleges</a> and the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/in-home-vaccination-program.html" target="_blank">CDPH Protect Chicago At Home Program</a>, in addition to pharmacies and your healthcare provider.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * December 5-9 is [National Influenza Vaccination Week](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/nivw/index.htm). * Seasonal Influenza is on the rise [locally](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [nationally,](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) and this increase in influenza cases is occurring earlier than in previous years. * Children under 5 are at higher risk than the general population to develop [flu-related complication](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm)s. * This year's flu vaccine is a good match for the circulating influenza virus, meaning that that it offers strong protection against severe illness from flu. * Everyone 6m and older should get vaccinated for flu every year. * It is not too late to get a flu vaccine this season. Flu AND COVID vaccines are available through [CDPH Walk-in Clinics at Community Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) and the [CDPH Protect Chicago At Home Program](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/in-home-vaccination-program.html), in addition to pharmacies and your healthcare provider. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676185?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,436929,437835,440472,441444,20635202022-12-07T18:20:0946676288AnnouncementAnnouncementHighAAP Pediatric Respiratory Surge ECHO Opportunity<p>The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recruiting pediatric health care providers to be a part of the AAP Pediatric Respiratory Surge ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). This ECHO serves as a forum for pediatric health care providers to increase knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in responding to the current respiratory surge and implementing recommended infection prevention and control practices, while providing a space to hear real-time questions and innovative solutions from colleagues across the US.&nbsp;</p> <p>These networks have been shown to increase capacity for health care providers to identify, treat, and manage patient care. Each one-hour ECHO session consists of a short lecture (approx. 15-20 minutes) followed by a case presentation (5 minutes) and discussion. More information about Project ECHO may be found at <a href="https://www.aap.org/projectecho">www.aap.org/projectecho</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>This ECHO will occur weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CT starting December 13, 2022, and will run indefinitely, as needed.</p> <p>Please click here to <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NBCSBT8" target="_blank">Register.</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Contact Alexis Katzenbach, ECHO Manager at <a href="mailto:akatzenbach@aap.org">akatzenbach@aap.org</a> with questions.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recruiting pediatric health care providers to be a part of the AAP Pediatric Respiratory Surge ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). This ECHO serves as a forum for pediatric health care providers to increase knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in responding to the current respiratory surge and implementing recommended infection prevention and control practices, while providing a space to hear real-time questions and innovative solutions from colleagues across the US. These networks have been shown to increase capacity for health care providers to identify, treat, and manage patient care. Each one-hour ECHO session consists of a short lecture (approx. 15-20 minutes) followed by a case presentation (5 minutes) and discussion. More information about Project ECHO may be found at [www.aap.org/projectecho](https://www.aap.org/projectecho). This ECHO will occur weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 am -- 12:00 pm CT starting December 13, 2022, and will run indefinitely, as needed. Please click here to [Register.](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NBCSBT8) Contact Alexis Katzenbach, ECHO Manager at [akatzenbach@aap.org](mailto:akatzenbach@aap.org) with questions. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676288?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972023-06-09T19:45:0046678782Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 9, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 22&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 2.4 to &nbsp;2.7.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.1% to 3.3%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>32 of 2,844 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 78% positive for influenza B. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 12,586 of 165,503 (7.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.1% to 4.7%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.3% to 18.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 6.0% to 4.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 1.7% to &lt;1%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 22 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is Low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 2.4 to 2.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.1% to 3.3%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 32 of 2,844 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 78% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,586 of 165,503 (7.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 5.1% to 4.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.3% to 18.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 6.0% to 4.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 1.7% to \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678782?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-12-07T21:43:1346676289COVID19COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighCOVID-19 Vaccines Shelf-Life Extensions<p>Expiry dates of the following Moderna products have been extended. Some of these lots are MOD 10 (ages 12+) and some are MOD 5 (ages 6-11). All of these lots are monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for primary use only. Moderna has verified the new expiry dates below and updated the Moderna Vial Expiration Checker: <a href="https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?#vialLookUpTool" target="_blank">https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?#vialLookUpTool</a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Lot&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; OLD Expiry (9 mo's from DOM)&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;New Expiry (verified)</strong><br /> 013B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/22/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/22/2023<br /> 052B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/23/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/23/2023<br /> 064A22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/24/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/24/2023<br /> 060B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/26/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/26/2023<br /> 061B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/27/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/27/2023<br /> 083B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/28/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/28/2023<br /> 068A22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;11/28/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/28/2023<br /> 063B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/2/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/2/2023<br /> 059B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/3/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/3/2023<br /> 063B22-2A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/4/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3/4/2023<br /> 074B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/11/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/11/2023<br /> 071B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/12/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/12/2023<br /> 072B22A&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;12/13/2022&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/13/2023<br /> <em>DOM = Date of Manufacture</em><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Pfizer is seeking shelf-life extensions for all vaccines formulations that are on the market from the FDA</strong> - please be on the lookout for that notice. For Pfizer vaccines both bivalent and monovalent for ages 12 and older, the order minimum has been decreased to 180 doses for direct shipment.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Please be sure to continue to properly store and quarantine COVID-19 vaccines 2 months past expiry in the event that more shelf - life extensions are granted</strong>. As always, vaccine administration with those doses cannot occur until an official shelf - life extension has been granted. Doses need to be properly stored for them to be viable after extension has been granted.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can expect "short-dated" vaccine shipped to you, but since shelf-life extensions have been granted for the above Moderna lot numbers and we are expecting shelf-life extensions for Pfizer as well we know that these doses will be viable past the listed expiration date.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vaccine requests can continue to be placed via our routine survey: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA</a>. Please note that shipping will be constricted around the observed holidays, but doses will still be shipping outside of those dates. If you have direct concerns, please reach out to us at <a href="mailto:COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p> Expiry dates of the following Moderna products have been extended. Some of these lots are MOD 10 (ages 12+) and some are MOD 5 (ages 6-11). All of these lots are monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for primary use only. Moderna has verified the new expiry dates below and updated the Moderna Vial Expiration Checker: <https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup?#vialLookUpTool> <br /> **Lot OLD Expiry (9 mo's from DOM) New Expiry (verified)** 013B22A 11/22/2022 2/22/2023 052B22A 11/23/2022 2/23/2023 064A22A 11/24/2022 2/24/2023 060B22A 11/26/2022 2/26/2023 061B22A 11/27/2022 2/27/2023 083B22A 11/28/2022 2/28/2023 068A22A 11/28/2022 2/28/2023 063B22A 12/2/2022 3/2/2023 059B22A 12/3/2022 3/3/2023 063B22-2A 12/4/2022 3/4/2023 074B22A 12/11/2022 3/11/2023 071B22A 12/12/2022 3/12/2023 072B22A 12/13/2022 3/13/2023 *DOM = Date of Manufacture* <br /> **Pfizer is seeking shelf-life extensions for all vaccines formulations that are on the market from the FDA** - please be on the lookout for that notice. For Pfizer vaccines both bivalent and monovalent for ages 12 and older, the order minimum has been decreased to 180 doses for direct shipment. **Please be sure to continue to properly store and quarantine COVID-19 vaccines 2 months past expiry in the event that more shelf - life extensions are granted**. As always, vaccine administration with those doses cannot occur until an official shelf - life extension has been granted. Doses need to be properly stored for them to be viable after extension has been granted. You can expect "short-dated" vaccine shipped to you, but since shelf-life extensions have been granted for the above Moderna lot numbers and we are expecting shelf-life extensions for Pfizer as well we know that these doses will be viable past the listed expiration date. Vaccine requests can continue to be placed via our routine survey: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA>. Please note that shipping will be constricted around the observed holidays, but doses will still be shipping outside of those dates. If you have direct concerns, please reach out to us at [COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676289?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,436929,441444,20475592023-03-15T18:41:1946677492School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, March, 2023 - Early Childhood Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools" target="_blank">Sexual Health Education in Schools</a>.</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion. Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, [Sexual Health Education in Schools](https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677492?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-03-20T20:11:3646677596COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighFDA Authorizes Bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine as Booster Dose for Certain Children Down to 6 Months through 4 Years of Age<p><strong>Summary:</strong> On March 14, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) to provide for a single booster dose of the vaccine in children 6 months through 4 years of age at least 2 months after completion of primary vaccination with 3 doses of the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details</p> **Summary:** On March 14, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) to provide for a single booster dose of the vaccine in children 6 months through 4 years of age at least 2 months after completion of primary vaccination with 3 doses of the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Please see the attachment for full details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677596?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-06-12T15:17:4046678680Lead TestingDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighJune Lead Poisoning Prevention Trainings - June 12, 2023<p>In conjunction with the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting 2 webinars during the month of June for Chicago-based pediatricians. On June 22, ICAAP is hosting a 1 hour webinar on lead poisoning prevention via Zoom from 12-1pm. On June 29, ICAAP is hosting a 30-minute lunch and learn on healthy homes and lead poisoning prevention from 12-12:30pm. &nbsp;</p> <p>ICAAP also offers free trainings for Chicago practices that can be customized to meet practice needs and meeting schedules.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details and registration links.</p> In conjunction with the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting 2 webinars during the month of June for Chicago-based pediatricians. On June 22, ICAAP is hosting a 1 hour webinar on lead poisoning prevention via Zoom from 12-1pm. On June 29, ICAAP is hosting a 30-minute lunch and learn on healthy homes and lead poisoning prevention from 12-12:30pm. ICAAP also offers free trainings for Chicago practices that can be customized to meet practice needs and meeting schedules. Please see the attachment for full details and registration links. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678680?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,1133292,20635202023-06-12T22:05:2146678681RabiesDiseases & Conditions,Rabies,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH CD Monthly Webinar - Rabies - June 14, 2023<p><strong>IDPH CD Monthly Webinar - Rabies</strong></p> <p>Description: This rabies webinar will cover how to assess an animal exposure and determine if rabies PEP should be recommended and to provide information on correct administration of rabies PEP.</p> <p><u><em>Continuing Education Credit: Will be offered.</em></u> &nbsp;It will only be for the live presentation. &nbsp;Please ensure when registering that your name and email are correctly spelled. &nbsp;To receive the continuing education credit, you must complete a training survey, which will automatically open when the host closes the webinar.&nbsp;</p> <p>Dates: To register, click on the WebEx links below.</p> <p>June 14th, 1pm to 2pm: &nbsp;<a href="https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rc501db7b00becc9a65c67101d2dcda3c" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rc501db7b00becc9a65c67101d2dcda3c</a></p> <p>We know the webinar attendance is limited so if you cannot register or get in, email: <a href="mailto:michael.moore@illinois.gov">michael.moore@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>The webinar will be recorded, and links of the recording will be shared.&nbsp;</p> **IDPH CD Monthly Webinar - Rabies** Description: This rabies webinar will cover how to assess an animal exposure and determine if rabies PEP should be recommended and to provide information on correct administration of rabies PEP. ++*Continuing Education Credit: Will be offered.*++ It will only be for the live presentation. Please ensure when registering that your name and email are correctly spelled. To receive the continuing education credit, you must complete a training survey, which will automatically open when the host closes the webinar. Dates: To register, click on the WebEx links below. June 14th, 1pm to 2pm: <https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rc501db7b00becc9a65c67101d2dcda3c> We know the webinar attendance is limited so if you cannot register or get in, email: [michael.moore@illinois.gov](mailto:michael.moore@illinois.gov). The webinar will be recorded, and links of the recording will be shared. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438120,440472,20635202022-12-07T21:58:4046676290Laboratory InformationAnnouncementHighAPHL Packaging and Shipping Division 6.2 Category A and Category B Training<p>The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and Saf-T-Pak are offering live virtual and an on-line self-paced packaging and shipping seminars for Category A (include Category B) and an on-line self-paced Category B course for individuals who ship only Category B samples. See course flyer, Attachment 1, 2 and 3. This training is at NO COST to your lab or to the participant. This training does not complete the entire shipper certification. It meets the General Awareness and Function Specific shipping training requirements. Your lab remains responsible for completing Security Awareness and Security portion. See APHL Packing and Shipping Infectious Substances Training Requirements Job Aid for details on training requirements, <a href="https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/publications/Documents/QSA-2021-Pack-Ship-Training-Requirements-Job-Aid.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/publications/Documents/QSA-2021-Pack-Ship-Training-Requirements-Job-Aid.pdf</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and Saf-T-Pak are offering live virtual and an on-line self-paced packaging and shipping seminars for Category A (include Category B) and an on-line self-paced Category B course for individuals who ship only Category B samples. See course flyer, Attachment 1, 2 and 3. This training is at NO COST to your lab or to the participant. This training does not complete the entire shipper certification. It meets the General Awareness and Function Specific shipping training requirements. Your lab remains responsible for completing Security Awareness and Security portion. See APHL Packing and Shipping Infectious Substances Training Requirements Job Aid for details on training requirements, <https://www.aphl.org/aboutAPHL/publications/Documents/QSA-2021-Pack-Ship-Training-Requirements-Job-Aid.pdf>. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676290?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972022-12-08T16:20:2146676291VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - December 8, 2022<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Meet a member of the CDPH VFC Staff</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention</li> <li>Measles in the U.S.</li> <li>Routine &amp; COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Meet a member of the CDPH VFC Staff * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention * Measles in the U.S. * Routine \& COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * And more! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676291?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-12-09T20:46:2246676188Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 9, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 150.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 8.9 to 7.7.</li> <li>The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.4% to 4.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>24 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 89 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>1,747 of 7,490 (23.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 6,976 of 52,106 (13.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are above local thresholds.</li> <li>Since October 2, 2022, five influenza outbreaks in congregate living facilities have been reported.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697463&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46675680">memo</a> regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.7% to 3.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased 5.8% to 4.8%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.1% to 1.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.1% to 11.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0% to 2.7%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 150. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 8.9 to 7.7. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.4% to 4.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * 24 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 89 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,747 of 7,490 (23.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 6,976 of 52,106 (13.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are above local thresholds. * Since October 2, 2022, five influenza outbreaks in congregate living facilities have been reported. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a [memo](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697463&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46675680) regarding temporary visitor restriction policies for health care facilities during times of increased rates of influenza-like illness in the community. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.7% to 3.8%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased 5.8% to 4.8%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.1% to 1.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.1% to 11.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0% to 2.7%. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676188?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-12-09T22:13:5446676294COVID19COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,Schools & Day Cares,School HealthHighFDA Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Down to 6 Months of Age<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>On December 8, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of: <ul> <li>the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.1) for use in individuals<strong> 6 months through 5 years</strong> of age as a single <strong>booster</strong> dose administered at least <strong>2 months </strong>after completion of primary vaccination with Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.</li> <li>the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) for use in individuals <strong>6 months through 4 years</strong> of age as the <strong>3rd dose in the 3-dose primary series</strong> at least <strong>2 months</strong> after Dose 2.</li> </ul> </li> <li><u><em><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Monovalent is NO LONGER AUTHORIZED for the use of the 3rd dose of the primary series.</span></strong></em></u></li> <li>Some children aging from 4 to 5 years during the primary series may have already started a primary series before the EUA was amended on 12/8/22. If these individuals have already received different Pfizer-BioNTech products for Dose 1 (monovalent product for ages 6 months- 4years, maroon cap) and Dose 2 (monovalent for ages 5-11 years, orange cap), <strong>they should receive the bivalent product for ages 6 month-years, marron cap for Dose 3 of the primary series.</strong> <span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>Because no other dosing options are authorized for this age transition, CDC’s guidance to administer the age-appropriate vaccine product and dosage based on age on the day of vaccination does NOT apply.</strong></span></li> <li>CDPH is cohosting a webinar with ICAAP on Wednesday, 12/14/23 at 12pm CST. Please see attached flyer for more details.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * On December 8, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of: * the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.1) for use in individuals**6 months through 5 years** of age as a single **booster** dose administered at least **2 months**after completion of primary vaccination with Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. * the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) for use in individuals **6 months through 4 years** of age as the **3rd dose in the 3-dose primary series** at least **2 months** after Dose 2. * ++***The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Monovalent is NO LONGER AUTHORIZED for the use of the 3rd dose of the primary series.***++ * Some children aging from 4 to 5 years during the primary series may have already started a primary series before the EUA was amended on 12/8/22. If these individuals have already received different Pfizer-BioNTech products for Dose 1 (monovalent product for ages 6 months- 4years, maroon cap) and Dose 2 (monovalent for ages 5-11 years, orange cap), **they should receive the bivalent product for ages 6 month-years, marron cap for Dose 3 of the primary series.** **Because no other dosing options are authorized for this age transition, CDC's guidance to administer the age-appropriate vaccine product and dosage based on age on the day of vaccination does NOT apply.** * CDPH is cohosting a webinar with ICAAP on Wednesday, 12/14/23 at 12pm CST. Please see attached flyer for more details. Please see the attachments for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676294?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,436929,440472,441444,441457,20635202022-12-13T21:54:0846676297COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVIDHighTREAT COVID-19 Program<p><span style="color:#3498db">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</span> is announcing <span style="color:#3498db">The Rapid Response Evaluation And Treatment of COVID-19 (<strong>TREAT COVID-19</strong>)</span> program, funded by CDC. CDPH is working in partnership with the <span style="color:#3498db">Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR)</span>. CIMPAR S.C was started by Dr. Dheeraj Mahajan as a way of breaking down healthcare silos. They thrive on their ability to provide difficult and custom health and wellness solutions to people, employers, healthcare organizations and public health departments.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color:#3498db"><strong>TREAT COVID-19</strong></span> provides wrap around services for COVID-19 treatment and outbreak mitigation efforts to long-term care facility residents. <strong>The service includes capacity for medical consultation and drug interaction review, medication delivery logistics, and the prompt administration of medication with appropriate observation time</strong>. Other services include point-of-care diagnostic testing and vaccination, which will contribute to the early mitigation of outbreaks and prevent healthcare system burden from hospitalizations. <strong>These services come at no cost to facilities or their residents</strong>. &nbsp;</p> <p>Wednesday 11/30/2022, the <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/" target="_blank">National Institute of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines for non-hospitalized patients who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 identified the preferred therapies for COVID-19</a> as ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury). Both medications are highly effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 illness in high-risk patients. However, both have unique administration considerations (such as drug interactions for Paxlovid and intravenous administration for Veklury) that have kept long term care providers from using them. <strong>This new program supports long term care facilities and clinicians by providing residents with rapid access to the preferred treatment options for COVID-19</strong>. &nbsp;</p> <p>If your facility is experiencing multiple COVID-19 infections among residents, please contact <a href="mailto:Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com">Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com</a> or (708) 600-4233 for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program. &nbsp;</p> <p>For more information, contact Christy Zelinski at <a href="mailto:christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org">christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>A program flyer is attached.&nbsp;</p> The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is announcing The Rapid Response Evaluation And Treatment of COVID-19 (**TREAT COVID-19**) program, funded by CDC. CDPH is working in partnership with the Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR). CIMPAR S.C was started by Dr. Dheeraj Mahajan as a way of breaking down healthcare silos. They thrive on their ability to provide difficult and custom health and wellness solutions to people, employers, healthcare organizations and public health departments. **TREAT COVID-19** provides wrap around services for COVID-19 treatment and outbreak mitigation efforts to long-term care facility residents. **The service includes capacity for medical consultation and drug interaction review, medication delivery logistics, and the prompt administration of medication with appropriate observation time** . Other services include point-of-care diagnostic testing and vaccination, which will contribute to the early mitigation of outbreaks and prevent healthcare system burden from hospitalizations. **These services come at no cost to facilities or their residents**. Wednesday 11/30/2022, the [National Institute of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines for non-hospitalized patients who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 identified the preferred therapies for COVID-19](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/) as ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury). Both medications are highly effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 illness in high-risk patients. However, both have unique administration considerations (such as drug interactions for Paxlovid and intravenous administration for Veklury) that have kept long term care providers from using them. **This new program supports long term care facilities and clinicians by providing residents with rapid access to the preferred treatment options for COVID-19**. If your facility is experiencing multiple COVID-19 infections among residents, please contact [Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com](mailto:Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com) or (708) 600-4233 for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program. For more information, contact Christy Zelinski at [christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org](mailto:christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org). A program flyer is attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676297?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,4414442022-12-09T22:28:0946676295Opioid ConcernsOpioid Information,AnnouncementHigh48 Hour Opioid Overdose Reporting<p>Illinois continues to respond to the enormous burden of drug overdose epidemic through surveillance, response, and collaboration. One aspect of response is the mandatory reporting of opioid overdoses within 48 hours of arrival in the Emergency Department (ED). IDPH utilizes existing real-time, syndromic surveillance for most of this reporting requirement.</p> <p>Annually, hospitals are expected to confirm the number of opioid overdoses seen in their ED compared to the IDPH surveillance data. The intent has been to leverage automated reporting instead of manual entry to minimize the burden on hospitals while still ensuring overdose data is accurate. For 2022, IDPH is only requiring hospitals to submit <strong>internal count of opioid overdoses that were treated in the ED from July 1, 2022-September 30, 2022</strong>. Use of ESSENCE, the IDPH surveillance system, to determine comparison counts, is now OPTIONAL.</p> <p><strong>Annual validation must be completed by December 31, 2022.</strong></p> <p>The instructions for completing validation are on the website: <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/opioids/48-hr-hospital-od-reporting.html" target="_blank">48-Hour Hospital OD Reporting Website</a> and in the attached PDF for your reference.</p> <p>Please feel free to reach out to <a href="mailto:jessica.ledesma@illinois.gov">jessica.ledesma@illinois.gov</a> with any questions and concerns. Thank you for all your continued attention to the 48-Hr Opioid Overdose Reporting.</p> Illinois continues to respond to the enormous burden of drug overdose epidemic through surveillance, response, and collaboration. One aspect of response is the mandatory reporting of opioid overdoses within 48 hours of arrival in the Emergency Department (ED). IDPH utilizes existing real-time, syndromic surveillance for most of this reporting requirement. Annually, hospitals are expected to confirm the number of opioid overdoses seen in their ED compared to the IDPH surveillance data. The intent has been to leverage automated reporting instead of manual entry to minimize the burden on hospitals while still ensuring overdose data is accurate. For 2022, IDPH is only requiring hospitals to submit **internal count of opioid overdoses that were treated in the ED from July 1, 2022-September 30, 2022**. Use of ESSENCE, the IDPH surveillance system, to determine comparison counts, is now OPTIONAL. **Annual validation must be completed by December 31, 2022.** The instructions for completing validation are on the website: [48-Hour Hospital OD Reporting Website](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/opioids/48-hr-hospital-od-reporting.html) and in the attached PDF for your reference. Please feel free to reach out to [jessica.ledesma@illinois.gov](mailto:jessica.ledesma@illinois.gov) with any questions and concerns. Thank you for all your continued attention to the 48-Hr Opioid Overdose Reporting. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676295?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,4573972022-12-13T23:11:2546676301COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Schools & Day Cares,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,School HealthHighCOVID-19 in Schools and Early Childcare Centers Update<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH aligns with the updated IDPH guidance titled <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/2057779/20221213_Non-High-Risk_Setting_COVID.pdf" target="_blank">COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting for Non-High-Risk Settings, including K-12 Schools, Day Cares, Workplaces, Colleges, and Businesses</a>, with changes effective as of January 1, 2023.</li> <li>Individual case reporting to CDPH is no longer required, except in situations where there are deaths or hospitalizations related to COVID-19.</li> <li>Classrooms or cohorts experiencing a suspected outbreak, now defined as at least 5 cases (or 20% of a cohort) with symptom onset within 7 days of each other, should follow the provided checklist to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.</li> <li>CDPH will continue to require outbreak reporting to the health department for schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) facilities so that appropriate follow up can take place.</li> <li>Schools and ECEs are encouraged to notify CDPH if assistance is needed to manage the outbreak/cluster. Notification should also occur if cases continue to escalate, or if unusual activity is identified.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * CDPH aligns with the updated IDPH guidance titled [COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting for Non-High-Risk Settings, including K-12 Schools, Day Cares, Workplaces, Colleges, and Businesses](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/2057779/20221213_Non-High-Risk_Setting_COVID.pdf), with changes effective as of January 1, 2023. * Individual case reporting to CDPH is no longer required, except in situations where there are deaths or hospitalizations related to COVID-19. * Classrooms or cohorts experiencing a suspected outbreak, now defined as at least 5 cases (or 20% of a cohort) with symptom onset within 7 days of each other, should follow the provided checklist to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. * CDPH will continue to require outbreak reporting to the health department for schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) facilities so that appropriate follow up can take place. * Schools and ECEs are encouraged to notify CDPH if assistance is needed to manage the outbreak/cluster. Notification should also occur if cases continue to escalate, or if unusual activity is identified. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676301?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,441457,2027963,20635202024-09-24T13:42:3046686780AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighAntimicrobial Stewardship Conference - November 19th - Register Today! <p>Hello,<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Join us for a free one-day event to learn how you can maximize your organization’s capacity to take actionable steps and combat the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Our team at the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to announce we are hosting our <strong>Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference on Tuesday, November 19 at Malcolm X College in Chicago. </strong>This free conference will have a<strong> One Health focus,</strong> &nbsp;and it is intended to support Chicago-area healthcare providers in implementing and improving efforts to mitigate antimicrobial-resistant infections in their settings.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Please see the attached flyer for further information, and visit our webpage at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/one-health-conference-home.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago :: One Health Conference 2024</a> to review the agenda. Registration is now open, click the following link to register:<a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/One-Health-Conference" target="_blank"> cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/One-Health-Conference</a>. &nbsp;Please share this email and the attached flyer with your colleagues who are interested in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. &nbsp;Free continuing education credits will be available for physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, nurses, and infection preventionists. For more information and If you have any questions, please reach out to us at cdph.onehealth@cityofchicago.org.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> We hope to see you there!</p> Hello, <br /> Join us for a free one-day event to learn how you can maximize your organization's capacity to take actionable steps and combat the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Our team at the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to announce we are hosting our **Antimicrobial Stewardship Conference on Tuesday, November 19 at Malcolm X College in Chicago.** This free conference will have a**One Health focus,** and it is intended to support Chicago-area healthcare providers in implementing and improving efforts to mitigate antimicrobial-resistant infections in their settings. <br /> Please see the attached flyer for further information, and visit our webpage at [City of Chicago :: One Health Conference 2024](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/one-health-conference-home.html) to review the agenda. Registration is now open, click the following link to register:[cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/One-Health-Conference](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/One-Health-Conference). Please share this email and the attached flyer with your colleagues who are interested in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. Free continuing education credits will be available for physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, nurses, and infection preventionists. For more information and If you have any questions, please reach out to us at cdph.onehealth@cityofchicago.org. <br /> We hope to see you there! truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46686780?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,4402662023-03-15T18:42:4546677493School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, March, 2023 - Higher Education Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools" target="_blank">Sexual Health Education in Schools</a>.</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Sexual health is a crucial component of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of an individual. It is much more than the presence or absence of disease. Sexual health education and awareness allow youth and adults alike to comfortably grow in their bodies, develop their personal identities, and navigate interpersonal relationships free of violence or coercion. Please review the attached School Health News that addresses this topic. We have also included resources on a new page on the School HAN, [Sexual Health Education in Schools](https://www.chicagohan.org/sexual-health-in-schools). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677493?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-03-20T22:16:3646677498LTCFCOVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighIllinois Long Term Care Facilities Eligible for FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of COVID19 Antigen Tests<p>Illinois long term care facilities are eligible for a FREE one-time bulk shipment of rapid COVID -19 antigen tests.</p> <p><u>Eligibility criteria</u></p> <ul> <li>A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing.</li> <li>A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional.</li> <li>Registered to report all positiveantigen test results to the State of Illinois.</li> <li>Tests may only be administered onsite for diagnostic or screening purposes.</li> <li>Request form: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Deadline:March 31st</strong></p> Illinois long term care facilities are eligible for a FREE one-time bulk shipment of rapid COVID -19 antigen tests. ++Eligibility criteria++ * A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing. * A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional. * Registered to report all positiveantigen test results to the State of Illinois. * Tests may only be administered onsite for diagnostic or screening purposes. * Request form: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA> **Deadline:March 31st** falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677498?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4345562023-03-21T21:34:0046677501Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighActions to Participate in N. gonorrhoeae Gradient Strip AST Service<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>In 2021, a total 13,451 gonorrhea cases were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health</li> <li>On February 2, 2023, CDPH shared CDC’s Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) a Dear Colleagues letter regarding two gonococcal infections of concerning antimicrobial susceptibility profile and/or genotype identified in Massachusetts. If one of your patients persistently test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing to the Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL). See attached required forms and sample submission guidance to submit specimen to Maryland AR Lab Network.&nbsp;</li> <li>AST test results will be available through Maryland web portal (set up through preauthorization).&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for full information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * In 2021, a total 13,451 gonorrhea cases were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health * On February 2, 2023, CDPH shared CDC's Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) a Dear Colleagues letter regarding two gonococcal infections of concerning antimicrobial susceptibility profile and/or genotype identified in Massachusetts. If one of your patients persistently test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing to the Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL). See attached required forms and sample submission guidance to submit specimen to Maryland AR Lab Network. * AST test results will be available through Maryland web portal (set up through preauthorization). Please see the attachments for full information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677501?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392022-12-14T18:49:1546676303HIVSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighInjectable PREP Needs Assessment Survey<p>On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention" target="_blank">the FDA</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">Needs Assessment survey</a> to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option.</p> <p>This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">survey</a> is voluntary.</p> On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit [the FDA](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention). The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a [Needs Assessment survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option. This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) is voluntary. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676303?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392022-12-16T14:09:3746676304COVID19COVID,COVID-19,Correctional FacilitiesHighGuidance for Mitigation of COVID in Homeless Service Sites and in Correctional/Detention Facilities: Dec 2022<p>The primary goal of this guidance is to ensure that shelters can continue operations, minimize transmission of COVID-19 within their shelters and connect COVID positive clients to health care to prevent development of severe disease associated with COVID-19 infections while continuing to prioritize providing access to services and programing.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health has made significant revisions to guidance in shelter and correctional settings due to the changes in recommendations for the community and other congregate settings, both locally and nationally. These changes are based on the high levels of vaccine and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention, which substantially reduces the risk for medically significant COVID-19 illness and associated hospitalization and death.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> <p>Questions or concerns can be directed to Anne Schultz, <a href="mailto:anne.schultz@cityofchicago.org">anne.schultz@cityofchicago.org</a> &nbsp;or Ernie Brown-Gomez, <a href="mailto:ernest.brown-gomez@cityofchicago.org">ernest.brown-gomez@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> The primary goal of this guidance is to ensure that shelters can continue operations, minimize transmission of COVID-19 within their shelters and connect COVID positive clients to health care to prevent development of severe disease associated with COVID-19 infections while continuing to prioritize providing access to services and programing. The Chicago Department of Public Health has made significant revisions to guidance in shelter and correctional settings due to the changes in recommendations for the community and other congregate settings, both locally and nationally. These changes are based on the high levels of vaccine and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention, which substantially reduces the risk for medically significant COVID-19 illness and associated hospitalization and death. Please see attachment for further details. Questions or concerns can be directed to Anne Schultz, [anne.schultz@cityofchicago.org](mailto:anne.schultz@cityofchicago.org) or Ernie Brown-Gomez, [ernest.brown-gomez@cityofchicago.org](mailto:ernest.brown-gomez@cityofchicago.org). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676304?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,434555,4414582022-12-16T15:24:4346676305COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Vaccines for Children,COVID,Outpatient Settings,Schools & Day Cares,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighInterim Guidance for Clinicians to Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir<p>Seasonal influenza activity is high across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the 2022-2023 season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from influenza (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | CDC</a>). While the<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/120654/download" target="_blank"> Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) has not indicated shortages of oseltamivir (generic or Tamiflu) in any of its forms (capsules, oral suspension), CDC has received numerous anecdotal reports of availability issues for generic oseltamivir in some locations. This may continue to occur in some communities as influenza activity continues.<br /> This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory provides clinicians and public health officials with guidance for prioritizing oseltamivir for treatment and information on other influenza antivirals that are recommended for treating influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable.</p> <p><u>The Chicago retail pharmacy system is currently reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). If an individual location does not have stock, the pharmacy should be referring patients to the nearest location with availability.</u></p> <p>Please see the atatched for the full CDC Health Advisory.</p> Seasonal influenza activity is high across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the 2022-2023 season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from influenza ([Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm)). While the[Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/media/120654/download) (FDA) has not indicated shortages of oseltamivir (generic or Tamiflu) in any of its forms (capsules, oral suspension), CDC has received numerous anecdotal reports of availability issues for generic oseltamivir in some locations. This may continue to occur in some communities as influenza activity continues. This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory provides clinicians and public health officials with guidance for prioritizing oseltamivir for treatment and information on other influenza antivirals that are recommended for treating influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. ++The Chicago retail pharmacy system is currently reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). If an individual location does not have stock, the pharmacy should be referring patients to the nearest location with availability.++ Please see the atatched for the full CDC Health Advisory. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676305?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,440472,441444,441456,441457,2027963,20475592022-12-16T19:39:1046676307Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 16, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/4/2022-12/10/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is high.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">30 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 120 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">1,615 of 6,952 (23.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 9,011 of 60,520 (14.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.8% to 2.8%.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has decreased 4.8% to 3.2%.</span></li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.&nbsp;</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/4/2022-12/10/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is high. * 30 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 120 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,615 of 6,952 (23.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 9,011 of 60,520 (14.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.8% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased 4.8% to 3.2%. <br /> **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676307?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-12-19T15:52:1646676191Hospital NotificationDiseases & Conditions,COVID,AnnouncementHighIDPH: UPDATE: Bed Reporting in EMResource - December 19, 2022<p>IDPH has updated bed&nbsp;reporting requirements in EMResource.</p> <p>Please see the highlighted information in the attached Memo for the Updated information.</p> IDPH has updated bed reporting requirements in EMResource. Please see the highlighted information in the attached Memo for the Updated information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676191?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441444,4573972022-12-22T19:07:5246676579School HealthSchool Health,Vaccines for ChildrenHighSchool Health News, December, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health wishes you a safe and peaceful winter break. Please share the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/2084862/CDPH-Respiratory+Virus+Toolkit2022ENGSP.pdf/4bd1a4dc-0ee1-b87c-a64c-f60463e2a608?t=1671646813808" target="_blank">Respiratory Hygiene toolkit</a> as well as the attached guidance with your staff and students to keep them to stay healthy as they gather with friends and family.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> The Chicago Department of Public Health wishes you a safe and peaceful winter break. Please share the [Respiratory Hygiene toolkit](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/2084862/CDPH-Respiratory+Virus+Toolkit2022ENGSP.pdf/4bd1a4dc-0ee1-b87c-a64c-f60463e2a608?t=1671646813808) as well as the attached guidance with your staff and students to keep them to stay healthy as they gather with friends and family. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676579?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4404722022-12-22T21:20:5946676479COVID19COVID,COVID-19HighCDC HAN Update: Important Updates on COVID-19 Therapeutics for Treatment and Prevention<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to supplement the CDC HAN Health Advisories issued on <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00463.asp" target="_blank">April 25, 2022</a> and <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.asp" target="_blank">May 24, 2022</a> to emphasize to healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public that the majority of Omicron sublineages circulating in the United States have reduced susceptibility to the monoclonal antibody, bebtelovimab and the monoclonal antibody combination, cilgavimab and tixagevimab (EvusheldTM).</p> <p><a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/" target="_blank">Antiviral therapeutics</a> for the <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/management/clinical-management-of-adults/nonhospitalized-adults--therapeutic-management/" target="_blank">treatment of COVID-19</a>, <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/ritonavir-boosted-nirmatrelvir--paxlovid-/paxlovid-drug-drug-interactions/" target="_blank">ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid)</a>, <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/remdesivir/" target="_blank">remdesivir (Veklury®)</a>, and <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/molnupiravir/" target="_blank">molnupiravir (Lagevrio™)</a>, retain activity against currently circulating Omicron sublineages. These medications can prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death and are widely available but have been underused.</p> <p>This HAN Health Update provides health care professionals, public health officials, and the public with guidance on improving use of therapeutics for treatment of COVID-19 and strategies to prevent serious outcomes of COVID-19.&nbsp;</p> <p>See the attached for details.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to supplement the CDC HAN Health Advisories issued on [April 25, 2022](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00463.asp) and [May 24, 2022](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.asp) to emphasize to healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public that the majority of Omicron sublineages circulating in the United States have reduced susceptibility to the monoclonal antibody, bebtelovimab and the monoclonal antibody combination, cilgavimab and tixagevimab (EvusheldTM). [Antiviral therapeutics](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/) for the [treatment of COVID-19](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/management/clinical-management-of-adults/nonhospitalized-adults--therapeutic-management/), [ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid)](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/ritonavir-boosted-nirmatrelvir--paxlovid-/paxlovid-drug-drug-interactions/), [remdesivir (Veklury®)](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/remdesivir/), and [molnupiravir (Lagevrio™)](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/antivirals-including-antibody-products/molnupiravir/), retain activity against currently circulating Omicron sublineages. These medications can prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death and are widely available but have been underused. This HAN Health Update provides health care professionals, public health officials, and the public with guidance on improving use of therapeutics for treatment of COVID-19 and strategies to prevent serious outcomes of COVID-19. See the attached for details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676479?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,4345552023-03-21T22:00:4246677597School HealthSchool HealthHighUpcoming EVENT for School and Early Childcare Administrators and Staff<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced it will end the public health emergency and national emergency declarations on May 11, 2023</li> <li>Illinois will follow suit on May 11, 2023 with the end of the state's disaster proclamation.</li> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health Youth Settings and MICAH teams are hosting two information sessions for school and early childcare staff to help them navigate the upcoming changes:&nbsp;“What does the end of the Public Health Emergency mean for schools and early childcare centers?”</li> </ul> <p>Please join the CDPH Youth Settings and MICAH teams for an information session about the ending of the Public Health Emergency in May and what it means for your school or early childcare operations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for details and meeting information.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced it will end the public health emergency and national emergency declarations on May 11, 2023 * Illinois will follow suit on May 11, 2023 with the end of the state's disaster proclamation. * The Chicago Department of Public Health Youth Settings and MICAH teams are hosting two information sessions for school and early childcare staff to help them navigate the upcoming changes: "What does the end of the Public Health Emergency mean for schools and early childcare centers?" Please join the CDPH Youth Settings and MICAH teams for an information session about the ending of the Public Health Emergency in May and what it means for your school or early childcare operations. Please see the attachment for details and meeting information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677597?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-06-13T14:05:3046678783West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 13, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 13, 2023&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data<br /> on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a<br /> week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. There was one (1) WNV-positive mosquito pool for this<br /> reporting period.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 13, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. There was one (1) WNV-positive mosquito pool for this reporting period. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678783?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982023-09-01T15:35:1746680583ImmunizationDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,Meningococcal Disease,Programs,Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Varicella (Chickenpox),Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighVaccination Info for School Aged Children<p>State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older.&nbsp;</p> <p>For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.</p> <p>To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html" target="_blank">website</a> or call 312.746.6181.</p> <p>If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H" target="_blank">event request form.</a> A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm.</p> State code requires that the Illinois Department of Public Health provide informational materials for school districts regarding influenza and influenza vaccinations and meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccinations. Please see the attachment for links to information material for parents\\guardians of the students in your school. Most of the publications below are for students of all ages. The meningococcal information should be provided to parents or guardians of age-appropriate students. The agebased recommendation for meningococcal vaccination is for children 11 years of age or older. For Chicago Schools please see below and the attached for information about CDPH Immunization Clinics and the Chicago CareVan - both great options for providing school required vaccinations. The Chicago CareVan is a mobile immunization clinic that offers services at no out of pocket cost at Head Start, child care centers, schools, public housing sites, WIC centers, and community events. The clinic provides all immunizations that are recommended by the CDC, with the exception of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. To see when the CareVan will be at a location near you, check the CareVan schedule at our [website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/svcs/immunization1.html) or call 312.746.6181. If you represent an organization that would like to host a CareVan event, please fill out this [event request form.](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=K4NDYND78H) A CDPH representative will get back to you to confirm. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680583?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,438007,438212,438313,438438,438544,439550,440472,20635202023-09-01T18:42:4946680585InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 1, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/20/2023-8/26/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 2.6 to 3.8.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 9.4% to 10.2%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>16 of 2,994 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,704 of 196,502 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.6% to 1.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 14.5% to 13.7% .</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.6% to 2.7%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/20/2023-8/26/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 2.6 to 3.8. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 9.4% to 10.2% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 16 of 2,994 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,704 of 196,502 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.6% to 1.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 14.5% to 13.7% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.6% to 2.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680585?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202022-12-27T18:08:5346676482Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 23, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/11/2022-12/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high.</li> <li>10 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since<br /> October 2, 2022, 130 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>1,178 of 6,794 (17.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 10,436 of 68,074 (15.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 2.8% to 2.4%.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has decreased 3.2% to 3.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/11/2022-12/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high. * 10 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 130 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,178 of 6,794 (17.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 10,436 of 68,074 (15.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 2.8% to 2.4%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased 3.2% to 3.1%. <br /> **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676482?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352022-12-30T19:17:4346676582Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 30, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/11/2022-12/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 139.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.3 to 5.6.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 5.3% to 5.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high.</li> <li>16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 156 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>561 of 5,394 (10.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,162 of 74,094 (15.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are <strong>above </strong>local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 2.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.1% to 1.9%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 0.9% to 1.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.9% to 11.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.4 to 3.0%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/11/2022-12/17/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 139. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 9.3 to 5.6. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 5.3% to 5.1%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high. * 16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 156 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 561 of 5,394 (10.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,162 of 74,094 (15.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are **above**local thresholds. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 2.4%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.1% to 1.9%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 0.9% to 1.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.9% to 11.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.4 to 3.0%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676582?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-01-06T20:01:1146676584Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 6, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/25/2022-12/31/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 101.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 5.6 to 10.2.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 5.1% to 5.4%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high.</li> <li>10 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 171 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>386 of 5,203 (7.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,701 of 79,711 (14.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.9% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.6% to 1.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 11.8% to 9.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0 to 1.7%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/25/2022-12/31/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 101. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 5.6 to 10.2. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 5.1% to 5.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing but remains high. * 10 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 171 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 386 of 5,203 (7.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,701 of 79,711 (14.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.6%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.9% to 2.3%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.6% to 1.4%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 11.8% to 9.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0 to 1.7%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676584?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-01-06T21:27:3946676678VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighVFC Blended Inventory Guidance<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) are pleased to announce that, beginning Saturday, January 14, 2023, VFC and CHIP providers will be able to combine their CHIP and VFC vaccines into one inventory in their storage units. For several years, CDC has required IDPH and CDPH to enforce the use of separate inventories for VFC and CHIP vaccines. Due to recent changes, including the expansion of Medicaid in Illinois, IDPH and CDPH have worked successfully with CDC to modify this requirement. At that time, all VFC providers can offer vaccines from their blended inventories to both VFC and CHIP-eligible children.</p> <p>We expect this to be a huge win for providers and children throughout the state. It reduces administrative burden and space required in storage units, and it will ensure that CHIP-eligible children throughout the state can be served by all providers that offer VFC vaccines.</p> <p>The VFC and CHIP vaccines that are currently in the field will be merged into one blended inventory, and all orders going forward will be deemed to be part of the blended inventory. You will see changes to your inventories in I-CARE on Friday, January 13, 2023. If you have discrepancies in your inventories, please work to resolve these prior to IDPH making the inventory adjustments.</p> <p>Per the attached guidance, children must still be checked in Medi, and their VFC or CHIP eligibility should be marked correctly in the patient record in I-CARE, including vaccine data entered directly into I-CARE and data that is transmitted from an EHR. Vaccine data with VFC reasons including V02 for Title 19-elgible children and V22 for Title 21-eligible children will be deducted from the new blended<br /> inventory.</p> <p>This change follows the Medicaid Expansion announced by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) in September. See <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn220909c.aspx" target="_blank">Provider Notice Issued 09/09/2022 | HFS (illinois.gov)</a> and <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn220922a.aspx" target="_blank">Provider Notice Issued 09/22/2022 | HFS (illinois.gov)</a> for more information. About 190,000 children throughout the state are now eligible for VFC vaccine through the Medicaid Expansion program.</p> <p>Two training dates are scheduled. See attached flyer for registration information or use this <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wfmxoHb6Qj682WZ_AnJexQ" target="_blank">LINK</a> to register. Trainings are scheduled as follows:<br /> January 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM<br /> January 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM</p> <p>For questions, please contact the Chicago VFC Program: <a href="mailto:ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org">ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org</a><br />  </p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) are pleased to announce that, beginning Saturday, January 14, 2023, VFC and CHIP providers will be able to combine their CHIP and VFC vaccines into one inventory in their storage units. For several years, CDC has required IDPH and CDPH to enforce the use of separate inventories for VFC and CHIP vaccines. Due to recent changes, including the expansion of Medicaid in Illinois, IDPH and CDPH have worked successfully with CDC to modify this requirement. At that time, all VFC providers can offer vaccines from their blended inventories to both VFC and CHIP-eligible children. We expect this to be a huge win for providers and children throughout the state. It reduces administrative burden and space required in storage units, and it will ensure that CHIP-eligible children throughout the state can be served by all providers that offer VFC vaccines. The VFC and CHIP vaccines that are currently in the field will be merged into one blended inventory, and all orders going forward will be deemed to be part of the blended inventory. You will see changes to your inventories in I-CARE on Friday, January 13, 2023. If you have discrepancies in your inventories, please work to resolve these prior to IDPH making the inventory adjustments. Per the attached guidance, children must still be checked in Medi, and their VFC or CHIP eligibility should be marked correctly in the patient record in I-CARE, including vaccine data entered directly into I-CARE and data that is transmitted from an EHR. Vaccine data with VFC reasons including V02 for Title 19-elgible children and V22 for Title 21-eligible children will be deducted from the new blended inventory. This change follows the Medicaid Expansion announced by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) in September. See [Provider Notice Issued 09/09/2022 \| HFS (illinois.gov)](https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn220909c.aspx) and [Provider Notice Issued 09/22/2022 \| HFS (illinois.gov)](https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalProviders/notices/Pages/prn220922a.aspx) for more information. About 190,000 children throughout the state are now eligible for VFC vaccine through the Medicaid Expansion program. Two training dates are scheduled. See attached flyer for registration information or use this [LINK](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wfmxoHb6Qj682WZ_AnJexQ) to register. Trainings are scheduled as follows: January 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM January 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM For questions, please contact the Chicago VFC Program: [ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org](mailto:ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676678?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-01-09T16:04:1946676585VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - January 9, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Merging of CHIP/VFC Inventory</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Testing and PEP</li> <li>Cervical Cancer Awareness Month</li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Merging of CHIP/VFC Inventory * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Testing and PEP * Cervical Cancer Awareness Month * And more! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676585?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-01-12T15:52:0046676978EbolaEbolaHighIDPH: Cessation of Monitoring of Travelers from Uganda for Ebola<p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>The Ugandan outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Sudan virus was identified on October 6, 2022. Funneling of travelers through five U.S. airports began on October 10 and traveler information was shared with state and local health departments for monitoring purposes on October 11. Over 4,200 travelers were monitored nationwide.</p> <p>The Ugandan outbreak of Sudan virus has been declared over by Uganda and the World Health Organization on 1/11/2023, when 42 days have passed since the last Ebola case in Uganda was considered to be potentially infectious. As a result of this outbreak, there were 164 cases with 77 deaths due to Sudan virus in Uganda, including 19 healthcare worker cases. CDC provided 38 clinical consultations regarding travelers who developed some symptoms after their arrival in the U.S. Testing was recommended for four individuals and all four tested negative for Ebola Sudan virus. No Sudan virus cases were reported in countries outside of Uganda.</p> <p><strong>Monitoring of travelers</strong></p> <p>With the passing of the 42 days since a case, monitoring by public health authorities of travelers from Uganda will end in the U.S. Monitoring may cease for any individuals who are currently being monitored and there is no further need to contact any travelers that were referred for monitoring on, or after January 10th.</p> <p><strong>Health care providers</strong></p> <p>Routine use of infection control and clinical care measures specifically directed at the possible diagnosis of Ebola disease need no longer be universally implemented when evaluating travelers from Uganda. Survivor programs in Uganda are working with Sudan virus survivors and informing males that they can have virus in their semen for up to 36 months following infection. Transmission from persistent virus in semen is known to occur, but the risk is not well established.</p> <p>As always, it is critical for health care providers to obtain a travel and contact history for individuals presenting with fever and/or other infectious disease symptoms, and use appropriate infection control measures, including standard precautions for all patients and isolation precautions (contact, droplet, and/or airborne) based on the clinical syndrome and/or diagnosis.</p> **Background** The Ugandan outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Sudan virus was identified on October 6, 2022. Funneling of travelers through five U.S. airports began on October 10 and traveler information was shared with state and local health departments for monitoring purposes on October 11. Over 4,200 travelers were monitored nationwide. The Ugandan outbreak of Sudan virus has been declared over by Uganda and the World Health Organization on 1/11/2023, when 42 days have passed since the last Ebola case in Uganda was considered to be potentially infectious. As a result of this outbreak, there were 164 cases with 77 deaths due to Sudan virus in Uganda, including 19 healthcare worker cases. CDC provided 38 clinical consultations regarding travelers who developed some symptoms after their arrival in the U.S. Testing was recommended for four individuals and all four tested negative for Ebola Sudan virus. No Sudan virus cases were reported in countries outside of Uganda. **Monitoring of travelers** With the passing of the 42 days since a case, monitoring by public health authorities of travelers from Uganda will end in the U.S. Monitoring may cease for any individuals who are currently being monitored and there is no further need to contact any travelers that were referred for monitoring on, or after January 10th. **Health care providers** Routine use of infection control and clinical care measures specifically directed at the possible diagnosis of Ebola disease need no longer be universally implemented when evaluating travelers from Uganda. Survivor programs in Uganda are working with Sudan virus survivors and informing males that they can have virus in their semen for up to 36 months following infection. Transmission from persistent virus in semen is known to occur, but the risk is not well established. As always, it is critical for health care providers to obtain a travel and contact history for individuals presenting with fever and/or other infectious disease symptoms, and use appropriate infection control measures, including standard precautions for all patients and isolation precautions (contact, droplet, and/or airborne) based on the clinical syndrome and/or diagnosis. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676978?p_r_p_categoryId=20995002023-03-24T17:59:3246677679Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 24, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/12/2023 - 3/18/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span><br />  </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 65.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.1 to 6.0.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.1% to 2.6%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 196 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">25 of 3,827 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,264 of 129,951 (9.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank">interim guidance</a> for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has increased from &lt;1% to 1.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 1.9% to 2.7%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.4% to 14.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.0% to 4.3%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 11.3% to 11.0%.</span></li> </ul> <p>About this report: &nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/12/2023 - 3/18/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 65. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.1 to 6.0. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.1% to 2.6%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 196 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 25 of 3,827 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,264 of 129,951 (9.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45696197&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46674498) for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued [interim guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305) for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from \<1% to 1.2%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 1.9% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.4% to 14.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.0% to 4.3%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 11.3% to 11.0%. About this report: This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677679?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-01-13T20:01:5346676880Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 13, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/1/2023-1/7/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>2 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>156 of 4,910 (3.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,908 of 85,117 (14.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 2.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.3% to 2.0%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/1/2023-1/7/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * 2 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 156 of 4,910 (3.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 11,908 of 85,117 (14.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 2.4%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.3% to 2.0%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676880?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-03-22T13:56:1646677502AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,AnnouncementHighWebinar: Group A Strep Outbreaks<p>This year there have been pediatrics deaths reported in Illinois due to strep throat and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00484.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> on the rise in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. Please join us for a webinar with IDPH and CDPH hosted by the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics on Strep A outbreaks in Illinois on Monday, March 27th at 12pm. <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dLDBoWLsRvWmW6JE94UoeA" target="_blank">Register now</a> to ensure you know about strep activity in Illinois, reporting requirements and other recommendations during this time.</p> <p>Flyer attached.</p> This year there have been pediatrics deaths reported in Illinois due to strep throat and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00484.asp) on the rise in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. Please join us for a webinar with IDPH and CDPH hosted by the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics on Strep A outbreaks in Illinois on Monday, March 27th at 12pm. [Register now](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dLDBoWLsRvWmW6JE94UoeA) to ensure you know about strep activity in Illinois, reporting requirements and other recommendations during this time. Flyer attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677502?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4573972023-03-23T20:58:0046677506C. AurisDiseases & Conditions,C.auris,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighCandida auris Data Summary - March 21, 2023<p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/index.html" target="_blank"><em>Candida auris (C. auris)</em></a> is a yeast that is often multi-drug resistant and it can spread in healthcare settings via person-to-person transmission or contact with contaminated surfaces. <em>C. auris</em> can cause serious, hard to treat infections.</p> <p><em>C. auris</em> began spreading in Chicago, Illinois since 2016. Since then, 552 clinical cases, who were ill and had <em>C. auris</em> detected during their clinical care, have been identified as of March 21, 2023. Beginning in 2017, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) increased efforts to identify individuals colonized with <em>C. auris</em>, who were not ill from <em>C. auris</em> and were tested during admission to a healthcare facility or during prevalence surveys. 1,026 individuals have been identified (to date) to be colonized with <em>C. auris</em> primarily from specimens collected from a swab of the axillae/groin.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full March 21, 2023 Data Summary,</p> [*Candida auris (C. auris)*](https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/index.html) is a yeast that is often multi-drug resistant and it can spread in healthcare settings via person-to-person transmission or contact with contaminated surfaces. *C. auris* can cause serious, hard to treat infections. *C. auris* began spreading in Chicago, Illinois since 2016. Since then, 552 clinical cases, who were ill and had *C. auris* detected during their clinical care, have been identified as of March 21, 2023. Beginning in 2017, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) increased efforts to identify individuals colonized with *C. auris* , who were not ill from *C. auris* and were tested during admission to a healthcare facility or during prevalence surveys. 1,026 individuals have been identified (to date) to be colonized with *C. auris* primarily from specimens collected from a swab of the axillae/groin. Please see the attachment for the full March 21, 2023 Data Summary, truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677506?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437529,438213,4402662023-03-28T15:27:0246677778Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighRelease of CDPH Lead Report and Lead Training Opportunities<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/health_data/CDPH-020_LeadReport_DataReport_R4b_digital.pdf" target="_blank">2019-2021 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention &amp; Data Report</a></li> <li>In conjunction with the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting three webinars for Chicago-based pediatricians on lead poisoning prevention via zoom on the following dates: April 13, June 22, and September 21 from 12-1pm.&nbsp; You can register <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/?post_type=inspire_events&amp;s=lead&amp;inspire_events_categories=&amp;inspire_events_topics=" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li>ICAAP is also offering free lead trainings for Chicago practices that can be customized to meet practice needs and meeting schedules.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the [2019-2021 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention \& Data Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/health_data/CDPH-020_LeadReport_DataReport_R4b_digital.pdf) * In conjunction with the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting three webinars for Chicago-based pediatricians on lead poisoning prevention via zoom on the following dates: April 13, June 22, and September 21 from 12-1pm. You can register [here](https://illinoisaap.org/?post_type=inspire_events&s=lead&inspire_events_categories=&inspire_events_topics=). * ICAAP is also offering free lead trainings for Chicago practices that can be customized to meet practice needs and meeting schedules. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,1133292,20635202023-03-31T18:51:0046677681Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 31, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/19/2023 - 3/25/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span><br />  </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 57.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.0 to 2.7.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.6% to 2.4%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 197 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">27 of 3,878 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,292 of 133,838 (9.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.2% to &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 2.7% to 3.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.2% to 17.6%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased 4.3% to 4.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased 11.0% to 11.1%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/19/2023 - 3/25/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 57. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.0 to 2.7. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.6% to 2.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 197 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 27 of 3,878 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,292 of 133,838 (9.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.2% to \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 2.7% to 3.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.2% to 17.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased 4.3% to 4.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased 11.0% to 11.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-06-13T17:44:2146678784School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighUPCOMING EVENT: Protecting Our Children: What You Should Know about Dermatological Conditions<p>Please join the CDPH Youth Settings team for an information session to educate you on dermatological conditions and what it means for your school or early childcare operations.</p> <p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Identify signs and symptoms of various dermatological conditions.</li> <li>Identify supportive care and treatment.</li> <li>Reinforce Infection Control practices at home and school.</li> <li>Special considerations for summer.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> Please join the CDPH Youth Settings team for an information session to educate you on dermatological conditions and what it means for your school or early childcare operations. **KEY MESSAGES** * Identify signs and symptoms of various dermatological conditions. * Identify supportive care and treatment. * Reinforce Infection Control practices at home and school. * Special considerations for summer. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678784?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572023-01-18T20:49:4846676980HIVSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighInjectable PREP Needs Assessment Survey<p>On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention" target="_blank">the FDA</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">Needs Assessment survey</a> to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option.</p> <p>This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&amp;pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds" target="_blank">survey</a> is voluntary.</p> On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable medication to prevent HIV for sexually active adults and adolescents. When taken every 2 months as prescribed, cabotegravir long-acting (CAB-LA) injectable PrEP (brand name Apretude) was safe and effective in preventing HIV. For more information visit [the FDA](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-injectable-treatment-hiv-pre-exposure-prevention). The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a [Needs Assessment survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) to hear from you on how the CDPH can best support your agency and staff to implement CAB-LA injectable PrEP as it becomes a more accessible and available HIV prevention option. This survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=page&pollid=STI!InjectablePrepNeeds) is voluntary. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676980?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392023-01-20T20:11:1246676983Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 20, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/8/2023-1/14/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 94.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 5.6 to 10.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.7% to 4.1%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 190 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>97 of 5,070 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,005 of 90,195 (13.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is <strong>below</strong> local thresholds.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.0% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.6% to 8.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.7% to 4.4%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/8/2023-1/14/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Medium. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 94. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 5.6 to 10. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.7% to 4.1%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 190 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 97 of 5,070 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,005 of 90,195 (13.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is **below** local thresholds. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.4%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.0% to 2.1%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.6% to 8.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.7% to 4.4%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676983?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-01-20T20:28:0646676982AnnouncementAnnouncementHighWebinar: Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning: What it means for you and your patients<p><strong>Webinar:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Illinois' new Family Planning State Plan Amendment (SPA): What it means for you and your patients.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp; Mon, January 23, 2023,</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp; 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST</p> <p><strong>Description:</strong><br /> Join ICAN! and IPHCA for a one-hour webinar on Illinois' new Family Planning State Plan Amendment (SPA). This expanded Medicaid coverage was created to help ensure that every person can decide, if, when, and under what circumstances to be pregnant and parent. This partial benefits program will be administered by Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and will provide individuals not otherwise eligible for or enrolled in full Medicaid or other state-funded medical coverage with family planning and related services for zero out-of-pocket cost including:</p> <ul> <li>Counseling and screening for contraception, including basic infertility care.</li> <li>All FDA-approved birth control methods, including barrier methods, emergency contraception, and permanent methods such as vasectomy or tubal ligation.</li> <li>STI screening, treatment, and management.</li> <li>HIV testing and prevention, including PrEP and PEP.</li> <li>Cervical cancer screenings including management of abnormal results.</li> <li>Breast cancer screening including mammogram, ultrasound, and BRCA testing.</li> <li>Reproductive-related vaccines such as HPV and the Hepatitis A/B vaccine.</li> <li>Testing and treatment of genitourinary concerns.</li> <li>Abortion care services.</li> </ul> <p>Join us Monday, January 23rd for an overview of Family Planning State Plan Amendment eligibility requirements, covered benefits, and enrollment information, including for immediate coverage via Family Planning Presumptive Eligibility (FPPE).</p> <p>Click here to <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expanded-medicaid-coverage-for-family-planning-tickets-503553250327" target="_blank">Register</a>.</p> **Webinar:** Illinois' new Family Planning State Plan Amendment (SPA): What it means for you and your patients. **Date:** Mon, January 23, 2023, **Time:** 12:00 PM -- 1:00 PM CST **Description:** Join ICAN! and IPHCA for a one-hour webinar on Illinois' new Family Planning State Plan Amendment (SPA). This expanded Medicaid coverage was created to help ensure that every person can decide, if, when, and under what circumstances to be pregnant and parent. This partial benefits program will be administered by Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and will provide individuals not otherwise eligible for or enrolled in full Medicaid or other state-funded medical coverage with family planning and related services for zero out-of-pocket cost including: * Counseling and screening for contraception, including basic infertility care. * All FDA-approved birth control methods, including barrier methods, emergency contraception, and permanent methods such as vasectomy or tubal ligation. * STI screening, treatment, and management. * HIV testing and prevention, including PrEP and PEP. * Cervical cancer screenings including management of abnormal results. * Breast cancer screening including mammogram, ultrasound, and BRCA testing. * Reproductive-related vaccines such as HPV and the Hepatitis A/B vaccine. * Testing and treatment of genitourinary concerns. * Abortion care services. Join us Monday, January 23rd for an overview of Family Planning State Plan Amendment eligibility requirements, covered benefits, and enrollment information, including for immediate coverage via Family Planning Presumptive Eligibility (FPPE). Click here to [Register](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expanded-medicaid-coverage-for-family-planning-tickets-503553250327). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46676982?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972023-01-27T19:10:4446677078Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 27, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/15/2023-1/21/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 10.0 to 8.0.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.1% to 3.5%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 191 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>42 of 4,243 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,047 of 94,445 (12.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.2%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains unchanged from last week at 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 8.5% to 13.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.4% to 4.3%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/15/2023-1/21/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 10.0 to 8.0. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 4.1% to 3.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 191 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 42 of 4,243 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,047 of 94,445 (12.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.2%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains unchanged from last week at 1.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 8.5% to 13.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.4% to 4.3%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677078?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-01-27T20:15:1046677079COVID19COVID,COVID-19,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighIDPH: COVID-19 Therapeutics Update and Survey for Providers<p>IDPH has received feedback from consumers especially organ transplant recipients regarding challenges in accessing Remdesivir as well as significant provider hesitancy in prescribing therapeutics. IDPH wishes to understand these barriers and also develop a resource list of providers and facilities offering Remdesivir in Illinois. Please answer the 3 question survey below before Feb 1,2023.</p> <p>COVID – 19 Therapeutic Providers – please click on the following link to complete the Covid-19 Treatment Survey: <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/be5c37890dfa4b53b35c3e907a0ad869" target="_blank">https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/be5c37890dfa4b53b35c3e907a0ad869</a></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is announcing The Rapid Response Evaluation And Treatment of COVID-19 (TREAT COVID-19) program, funded by CDC.&nbsp;</p> <p>TREAT COVID-19 provides wrap around services for COVID-19 treatment and outbreak mitigation efforts to long-term care facility residents. <strong>The service includes on site or telehealth medical consultation and drug interaction review with a licensed medical provider, medication delivery, and the prompt administration of COVID-19 treatment medication with appropriate observation time.</strong> Other services include point-of-care diagnostic testing and vaccination, which will contribute to the early mitigation of outbreaks and prevent healthcare system burden from hospitalizations. <strong>These services come at no cost to facilities or their residents.</strong> &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>On 11/30/2022, the <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/" target="_blank">National Institute of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines for non-hospitalized patients who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19</a> identified the preferred therapies for COVID-19 as ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury). Both medications are highly effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 illness in high-risk patients. However, both have unique administration considerations (such as drug interactions for Paxlovid and intravenous administration for Veklury) that have kept long term care providers from using them. <strong>This new program supports long term care facilities and clinicians by providing residents with rapid access to the preferred treatment options for COVID-19.</strong></p> <p>For more information, please contact <strong><a href="mailto:Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com">Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com</a></strong> <strong>or (708) 600-4233</strong> for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program.</p> IDPH has received feedback from consumers especially organ transplant recipients regarding challenges in accessing Remdesivir as well as significant provider hesitancy in prescribing therapeutics. IDPH wishes to understand these barriers and also develop a resource list of providers and facilities offering Remdesivir in Illinois. Please answer the 3 question survey below before Feb 1,2023. COVID -- 19 Therapeutic Providers -- please click on the following link to complete the Covid-19 Treatment Survey: <https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/be5c37890dfa4b53b35c3e907a0ad869> The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is announcing The Rapid Response Evaluation And Treatment of COVID-19 (TREAT COVID-19) program, funded by CDC. TREAT COVID-19 provides wrap around services for COVID-19 treatment and outbreak mitigation efforts to long-term care facility residents. **The service includes on site or telehealth medical consultation and drug interaction review with a licensed medical provider, medication delivery, and the prompt administration of COVID-19 treatment medication with appropriate observation time.** Other services include point-of-care diagnostic testing and vaccination, which will contribute to the early mitigation of outbreaks and prevent healthcare system burden from hospitalizations. **These services come at no cost to facilities or their residents.** On 11/30/2022, the [National Institute of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines for non-hospitalized patients who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/tables/therapeutic-management-of-nonhospitalized-adults/) identified the preferred therapies for COVID-19 as ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury). Both medications are highly effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 illness in high-risk patients. However, both have unique administration considerations (such as drug interactions for Paxlovid and intravenous administration for Veklury) that have kept long term care providers from using them. **This new program supports long term care facilities and clinicians by providing residents with rapid access to the preferred treatment options for COVID-19.** For more information, please contact **[Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com](mailto:Chicago-covid19@cimpar.com)** **or (708) 600-4233** for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677079?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,434555,20475592023-02-01T19:30:0646677085COVID19COVID,COVID-19,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighIDPH: FDA announces Evusheld is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S.<p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 26, 2023, that the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) has been revised and based on this revision, Evusheld is not currently authorized for use in the U.S. This is because it is unlikely to be active against more than 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the U.S. based on the latest CDC data. However, people who have used Evusheld still have options to increase their protection against the most serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.</p> <p>Questions? Please contact the IDPH COVID – 19 Therapeutics Program at <a href="mailto:dph.MABTherapy@illinois.gov">dph.MABTherapy@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 26, 2023, that the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) has been revised and based on this revision, Evusheld is not currently authorized for use in the U.S. This is because it is unlikely to be active against more than 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the U.S. based on the latest CDC data. However, people who have used Evusheld still have options to increase their protection against the most serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Questions? Please contact the IDPH COVID -- 19 Therapeutics Program at [dph.MABTherapy@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.MABTherapy@illinois.gov). Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677085?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,434555,20475592023-02-02T17:59:3446677088BacterialDiseases & Conditions,AnnouncementHighOutbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) in 12 states. Most patients reported using artificial tears. Patients reported more than 10 different brands of artificial tears, and some patients used multiple brands. The majority of patients who used artificial tears reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles. CDC laboratory testing identified the presence of the outbreak strain in opened EzriCare bottles with different lot numbers collected from two states. Patients and healthcare providers should immediately discontinue using EzriCare artificial tears pending additional guidance from CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</p> <p>To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents related to ‘EzriCare artificial Tears’ use since May, 2022, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email <a href="mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org">doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Clinical laboratories that identify any carbapenem‐resistant P. aeruginosa from an ocular specimen or VIM‐CRPA from any specimen source should submit the isolate to the IDPH for further characterization. &nbsp;Please reach out to <a href="mailto:dph.dpsq@illinois.gov">dph.dpsq@illinois.gov</a> for assistance submitting isolates.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details including recommendations for Healthcare Providers and Clinical Laboratories.</p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) in 12 states. Most patients reported using artificial tears. Patients reported more than 10 different brands of artificial tears, and some patients used multiple brands. The majority of patients who used artificial tears reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles. CDC laboratory testing identified the presence of the outbreak strain in opened EzriCare bottles with different lot numbers collected from two states. Patients and healthcare providers should immediately discontinue using EzriCare artificial tears pending additional guidance from CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents related to 'EzriCare artificial Tears' use since May, 2022, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email [doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org](mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org). Clinical laboratories that identify any carbapenem‐resistant P. aeruginosa from an ocular specimen or VIM‐CRPA from any specimen source should submit the isolate to the IDPH for further characterization. Please reach out to [dph.dpsq@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.dpsq@illinois.gov) for assistance submitting isolates. Please see attachment for further details including recommendations for Healthcare Providers and Clinical Laboratories. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677088?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4573972023-06-13T21:37:2246678682VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighThe 2023 VFC Annual Training Registration is Now Open<p>The VFC Annual Training is a requirement for all enrolled providers. &nbsp;Two (2) staff members from each VFC site must complete the training by July 28, 2023 to avoid suspension of ordering privileges.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Annual Training is a requirement for all enrolled providers. Two (2) staff members from each VFC site must complete the training by July 28, 2023 to avoid suspension of ordering privileges. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678682?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722025-02-26T19:18:2346689283RSVDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for ChildrenHighMaternal RSV Vaccine Recommendation<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>As of January 31, 2025, the use of RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy is no longer recommended during this RSV season.</li> <li>Clinicians should continue to administer RSV monoclonal antibody passive immunization, nirsevimab, to eligible infants through March 31, 2025.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * As of January 31, 2025, the use of RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during pregnancy is no longer recommended during this RSV season. * Clinicians should continue to administer RSV monoclonal antibody passive immunization, nirsevimab, to eligible infants through March 31, 2025. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689283?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4404722023-02-03T20:04:1346677089Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 3, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/22/2023-1/28/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>41 of 7,159 (0.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,088 of 101,608 (11.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.2% to 1.3%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>About this report: </strong>&nbsp;This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/22/2023-1/28/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since, October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 41 of 7,159 (0.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,088 of 101,608 (11.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.2%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.2% to 1.3%. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677089?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-03T15:47:0946677780COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp - April 13, 2023<p><strong>COVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp&nbsp;</strong><br /> April 13, 2023<br /> 8:00 Am - 12:30 Pm<br />  </p> <p>Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, and any additional staff who support COVID-19 vaccine Programs are encouraged to attend. &nbsp;No cost CME available.</p> <p>Register &nbsp;at: <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">https://illinoisaap.org/events/</a></p> **COVID-19 Vaccine Bootcamp** April 13, 2023 8:00 Am - 12:30 Pm Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, and any additional staff who support COVID-19 vaccine Programs are encouraged to attend. No cost CME available. Register at: <https://illinoisaap.org/events/> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677780?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-04-04T13:38:4846677682COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)LowIDPH: Reporting of Vaccination and COVID-19 Testing Data - New Link<p>Facilities that are not required to report COVID-19 aggregate vaccination and testing data into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) are required to report data to the Illinois Department of Public Health (Department) on a weekly basis utilizing a link available in the applicable administrative code.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Department is encountering difficulties with the hyperlink in 77 Ill.Adm.Code 300, 77 Ill.Adm. Code 295, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 330, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 350, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 370, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 380, and 77 Ill.Adm.Code 390.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The following hyperlink should be utilized to report COVID-19 vaccination and testing data to the Department:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ltc-vaccination-testing-reporting.html__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!deEg3v-nZHV705XgdjukaM0kr13jSEqSZ1eSqqeevh3QtU_LfSP3UHKKUxaXWDJN05vKnxIxyo1gEsZk_NtChpktf6-Z-EkZ5UpA2kooOKXVhA$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ltc-vaccination-testing-reporting.html</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Facilities that are required to report COVID-19 data to NHSN should continue to do so</strong>.</p> <p> </p> Facilities that are not required to report COVID-19 aggregate vaccination and testing data into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) are required to report data to the Illinois Department of Public Health (Department) on a weekly basis utilizing a link available in the applicable administrative code. The Department is encountering difficulties with the hyperlink in 77 Ill.Adm.Code 300, 77 Ill.Adm. Code 295, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 330, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 350, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 370, 77 Ill.Adm.Code 380, and 77 Ill.Adm.Code 390. **The following hyperlink should be utilized to report COVID-19 vaccination and testing data to the Department:** **[https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ltc-vaccination-testing-reporting.html](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ltc-vaccination-testing-reporting.html__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!deEg3v-nZHV705XgdjukaM0kr13jSEqSZ1eSqqeevh3QtU_LfSP3UHKKUxaXWDJN05vKnxIxyo1gEsZk_NtChpktf6-Z-EkZ5UpA2kooOKXVhA$)** **Facilities that are required to report COVID-19 data to NHSN should continue to do so**. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677682?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,441444,4345562023-04-05T16:49:1646677683AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighConference Registration is now OPEN! Syndemics: Current and Future State – May 2, 8:30-4:00pm<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6749639,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639!16zL20vMGZsbWMy" target="_blank">Malcolm X College</a>. <em>Syndemics: Current and Future State</em> will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public health. &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Registration is now OPEN!</strong> Please use this form to register for this free one-day advanced continuing education program: <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-Registration" target="_blank">CDPH Conference Registration - Syndemics: Current &amp; Future State</a>. We encourage you to share registration widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! &nbsp;</p> <p>If you have any questions related to continuing education credits, conference venue, agenda, speakers, or just want to learn more about the upcoming event, we encourage you to check our conference website at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/sidb-provider-conference/sidb-provider-education.html" target="_blank">Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau Provider Conference</a> for more details. Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! &nbsp;</p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at [Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6749639,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639!16zL20vMGZsbWMy). *Syndemics: Current and Future State* will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public health. **Registration is now OPEN!** Please use this form to register for this free one-day advanced continuing education program: [CDPH Conference Registration - Syndemics: Current \& Future State](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-Registration). We encourage you to share registration widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! If you have any questions related to continuing education credits, conference venue, agenda, speakers, or just want to learn more about the upcoming event, we encourage you to check our conference website at [Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau Provider Conference](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/sidb-provider-conference/sidb-provider-education.html) for more details. Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677683?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972023-04-05T19:07:3646677684ViralDiseases & ConditionsHighIDPH: Situational Awareness: Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania<p><strong>Background</strong><br /> Although the risk of a person arriving in the U.S. and developing Marburg virus disease (MVD) is extremely low given the amount of travel from Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, CDC will be providing some basic information to travelers from these areas who are entering the U.S. Please monitor the areas of concern at the following link (https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg/outbreaks/chronology.html). The IDPH web portal page on MVD has information that may be helpful. As of 3/27/23, there have been eight confirmed cases (5 deaths) in Tanzania and nine confirmed cases (7 deaths) in Equatorial Guinea).</p> <p>Please see the attachment for IDPH Recommendations for Health Care Providers, Recommendations for Triage and Infection Prevention and Control.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>In Chicago</u>, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits immediately for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for MVD testing if indicated and approved.</p> **Background** Although the risk of a person arriving in the U.S. and developing Marburg virus disease (MVD) is extremely low given the amount of travel from Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania, CDC will be providing some basic information to travelers from these areas who are entering the U.S. Please monitor the areas of concern at the following link (https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/marburg/outbreaks/chronology.html). The IDPH web portal page on MVD has information that may be helpful. As of 3/27/23, there have been eight confirmed cases (5 deaths) in Tanzania and nine confirmed cases (7 deaths) in Equatorial Guinea). Please see the attachment for IDPH Recommendations for Health Care Providers, Recommendations for Triage and Infection Prevention and Control. ++In Chicago++, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits immediately for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for MVD testing if indicated and approved. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677684?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-02-06T16:31:4446677090COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVIDHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Harmonization - Feb 6, 2023<p>At the end of January, the FDA VRBPAC panel convened to discuss harmonizing the strain composition of all COVID-19 vaccines and other topics. The committee unanimously voted in agreeance – recommendation is to harmonize the vaccine strain composition of primary series and booster doses used in the U.S. to a single composition. This means that the composition of all vaccines administered would be a bivalent vaccine (Original plus Omicron BA.4/BA.5).&nbsp;</p> <p>As we move towards strain composition harmonization, the monovalent vaccines will be phased out&nbsp;<strong>as they expire</strong>. Please see the table below to find the monovalent expiration and shipping end dates:</p> <table style="width:521px"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Monovalent Vaccine&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Date when all USG doses expire&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>End of shipping (due to &lt;30 days of shelf-life)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Novavax (12+, monovalent)</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>2/28/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>2/1/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Janssen (18+, monovalent)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>5/6/23*&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>4/9/23*&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Moderna Under 6&nbsp;(monovalent)</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>3/26/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>2/19/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Moderna (12+, monovalent)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>4/2/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>3/5/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Moderna (6-11, monovalent)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>4/9/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>3/12/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Pfizer Peds (5-11, monovalent)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>5/21/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>5/21/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Pfizer Under 5&nbsp;(monovalent)</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>7/2/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>6/25/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p><strong>Pfizer (12+, monovalent)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>8/6/23&nbsp;</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align:top"> <p>7/3/23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>*99% of Janssen in the field is expiring in February, but USG will have 100,000 doses through May.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Moderna and Pfizer have already received shelf-life extensions. Novavax and Janssen will NOT receive shelf-life extensions. To check product expiration dates, the best practice is to use the manufacturer’s online expiry checking tools:&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li><strong>Pfizer:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://lotexpiry.cvdvaccine.com/" target="_blank">https://lotexpiry.cvdvaccine.com</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Moderna:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup" target="_blank">https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Novavax:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://us.novavaxcovidvaccine.com/hcp" target="_blank">https://us.novavaxcovidvaccine.com/hcp&nbsp;</a></li> <li><strong>Janssen:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://vaxcheck.jnj/" target="_blank">https://vaxcheck.jnj/&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> <p>Please let us know if you have further questions. You can contact us at <a href="http://COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p> At the end of January, the FDA VRBPAC panel convened to discuss harmonizing the strain composition of all COVID-19 vaccines and other topics. The committee unanimously voted in agreeance -- recommendation is to harmonize the vaccine strain composition of primary series and booster doses used in the U.S. to a single composition. This means that the composition of all vaccines administered would be a bivalent vaccine (Original plus Omicron BA.4/BA.5). As we move towards strain composition harmonization, the monovalent vaccines will be phased out **as they expire**. Please see the table below to find the monovalent expiration and shipping end dates: |------------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | **Monovalent Vaccine** | **Date when all USG doses expire** | **End of shipping (due to \<30 days of shelf-life)** | | **Novavax (12+, monovalent)** | 2/28/23 | 2/1/23 | | **Janssen (18+, monovalent)** | 5/6/23\* | 4/9/23\* | | **Moderna Under 6 (monovalent)** | 3/26/23 | 2/19/23 | | **Moderna (12+, monovalent)** | 4/2/23 | 3/5/23 | | **Moderna (6-11, monovalent)** | 4/9/23 | 3/12/23 | | **Pfizer Peds (5-11, monovalent)** | 5/21/23 | 5/21/23 | | **Pfizer Under 5 (monovalent)** | 7/2/23 | 6/25/23 | | **Pfizer (12+, monovalent)** | 8/6/23 | 7/3/23 | \*99% of Janssen in the field is expiring in February, but USG will have 100,000 doses through May. Moderna and Pfizer have already received shelf-life extensions. Novavax and Janssen will NOT receive shelf-life extensions. To check product expiration dates, the best practice is to use the manufacturer's online expiry checking tools: * **Pfizer:** [https://lotexpiry.cvdvaccine.com](https://lotexpiry.cvdvaccine.com/) * **Moderna:** <https://modernacovid19global.com/vial-lookup> * **Novavax:** <https://us.novavaxcovidvaccine.com/hcp> * **Janssen:** <https://vaxcheck.jnj/> Please let us know if you have further questions. You can contact us at [COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](http://COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677090?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,436930,440472,4414442023-02-06T17:48:0046677182HIVDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighIDPH: Mandatory HIV Surveillance Reporting Guidelines<p>In Illinois, the Control of Sexually Transmissible Infections Code [77 Illinois Administrative Code Part 693] mandates every health care professional to report each case in which the health care professional has diagnosed or treated a case of HIV. See the following link for information (<a href="http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700693sections.html" target="_blank">http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700693sections.html</a>).</p> <p>All newly diagnosed and confirmed cases of HIV infection must be reported through the local health department in the jurisdiction in which the healthcare provider is located. Failure to collect and report a confirmed diagnosed case of HIV compromises accurate case reporting which in turn jeopardizes necessary funding to conduct ongoing surveillance activities.</p> <p>All newly confirmed diagnosed HIV positive cases and newly treated cases are to be reported on an Illinois Department of Public Health Adult or Pediatric HIV Case Report Form within 7 days of diagnosis or treatment. Case report forms must be mailed confidentially to the local health department within your jurisdiction and must include complete information on the following:</p> <ul> <li>Patient demographics including race, ethnicity and risk factor exposure for HIV</li> <li>Laboratory data</li> <li>HIV testing history</li> <li>HIV treatment history including, antiretroviral use history for persons who have been prescribed ARV medications for treatment of HIV</li> </ul> <p>This information helps to monitor transmission of HIV disease and HIV treatment patterns, as well as HIV drug resistance. The monitoring of HIV disease enables the Department to direct funding and resources to the populations most heavily impacted. Case reports without complete demographic and treatment information require additional and time-consuming follow-up from local health departments. Healthcare providers are encouraged to recognize common barriers in obtaining case information and identify a plan to address those barriers.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached for more&nbsp;information.</p> <p>For more information about HIV, including on how to report cases to CDPH please see: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/sti" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/sti</a></p> <p> </p> In Illinois, the Control of Sexually Transmissible Infections Code \[77 Illinois Administrative Code Part 693\] mandates every health care professional to report each case in which the health care professional has diagnosed or treated a case of HIV. See the following link for information (<http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700693sections.html>). All newly diagnosed and confirmed cases of HIV infection must be reported through the local health department in the jurisdiction in which the healthcare provider is located. Failure to collect and report a confirmed diagnosed case of HIV compromises accurate case reporting which in turn jeopardizes necessary funding to conduct ongoing surveillance activities. All newly confirmed diagnosed HIV positive cases and newly treated cases are to be reported on an Illinois Department of Public Health Adult or Pediatric HIV Case Report Form within 7 days of diagnosis or treatment. Case report forms must be mailed confidentially to the local health department within your jurisdiction and must include complete information on the following: * Patient demographics including race, ethnicity and risk factor exposure for HIV * Laboratory data * HIV testing history * HIV treatment history including, antiretroviral use history for persons who have been prescribed ARV medications for treatment of HIV This information helps to monitor transmission of HIV disease and HIV treatment patterns, as well as HIV drug resistance. The monitoring of HIV disease enables the Department to direct funding and resources to the populations most heavily impacted. Case reports without complete demographic and treatment information require additional and time-consuming follow-up from local health departments. Healthcare providers are encouraged to recognize common barriers in obtaining case information and identify a plan to address those barriers. Please see the attached for more information. For more information about HIV, including on how to report cases to CDPH please see: <https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/sti> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677182?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392023-02-08T17:18:3946677184STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighAMR Gonorrhea: Two Cases of Concern Identified<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Last week, CDC’s Division of STD Prevention released a Dear Colleagues letter (see attached) regarding two gonococcal infections of concerning antimicrobial susceptibility profile and/or genotype identified in Massachusetts (<a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h753800f4,182b6f7a,183751b1&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ05QSU5fMTIyLURNOTcxNzAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1BTVIlMjBHb25vcnJoZWElM0ElMjBUd28lMjBDYXNlcyUyMG9mJTIwQ29uY2VybiUyMElkZW50aWZpZWQ&amp;s=Bn1g9FtnqJDbxgFSvx9luOAraI6zhdZuzX2DsCv2NyQ" target="_blank">clinical alert</a>).&nbsp;</p> <p>The AR Lab Network public health labs continue to be critical partners in detection of and response to antimicrobial resistance. &nbsp;In 2021, CDC supported expansion of AR Lab Network, using American Rescue Plan Act funding, to build capacity for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates using a gradient strip method. This expanded capacity provides access to gonococcal AST, especially for cases of concern. &nbsp;If your jurisdiction receives inquiries about testing and is not currently providing this testing, AR Lab Network regional labs in <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/public-health-laboratories/arln-lab-test-menu" target="_blank">Washington</a> and <a href="https://health.maryland.gov/laboratories/Pages/ARLNHome.aspx" target="_blank">Maryland</a> provide this testing nationwide. &nbsp;Please refer to attached fact sheet for additional information and to share with your clinical partners.</p> <p><strong>Action Items</strong><br /> If patients persistently test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing. Data from this testing helps CDC monitor for new types of resistance and can provide information for treatment decisions.</p> <p><strong>What are the actions to participate in N. gonorrhoeae gradient strip AST service?</strong><br /> Do one of the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Submit a fresh clinical specimen</strong> to your local laboratory that performs GC culture and <strong>ask them to save an isolate</strong> for shipment to Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL) or Washington State Public Health Lab (WSPHL).</li> <li><strong>Ask the laboratory</strong> that has already isolated GC from your patient <strong>to ship the isolate to MDPHL or WSPHL</strong> for further testing.</li> <li>If a local laboratory is <strong>not available</strong> to perform GC culture, <strong>please email</strong> <a href="mailto:MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov">MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov</a> or <a href="mailto:ARLN@doh.wa.gov">ARLN@doh.wa.gov</a> to plan specimen collection and shipment for GC culture.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<br /> Please see the attachments for full details.</p> **Summary** Last week, CDC's Division of STD Prevention released a Dear Colleagues letter (see attached) regarding two gonococcal infections of concerning antimicrobial susceptibility profile and/or genotype identified in Massachusetts ([clinical alert](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h753800f4,182b6f7a,183751b1&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ05QSU5fMTIyLURNOTcxNzAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1BTVIlMjBHb25vcnJoZWElM0ElMjBUd28lMjBDYXNlcyUyMG9mJTIwQ29uY2VybiUyMElkZW50aWZpZWQ&s=Bn1g9FtnqJDbxgFSvx9luOAraI6zhdZuzX2DsCv2NyQ)). The AR Lab Network public health labs continue to be critical partners in detection of and response to antimicrobial resistance. In 2021, CDC supported expansion of AR Lab Network, using American Rescue Plan Act funding, to build capacity for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates using a gradient strip method. This expanded capacity provides access to gonococcal AST, especially for cases of concern. If your jurisdiction receives inquiries about testing and is not currently providing this testing, AR Lab Network regional labs in [Washington](https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/public-health-laboratories/arln-lab-test-menu) and [Maryland](https://health.maryland.gov/laboratories/Pages/ARLNHome.aspx) provide this testing nationwide. Please refer to attached fact sheet for additional information and to share with your clinical partners. **Action Items** If patients persistently test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing. Data from this testing helps CDC monitor for new types of resistance and can provide information for treatment decisions. **What are the actions to participate in N. gonorrhoeae gradient strip AST service?** Do one of the following: * **Submit a fresh clinical specimen** to your local laboratory that performs GC culture and **ask them to save an isolate** for shipment to Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL) or Washington State Public Health Lab (WSPHL). * **Ask the laboratory** that has already isolated GC from your patient **to ship the isolate to MDPHL or WSPHL** for further testing. * If a local laboratory is **not available** to perform GC culture, **please email** [MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov](mailto:MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov) or [ARLN@doh.wa.gov](mailto:ARLN@doh.wa.gov) to plan specimen collection and shipment for GC culture. <br /> Please see the attachments for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677184?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392023-02-10T21:53:5846677096Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 10, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/29/2023-2/4/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.8 to 6.1.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.1% to 2.7%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>20 of &nbsp;4,581 (0.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,199 of 106,949 (11.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.2% to 0.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV is 1.2%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.5% to 1.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 19.4% to 18.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 4.0%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/29/2023-2/4/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 85. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.8 to 6.1. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 3.1% to 2.7%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 189 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 20 of 4,581 (0.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,199 of 106,949 (11.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.2% to 0.7%. * The test positivity for RSV is 1.2%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.5% to 1.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 19.4% to 18.7%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 4.0%. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677096?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-02-14T16:55:5746677187VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - February 14, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Routine Immunization Coverage</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention - Vaccination</li> <li>Future COVID-19 Vaccine Plans</li> <li>Expiration of Multi Dose Vials and more!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Routine Immunization Coverage * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention - Vaccination * Future COVID-19 Vaccine Plans * Expiration of Multi Dose Vials and more! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677187?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-02-15T17:59:4046677097Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,Lab,AnnouncementHighIDPH: Immediate Reporting and Biothreat Agent Laboratory Submission Requirements<p><strong>Suspect or Confirmed Human Infections that are Immediately Reportable to Public Health </strong></p> <p>IDPH Communicable Disease Rules require immediate reporting (within 3 hours of identifying a suspected human infection) of the agents/conditions listed below:</p> <ul> <li>Anthrax</li> <li>Botulism, foodborne</li> <li>Diphtheria</li> <li>Ebola, Marburg or other hemorrhagic fever viruses</li> <li>Influenza, novel</li> <li>MERS/SARS</li> <li>Plague</li> <li>Polio</li> <li>Smallpox</li> <li>Brucella, Q fever or Tularemia if outbreak or possible bioterrorism threat, otherwise within 24 hours.</li> <li>Any unusual case/cluster of urgent public health significance including, but not limited to, cowpox, glanders, melioidosis, amoebic meningoencephalitis, orf, mpox, hemorrhagic fever viruses or infection from a laboratory-acquired recombinant organism</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment regarding a focus on Marburg virus infection</p> <p><strong>Laboratory Submission Requirements related to Biothreat Agents that are Immediately Reportable to Public Health</strong><br /> In addition to immediate reporting of suspected human infection due to any of the agents listed above, specimens suspected of containing organisms considered “biothreat agents” must be sent to an IDPH laboratory for testing, as outlined below. Additional information regarding laboratory identification and procedures involving these biothreat agents can be found in <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/ODC-Labs_Manual-of-Services_08302022.pdf" target="_blank">IDPH Division of Laboratories Manual of Laboratory Services</a>, as well as the attached biothreat agent poster and biothreat agent bench cards. For questions related to these agents, including steps to take when a clinical laboratory receives a request for testing to identify one of these organisms, contact the IDPH Laboratory in your region.</p> <p><u>Agent,&nbsp; &nbsp; Preferred Specimen Type(s)</u><br /> <em>Bacillus anthracis</em>,&nbsp; &nbsp;Referred isolate<br /> <em>Brucella spp</em>.,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Referred isolate<br /> <em>Burkholderiapseudomallei/mallei</em>,&nbsp; &nbsp;Referred isolate<br /> <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>,&nbsp; &nbsp;Whole blood<br /> <em>Francisella tularensis</em>,&nbsp; &nbsp;Referred isolate<br /> <em>Variola</em> virus,&nbsp; &nbsp;Swabs;scabs<br /> <em>Yersinia pestis</em>,&nbsp; &nbsp;Referred isolate<br /> Marburg or Ebola,&nbsp; &nbsp;Whole blood</p> <p><strong>Immediate Reporting of Animal Infections</strong><br /> Animals suspected of having the following diseases, which can cause severe disease or an outbreak in humans, must be reported by veterinarians and others (e.g. herd owners, flock owners) immediately to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and they will determine where testing can be done:</p> <ul> <li>Avian influenza</li> <li>Brucellosis</li> <li>Mpox (formerly monkeypox)</li> <li>Plague</li> <li>Q fever</li> <li>Rabies</li> <li>Tularemia</li> </ul> <p>(Note: this is not a comprehensive list of all diseases reportable to IDOA. Additional reporting requirements can be found at :<br /> <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/AnimalDiseases/Pages/ReportableDiseases.aspx" target="_blank">https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/AnimalDiseases/Pages/ReportableDiseases.aspx</a>)</p> <p><strong>For reporting in the city of Chicago please call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the CDPH medical director on call.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Please see the attachments for full information.</p> **Suspect or Confirmed Human Infections that are Immediately Reportable to Public Health** IDPH Communicable Disease Rules require immediate reporting (within 3 hours of identifying a suspected human infection) of the agents/conditions listed below: * Anthrax * Botulism, foodborne * Diphtheria * Ebola, Marburg or other hemorrhagic fever viruses * Influenza, novel * MERS/SARS * Plague * Polio * Smallpox * Brucella, Q fever or Tularemia if outbreak or possible bioterrorism threat, otherwise within 24 hours. * Any unusual case/cluster of urgent public health significance including, but not limited to, cowpox, glanders, melioidosis, amoebic meningoencephalitis, orf, mpox, hemorrhagic fever viruses or infection from a laboratory-acquired recombinant organism Please see the attachment regarding a focus on Marburg virus infection **Laboratory Submission Requirements related to Biothreat Agents that are Immediately Reportable to Public Health** In addition to immediate reporting of suspected human infection due to any of the agents listed above, specimens suspected of containing organisms considered "biothreat agents" must be sent to an IDPH laboratory for testing, as outlined below. Additional information regarding laboratory identification and procedures involving these biothreat agents can be found in [IDPH Division of Laboratories Manual of Laboratory Services](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/ODC-Labs_Manual-of-Services_08302022.pdf), as well as the attached biothreat agent poster and biothreat agent bench cards. For questions related to these agents, including steps to take when a clinical laboratory receives a request for testing to identify one of these organisms, contact the IDPH Laboratory in your region. ++Agent, Preferred Specimen Type(s)++ *Bacillus anthracis* , Referred isolate *Brucella spp* ., Referred isolate *Burkholderiapseudomallei/mallei* , Referred isolate *Coxiella burnetii* , Whole blood *Francisella tularensis* , Referred isolate *Variola* virus, Swabs;scabs *Yersinia pestis* , Referred isolate Marburg or Ebola, Whole blood **Immediate Reporting of Animal Infections** Animals suspected of having the following diseases, which can cause severe disease or an outbreak in humans, must be reported by veterinarians and others (e.g. herd owners, flock owners) immediately to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and they will determine where testing can be done: * Avian influenza * Brucellosis * Mpox (formerly monkeypox) * Plague * Q fever * Rabies * Tularemia (Note: this is not a comprehensive list of all diseases reportable to IDOA. Additional reporting requirements can be found at : <https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Animals/AnimalHealth/AnimalDiseases/Pages/ReportableDiseases.aspx>) **For reporting in the city of Chicago please call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the CDPH medical director on call.** Please see the attachments for full information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677097?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441468,4573972023-02-15T23:18:1346677098COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID,Announcement,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisHighRapid Response Team Vaccination / Therapeutics Services Availability for IL LTC Facilities<p>Please see the attachment for full details including informaiton for Illinois&nbsp;LTCFs location outside the City of Chicago.</p> <p>Within the city of Chicago, the Chicago Public Health Department (CDPH) has partnered with the Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR S.C.) for the TREAT COVID19 program. CIMPAR S.C. will provide onsite mobile treatment and infection prevention services to LTCF residents of Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes and assisted living facilities who test positive for Covid-19.</p> <p><strong>CIMPAR S.C. TREAT COVID-19 Services Provided:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Telehealth consultations and drug interaction reviews</li> <li>Medication courier services</li> <li>Onsite oral and intravenous administration of therapeutics</li> <li>Covid-19 testing and treatment for homebound city residents</li> <li>LTCF support for control of respiratory pathogen outbreaks.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Requesting CIMPAR S.C. TREAT COVID-19 Services</strong>:<br /> LTCFs should contact CIMPAR S.C. directly to initiate requests for services.</p> <ul> <li>Telephone: (708) 600-4233</li> <li>Email: chicago-covid19@cimpar.com</li> <li>CDPH: <a href="mailto:Christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org">Christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org</a></li> </ul> Please see the attachment for full details including informaiton for Illinois LTCFs location outside the City of Chicago. Within the city of Chicago, the Chicago Public Health Department (CDPH) has partnered with the Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR S.C.) for the TREAT COVID19 program. CIMPAR S.C. will provide onsite mobile treatment and infection prevention services to LTCF residents of Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes and assisted living facilities who test positive for Covid-19. **CIMPAR S.C. TREAT COVID-19 Services Provided:** * Telehealth consultations and drug interaction reviews * Medication courier services * Onsite oral and intravenous administration of therapeutics * Covid-19 testing and treatment for homebound city residents * LTCF support for control of respiratory pathogen outbreaks. **Requesting CIMPAR S.C. TREAT COVID-19 Services** : LTCFs should contact CIMPAR S.C. directly to initiate requests for services. * Telephone: (708) 600-4233 * Email: chicago-covid19@cimpar.com * CDPH: [Christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Christy.zelinski@cityofchicago.org) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677098?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,441444,457397,20475592023-02-17T15:30:1646677189COVID19COVID,COVID-19,COVID-19 VaccineHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Shelf Life Extensions + Updates<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Several lots of monovalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months – 5 years have received shelf-life extensions.</li> <li>Quarantine your expired COVID-19 vaccine doses with "do not use" labels for at least a month before discarding</li> <li>Novavax and J&amp;J COVID-19 vaccine formulations have been phased out of distribution</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Several lots of monovalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6 months -- 5 years have received shelf-life extensions. * Quarantine your expired COVID-19 vaccine doses with "do not use" labels for at least a month before discarding * Novavax and J\&J COVID-19 vaccine formulations have been phased out of distribution Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677189?p_r_p_categoryId=441444,434555,4369292023-04-05T20:49:4046677782VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - April 5, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>VFC Re-Enrollment</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Follow up for Non-Responders</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Early Initiation of HPV&nbsp;Vaccine&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * VFC Re-Enrollment * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention -Follow up for Non-Responders * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * Early Initiation of HPV Vaccine Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677782?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-06-15T14:33:2646678786MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighCORRECTION: Access to Oral Tecovirimat for the Treatment of MPOX - June 14, 2023<p>Update from HAN Alert sent June 15, 2023 at 9:14am</p> <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Several antivirals may be useful for the treatment of mpox. At this time, tecovirimat (TPOXX) is the treatment of choice.</li> <li>All patients with new confirmed or probable mpox infection should be informed about the Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus (STOMP).</li> <li>If patients are eligible (within 14 days of illness onset and have not previously received TPOXX) and interested in enrolling, they should contact the STOMP study call center number: 855-876-9997</li> <li>Patients who are not interested in STOMP who also have severe disease, are at risk for severe disease, or who have involvement of anatomic areas that might result in serious sequelae may be eligible for TPOXX via Expanded Access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) protocol.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> Update from HAN Alert sent June 15, 2023 at 9:14am **Summary and Action Items** * Several antivirals may be useful for the treatment of mpox. At this time, tecovirimat (TPOXX) is the treatment of choice. * All patients with new confirmed or probable mpox infection should be informed about the Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus (STOMP). * If patients are eligible (within 14 days of illness onset and have not previously received TPOXX) and interested in enrolling, they should contact the STOMP study call center number: 855-876-9997 * Patients who are not interested in STOMP who also have severe disease, are at risk for severe disease, or who have involvement of anatomic areas that might result in serious sequelae may be eligible for TPOXX via Expanded Access Investigational New Drug (EA-IND) protocol. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678786?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392023-06-16T19:32:4446678787Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 16, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 19&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.7 to &nbsp;1.5.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.3% to 3.7%</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>17 of 2,917 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 76.5% positive for influenza B. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 12,604 of 168,556 (7.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.7% to 4.5%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus remains at 18.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.8% to 4.4%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 19 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is Low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.7 to 1.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.3% to 3.7% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 17 of 2,917 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 76.5% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,604 of 168,556 (7.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.7% to 4.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus remains at 18.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.8% to 4.4%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678787?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-06-20T20:11:0246678685InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHigh IDPH SIREN, Variant and Novel Influenza Awareness - June 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Provide awareness of variant and novel influenza viruses.</li> <li>Remind local health departments (LHDs) and providers that influenza testing and subtyping is&nbsp;</li> <li>available at IDPH labs if novel influenza is suspected and encouraged if influenza is occurring&nbsp;</li> <li>outside of the normal influenza season&nbsp;</li> <li>Encourage LHDs to work with directors at fairs and other events where swine and poultry will be&nbsp;</li> <li>present to ensure signage is posted.</li> </ul> <p>To notify CDPH of any suspect novel or variant influenza cases in Chicago residents and request influenza RT-PCR testing, call 312-743-9000 and press 1 when prompted. After hours, call 311 and ask to speak with the physician on-call.</p> <p>Additionally, CDC is requesting that during the late spring and summer months, influenza A positive samples from patients in the ICU that are not subtyped in clinical labs be submitted to state or local public health laboratories for subtyping. Call CDPH at 312-743-9000 ext 1 during business hours to arrange for specimen submission to the IDPH Public Health Laboratory if your patient meets this criteria.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Provide awareness of variant and novel influenza viruses. * Remind local health departments (LHDs) and providers that influenza testing and subtyping is * available at IDPH labs if novel influenza is suspected and encouraged if influenza is occurring * outside of the normal influenza season * Encourage LHDs to work with directors at fairs and other events where swine and poultry will be * present to ensure signage is posted. To notify CDPH of any suspect novel or variant influenza cases in Chicago residents and request influenza RT-PCR testing, call 312-743-9000 and press 1 when prompted. After hours, call 311 and ask to speak with the physician on-call. Additionally, CDC is requesting that during the late spring and summer months, influenza A positive samples from patients in the ICU that are not subtyped in clinical labs be submitted to state or local public health laboratories for subtyping. Call CDPH at 312-743-9000 ext 1 during business hours to arrange for specimen submission to the IDPH Public Health Laboratory if your patient meets this criteria. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678685?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-06-20T21:20:0946678686West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 20, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 20, 2023&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and&nbsp;includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of&nbsp;Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this&nbsp;reporting period, there were (2) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 20, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were (2) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678686?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982023-02-17T18:36:5446677190Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 17, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/5/2023-2/11/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Key points for the week:&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19</strong>: <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 86.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.1 to 4.9.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 2.7% to 2.9%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is decreasing.</li> <li>Two new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 191 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>40 of &nbsp;4,469 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,144 of 108,513 (11.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</li> </ul> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV is 1.1%.</li> <li>The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.3% to 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.7% to 17.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 5.1%.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/5/2023-2/11/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19** : *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 86. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 6.1 to 4.9. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 2.7% to 2.9%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is decreasing. * Two new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 191 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 40 of 4,469 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,144 of 108,513 (11.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). <br /> **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV is 1.1%. * The prophylactic medication palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and young children who are at high risk for severe disease. See AAP guidance for information on use. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.3% to 1.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.7% to 17.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 5.1%. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677190?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-06T15:14:2346677685Marburg VirusDiseases & Conditions,Marburg VirusHighCDC Health Advisory: Marburg Virus Disease Outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)—one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these two outbreaks are related; most experts agree that these represent two independent animal-to-human spillover events. To date, <strong>no confirmed cases of MVD related to these outbreaks have been reported in the United States or other countries outside Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania</strong>. This Health Advisory provides information about these outbreaks to increase awareness of the risk of imported cases in the United States. It also summarizes CDC’s recommendations for case identification, testing, and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations in the United States.</p> <p>The attached CDC Health Advisory contains recommendations for clinicians, clinical laboratories, and the public.</p> <p>In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits <strong>immediately</strong> for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for MVD testing if indicated and approved.</p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)---one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these two outbreaks are related; most experts agree that these represent two independent animal-to-human spillover events. To date, **no confirmed cases of MVD related to these outbreaks have been reported in the United States or other countries outside Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania**. This Health Advisory provides information about these outbreaks to increase awareness of the risk of imported cases in the United States. It also summarizes CDC's recommendations for case identification, testing, and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations in the United States. The attached CDC Health Advisory contains recommendations for clinicians, clinical laboratories, and the public. In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Marburg virus disease (MVD) should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health physician on call by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits **immediately** for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for MVD testing if indicated and approved. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677685?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,60378932023-04-07T18:13:2046677687Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 7, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/26/2023 - 4/1/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span><br />  </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 55.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 2.7 to 5.8.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.4% to 2.2%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 197 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">35 of 3,674 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,327 of 137,528 (9.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is at local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza decreased from 3.1% to 2.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 15.5%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased 4.8% to 4.0%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at 11.1%. &nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 3/26/2023 - 4/1/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 55. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 2.7 to 5.8. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.4% to 2.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No new influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 197 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 35 of 3,674 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,327 of 137,528 (9.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is at local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza decreased from 3.1% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.6% to 15.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased 4.8% to 4.0%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at 11.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677687?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-11T22:17:0946677787Project FrontlineDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Infection Control,AnnouncementHighTrain Your Team with CDC Project Firstline<p>As a CDC Project Firstline Partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to share new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection.</p> <p>We all know that no day in healthcare is the same. You and the team of Healthcare workers around you must make infection control decisions in the moment. Project Firstline’s new training toolkits can help your team learn to recognize infection risks throughout their workday, so they can make the right decisions to protect everyone in your healthcare setting.</p> <p>Respectful of healthcare workers time, Project Firstline’s materials are designed to accommodate you and your team’s busy schedules. The new resources range from graphics and videos to toolkits you can use to host your own infection control trainings.</p> <p>Over the coming weeks we will be sending <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GXVJWK" target="_blank">newsletters</a> with tools and resources for a variety of topics to support your infection control efforts. Stay up to date on the latest Project Firstline resources and <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GXVJWK" target="_blank">register today</a> to receive the Infection Prevention Essentials Newsletter!</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> As a CDC Project Firstline Partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to share new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection. We all know that no day in healthcare is the same. You and the team of Healthcare workers around you must make infection control decisions in the moment. Project Firstline's new training toolkits can help your team learn to recognize infection risks throughout their workday, so they can make the right decisions to protect everyone in your healthcare setting. Respectful of healthcare workers time, Project Firstline's materials are designed to accommodate you and your team's busy schedules. The new resources range from graphics and videos to toolkits you can use to host your own infection control trainings. Over the coming weeks we will be sending [newsletters](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GXVJWK) with tools and resources for a variety of topics to support your infection control efforts. Stay up to date on the latest Project Firstline resources and [register today](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GXVJWK) to receive the Infection Prevention Essentials Newsletter! Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677787?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,440266,441465,4573972023-04-14T19:44:5646677693Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 14, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 4/2/2023 - 4/8/2023&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> metrics are based on 7-day averages</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 38.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.8 to 4.3.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.2% to 1.9%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">11 of 3,356 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,338 of 140,893 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is at local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 2.8% to 3.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.5% to 17.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 4.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 11.1% to 8.8%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 4/2/2023 - 4/8/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** metrics are based on 7-day averages * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population is 38. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 5.8 to 4.3. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 2.2% to 1.9%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One new influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 11 of 3,356 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,338 of 140,893 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is at local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 2.8% to 3.9%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.5% to 17.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 4.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 11.1% to 8.8%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677693?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-19T18:08:4646677697ImmunizationDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighNational Infant Immunization Week - April 24-30, 2023<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong><br /> • National Infant Immunization Week (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html" target="_blank">NIIW</a>) is April 24 – 30, 2023.<br /> • During the pandemic, the vaccination rates of Chicago infants lagged in several key immunizations, including Measles, Hepatitis A, and Flu (Influenza).<br /> • On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/forgot-14-diseases.html" target="_blank">14 potentially life threatening childhood diseases</a>.<br /> • The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html" target="_blank">Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)</a> offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children through doctors enrolled in the program.<br /> • Stay on track with children’s well-child appointments and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf" target="_blank">routine vaccinations</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information, including upcoming vaccination clinics for youth.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** • National Infant Immunization Week ([NIIW](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html)) is April 24 -- 30, 2023. • During the pandemic, the vaccination rates of Chicago infants lagged in several key immunizations, including Measles, Hepatitis A, and Flu (Influenza). • On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against [14 potentially life threatening childhood diseases](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/forgot-14-diseases.html). • The [Vaccines for Children Program (VFC)](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html) offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children through doctors enrolled in the program. • Stay on track with children's well-child appointments and [routine vaccinations](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf). Please see the attached for more information, including upcoming vaccination clinics for youth. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677697?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202023-04-19T21:14:3146677793COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighWebinar: Simplified COVID-19 Schedules & More - April 25, 2023<p>Please consider attending the April 25, 2023 webinar: &nbsp;Simplified COVID-19 Schedules &amp; More&nbsp;</p> <p>The Webinar will cover:</p> <ul> <li>New COVID-19 Schedules by Age Group</li> <li>Product Expirations</li> <li>What we Know about Commercialization</li> </ul> <p>Please use this <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">LINK</a> to register. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>See the attached for more information</p> Please consider attending the April 25, 2023 webinar: Simplified COVID-19 Schedules \& More The Webinar will cover: * New COVID-19 Schedules by Age Group * Product Expirations * What we Know about Commercialization Please use this [LINK](https://illinoisaap.org/events/) to register. See the attached for more information truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677793?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-06-21T20:14:4946678688VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - June, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Back to School</li> <li>Annual VFC Training Reminder</li> <li>Polio Vaccination -Progress Toward Eradication</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Flu Pre-book</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Back to School * Annual VFC Training Reminder * Polio Vaccination -Progress Toward Eradication * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * Flu Pre-book Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678688?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-04-20T21:12:2946677795COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,Outpatient Settings,Schools & Day Cares,Correctional Facilities,SYB Congregate Living Facilities,Therapeutics and Prophylaxis,School HealthHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Harmonization Updates - April 20, 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC’s new recommendations allows: <ul> <li>additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for <strong>adults ages 65 years and older</strong>.</li> <li>additional doses for people<strong> ages 6 years and older who are immunocompromised.</strong></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for use in the United States.</span></strong></li> <li>Everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, <strong>regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more details, including details on disposal of monovalent vaccine.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * CDC's new recommendations allows: * additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for **adults ages 65 years and older**. * additional doses for people**ages 6 years and older who are immunocompromised.** * **Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for use in the United States.** * Everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, **regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series**. Please see the attached for more details, including details on disposal of monovalent vaccine. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677795?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,436929,440472,441444,441456,441457,441458,2027963,2047559,20635202023-06-21T21:03:0846678689Vaccine PreventableDiseases & Conditions,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighGuidance on Measles during the Summer Travel Season<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> As the summer travel season begins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to remind clinicians and public health officials to provide guidance for measles prevention to international travelers and to be on alert for cases of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#:~:text=An%20acute%20illness%20characterized%20by,cough%2C%20coryza%2C%20or%20conjunctivitis" target="_blank">measles</a>. &nbsp;Guidance is also provided for people planning international travel. Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious; one person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. As of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html" target="_blank">June 8, 2023</a>, CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 11 jurisdictions, with 14 (88%) linked to international travel. Based on current estimates, twice as many Americans are planning to travel internationally in 2023 compared with 2022. Many countries and popular travel destinations, such as<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-17-2023/hpr-volume-17-issue-5-news-4-may-2023" target="_blank"> London, England</a>, have experienced measles outbreaks in recent years. The United States has seen an <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html" target="_blank">increase in measles cases</a> during the first 5 months of 2023, with 16 reported cases compared with 3 in 2022 during the same period. Most of these cases were among children who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel regardless of the destination.</p> <p>Providers who suspect measles infection, including those who plan to obtain measles serologic testing on those with rash illnesses, should contact CDPH by calling the CDPH Disease Reporting line at 312-743-9000. &nbsp;After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago). Molecular testing for measles can be performed at the IDPH laboratories for patients after consultation with CDPH. Some commercial laboratory service providers are now offering measles PCR testing; please note any providers who plan to test via commercial laboratories should contact public health at the time of the patient presentation to report the suspect case.</p> <p>For more information about measles see: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles</a></p> **Summary** As the summer travel season begins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to remind clinicians and public health officials to provide guidance for measles prevention to international travelers and to be on alert for cases of [measles](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#:~:text=An%20acute%20illness%20characterized%20by,cough%2C%20coryza%2C%20or%20conjunctivitis). Guidance is also provided for people planning international travel. Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious; one person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. As of [June 8, 2023](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html), CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 11 jurisdictions, with 14 (88%) linked to international travel. Based on current estimates, twice as many Americans are planning to travel internationally in 2023 compared with 2022. Many countries and popular travel destinations, such as[London, England](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-17-2023/hpr-volume-17-issue-5-news-4-may-2023), have experienced measles outbreaks in recent years. The United States has seen an [increase in measles cases](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html) during the first 5 months of 2023, with 16 reported cases compared with 3 in 2022 during the same period. Most of these cases were among children who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel regardless of the destination. Providers who suspect measles infection, including those who plan to obtain measles serologic testing on those with rash illnesses, should contact CDPH by calling the CDPH Disease Reporting line at 312-743-9000. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago). Molecular testing for measles can be performed at the IDPH laboratories for patients after consultation with CDPH. Some commercial laboratory service providers are now offering measles PCR testing; please note any providers who plan to test via commercial laboratories should contact public health at the time of the patient presentation to report the suspect case. For more information about measles see: <https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678689?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438313,440472,20635202023-06-22T16:29:1846678879LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)High IDPH: Use of Transmission-Based Precautions and Room Placement Options for XDROs in Skilled Nursing<p>The control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs),&nbsp;&nbsp;and emerging pathogens is particularly challenging in skilled nursing facilities(SNFs). The purpose of the&nbsp;attached document is to summarize best practicesfor the use of transmission-based precautionsin&nbsp;SNFs and to assist with decision-making regarding the placement of residents with organisms of&nbsp;concern. The guidance will help with determining whether to place a resident on Contact Precautions or&nbsp;Enhanced Barrier Precautionsin SNFs.</p> <p>Additional resources will be available in the near future. Please direct any questions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov">dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> The control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs), and emerging pathogens is particularly challenging in skilled nursing facilities(SNFs). The purpose of the attached document is to summarize best practicesfor the use of transmission-based precautionsin SNFs and to assist with decision-making regarding the placement of residents with organisms of concern. The guidance will help with determining whether to place a resident on Contact Precautions or Enhanced Barrier Precautionsin SNFs. Additional resources will be available in the near future. Please direct any questions to [dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov). Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678879?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562023-06-23T17:39:1746679178VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighICAAP MH Needs Assessment<p>The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is working to help expand the network of pediatric healthcare providers supporting the mental health and development of children. ICAAP is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what barriers exist, what support primary care providers need, and practice readiness. The information gathered will be used to develop our overall approach to supporting pediatric healthcare providers in our state and to inform the creation of the implementation plan for the Illinois Blueprint for Children Behavioral Health Transformation.</p> <p>We welcome all pediatric primary care and subspecialty care providers to <a href="https://sr4partners.typeform.com/to/lYiw7jsa" target="_blank">complete the assessment</a>.</p> The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is working to help expand the network of pediatric healthcare providers supporting the mental health and development of children. ICAAP is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what barriers exist, what support primary care providers need, and practice readiness. The information gathered will be used to develop our overall approach to supporting pediatric healthcare providers in our state and to inform the creation of the implementation plan for the Illinois Blueprint for Children Behavioral Health Transformation. We welcome all pediatric primary care and subspecialty care providers to [complete the assessment](https://sr4partners.typeform.com/to/lYiw7jsa). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679178?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-06-23T19:08:2246679179Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 23, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 24&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong>&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a>&nbsp;was not updated by CDC this week. Based on local data sources, the admission level remains low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.7% to 2.9%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>13 of 2,470 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 46.2% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,617 of 171,030 (7.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 4.5% to 4.6%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.9% to 16.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.4% to 4.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 24 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) was not updated by CDC this week. Based on local data sources, the admission level remains low. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.7% to 2.9%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 13 of 2,470 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 46.2% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,617 of 171,030 (7.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 4.5% to 4.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.9% to 16.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.4% to 4.1%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1% truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679179?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-21T15:57:5746677796AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Perinatal Hepatitis B,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Zika,Announcement,MonkeypoxHighConference Registration is Closing Soon! Syndemics: Current and Future State – May 2, 8:30-4:00pm<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6749639,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639!16zL20vMGZsbWMy" target="_blank">Malcolm X College</a>. Syndemics: Current and Future State will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public health. &nbsp;</p> <p>Syndemics: Current and Future State is a little over a week away and registration will be closing soon! <em><strong>Please be sure to register for the event by Wednesday, April 26, 2023! </strong></em>Please use this form to register for this free one-day advanced continuing education program: <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-Registration" target="_blank">CDPH Conference Registration - Syndemics: Current &amp; Future State</a>. We encourage you to share registration widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> If you have any questions related to continuing education credits, conference venue, agenda, speakers, or just want to learn more about the upcoming event, we encourage you to check our conference website at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/sidb-provider-conference/sidb-provider-education.html" target="_blank">Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau Provider Conference</a> for more details. <em>Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!</em></p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Tuesday, May 2, 8:30am-4pm at [Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6749639,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639!16zL20vMGZsbWMy). Syndemics: Current and Future State will highlight the newly formed Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at CDPH and will focus on the evolution and trends of HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis with presentations by federal, state and local leaders in public health. Syndemics: Current and Future State is a little over a week away and registration will be closing soon! ***Please be sure to register for the event by Wednesday, April 26, 2023!*** Please use this form to register for this free one-day advanced continuing education program: [CDPH Conference Registration - Syndemics: Current \& Future State](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-Registration). We encourage you to share registration widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! <br /> If you have any questions related to continuing education credits, conference venue, agenda, speakers, or just want to learn more about the upcoming event, we encourage you to check our conference website at [Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau Provider Conference](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/sidb-provider-conference/sidb-provider-education.html) for more details. *Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!* falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677796?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,438640,438739,439651,457397,20482392023-04-21T20:31:5946677797Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 21, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 15 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population has increased from&nbsp;38 to 46.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.3&nbsp;to 3.9.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is 1.9%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">37 of 3,429&nbsp;(1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,338 of 144,328&nbsp;(8.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html">City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance </a>for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_482.pdf" target="_blank">interim guidance</a> for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from&nbsp;3.9% to 5.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.1% to 16.7%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from&nbsp;4.8% to 5.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 8.8% to 8.1%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 15 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population has increased from 38 to 46. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.3 to 3.9. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is 1.9%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 37 of 3,429 (1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,338 of 144,328 (8.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf)for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued[](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305)[interim guidance](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_482.pdf) for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza increased from 3.9% to 5.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.1% to 16.7%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.8% to 5.1%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 8.8% to 8.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677797?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-04-21T21:49:5946677798AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighSAVE THE DATE: Illinois Summit on Antimicrobial Stewardship: June 13, 2023<p><strong>SAVE THE DATE: Illinois Summit on&nbsp;Antimicrobial Stewardship</strong><br /> June 13, 2023 &nbsp;8:30 AM - 5:00 PM<br /> Bloomington, Illinois</p> <p><u>Purpose</u><br /> • Summarize the regulatory and national landscape for antimicrobial stewardship.<br /> • Apply national guidelines and best practices for implementing and evaluating facility antimicrobial stewardship programs.<br /> • Review past successful antimicrobial stewardship programs and lessons learned.<br /> • Identify tools and resources for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs.</p> <p><u>Questions?</u><br /> Contact the event organizers at <a href="mailto:Antibiotic.Stewardship@Hektoen.org">Antibiotic.Stewardship@Hektoen.org</a></p> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p> **SAVE THE DATE: Illinois Summit on Antimicrobial Stewardship** June 13, 2023 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Bloomington, Illinois ++Purpose++ • Summarize the regulatory and national landscape for antimicrobial stewardship. • Apply national guidelines and best practices for implementing and evaluating facility antimicrobial stewardship programs. • Review past successful antimicrobial stewardship programs and lessons learned. • Identify tools and resources for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs. ++Questions?++ Contact the event organizers at [Antibiotic.Stewardship@Hektoen.org](mailto:Antibiotic.Stewardship@Hektoen.org) Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677798?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,4402662023-04-24T21:06:2246677702AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,AnnouncementHighCORRECTION: Announcement and Trainings for the End of the Continuous Coverage Requirement<p>Continuous Medicaid coverage that was provided during the pandemic without re-enrollment requirements will be ending soon when the federal public health emergency is lifted on May 11, 2023. This may be the first time in four years that a client will have to do an eligibility check for Medicaid. Below and attached are some resources developed by the Illinois Department of Health &amp; Family Services to prepare healthcare providers and their clients for this significant change:</p> <ul> <li>HFS End of Continuous Coverage Requirement trainings (attached), coming up Thursday 4/27 and Wednesday 5/3</li> <li>The <a href="https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/addresschange/readytorenewmessagingtoolkit.html" target="_blank">IDHFS Ready to Renew Toolkit Webpage</a></li> <li>If your organization is interested in a presentation or training, please fill out the <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBTbKZBznGGtCvZpLveh6uvdUNzFVQ1Q3QVBUN0ozRFVZRjlHTUxGSDhHOS4u&amp;web=1&amp;wdLOR=c1A4772A6-5CC4-42D0-BDE5-E8C4C2F034B0" target="_blank">IDHFS Outreach Request Form</a>. For immediate answers, please call their hotline at 1-800-226-0768.</li> <li>For additional questions, IDHFS has created a webpage for <a href="https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/faqsendofcontinuouscoverage.html" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. These FAQs will be updated frequently so please bookmark and return to this page to see if your questions have been answered. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><em>Note:&nbsp; Corrected attachment</em></p> Continuous Medicaid coverage that was provided during the pandemic without re-enrollment requirements will be ending soon when the federal public health emergency is lifted on May 11, 2023. This may be the first time in four years that a client will have to do an eligibility check for Medicaid. Below and attached are some resources developed by the Illinois Department of Health \& Family Services to prepare healthcare providers and their clients for this significant change: * HFS End of Continuous Coverage Requirement trainings (attached), coming up Thursday 4/27 and Wednesday 5/3 * The [IDHFS Ready to Renew Toolkit Webpage](https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/addresschange/readytorenewmessagingtoolkit.html) * If your organization is interested in a presentation or training, please fill out the [IDHFS Outreach Request Form](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBTbKZBznGGtCvZpLveh6uvdUNzFVQ1Q3QVBUN0ozRFVZRjlHTUxGSDhHOS4u&web=1&wdLOR=c1A4772A6-5CC4-42D0-BDE5-E8C4C2F034B0). For immediate answers, please call their hotline at 1-800-226-0768. * For additional questions, IDHFS has created a webpage for [Frequently Asked Questions](https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/faqsendofcontinuouscoverage.html). These FAQs will be updated frequently so please bookmark and return to this page to see if your questions have been answered. *Note: Corrected attachment* truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677702?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4573972023-04-26T14:38:2546677799Laboratory InformationLabHighNeisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae Clinical Materials Submission to IDPH<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p><em>Neisseria meningitidis</em> and <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> are bacterial pathogens known to potentially cause serious invasive disease. In Illinois, all cases of invasive disease caused by these organisms are reportable within 24 hours to your local health department. This memo is to serve as a reminder that pursuant to sections <a href="ftp://www.ilga.gov/jcar/admincode/077/077006900D04410R.html" target="_blank">690.441</a> and <a href="ftp://www.ilga.gov/jcar/admincode/077/077006900D05550R.html" target="_blank">690.555</a> of the Illinois Control of Communicable Disease Code, all laboratories shall forward clinical materials from a normally sterile site that are positive for <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> (any type) and <em>Neisseria meningitidis</em> to the Department's laboratory. Examples of specimens from normally sterile body sites include blood, CSF, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, and specimens obtained via sterile technique from other internal sterile body sites.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong></p> <p>The IDPH <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing/communicable-diseases-laboratory-test-requisition-10182021.pdf" target="_blank">test requisition form</a> should be completed and sent with the clinical materials. Prior approval to submit these specimens to the state lab is not required.</p> <p>If you have questions regarding the collection, shipments, or other laboratory aspects of isolate submission, please reference the IDPH <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/ODC-Labs_Manual-of-Services_10.13.2022.pdf" target="_blank">Laboratory Manual of Services</a> or contact the IDPH Chicago laboratory at 312-793-4760. If you have questions regarding surveillance or reporting.</p> **Summary** *Neisseria meningitidis* and *Haemophilus influenzae* are bacterial pathogens known to potentially cause serious invasive disease. In Illinois, all cases of invasive disease caused by these organisms are reportable within 24 hours to your local health department. This memo is to serve as a reminder that pursuant to sections [690.441](ftp://www.ilga.gov/jcar/admincode/077/077006900D04410R.html) and [690.555](ftp://www.ilga.gov/jcar/admincode/077/077006900D05550R.html) of the Illinois Control of Communicable Disease Code, all laboratories shall forward clinical materials from a normally sterile site that are positive for *Haemophilus influenzae* (any type) and *Neisseria meningitidis* to the Department's laboratory. Examples of specimens from normally sterile body sites include blood, CSF, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, and specimens obtained via sterile technique from other internal sterile body sites. Please see attachment for full details. **Reporting Information** The IDPH [test requisition form](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing/communicable-diseases-laboratory-test-requisition-10182021.pdf) should be completed and sent with the clinical materials. Prior approval to submit these specimens to the state lab is not required. If you have questions regarding the collection, shipments, or other laboratory aspects of isolate submission, please reference the IDPH [Laboratory Manual of Services](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/ODC-Labs_Manual-of-Services_10.13.2022.pdf) or contact the IDPH Chicago laboratory at 312-793-4760. If you have questions regarding surveillance or reporting. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46677799?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682023-04-28T21:27:2646678179Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 28, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 16&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from&nbsp;46 to 37.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from&nbsp;3.9 to 4.2.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is 1.9%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 197&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">19 of 3,272 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,394&nbsp;of 147,609 (8.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html">City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance </a>for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_482.pdf" target="_blank">interim guidance</a> for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza decreased from 5.2% to 4.3%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.7 to 15.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from&nbsp;5.1% to 4.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from&nbsp;8.1% to 5.5%.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 16 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from 46 to 37. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has increased from 3.9 to 4.2. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is 1.9%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 197 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 19 of 3,272 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,394 of 147,609 (8.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf)for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued[](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305)[interim guidance](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/cdc_han_482.pdf) for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza decreased from 5.2% to 4.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.7 to 15.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.1% to 4.9%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 8.1% to 5.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678179?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-06-26T16:38:5146679180West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 26, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 26, 2023&nbsp;is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and&nbsp;includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of&nbsp;Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this&nbsp;reporting period, there were no WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> <p>.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 26, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were no WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. . truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679180?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982023-09-01T19:07:0946680386Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighNew Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations<p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/index.html" target="_blank">RSV Burden Estimates</a><br /> Each year in the US, RSV leads to approximately:</p> <ul> <li>Among children younger than 5 years old: 2.1 million outpatient (non-hospitalization) visits; 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations; 100-300 deaths</li> <li>Among adults 65 years and older: 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations; 6,000-10,000 deaths</li> </ul> <p>RSV is one of the most common respiratory viruses and poses a heightened risk to Infants and Seniors. Now both groups can be protected against the virus. RSV season typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, depending on the region.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for important information on RSV &nbsp;Information for Infants, Seniors and Pregnant Persons.</p> [RSV Burden Estimates](https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/research/index.html) Each year in the US, RSV leads to approximately: * Among children younger than 5 years old: 2.1 million outpatient (non-hospitalization) visits; 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations; 100-300 deaths * Among adults 65 years and older: 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations; 6,000-10,000 deaths RSV is one of the most common respiratory viruses and poses a heightened risk to Infants and Seniors. Now both groups can be protected against the virus. RSV season typically starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, depending on the region. Please see the attachment for important information on RSV Information for Infants, Seniors and Pregnant Persons. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680386?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,438213,440472,20635202023-12-05T15:01:2046682180Infectious DiseaseVaricella (Chickenpox)HighCDPH: Increase in Varicella in Chicago Primarily among People Living in New Arrivals Shelters<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH has detected a large increase in varicella during 2023, esp. in the past four weeks.</li> <li>Most cases have been in people newly arrived from the U.S. Southern Border living in shelters.</li> <li>Use every opportunity to make sure patients are up to date on vaccinations, including varicella.</li> <li>All susceptible persons exposed to varicella should be offered post-exposure prophylaxis. Certain high-risk individuals with varicella infection should be offered antiviral treatment.</li> <li>Report all varicella cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health within 24 hours.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * CDPH has detected a large increase in varicella during 2023, esp. in the past four weeks. * Most cases have been in people newly arrived from the U.S. Southern Border living in shelters. * Use every opportunity to make sure patients are up to date on vaccinations, including varicella. * All susceptible persons exposed to varicella should be offered post-exposure prophylaxis. Certain high-risk individuals with varicella infection should be offered antiviral treatment. * Report all varicella cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health within 24 hours. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682180?p_r_p_categoryId=4395502023-12-06T14:44:1246682181RSVDiseases & ConditionsHighWEBINAR: RSV 2023/2024: Nirsevimab and Maternal Vaccine Updates - December 8, 2023<p>Please join CDPH for a webinar on 2023/2024 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Nirsevimab and Maternal Vaccine Updates on Friday, December 8th at 12pm. This webinar is hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, featuring Marielle J. Fricchione, MD, FAAP, in partnership with IDPH.</p> <p>As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:</p> <ul> <li>Use 2023/2024 clinical guidance for the administration of Nirsevimab and Abrysvo.</li> <li>Explain the clinical burden of RSV for infants.</li> <li>Discuss the limited supply of RSV prevention products and the implications of these shortages.</li> <li>Describe jurisdictional guidance and coverage for nirsevimab and Abrysvo, and how this impacts VFC programs.&nbsp;</li> <li>Explain the mechanism of action for Nirsevimab and Abrysvo.</li> </ul> <p>This webinar is intended for: Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, Vaccine Administrators, and staff that support Vaccine for Children (VFC) programs. CME/CE is available. Register at <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">illinoisaap.org/events</a>.</p> Please join CDPH for a webinar on 2023/2024 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Nirsevimab and Maternal Vaccine Updates on Friday, December 8th at 12pm. This webinar is hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, featuring Marielle J. Fricchione, MD, FAAP, in partnership with IDPH. As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to: * Use 2023/2024 clinical guidance for the administration of Nirsevimab and Abrysvo. * Explain the clinical burden of RSV for infants. * Discuss the limited supply of RSV prevention products and the implications of these shortages. * Describe jurisdictional guidance and coverage for nirsevimab and Abrysvo, and how this impacts VFC programs. * Explain the mechanism of action for Nirsevimab and Abrysvo. This webinar is intended for: Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, Vaccine Administrators, and staff that support Vaccine for Children (VFC) programs. CME/CE is available. Register at [illinoisaap.org/events](https://illinoisaap.org/events/). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682181?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-05-02T20:18:2246678080School HealthSchool HealthHighIDPH:Compliance w/the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act: Guidance for Public Schools/Licensed Day Care Facilities<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued guidance to help public schools, public schools districts, and day care facilities comply with the provisions of the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act (<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=4181&amp;ChapAct=410%A0ILCS%A0170/&amp;ChapterID=35&amp;ChapterName=PUBLIC%20HEALTH&amp;ActName=Coal%20Tar%20Sealant%20Disclosure%20Act." target="_blank">410 ILCS 170/</a>), which went into effect on January 1, 2023. Together with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, IDPH is providing these recommendations to help schools, districts, and day care facilities become aware of the potential health effects of the ingredients used on their paved surfaces and what to look for when choosing pavement sealant products to best protect the health and safety of their students, families, and communities.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued guidance to help public schools, public schools districts, and day care facilities comply with the provisions of the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act ([410 ILCS 170/](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=4181&ChapAct=410%A0ILCS%A0170/&ChapterID=35&ChapterName=PUBLIC%20HEALTH&ActName=Coal%20Tar%20Sealant%20Disclosure%20Act.)), which went into effect on January 1, 2023. Together with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, IDPH is providing these recommendations to help schools, districts, and day care facilities become aware of the potential health effects of the ingredients used on their paved surfaces and what to look for when choosing pavement sealant products to best protect the health and safety of their students, families, and communities. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678080?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-02T22:36:4546678180AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,West Nile Virus,AnnouncementHighWest Nile Virus Clinician Training<p>Through a partnership between CDC and Medscape,&nbsp;a new West Nile virus (WNV) clinician training course is now available. Clinicians can register for<a href="https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/990058" target="_blank"> Diagnosis and Management of West Nile Virus Infection: A Case-Based Approach</a> for <strong>FREE</strong> through Medscape’s website and receive CME credits for completing the course.&nbsp;</p> <p>A recent CDC survey found that <strong>only a small percentage of clinicians surveyed could correctly identify how to properly diagnose WNV disease</strong>. After taking this training, clinicians will be able to correctly identify risk factors and symptoms as well as diagnose and prevent West Nile virus disease. As mosquito season approaches, we hope this will be a valuable tool for clinicians to increase their confidence in recognizing and reporting WNV.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have questions, please contact: &nbsp;<a href="mailto:vbdelc@cdc.gov">vbdelc@cdc.gov</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Lyme Disease Awareness Month Tools for Clinicians</strong></p> <p>May is also Lyme Disease Awareness Month! An estimated 476,000 people in the United States are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. The need for prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment is paramount.<br /> To kick off the month we’d like to highlight some newer and updated tools to refresh your knowledge ahead of tick season:</p> <ul> <li>Updated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html" target="_blank">Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Healthcare Providers</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/CDCInfoOnDemand.aspx?ProgramID=148" target="_blank">Order hard copies</a> for your office.</li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/healthcare/index.html" target="_blank">Tools for the clinic</a> including short videos and posters on: <ul> <li>Lyme disease prophylaxis after tick bite</li> <li>Lyme disease serologic testing and pretest probability</li> <li>Evaluation of pediatric knee monoarthritis in areas where Lyme disease occurs</li> </ul> </li> <li>Improved <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickedvisits/index.html" target="_blank">Tick Bite Data Tracker </a>allowing healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and the public access to timely data that can drive tick bite prevention efforts.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/tick-bite-bot.html" target="_blank">Tick Bite Bot</a>: a tool to assist people in removing attached ticks and seeking health care, if appropriate, after a tick bite.</li> </ul> Through a partnership between CDC and Medscape, a new West Nile virus (WNV) clinician training course is now available. Clinicians can register for[Diagnosis and Management of West Nile Virus Infection: A Case-Based Approach](https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/990058) for **FREE** through Medscape's website and receive CME credits for completing the course. A recent CDC survey found that **only a small percentage of clinicians surveyed could correctly identify how to properly diagnose WNV disease**. After taking this training, clinicians will be able to correctly identify risk factors and symptoms as well as diagnose and prevent West Nile virus disease. As mosquito season approaches, we hope this will be a valuable tool for clinicians to increase their confidence in recognizing and reporting WNV. If you have questions, please contact: [vbdelc@cdc.gov](mailto:vbdelc@cdc.gov). **Lyme Disease Awareness Month Tools for Clinicians** May is also Lyme Disease Awareness Month! An estimated 476,000 people in the United States are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. The need for prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment is paramount. To kick off the month we'd like to highlight some newer and updated tools to refresh your knowledge ahead of tick season: * Updated [Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Healthcare Providers](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html) * [Order hard copies](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/CDCInfoOnDemand.aspx?ProgramID=148) for your office. * [Tools for the clinic](https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/healthcare/index.html) including short videos and posters on: * Lyme disease prophylaxis after tick bite * Lyme disease serologic testing and pretest probability * Evaluation of pediatric knee monoarthritis in areas where Lyme disease occurs * Improved [Tick Bite Data Tracker](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickedvisits/index.html)allowing healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and the public access to timely data that can drive tick bite prevention efforts. * [Tick Bite Bot](https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/removal/tick-bite-bot.html): a tool to assist people in removing attached ticks and seeking health care, if appropriate, after a tick bite. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678180?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,455298,4573972023-05-05T19:38:5946678182Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 5, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 17&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from 37 to 34.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.2 to 3.1.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 1.9% to 1.7%.</span></li> <li> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">25 of 2,802 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,419 of 150,418 (8.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank"> </a>interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.3% to 3.5%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.1% to 16.6%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus remains is 4.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 5.5% to 3.2%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 17 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local [COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from 37 to 34. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 4.2 to 3.1. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 1.9% to 1.7%. * **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 198 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 25 of 2,802 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,419 of 150,418 (8.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued[](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305)interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). * **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.3% to 3.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.1% to 16.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus remains is 4.9%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 5.5% to 3.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678182?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-05-05T21:46:4146678183AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID,AnnouncementHighIllinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19 (I-VAC) Vaccine Bootcamp (in person) - June 16, 2023<p>Gain knowledge on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine guidelines (updated May 2023), connect with peers, and prepare for commercialization. Target Audience: Physicians, PAs, Advanced Practice Nurses, RNs, Pharmacists, MAs, Vaccine Administrators. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoRvHZ2qorCeb6aORaIJyuHEWfuKQaBZrhYQAh9y8YZAHGeA/viewform" target="_blank">Register here</a>&nbsp;by June 9th.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Illinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19 (I-VAC) Vaccine Bootcamp (in person)</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Friday, June 16th, from 9am to 1:30pm<br /> Breakfast &amp; lunch included<br /> Wyndham Chicago O'Hare: 1450 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018</p> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> Gain knowledge on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine guidelines (updated May 2023), connect with peers, and prepare for commercialization. Target Audience: Physicians, PAs, Advanced Practice Nurses, RNs, Pharmacists, MAs, Vaccine Administrators. [Register here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoRvHZ2qorCeb6aORaIJyuHEWfuKQaBZrhYQAh9y8YZAHGeA/viewform) by June 9th. <br /> **Illinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19 (I-VAC) Vaccine Bootcamp (in person)** <br /> Friday, June 16th, from 9am to 1:30pm Breakfast \& lunch included Wyndham Chicago O'Hare: 1450 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018 Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678183?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,441444,4573972023-05-05T22:40:0746678184AnnouncementCOVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID,AnnouncementHigh IL LTC Facilities Eligible for a FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for deployment. For a limited time, LTCFs are eligible to request and to receive a one-time bulk shipment of OraSure Inteliswab COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The antigen tests are intended to supplement the facility’s existing on-site testing program. <strong>All tests are provided at NO cost to your facility.</strong></p> <p>To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, a LTCF must have all the following in place:</p> <ul> <li>A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing.</li> <li>A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional.</li> <li>Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the state of Illinois.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The free tests received by a LTCF may <u>only</u> be administered <u>on-site</u> for diagnostic and screening purposes.</strong> The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of facility staff, patients, and residents. <strong>Available tests will expire in February and March 2024.</strong></p> <p><br /> IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met <u><strong>all</strong></u> the above listed eligibility requirements, you may complete the form here:<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA</a></p> <p>If you have questions about the status of your FREE one-time bulk shipment from IDPH, contact the IDPH Antigen Testing Team at <a href="mailto:DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov">DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached forfull details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for deployment. For a limited time, LTCFs are eligible to request and to receive a one-time bulk shipment of OraSure Inteliswab COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The antigen tests are intended to supplement the facility's existing on-site testing program. **All tests are provided at NO cost to your facility.** To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, a LTCF must have all the following in place: * A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing. * A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional. * Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the state of Illinois. **The free tests received by a LTCF may ++only++ be administered ++on-site++ for diagnostic and screening purposes.** The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of facility staff, patients, and residents. **Available tests will expire in February and March 2024.** <br /> IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met ++**all**++ the above listed eligibility requirements, you may complete the form here: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA> If you have questions about the status of your FREE one-time bulk shipment from IDPH, contact the IDPH Antigen Testing Team at [DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov](mailto:DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov). Please see the attached forfull details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678184?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,441444,4573972023-06-27T20:56:3846679078VFCData & Resources,Programs,Vaccines for ChildrenHighData Quality Newsletter - June 27, 2023<p>Please see the attached Data Quality Newsletter for important information from CDPH</p> <p>In this edition:</p> <ul> <li>What is data quality and why is it important?</li> <li>Best practices</li> <li>Meet our Data Quality team!</li> </ul> Please see the attached Data Quality Newsletter for important information from CDPH In this edition: * What is data quality and why is it important? * Best practices * Meet our Data Quality team! truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679078?p_r_p_categoryId=437335,438212,4404722023-05-08T14:01:3346678085School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health Request for Assistance - May 8, 2023<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678085?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-06-27T15:33:0346679181MalariaDiseases & ConditionsHighCDC HAN: Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Identified in the United States<p>The CDC has issued a Health Advisory regarding locally acquired Malaria&nbsp;in the United States.</p> <p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about—<br /> 1) Identification of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states (Florida [4] and Texas [1]) within the last 2 months,<br /> 2) Concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel in summer 2023, and&nbsp;<br /> 3) Need to plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>The&nbsp;CDC is collaborating with two U.S. state health departments with ongoing investigations of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium vivax malaria cases. There is no evidence to suggest the cases in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html" target="_blank">Malaria</a> is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito. Though rare, malaria can also be transmitted congenitally from mother to fetus or to the neonate at birth, through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, or through unsafe needle-sharing practices.</p> <p><strong>Malaria is a medical emergency and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/clinicians1.html" target="_blank">should be treated accordingly</a>. Patients suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, within 24 hours of presentation.</strong></p> <p>Providers with questions about Chicago cases should contact CDPH by calling the CDPH Disease Reporting line at 312-743-9000. &nbsp;After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago).</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details including Background information, Recommendations for Clinicians, Recommendations for Hospitals and Laboratories, Recommendations for the Public.</p> The CDC has issued a Health Advisory regarding locally acquired Malaria in the United States. **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about--- 1) Identification of locally acquired malaria cases (P. vivax) in two U.S. states (Florida \[4\] and Texas \[1\]) within the last 2 months, 2) Concern for a potential rise in imported malaria cases associated with increased international travel in summer 2023, and 3) Need to plan for rapid access to IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States. **Background** The CDC is collaborating with two U.S. state health departments with ongoing investigations of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium vivax malaria cases. There is no evidence to suggest the cases in the two states (Florida and Texas) are related. [Malaria](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html) is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito. Though rare, malaria can also be transmitted congenitally from mother to fetus or to the neonate at birth, through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, or through unsafe needle-sharing practices. **Malaria is a medical emergency and [should be treated accordingly](https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/clinicians1.html). Patients suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, within 24 hours of presentation.** Providers with questions about Chicago cases should contact CDPH by calling the CDPH Disease Reporting line at 312-743-9000. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago). Please see the attachment for full details including Background information, Recommendations for Clinicians, Recommendations for Hospitals and Laboratories, Recommendations for the Public. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679181?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-06-27T22:52:1646679183Environmental HazardsDiseases & Conditions,AnnouncementHighAir Quality Alert: Information for Providers<p>The City of Chicago is currently experiencing Very Unhealthy air quality conditions, per&nbsp;the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).&nbsp;Based on National Weather Service forecasts, these conditions are likely to persist the rest of the day and potentially through Wednesday, &nbsp;June 28, 2023.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please concider the following information for your staff and patients:</p> <ul> <li>Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers to avoid physical activities outdoors.&nbsp;</li> <li>All Indiividuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.</li> </ul> <p>For the duration of the Air Quality Alert, all individuals, and particularly sensitive populations should:</p> <ul> <li>Avoid spending time outdoors. If you must go outside, keep outdoor activity short and wear a KN95 or N95 mask while outside.</li> <li>Stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible by not smoking, using candles, or vacuuming.</li> <li>Follow your doctor’s advice if you have asthma, lung or cardiovascular disease. Some symptoms of breathing smoke include wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing. If your symptoms worsen, call your physician or 911.</li> <li>Keep windows and doors closed and turn on your air conditioner if you have one. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and your home is too warm.</li> <li>Use an air filter if you have one.</li> <li>Limit driving a vehicle if possible.</li> </ul> <p><u>Organizations should:</u></p> <ul> <li>Determine if employees eligible to telework should do so until the end of the Air Quality Alert.</li> <li>Recommend employees to use personal protective equipment, like KN95 or N95 masks and consider making masks available to the greatest extent possible for vulnerable populations and for critical employees</li> <li>Limit outdoor activities for staff and residents</li> <li>Monitor indoor air quality</li> <li>&nbsp;Deploy portable air purifiers where needed.</li> <li>&nbsp;Limit vacuuming, cooking, burning candles or wood, spraying aerosol products.</li> <li>&nbsp;Keep windows and doors closed.</li> <li>&nbsp;If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper.</li> <li>&nbsp;If you have an evaporative cooler, avoid using it unless there is a heat emergency because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you must use the evaporative cooler, take advantage of times when outdoor air quality improves, even temporarily, to open windows and air out the house.</li> <li>&nbsp;If you have an HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter installed, run the system’s fan as often as possible to remove particles while the aire quality is poor.</li> <li>Share this information with employees to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.</li> </ul> The City of Chicago is currently experiencing Very Unhealthy air quality conditions, per the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Based on National Weather Service forecasts, these conditions are likely to persist the rest of the day and potentially through Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Please concider the following information for your staff and patients: * Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers to avoid physical activities outdoors. * All Indiividuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities short, and consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them. For the duration of the Air Quality Alert, all individuals, and particularly sensitive populations should: * Avoid spending time outdoors. If you must go outside, keep outdoor activity short and wear a KN95 or N95 mask while outside. * Stay indoors and keep your indoor air as clean as possible by not smoking, using candles, or vacuuming. * Follow your doctor's advice if you have asthma, lung or cardiovascular disease. Some symptoms of breathing smoke include wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing. If your symptoms worsen, call your physician or 911. * Keep windows and doors closed and turn on your air conditioner if you have one. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and your home is too warm. * Use an air filter if you have one. * Limit driving a vehicle if possible. ++Organizations should:++ * Determine if employees eligible to telework should do so until the end of the Air Quality Alert. * Recommend employees to use personal protective equipment, like KN95 or N95 masks and consider making masks available to the greatest extent possible for vulnerable populations and for critical employees * Limit outdoor activities for staff and residents * Monitor indoor air quality * Deploy portable air purifiers where needed. * Limit vacuuming, cooking, burning candles or wood, spraying aerosol products. * Keep windows and doors closed. * If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper. * If you have an evaporative cooler, avoid using it unless there is a heat emergency because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you must use the evaporative cooler, take advantage of times when outdoor air quality improves, even temporarily, to open windows and air out the house. * If you have an HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter installed, run the system's fan as often as possible to remove particles while the aire quality is poor. * Share this information with employees to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679183?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4573972023-09-01T21:54:3446680586BacterialDiseases & ConditionsHighSevere Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to:<br /> • Notify healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health departments about recent reports of fatal <em>Vibrio vulnificus</em> (<em>V. vulnificus</em>) infections, including wound and foodborne infections.<br /> • Urge healthcare professionals to consider <em>V. vulnificus</em> as a possible cause of infected wounds that were exposed to coastal waters, particularly near the Gulf of Mexico or East Coast, and during periods with <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/coastal-water-temperature-guide" target="_blank">warmer coastal sea surface temperatures</a>.<br /> • Share important guidance for managing <em>V. vulnificus</em> wound infections.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to: • Notify healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health departments about recent reports of fatal *Vibrio vulnificus* (*V. vulnificus* ) infections, including wound and foodborne infections. • Urge healthcare professionals to consider *V. vulnificus* as a possible cause of infected wounds that were exposed to coastal waters, particularly near the Gulf of Mexico or East Coast, and during periods with [warmer coastal sea surface temperatures](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/coastal-water-temperature-guide). • Share important guidance for managing *V. vulnificus* wound infections. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680586?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-09-01T20:16:4446680387AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM),Data & Resources,C.auris,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Hepatitis A,Influenza,Legionellosis,Meningococcal Disease,Rabies,Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Perinatal Hepatitis B,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Tuberculosis,Varicella (Chickenpox),Zika,Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Vaccines for Children,West Nile Virus,Announcement,Foodborne Illness,Monkeypox,Ebola,Marburg VirusHigh25th Annual Disease Control Conference - Last Chance to Register!<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Disease Control Bureau on Tuesday, September 19th, for the 25th annual<strong> Disease Control Conference</strong>. This conference is a FREE (no cost to participants) one-day advanced continuing education program. The event will be held at Malcolm X College in the Illinois Medical District from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. State and local public health leaders and subject matter experts in disease control will discuss trending topics of local and national importance, including lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of scientific communication, the Mpox resurgence and much more! &nbsp;</p> <p>Reserve your seat today by using this form to register: <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/25th-DiseaseControlConference-Registration" target="_blank">CDPH 25th Annual Disease Control Conference</a>. We encourage you to share this email and registration link with your public health and clinical networks, including students in health-related fields. This conference will be in-person only. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Please check our conference website at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/disease-control-conference.html" target="_blank">CDPH Disease Control Conference</a> for more information.&nbsp;</p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Disease Control Bureau on Tuesday, September 19th, for the 25th annual**Disease Control Conference**. This conference is a FREE (no cost to participants) one-day advanced continuing education program. The event will be held at Malcolm X College in the Illinois Medical District from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. State and local public health leaders and subject matter experts in disease control will discuss trending topics of local and national importance, including lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of scientific communication, the Mpox resurgence and much more! Reserve your seat today by using this form to register: [CDPH 25th Annual Disease Control Conference](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/25th-DiseaseControlConference-Registration). We encourage you to share this email and registration link with your public health and clinical networks, including students in health-related fields. This conference will be in-person only. Please check our conference website at [CDPH Disease Control Conference](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/disease-control-conference.html) for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680387?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437025,437335,437529,437620,437742,437835,437934,438007,438120,438212,438213,438313,438438,438544,438640,438739,438818,439550,439651,440266,440472,455298,457397,2021015,2048239,2099500,60378932023-12-08T15:42:1846682081School HealthSchool HealthHighK-12 SCHOOL EXCLUSION CRITERIA WEBINAR December 8, 2023<p>K-12 SCHOOL EXCLUSION CRITERIA WEBINAR</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's Youth Settings team is hosting a webinar on School Exclusion Criteria for K-12 schools on December 18. In this webinar we will:</p> <ol> <li>Identify how to prevent the spread of common communicable diseases in school, including how and when students should be excluded</li> <li>Recognize the clinical presentation of common childhood diseases including different respiratory conditions, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions</li> <li>Identify how and when diseases should be reported to CDPH</li> </ol> <p><strong>Date: December 18th &nbsp;<br /> Time: 9-10:00 am CST</strong></p> <p>Microsoft Teams Meeting<br /> Join on your computer, mobile app or room device &nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWM2Yzk1ZDEtNDI2YS00N2M0LWE0MDctMTA3MTg1NDAwYzMy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank">Click here to join the meeting &nbsp;</a><br /> Meeting ID: 285 759 081 90 &nbsp;<br /> Passcode: MSuhVJ &nbsp;</p> <p>Download Teams | Join on the web<br /> Or call in (audio only) &nbsp;<br /> +1 872-222-6918,,186045196#  &nbsp;United States, Chicago &nbsp;<br /> Phone Conference ID: 186 045 196# &nbsp;<br /> Find a local number | Reset PIN &nbsp;</p> K-12 SCHOOL EXCLUSION CRITERIA WEBINAR The Chicago Department of Public Health's Youth Settings team is hosting a webinar on School Exclusion Criteria for K-12 schools on December 18. In this webinar we will: 1. Identify how to prevent the spread of common communicable diseases in school, including how and when students should be excluded 2. Recognize the clinical presentation of common childhood diseases including different respiratory conditions, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions 3. Identify how and when diseases should be reported to CDPH **Date: December 18th Time: 9-10:00 am CST** Microsoft Teams Meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device [Click here to join the meeting](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWM2Yzk1ZDEtNDI2YS00N2M0LWE0MDctMTA3MTg1NDAwYzMy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 285 759 081 90 Passcode: MSuhVJ Download Teams \| Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 872-222-6918,,186045196#   United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 186 045 196# Find a local number \| Reset PIN truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682081?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-09T22:33:1146678186MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighRESURGENCE OF MPOX - Provider Update: May 9, 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified a resurgence of cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox).&nbsp;</li> <li>From April 17th-May 5th 2023, 12 confirmed and one probable case of mpox were reported to CDPH. All cases were among symptomatic men. <strong>Nine (69%) of 13 cases were among men who were fully vaccinated for mpox</strong>.</li> <li>Transmission of mpox continues locally and disproportionately affects the same populations affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).</li> <li>Healthcare providers are urged to remain diligent in screening and vaccinating at risk populations.</li> <li>Vaccination is an important tool in stopping the spread of mpox, although vaccine-induced immunity is not complete. <strong>People who are vaccinated should <u>continue to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact</u> with someone who has mpox.&nbsp;</strong></li> <li>JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine approved for the prevention of mpox and smallpox. All eligible Chicagoans should receive both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose. If more than 35 days has elapsed since the first dose was given, administer the second dose as soon as possible. <strong>Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.&nbsp;</strong></li> <li>CDPH encourages healthcare providers to adopt a syndemic approach to addressing mpox and including incorporating mpox, STI and HIV screening, treatment and prevention into existing sexual health services.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified a resurgence of cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox). * From April 17th-May 5th 2023, 12 confirmed and one probable case of mpox were reported to CDPH. All cases were among symptomatic men. **Nine (69%) of 13 cases were among men who were fully vaccinated for mpox**. * Transmission of mpox continues locally and disproportionately affects the same populations affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). * Healthcare providers are urged to remain diligent in screening and vaccinating at risk populations. * Vaccination is an important tool in stopping the spread of mpox, although vaccine-induced immunity is not complete. **People who are vaccinated should ++continue to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact++ with someone who has mpox.** * JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine approved for the prevention of mpox and smallpox. All eligible Chicagoans should receive both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose. If more than 35 days has elapsed since the first dose was given, administer the second dose as soon as possible. **Vaccine boosters are not recommended at this time.** * CDPH encourages healthcare providers to adopt a syndemic approach to addressing mpox and including incorporating mpox, STI and HIV screening, treatment and prevention into existing sexual health services. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678186?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392023-05-10T15:15:3946678087AnnouncementCOVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID,AnnouncementHighREMINDER: IL LTC Facilities Eligible for a FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for deployment. For a limited time, LTCFs are eligible to request and to receive a one-time bulk shipment of OraSure Inteliswab COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The antigen tests are intended to supplement the facility’s existing on-site testing program. <strong>All tests are provided at NO cost to your facility.</strong></p> <p>To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, a LTCF must have all the following in place:</p> <ul> <li>A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing.</li> <li>A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional.</li> <li>Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the state of Illinois.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The free tests received by a LTCF may <u>only</u> be administered <u>on-site</u> for diagnostic and screening purposes.</strong> The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of facility staff, patients, and residents. <strong>Available tests will expire in February and March 2024.</strong></p> <p><br /> IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met <u><strong>all</strong></u> the above listed eligibility requirements, you may complete the form here:<br /> <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA</a></p> <p>If you have questions about the status of your FREE one-time bulk shipment from IDPH, contact the IDPH Antigen Testing Team at <a href="mailto:DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov">DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached forfull details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for deployment. For a limited time, LTCFs are eligible to request and to receive a one-time bulk shipment of OraSure Inteliswab COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The antigen tests are intended to supplement the facility's existing on-site testing program. **All tests are provided at NO cost to your facility.** To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, a LTCF must have all the following in place: * A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing. * A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional. * Be registered to report all positive antigen test results to the state of Illinois. **The free tests received by a LTCF may ++only++ be administered ++on-site++ for diagnostic and screening purposes.** The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of facility staff, patients, and residents. **Available tests will expire in February and March 2024.** <br /> IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met ++**all**++ the above listed eligibility requirements, you may complete the form here: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA> If you have questions about the status of your FREE one-time bulk shipment from IDPH, contact the IDPH Antigen Testing Team at [DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov](mailto:DPH.AntigenTesting@illinois.gov). Please see the attached forfull details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678087?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,441444,4573972023-05-11T15:13:0246678188School HealthSchool HealthHighEnd of the Public Health Emergency: What Schools Should Know - May 11, 2023<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>On May 11, 2023, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html" target="_blank">State and Federal Public Health Emergencies will end</a>.</li> <li>COVID -19 remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in the United States, but we now have the tools to reduce risk.</li> <li>Schools and early childcare centers should continue to operate as per [CDC Operational Guidelines].</li> <li>Chicago schools and early childcare settings should continue to report outbreaks of 5 or more cases (20% of classroom or cohort) to the Youth Settings team.</li> <li>Additional changes to testing availability, surveillance, and other mitigations are described</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p> </p> **KEY MESSAGES** * On May 11, 2023, [State and Federal Public Health Emergencies will end](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html). * COVID -19 remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in the United States, but we now have the tools to reduce risk. * Schools and early childcare centers should continue to operate as per \[CDC Operational Guidelines\]. * Chicago schools and early childcare settings should continue to report outbreaks of 5 or more cases (20% of classroom or cohort) to the Youth Settings team. * Additional changes to testing availability, surveillance, and other mitigations are described Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678188?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-11T17:45:5146678088Project FrontlineDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Infection Control,AnnouncementHighProject Firstline Learning Needs Assessment<p><strong>Train Your Team with CDC Project Firstline</strong></p> <p>As a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <a href="http://Train Your Team with CDC Project Firstline As a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Project Firstline Partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to provide you with new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection. We are working to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago. These training materials are developed for all staff, regardless of previous IPC training, including nurses, technicians, medical assistants, environmental services, and non-clinical support staff. Please share this survey across all departments of your facility. To ensure we are providing content relevant to you, please complete this brief learning needs assessment. Encouraging your staff to complete this survey will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of CDC training curriculums in the future. If you have an Infection Control topic you would like to see in this year’s webinar series (coming to you in the Fall of 2023), please let us know! For any additional questions, or if you would like to hear more about our program, please contact us at projectfirstline@chicago.org." target="_blank">Project Firstline</a> Partner, the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/hai/pfl" target="_blank">Chicago Department of Public Health</a> is excited to provide you with new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection.</p> <p>We are working to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago. These training materials are developed for all staff, regardless of previous IPC training, including nurses, technicians, medical assistants, environmental services, and non-clinical support staff. Please share this survey across all departments of your facility.</p> <p>To ensure we are providing content relevant to you, please complete <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=3WXE4FDFWKDCAT97" target="_blank">this brief learning needs assessment</a>. Encouraging your staff to complete this survey will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of CDC training curriculums in the future. If you have an Infection Control topic you would like to see in this year’s webinar series (coming to you in the Fall of 2023), please let us know!</p> <p>For any additional questions, or if you would like to hear more about our program, please contact us at <a href="mailto:projectfirstline@chicago.org">projectfirstline@chicago.org</a>.</p> **Train Your Team with CDC Project Firstline** As a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [Project Firstline](http://Train Your Team with CDC Project Firstline As a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Project Firstline Partner, the Chicago Department of Public Health is excited to provide you with new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection. We are working to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago. These training materials are developed for all staff, regardless of previous IPC training, including nurses, technicians, medical assistants, environmental services, and non-clinical support staff. Please share this survey across all departments of your facility. To ensure we are providing content relevant to you, please complete this brief learning needs assessment. Encouraging your staff to complete this survey will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of CDC training curriculums in the future. If you have an Infection Control topic you would like to see in this year’s webinar series (coming to you in the Fall of 2023), please let us know! For any additional questions, or if you would like to hear more about our program, please contact us at projectfirstline@chicago.org.) Partner, the [Chicago Department of Public Health](https://www.chicagohan.org/hai/pfl) is excited to provide you with new infection control educational resources and training materials. These resources, developed with and for healthcare workers, provide you with the tools you need to guide your teams to prevent infection. We are working to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago. These training materials are developed for all staff, regardless of previous IPC training, including nurses, technicians, medical assistants, environmental services, and non-clinical support staff. Please share this survey across all departments of your facility. To ensure we are providing content relevant to you, please complete [this brief learning needs assessment](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=3WXE4FDFWKDCAT97). Encouraging your staff to complete this survey will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of CDC training curriculums in the future. If you have an Infection Control topic you would like to see in this year's webinar series (coming to you in the Fall of 2023), please let us know! For any additional questions, or if you would like to hear more about our program, please contact us at [projectfirstline@chicago.org](mailto:projectfirstline@chicago.org). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678088?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,440266,441465,4573972023-05-12T19:42:0346678089Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 12, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 18&nbsp;&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago’s local COVID-19 Community Level is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from 34&nbsp;to 29.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 3.1&nbsp;to 2.8.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 1.7% to 1.4%.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">1 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 199&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">23&nbsp;of 2767&nbsp;(&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,446&nbsp;of 153,426&nbsp;(8.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank"> </a>interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.5% to 4.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 16.6% to 25.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.9% to 4.2%</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from&nbsp; 3.2% to 2.7%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 18 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Chicago's local COVID-19 Community Level is Low. * The number of new cases per 100,000 population has decreased from 34 to 29. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 3.1 to 2.8. * The proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has decreased from 1.7% to 1.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * 1 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 199 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 23 of 2767 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,446 of 153,426 (8.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued[](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305)interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.5% to 4.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 16.6% to 25.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.9% to 4.2% * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 3.2% to 2.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678089?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-06-29T17:21:0846679079AnnouncementInfluenza,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighVFC Providers: Pre-Book for 2023-24 Flu Season <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Providers, </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We are set to open the pre-book process for the 2023/24 VFC Influenza season.&nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:#0b5394">Please complete the form below to order flu vaccine for the 2023-24 season.</span></span></span></span></strong>&nbsp; This year should be the easiest process we have seen for several years for a few reasons.&nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Please have these requests submitted before the end of July so we can start shipping doses out to you as we receive them.</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:48px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://redcap.link/5o959q18" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline"><strong>https://redcap.link/5o959q18</strong></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">First off, you will only be asked to pre-book overall doses that will be a part of your blended VFC inventory that can be used for all VFC and CHIP children.&nbsp; Also, you will make those choices from the 6 formulations of flu that we have secured for this season.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you need help determining how many doses to request, take these two sources of information into account:</span></span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Look within I-CARE to determine your overall VFC eligible population.&nbsp; This should be the first piece of information to consider.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Run an Immunization Activity Report within I-CARE.&nbsp; Choose the fields listed below and run a report for both VFC and the CHIP doses.&nbsp; Those total doses should represent how many patients you vaccinated against flu for VFC/CHIP</span></span></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:48px"> </p> <p style="margin-left:48px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><img alt="Graphical user interface, text, application, email Description automatically generated" height="310" 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T1mm/nv8+8GMf8E+77Pmuk2Xprm2jwlfrnM+8xmSOWcN9kHNWw3cVrwbrMeZjn7mTTNbPOrfizye/t6IK7umwJ127qi8f5MrQ2eoF7FLWet2Xf1mDDlS6asJkb7j/9BxWi6K15jj5PvXFXeVwEAAJAYnROp7JLtaz8vn7OXEajzX/Ji+0g9Kqve/QpzAnyFfO2uR0vT7uz7oix4Q5e89XP3Bo2Jao/JLRfOlJ5r1spDwVmuyXPDx+SNXfNllWmslP1B7rh8pkx5zXy54obb7XuN7Q/J7TdcIT2vfIV0f/a+GsswnvimfPytC2TVzzTjM/JMU98K3ydrF64Kl/XILfLhb26oPf8W9phpgL7CNOZX/Sx8/tAq05D9m7Ahe7X5+7EbNOqGWc9Vi0TO+w99Em+nabm80TTaPm0bdY+av/Nfbxoz2hj6R/P4GjN/u23WmsdvuDymMZSBrsvM80S++WD4/NG7RD70quqGbBrvfbl9YBprbzQN6y+axtidj9hpZp1uN3HqMet+tZuW0R/uMesyxcTMNNxvt9tGPWQakFeYhuQrTOO1XmfDzQtF3rpE5Oc23nea8s0w5XZ7XzO+92n7wDjnZJFTvWsPvrY6WO0qu8x+2W3icJ7Z3jeb+Du6La5Yb5+k8SKRt7ttYKzdaB9Yd95iHxgXmsZ/st/lsPYyMfugfWzc8u3KddRt4hYz4e8b3xQ0ljm2fO3f7WNl1ulE75IS7TyZ8gZTv75bXvbPzTb/xNtEzl0aH3MV1H1TL9bauqLx/piZz/xIB0vWenWn2f+7zb6r9Wg7o2cAAACGVOLOCXdtTTtyZde/adbjlndNkX333VfGjTtEXnTuVaVvfifMvV4+8hZ3RfouuW/538n8G/W0eoLM+beN8uRTT8lTv3lQrp+r48S3y/cWfEK+YRp1VWX490vkw0G+iO2r5JKv3FHqDNi++n3yxuVV3zt7tsvaS86TT/4ovvtgw2eukS9GFnPqJaaMT60T03629J4TOs2kS/QuiifJOcvnyIlmFSa8ZI586m2nyb4p46jS5ouTZF6XmEZsVYRNw+bDbzWNFa9x6dz5KZPs46grzLyqXjMz/+TbTWPoRvvcs/1LpjGl34rXkDQisetiaEOvLtM47LVD7jXtMumb8+xrxgTTaPuouwGkacCev1xk4+by+5/8v6a+2JevMA3PoMPFznPzV4PJIb23gs1T91c5TEze9+bacVbbzTqdZ0cIVPmiyMW99rHPNFS/XdGpV9szD4h83gXzPSLTzJ9xJ4u8N5wi0idyR3Tbmcbqx029WRu3EZwMcTmjxz4wbvlvr2Pr12aZ99vHprF/Tp1f9jj1feFyyvt1eM+JYPnmtZNM3M+x03UdNwyG9VDTneuCqYEPvdE+aNIZR4YjSPY/VuT93r5w+afLN/vc/kORuVeGj081dXmzKdPTJn3vsnDanZ8zm7ZGz0Gtur/qo94Ij6z1yrjG7P++CWebuO14nVzfbScYes+J4Dh5w5zSDV71mORSWlmPkVmXXyRX9jxikFW7xtCXJZ5p88XJc17DzZU9a/mz5M9j+UVxZc+6Dnmtf17zKUqWWKbNFyfPeQ03V/as65DH+ucxj6JkiV+tvIk6J9xM9OYVehOMNMm/eUhSeSzbT3HviaYx9Yo64cUyZ9l3pf8Lc6R0K8w/3CFfu9yeDr/8Q/Kh+SeGN9IbN0ne0mNarYHvyffufMyuj52ktk+S+bc8FtzTYtefH5ObP1L+aYXty38kDwRl2iSrPlX+2nRCz+dk/a/syfGv1svngg4QtV2u7rsj9pv67WY5l//fbeH9M37/RXnD+PL6llfXlM1OC9P+Mv0D/yH3PbZLHtv4H/L+V+yXOJZ+8vOmrQ9K82p2fw76XG/REqTyvVoCXYtEBkwDSH/Fwr9niNkccr1p8Gmj7UF7mUDAtIAeq9Gh0Gka8VvM+/Xa+k94N8S78y7zfG3Y6B8wf7Wh6zw2EF8urQaaql6rsy6TTMtZ1+UZk67wfoXjPtOgq9de9mncdtxuGvcrw+fauvr0UhHTrgyXeZxpIJpG8kvGhc+D30kwL3a5BvENIr80f7Ts/jZI4v6byt/Q6/K/YHYfjZ2mDaaBWqrRy0V+bP4G5fIXZlb2IrMOz5n377it3HGi7tts398gbTANZRez95oGqOtqPOc99oHxDa+xrh41DdtSJ58p5CWrzPJNGZ416fePmDpwjLcMv7z+NtVk/quInX1y0hnlhrx8W+Tn9uH2jSJmdQMnvc17j6diH9DnOtEaYyaUXjtCZP7fBpMDt5u66+riHV8KJgULeM2LvDxxSf+rY5KJ6fX/r/InUr/5L+WYX/zB8nY+06yTu7fmJ80Gj5v/pPPNvmTryGOm8pS2uZnhj0yg9O2bbq6sV5/rt50yJq33flJX61WpQyPqtSbudjkDF9qymOR/LnSYwtU7vkVfazaFx7aKmpFI+Pkyej6ro0nz5RHDrOuiKUsZsi7bxdCluPfUS5onaxxVHrF0ZUkjj2X7Ke49jZLmc3FIo53jp0nzuxT3ejMpS/wcN4+4+Teb2j2WLgZZuHlkWRfNm7YcWZetycUwy3xcHNLIY/mat6gY+uVPMx/NExc/PQdtmt6J06U0XAHiCtKsrPnzNOHF58hbzztDJugv6jkP3adf5Ibu/5jMsPd50HT4m8vjxm9+dKA6jh+/Wj5xjj1l3muCvP6975e3hs+Mn8ujT5g/TzwkG0rfJr5VPrlkvpx0uH16+Ely/t9fWDrpli/dV2rQ+CYsvFw+dOYhYRz3PVQO3beYWGatT+X85rGd1siFf6M/BGgcKPK+C4JJob8TeZtpqKlJb/G+Ma/jvSaPxlqjN9c0XErOFXn71PDhIebv2+Najzm4wiwzWBfj7X6Bn7F/mzD4Z9Ng/LBpeNnnb/1nk/a1T6x7bzVxMxVR76dwiEkvMutzzUP2RePRXWEM0nrI+2r7rVeLvMs06p1pZrnvK1VoU5aH7QPfP4p8+ITw4SGm8ft+E39nV5ND8f/vJ+0D4wyvd+O0mfaBsbYvHN7v3Oe1aF9/mcgn/irs1NC6OM7E8JK/Dl5KrHRoe5GpY275ptGtHWjqXu/+F2/3ylchwQZ5/bxyQ/3zPzExM393mWPMNeEkOdPULb+DLY2TzhY5x//lH1PvNrjRH0bPseE9HvSeE+NeKnKbna6XFbkODN/VHyqXecIrzTafZZ8YP98arr5fr8412/d876dVT+o2ddqrV/d59dl3xWL9AdTQIVkqeQp5HB/T8D9j037O5jGPrLLGT2WdR9Y4ZM2fl6xxyJo/jzjkMY+sssYhrximlcc8ssgaP5V1HnnEwJ9Hlvmk5ccgbSyy5ld5xCCPeWSRNQ5p86ms6+7nTzuPPMTFL1HnhBrNgXzr13RUw4DccVnYetl+x6el5zUfrx7u3RQbRy+Ubz0x8lOkR00S/04W1V4hk6I/9WnynGYf1nLay15cuiSjiDg6ri6l+fkex82j0mGmstikj0sOM+vtveZ3Ku3tTTep004O89vp0XmNO8zEL0z7an5nr8rlTDzeTg/Y6ZF5uffWfS0y3S1j0KRxYytfK+fxedNtWvsvh8k3XOvvnMPkqjdUvn7zwsPktPNFvqqXvBx3mJz52sPkwo8f5nW4lGOgKVpGf15xr4X57CTjFZO999s0ueLGs3a670Cz/n4ef7s2YedPyw1x5RrKmo6cayeq74vc4d3P4xmvE+hU06DWWuhSFn48zvAuH1h7T/i3NKLh5eZ1r8FdsScn2K3HTRX5sNue/yrSb/70u6EZxttT3Gzi9idFnv4fkTm2A+CWhdLUTzI3ZVa5w8CZ5F/aYtY9uvrTvDg5k9ylS3W85JBEocyNO67FH98ay5JXZf2czZo/D34M0sYha34XA/12KK2iY+nHIG0c8phH1jhkzZ+HLHFIm0/56542Blnz58GPQZo4qKzzyCMOWfPnIUsMnCzz8GOQNhZZ8+chSwxUlrx5rH/W/Fn58fPjkHjkhDYk0yZ/wWm5FYibfzMpcV6vyIODOu0geeUl18vnzrYTt39a5i9eG3+jw5f/s6zXyy3i0kdfWTX//oc3Vy77lw/KBvuafk940H7h9HKWLTLw20iFeuLRch7TMGh0o7xoPMrzNtOfLU8fypS2XlSUvWI73SN7Dt4apj3/YKeqfyhP11Sx2JtEzDQ56HGTvmWnqdNN0mkmacutxE4/5AkZPNS0xAZfHU5Wg//qLceUxS/bHju9olwXy57DtoXJzO93O2bb6YY/r7rrouVxTDmD9dAy+8x6uekm/eEns+V9X/qtfe0c+dzyrXKsP8/H/j/5597w9Qkfvkm2bdoq3/3PrbJi8X/JSaV1erWJ97YwBqbsYVys5yqXp2UuM491momPb8uTD1au18FrZPNP7IumQg+OsdP9bbfnpnL8Dv1ppC5sMTF92qQ/mLTdpF+Z9AuTNpn0/0z6sdx2s31zE1b96LUiY082R87j7JTQhp8fJns6NI03aaJJx5g0yaQpsmfMX5gyed2Mz73cTPvLcLq+vucYb7870KS9w4fGJFOtzrSPb18n8qgJlxt/debfx1/SEdgT/CulinA9W/mapreYeTn9PzfJ3SOj29SMQ6vfX5X0P48+HTxY5PNfDg5DgbUfEPlMjXuA9P6qfMmFS3r/iac/K/JC83rF/E192Gz+lJZt0oPeKInO/SrXVz3qhgZ5HvV/gaVGh5bOR391219WkLwF7Bzi42Sa42PcfJKktMfkqOjnS1EpjbzKrvPJEk+XP27ew53Srkce5c8SQ1+rxDKpLOXevXt3LvHTeaQth5ah3vOkKe36ZImjSy4OWek8ssYhayoqjtTJ1quLcfMfzuSvR+qRE1lSVm4e0fkORarkpr9I3nbp5aXrnLd/6Qq5Zr29pdpRk3RUf+j+a+SK5XfIo25kxfO7ZPv9t8gVN4TXZQTzCh6Ftv/75+WrD/4+nP7re+Wr/3RF6dpymXmSnHCQmX7kidJVapF8VT617OZgWH3gN3fKZ/7lC+Vh0HNPlTr3yrPrUpnKbpGb79gS+x5NKu5xmpRV9Tz8+dtJVnm6SXZaHuotp4Kbvs84r2H5ObnxW+FlPoO/vk2+cHXpwqBAeV52glWebpKd1rTfrJUrPvDFUl059arL5fwp3vxMGvjlT8u/ZPDnnbLzOZ3+e/n5Vz4l15SG5Jslm/fG+u735I6GP08yQU48uXzRwFdXfEJufnhnWIbnfi8bPnOVfKFUod8up/6lLZ+dErLTbKrkpu9l0gEmHW7SUSZNMeklJt6Py81uJEITbu+bJY8e8CORA++XF720fF3A2stfKVff+2PZuZ/ZZw56WHb+7ovyyVt6zeNNMnjgvaYU3p74X6+X2/fcHU7X1weX2BfUa036k8jBT4XpuAdljrt0o++98u8/dLXmHJnz6ktE9rlAZO83mSP5K+z0kEbBT76b76h+/UWn6xxDt10rcpON+fmzRcabv9H3VyX9L4beVPRT3uiTj/2LvTTmAJFp3mUVn/5nkfu8S3D+8HuRL1wfXm5UNX9Tts/3hT81qpPvNY+v+GHwSuAkE2qdfqJZtvO1T5kjmjfqRX+Fo1yvTP2v7GuqECw/knzf+8Ht8ntb9/JOWcTNL2nKIm5+aVLWeWUVN89mk8uflT+vpCltvmjKQ9x8k6Ys4uaXJmWdV1px80qasoqbZ5qUZV55iJtvkpSVPx9/vsOZ8hA336Qpq7h5pklZ5pVW3LyaTS5/VtH5Jkl+fv9x0hSVfqzhKDdu+gfl8g+5s+v75OpFn5H7tJPgqHPk/Pe46dtNo+WN8tIJ9r4TBx8uU7p65OonXG9CxPZV8v5XHhm+99gZ8n7vlzvO/dvX26HMJ8m5f//64JG683Nvl5cebud/7Ez52HddnlPln992RsKfGJwgE7xr2G+58KXhfK/SryV3yX2fny/Tp5jnL++RLwQri9ROOKn0jbjWky/Me5GMGzdO9jvmjXLzrprfh+dkl9yx4n3lmzmecrl86j3Vy5zQWR48v/1LPTLlYK1nR8r0K2vePlAOPtwbcH//1fLGIzVPj6zSQRU1TDv3QinV6Lu+KD0vPzysdwcfKTMvWet1oLxNzkj1m5m1/eG/18rX7GOZcLmsixvl1P/P5Y6kdV+Ub9uOmVNnX17+pYvta+WKN7xUDg9itL8c/pI3yhXefp4mLqFJcka3qykb5PZ1trvo7HPljOMuNQeiz4jst0rkQO93jQObzEJ/YtJ3zGv/Edmv7WUrnz9BpOMYk44QOWJveZe9MebtZlb3hg/lnCYufWjk3I+VOz70F0FcR8I5Hw7/Kv1J0Rn+5TQvEVlQOaimwqoPmPfY984wj0tHym4RvTJJTTtXvHolpl6V5z/zknKeU6+SxD+TOsGU1bnvqjfKkVpf37mqXA4AAAAkRudEauPkjPdfVR4lcdcVcsWN+p3gweak+/PyXu/XG5r2vovlYu/bREd/qvSfZpdfmPR3n5Kb3+//JkHUJDn/hq/IB83JeDKmITSn1IyIuE/WLlwlD+nZ9yO3yIe/W/pOHWmMO1Xe5v/EhqMdBVeUb4M6FHatWyLzr/GaUabuznAdXC5ph9T0t8rlVfV4gsxZfpX49//0jZtxjnwkpg7Xddy75Jo1F1b8ykbUpHf2ylf+Ie9Om+2ydnWpa0Im/P0Z8WV4+Rny9tK+dJ984w5b9487X1bccH7V/Q/ipIqLNenVc2xH1n1yn+0YObfHdVbWopeH6GiK15ij/Kwa+/UXRA76uUmPmcPW7+WcuR8tXYIReE+fnHn4NvPar0zabJKO5vhlfKr4sVLz+OCHy+m4h+Wjl5a33aqFF8sdYx+Tk+avl39+Y72gXG/y/84kHX7jz/+9cnGpY9gzYY5cv/QpmXDoTpHDdpnl7pJPfauZemVHqRz8JzPFX87FImP1cq39w6eeU8/5SGWsAAAAkBmdE1kcNUc+elX51HftBz4uq/Sa6hedIyv+80HpW/5eOfeUchNi0innynuX9crG99U4XT7iXPmn23rl4rPDPBNeco68d/k6+emXvZ8qDUyS16+4Qx5be41cOOvU8mvHnSrnvmeF9N2/Xj7XXb/pUsukd14v67/wXjnHDnOedPbF0jdXy3uSnHPNHDnRnJFPeMkc+dQbh/rb/ZFunJy08CZZt+x8O6R8grz4bVfJbWs+Kqe6n+AYEtvl29d/urlveMedJB/51jr553faOnbcOXLxV/+vfL475u6Czrgz5PLb+uTyOSeGjbcJJ8qc5R+Vt0Rv3Box6U3XyB2PfU9WvOdcb4j9JDm1+72y4qYHTZ08N7IP5OCR78k3SjdpnCDnz6hVp0+SM95Wfu2+3jtKl7tM6v6c3POzvspym3U+852XS2+3N7+UcQkcd0b50o7A+fK2mcmaxrX367JxrzpD5tvHGo+PdJ8hB8tB5rH+HJBb3pE1UtTEinTqey6X97pZbP+0fOxTj8iuA06SD67+qaz/6uVy/hk2LsaEl5wp53/oc/Ld5XPMtBeYKdEbQnTKuVesk94PnRPWCRPLc8xxb93/u17mRKrmpDd9StZt/m6T9Sr6cXioyMHfN2mH7bywaf9bZNyrL5d1N10uc14SllqPiSv+v7eU1gEAAADJdTz11FPZL1hpkv6mqRO9+UUz3O+hOnrzkqSyliFvd161v8y80j65dJ08dUm97/lCrRCHPMrQCqiT2fjrr+XW8ieheXUeTpr4ZS1DK2iFODzzoyXyl2/4ZNhxNeES+e7PLs39MprU7rpa9n/NFfaJXn7zkZojIqiT2eSx/lmPaXmUoRW0Qhza+fPFoU5ml3X9dd01Bkrz6jySGgl1sRXikEcZWgF1Mhu/7GnWP49jWtYy1FIuFQBgdPrNHfLpy23HhDHt4re2TscEAAAARgU6JwBglNKRW8E9Ro59o1xxl5044UL5xPnlX1ABAAAAhgOdEwAA61T5xOqr5PV6mwkAAABgGNE5AQCj3gR58Rsvlq/dc4tccgrXcwAAAGD4cUPMNrr5idMKccijDK2AOpmNv/5abi1/EppX5+GkiV/WMrSCVohDHmVoBa0Qh6xlKFIe65/1mDZS6mIrxKGdP18c6mR2Wddf111joDSvziOpkVAXWyEOeZShFVAns/HLnmb98zimZS1DLeVSAQAAAAAAFIDOCQAAAAAAUKhEl3XoEBA3hCaNrMNn/OVr3rRDUPx5JC2DkyWvW37aWGo+NxRHy5B2KJNbhzTbQpfvDwdKO5THLTfp8h2NRdo4KupkthhmHVaneXUeruxp4jcS6qKLg5M2Do7GIO22cOuRpgyO255puBi6v0m5dVBahtFYJ3Ud0sbPrb9KEz/lr7vGL035o8fmNNLGz3ExTBtLjYPLq+uQZTtq3jR1Mc/PF/9vEm757m9Smm+010ldftr4qaznOn78NH+a9Xd1UVOaMjiaL21eF8O0sfT3aS1D2ji4dUi7LaLbIw233KTLd9y2TIs6mS2Gfl1MU3Z/2Zq3lT5fEndOuGCkKUBegdR8eVREnU+aMrh8afIrFwc3r6Q0n9spNX+aOGh+V/6028JfjzRlcOufdh3csl1Kug6KOlleftJ8yo+f5k+6/tH1TtsQdPNRadbDL0MRdVHz6Ho4aeuiSrsergz+OqQpg8uXJr+KliEp6mS4fE0q6bJ1uX7eNPuD5vfLnrYMLoZpyuDHz6Uk3LJdSppfuXVQaePglq35024LV460cVCu/EnzK52HH4s0ZdD8SvOmjYMrf9pt4dZBU5oyaD5XBpea5S8/bdmdtOuvXLnTrP9IOP92+ZXmTxoHf9kuf9Jy+Oug0qxHtAxJueW7lLQMmme010kXAzePpPy6mDZ+fvnTnuv465CmDMrldduwXDOa4FbEzawIbgWSBsDJml9ljYOfP+08ssojDlnnkUccsubPQ9Y4ZM2v0sbBz5c0bx78dU+7/lnz5xGDrPnzkiUWft6081BZYuHnTTuPrPKIQdb8WWOQNl9esq6/yjqPLPFz8phHVlnjoLLm1/X3T4STGmlxTDuPLHEoOn4q6/r7+dPOI0sMlZ8/7TyyiMYgTRyy5FXRGKSJQ5a8ecoaCz9/2nlkiUXRMcy67lnzq7gYJBo54XpIVNoeKidNL4/j8qXJ7wKQtjJEe4iyDIPRlCYO/kmC5k2zLRy3Hmm4dUhL4+CWnzYOrj4q6mTyOqn5XH0ssi665SZdvqNlcOVISvPpeuiyNWXpPXaSxsGVwclaF4uIo4quQ9o4uHKkiYPLrzRv0jI4brlFxFLz6XrosjUlrZO6T2v+NPFzy1aaN238lCt/Glnip9zni9L4pYlD9PMhqZHw+aL5stRF5T5jNFEnw2UnrZO6/i4GSdffj5/KWhezxM//m1R0HdLUg6x1Ucvgyq9505TByRrLtHHUfLoebvlp4xDdHkm4MjhpyuC49UjDxTBtLKPrkCQOukxXH9Oed7pyu+2YhotdmhhmjZ/m0/Vw29DFIdVlHSrtB5STpSIWya8Mqog45FGGVtAKcaBOlmOQJn7+sjV2aQ+ORdLy63o4RcQhjzK0glaIQ9YytIKscXD7dJpj2kipi1mP7XnEYSR8vrRCHKiT5eOa5tG8SY2EuuhioIqKQx5laAWtEIfRXic1n+ZXWY+r7VoX/RgoF4fyFAAAAAAAgALQOQEAAAAAAApF5wQAAAAAACgUnRMAAAAAAKBQdE4AAAAAAIBC0TkBAAAAAAAKRecEAAAAAAAoFJ0TAAAAAACgUHROAAAAAACAQtE5AQAAAAAACkXnBAAAAAAAKFSizomOjg77KJu85lMULX/adchz3ds5jq7sWWKp8opBO8dSpY0j8Qu5+LmUVNp8cfKc13BzZc9S/rzWvV1j6PixLGJd2j1+Kkv80uaLk+e8hpsre9by57H+7RpDX17xTKvdY5glfmnzxclzXsPNlT3rOuS1/nnNpyh5xDKLdo5fNHalv7t27RoMHjXBZdqzZ0+Qkho7dmypEIODg0FKw+VNk98t361LUppvz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width="624" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After determining those two numbers, place an order for doses that is higher than the number of doses that you used last year and lower or equal to your Total VFC eligible population within I-CARE.&nbsp; As a goal, try to order at least enough flu vaccine to vaccinate an additional 10% of the VFC eligible population you did not reach last year.&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://redcap.link/5o959q18" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline"><strong>https://redcap.link/5o959q18</strong></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Also, all VFC flu from this past season will have expired or will expire this coming Friday, June 30, 2023.&nbsp; Please make sure to fill out a Vaccine Return form for any expired, wasted, or spoiled doses that were not used this past season and email or fax it to us.&nbsp; We will send a prepaid mailing label from UPS to you through email.&nbsp; Be on the lookout for that email from UPS Quantum within a few days of submitting the form.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">You may also remove those doses from your VFC inventory within I-CARE at that point.&nbsp; Simply click on the lot number, hit Add Transaction, and then select the proper options as you work your way down the list.&nbsp; Once done, the doses will be removed from I-CARE.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please reach out to the Vaccine Management Unit at <a href="mailto:chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org</a> if you have any further questions!</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kevin Hansen</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Vaccine Manager – Immunizations </span></span></p> Providers, We are set to open the pre-book process for the 2023/24 VFC Influenza season. **Please complete the form below to order flu vaccine for the 2023-24 season.** This year should be the easiest process we have seen for several years for a few reasons. **Please have these requests submitted before the end of July so we can start shipping doses out to you as we receive them.** [**https://redcap.link/5o959q18**](https://redcap.link/5o959q18) First off, you will only be asked to pre-book overall doses that will be a part of your blended VFC inventory that can be used for all VFC and CHIP children. Also, you will make those choices from the 6 formulations of flu that we have secured for this season. If you need help determining how many doses to request, take these two sources of information into account: 1. Look within I-CARE to determine your overall VFC eligible population. This should be the first piece of information to consider. 2. Run an Immunization Activity Report within I-CARE. Choose the fields listed below and run a report for both VFC and the CHIP doses. Those total doses should represent how many patients you vaccinated against flu for VFC/CHIP  After determining those two numbers, place an order for doses that is higher than the number of doses that you used last year and lower or equal to your Total VFC eligible population within I-CARE. As a goal, try to order at least enough flu vaccine to vaccinate an additional 10% of the VFC eligible population you did not reach last year. [**https://redcap.link/5o959q18**](https://redcap.link/5o959q18) Also, all VFC flu from this past season will have expired or will expire this coming Friday, June 30, 2023. Please make sure to fill out a Vaccine Return form for any expired, wasted, or spoiled doses that were not used this past season and email or fax it to us. We will send a prepaid mailing label from UPS to you through email. Be on the lookout for that email from UPS Quantum within a few days of submitting the form. You may also remove those doses from your VFC inventory within I-CARE at that point. Simply click on the lot number, hit Add Transaction, and then select the proper options as you work your way down the list. Once done, the doses will be removed from I-CARE. Please reach out to the Vaccine Management Unit at [chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org](mailto:chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org) if you have any further questions! Kevin Hansen Vaccine Manager -- Immunizations truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679079?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,440472,20635202023-05-12T20:32:3946678090Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsAnnouncementLowNew Coverage for Reproductive Health in Illinois May 2023<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Office of Reproductive Health at CDPH is committed to keeping Chicago provides well informed of updates. We would like to share the following.</p> <p>There is new statewide coverage for reproductive health care called&nbsp;<a href="https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/familyplanning.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HFS Family Planning program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;With&nbsp;NO&nbsp;OUT-OF-POCKET&nbsp;COST,&nbsp;this new statewide coverage program covers ALL FDA-approved birth control methods (emergency contraception, IUD,&nbsp;contraceptive arm&nbsp;implant, pills; screening for breast, cervical, and testicular cancer; treatment for genital/urinary infections; vaccines related to sexual health, and other reproductive health services).&nbsp;</p> <p>Illinois Contraceptive Access Now (ICAN!), a statewide contraceptive equity initiative, has developed resources&nbsp;to assist staff in providing trauma-informed contraceptive care and referrals.&nbsp;</p> <p>ICAN!&nbsp;Trainings (free, on demand):&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ican4all.org/courses/reproductive-justice-modern-contraception/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!a9cqJcr9vzcfHgYW0jX7FkQgEpiweJUVoaqOv77_j-VS5HJ75U_TC3YKAUBM9n_FR2txyFzpf6y4zPxrdgiobjyslV6-c6Xs$" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">"Foundational Training on Modern Contraception and Reproductive Justice"</a>&nbsp;satisfies the implicit bias awareness&nbsp;training&nbsp;requirement for all&nbsp;healthcare professionals&nbsp;licensed in Illinois&nbsp;(60 minutes).&nbsp;</li> <li>“<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ican4all.org/lessons/connecting-communities-to-birth-control/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!a9cqJcr9vzcfHgYW0jX7FkQgEpiweJUVoaqOv77_j-VS5HJ75U_TC3YKAUBM9n_FR2txyFzpf6y4zPxrdgiobjyslRLx8enN$" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Connecting Communities to Birth Control</a>”&nbsp;training&nbsp;for social service providers and community-based organizations&nbsp;(15 minutes).&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>ICAN!&nbsp;Event Spotlight:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <p>ICAN! Webinar:&nbsp;“Connecting Communities to Family Planning&nbsp;Coverage”&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday, May 31, 12-1pm.&nbsp;Register&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-your-communities-to-family-planning-coverage-tickets-633385161067__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZJHp_r4NcytaG17NHJ4x7mGq0oqOYBNqA17dLkD_zpLI8CgWbSUHTS2g14phkgNeOWgQKC6eVoi_ZbmKx7kcfTIj6gyqm2xM7t8$" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <p>Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about this new state-wide program and these additional supports.&nbsp;</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Office of Reproductive Health at CDPH is committed to keeping Chicago provides well informed of updates. We would like to share the following. There is new statewide coverage for reproductive health care called [HFS Family Planning program](https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalclients/familyplanning.html). With NO OUT-OF-POCKET COST, this new statewide coverage program covers ALL FDA-approved birth control methods (emergency contraception, IUD, contraceptive arm implant, pills; screening for breast, cervical, and testicular cancer; treatment for genital/urinary infections; vaccines related to sexual health, and other reproductive health services). Illinois Contraceptive Access Now (ICAN!), a statewide contraceptive equity initiative, has developed resources to assist staff in providing trauma-informed contraceptive care and referrals. ICAN! Trainings (free, on demand): * ["Foundational Training on Modern Contraception and Reproductive Justice"](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ican4all.org/courses/reproductive-justice-modern-contraception/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!a9cqJcr9vzcfHgYW0jX7FkQgEpiweJUVoaqOv77_j-VS5HJ75U_TC3YKAUBM9n_FR2txyFzpf6y4zPxrdgiobjyslV6-c6Xs$) satisfies the implicit bias awareness training requirement for all healthcare professionals licensed in Illinois (60 minutes). * "[Connecting Communities to Birth Control](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ican4all.org/lessons/connecting-communities-to-birth-control/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!a9cqJcr9vzcfHgYW0jX7FkQgEpiweJUVoaqOv77_j-VS5HJ75U_TC3YKAUBM9n_FR2txyFzpf6y4zPxrdgiobjyslRLx8enN$)" training for social service providers and community-based organizations (15 minutes). ICAN! Event Spotlight: * ICAN! Webinar: "Connecting Communities to Family Planning Coverage" on Wednesday, May 31, 12-1pm. Register [here](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-your-communities-to-family-planning-coverage-tickets-633385161067__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZJHp_r4NcytaG17NHJ4x7mGq0oqOYBNqA17dLkD_zpLI8CgWbSUHTS2g14phkgNeOWgQKC6eVoi_ZbmKx7kcfTIj6gyqm2xM7t8$). Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about this new state-wide program and these additional supports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678090?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972023-06-29T20:37:5646679186Antimicrobial StewardshipDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighIDPH: PALASE - Partnering Acute and Long-Term Care to Advance Antimicrobial Stewardship Efforts<p>PALASE: Partnering Acute and Long-Term Care to Avance Antimicrobial Stewardship Efforts</p> <p>PALASE is Seeking: Long Term Care Facilities and Acute Care Hospitals for partnership in a 1:1 collaboration to strengthen communication and receive ongoing and personalized support.</p> <p>More info (and to sign up): &nbsp;<a href="https://asp.cimpar.com" target="_blank">https://asp.cimpar.com</a>/<br /> Questions? contact: &nbsp;<a href="mailto:ASP@CIMPAR.COM">ASP@CIMPAR.COM</a></p> <p>Please see the attached for more information</p> PALASE: Partnering Acute and Long-Term Care to Avance Antimicrobial Stewardship Efforts PALASE is Seeking: Long Term Care Facilities and Acute Care Hospitals for partnership in a 1:1 collaboration to strengthen communication and receive ongoing and personalized support. More info (and to sign up): <https://asp.cimpar.com>/ Questions? contact: [ASP@CIMPAR.COM](mailto:ASP@CIMPAR.COM) Please see the attached for more information truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679186?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,438213,4402662023-06-30T20:45:4646679080Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 30, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 25&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong>&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a>&nbsp;is low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.5 to 1.8.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.9% to 3.4%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>15 of 2,492 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 40.0% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,285 of 173,647 (7.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.6% to 2.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.1% to 13.3%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 2.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 25 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.5 to 1.8. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.9% to 3.4%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 15 of 2,492 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive with 40.0% positive for influenza B. Since October 2, 2022, 12,285 of 173,647 (7.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.6% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.1% to 13.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 2.2%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679080?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-07-03T14:43:4546679081West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report For July 3, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 3, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were no WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 3, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were no WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679081?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-07-06T18:12:4546679188LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID,COVID-19HighCOVID-19 Therapeutics Reporting for Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 treatments are safe, effective, and widely available.</li> <li>There is strong scientific evidence that using antiviral treatments reduces the risk of hospitalization and death for those at risk of severe COVID-19.</li> <li>Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) should report all utilization among residents of the COVID-19 outpatient treatments including Paxlovid, Lagevrio, and Veklury weekly to the NEW COVID-19 Therapeutics Utilization REDCap Survey: <ul> <li>Use the following link <a href="https://redcap.link/surveys.LTC.COVIDRX" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/surveys.LTC.COVIDRX</a> to submit weekly COVID-19 Therapeutics Utilization data to CDPH.</li> </ul> </li> <li>If your facility is experiencing COVID-19 infections among residents, contact.</li> <li><a href="mailto:chicago-covid19@cimpar.com">chicago-covid19@cimpar.com</a> or call (708) 600-4233 for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 treatments are safe, effective, and widely available. * There is strong scientific evidence that using antiviral treatments reduces the risk of hospitalization and death for those at risk of severe COVID-19. * Chicago Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) should report all utilization among residents of the COVID-19 outpatient treatments including Paxlovid, Lagevrio, and Veklury weekly to the NEW COVID-19 Therapeutics Utilization REDCap Survey: * Use the following link <https://redcap.link/surveys.LTC.COVIDRX> to submit weekly COVID-19 Therapeutics Utilization data to CDPH. * If your facility is experiencing COVID-19 infections among residents, contact. * [chicago-covid19@cimpar.com](mailto:chicago-covid19@cimpar.com) or call (708) 600-4233 for a consultation with the TREAT COVID-19 program. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679188?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,441444,4345552023-05-15T19:45:1346678189Project FrontlineDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Infection Control,Announcement,EventsHighIPC Town Hall with CDC’s Project Firstline, Tuesday, May 16th at 11:30am CT<p>The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 ended, May 11, 2023, prompting changes to data reporting and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the CDC has updated select <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2104-DM105327&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=Register%20for%20IPC%20Town%20Hall%20with%20CDC%E2%80%99s%20Project%20Firstline&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_2104-DM105327" target="_blank">infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare facilities</a>, which were informed by these data.&nbsp;</p> <p>In this town hall, hosted by CDC’s Project Firstline, CDC officials will review the updates to these recommendations and the infection control actions that continue to be effective at stopping the spread of respiratory viruses in health care. This town hall will also feature a panel of healthcare professionals that will discuss how they will operationalize these updated recommendations in their diverse facilities.</p> <p><strong>Title:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;Infection Prevention and Control Post-COVID-19 PHE</strong>,&nbsp;Recommendations for Health Care Professionals</p> <p><strong>Date:&nbsp;</strong> Tuesday, May 16, 2023</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp; 11:30am - 12:30pm</p> <p>To register, use the "RSVP" button on the event page: <a href="https://bit.ly/PFLCDC" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/PFLCDC</a></p> <p>CDC remains dedicated to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for populations at higher risk and will continue working to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 after the PHE has ended. Please join us for this important discussion, so we can continue to work together to stop the spread of infections in health care.</p> The federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 ended, May 11, 2023, prompting changes to data reporting and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the CDC has updated select [infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare facilities](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2104-DM105327&ACSTrackingLabel=Register%20for%20IPC%20Town%20Hall%20with%20CDC%E2%80%99s%20Project%20Firstline&deliveryName=USCDC_2104-DM105327), which were informed by these data. In this town hall, hosted by CDC's Project Firstline, CDC officials will review the updates to these recommendations and the infection control actions that continue to be effective at stopping the spread of respiratory viruses in health care. This town hall will also feature a panel of healthcare professionals that will discuss how they will operationalize these updated recommendations in their diverse facilities. **Title:** **Infection Prevention and Control Post-COVID-19 PHE**, Recommendations for Health Care Professionals **Date:** Tuesday, May 16, 2023 **Time:** 11:30am - 12:30pm To register, use the "RSVP" button on the event page: <https://bit.ly/PFLCDC> CDC remains dedicated to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for populations at higher risk and will continue working to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 after the PHE has ended. Please join us for this important discussion, so we can continue to work together to stop the spread of infections in health care. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678189?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,440266,441465,457397,4414662023-05-17T19:27:4146678378VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - May, 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Annual VFC Training &amp; Re-Enrollment</li> <li>Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention - Program Summary &amp; Metrics</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP)</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Annual VFC Training \& Re-Enrollment * Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention - Program Summary \& Metrics * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678378?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-05-17T22:41:0746678278Fungal InfectionsDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)HighCDC: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The CDC issued&nbsp;a&nbsp;Health Advisory (attached) about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is<u> currently unknown which organism(s) is causing the outbreak</u>. A fungal etiology is suspected based on elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the fungal biomarker (1,3)-beta-D-glucan in at least one patient. As of May 12, 2023, five patients have been diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis; all have been hospitalized, and one has died. All these patients received epidural anesthesia and underwent cosmetic procedures. Affected patients underwent procedures in at least two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Providers</strong></p> <ul> <li>For patients who underwent a medical or surgical procedure under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, after Jan.&nbsp;1, 2023, and who have developed symptoms consistent with fungal meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea/vomiting, photophobia, altered mental status), healthcare providers should perform brain imaging (i.e., computerized tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and a diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) unless contraindicated (e.g., because of skin infection over the puncture site, brain mass causing increased intracranial pressure).&nbsp; <ul> <li>Because some patients with fungal meningitis may initially present with mild or non-specific symptoms, healthcare providers should have a low threshold for performing brain imaging and LP.&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Healthcare providers can consider ordering bacterial and fungal cultures of CSF fluid, as well as serum and CSF levels of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan.&nbsp;Healthcare providers can consider ordering other diagnostic tests including serum and CSF Aspergillus galactomannan and fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.&nbsp;</li> <li>If fungal meningitis is suspected, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after obtaining CSF; treatment should not be withheld because of negative fungal culture or (1,3)-beta-D-glucan results. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended.&nbsp;</li> <li>Treatment should involve broad-spectrum antifungal medications that have adequate central nervous system penetration. Dual agent antifungal therapy can be considered and has been used in previous fungal meningitis outbreaks.&nbsp;</li> <li>Although vaccines are available to prevent certain types bacterial and viral meningitis, no vaccine is available to prevent fungal meningitis.</li> </ul> <p>Recommendaitons for Clinical Laboratories are included in the attachment</p> <p>To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents with history of undergoing epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico since January 1, 2023, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email <a href="mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org">doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> **Summary** The CDC issued a Health Advisory (attached) about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is++currently unknown which organism(s) is causing the outbreak++. A fungal etiology is suspected based on elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the fungal biomarker (1,3)-beta-D-glucan in at least one patient. As of May 12, 2023, five patients have been diagnosed with suspected fungal meningitis; all have been hospitalized, and one has died. All these patients received epidural anesthesia and underwent cosmetic procedures. Affected patients underwent procedures in at least two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico. **Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** * For patients who underwent a medical or surgical procedure under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico, after Jan. 1, 2023, and who have developed symptoms consistent with fungal meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea/vomiting, photophobia, altered mental status), healthcare providers should perform brain imaging (i.e., computerized tomography \[CT\] or magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\]) and a diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) unless contraindicated (e.g., because of skin infection over the puncture site, brain mass causing increased intracranial pressure). * Because some patients with fungal meningitis may initially present with mild or non-specific symptoms, healthcare providers should have a low threshold for performing brain imaging and LP. * Healthcare providers can consider ordering bacterial and fungal cultures of CSF fluid, as well as serum and CSF levels of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan. Healthcare providers can consider ordering other diagnostic tests including serum and CSF Aspergillus galactomannan and fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. * If fungal meningitis is suspected, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after obtaining CSF; treatment should not be withheld because of negative fungal culture or (1,3)-beta-D-glucan results. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is recommended. * Treatment should involve broad-spectrum antifungal medications that have adequate central nervous system penetration. Dual agent antifungal therapy can be considered and has been used in previous fungal meningitis outbreaks. * Although vaccines are available to prevent certain types bacterial and viral meningitis, no vaccine is available to prevent fungal meningitis. Recommendaitons for Clinical Laboratories are included in the attachment To report suspected case(s) in Chicago residents with history of undergoing epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico since January 1, 2023, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email [doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org](mailto:doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678278?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382132023-05-19T17:29:1846678279School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, May, 2023 - Higher Education Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago.</p> <p>Summer is quickly approaching! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about bike safety.&nbsp;</p> <p>Together, let's ensure that everyone can go ride a bike this summer!</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Summer is quickly approaching! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about bike safety. Together, let's ensure that everyone can go ride a bike this summer! truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678279?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-19T19:50:2546678380Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 19, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 19&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population is 3.5.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.7% to 4.6%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.<br /> One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 200 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;<br /> 27 of 2,363 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,473 of 155,795 (8.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305" target="_blank"> </a>interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.2% to 3.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.1% to 18.3% .</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.5% to 7.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 2.7% to 1.9%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 19 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level is Low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population is 3.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.7% to 4.6%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 200 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. 27 of 2,363 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,473 of 155,795 (8.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. * The CDC has issued[](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45697829&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46676305)interim guidance for prioritizing antiviral treatment of influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Currently, the Chicago retail pharmacy system is reporting availability of oseltamivir (generic and Tamiflu). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.2% to 3.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.1% to 18.3% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.5% to 7.1%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has decreased from 2.7% to 1.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678380?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-05-19T21:20:2146678281MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighIDPH Webinar: Mpox Update - May 22, 2023<p>IDPH Webinar:&nbsp; Mpox Update</p> <p>This webinar will provide an update on resurgence of mpox in Illinois. With new mpox cases on the rise, webinar will address the current situation and prevention tactics, clinical aspects including TPOXX, reporting and contact tracing guidance, vaccine recommendations, and a Q&amp;A opportunity.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Date and time:<br /> Monday, May 22, 2023 1:00 PM | (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US &amp; Canada)<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar link:<br /> <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m7aeab8f24eb7fb338361e2249e12d4ac" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m7aeab8f24eb7fb338361e2249e12d4ac</a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar number:<br /> 2464 315 5802<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Webinar password:&nbsp;<br /> Mpox2023 (67692024 from phones and video systems)<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Join by phone:<br /> +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)<br /> +1-415-655-0002 US Toll<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Access code: 246 431 55802</p> IDPH Webinar: Mpox Update This webinar will provide an update on resurgence of mpox in Illinois. With new mpox cases on the rise, webinar will address the current situation and prevention tactics, clinical aspects including TPOXX, reporting and contact tracing guidance, vaccine recommendations, and a Q\&A opportunity. <br /> Date and time: Monday, May 22, 2023 1:00 PM \| (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US \& Canada) <br /> Webinar link: <https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m7aeab8f24eb7fb338361e2249e12d4ac> <br /> Webinar number: 2464 315 5802 <br /> Webinar password: Mpox2023 (67692024 from phones and video systems) <br /> Join by phone: +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago) +1-415-655-0002 US Toll <br /> Access code: 246 431 55802 falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678281?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392023-05-22T13:52:3846678381School HealthSchool HealthHighREMINDER: School Health Request for Assistance - May 22, 2023<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.</p> <p>To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health.</p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. To that end, CDPH has launched a School Health Page on the Chicago HAN to keep those who work with our youth informed of the CDPH programming and best practices. The School Health Page focuses on the school setting from early childhood to higher education. You can find this content at chicagohan.org/school_health. You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content is meaningful to you. Please complete this short 7-question survey to assist us in better understanding your needs. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=D799ATALLDEYH3PE> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678381?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-26T14:56:4446678477COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVIDHighIDPH: Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes Following the End of the Public Health Emergency<p>IDPH has issued "<em><strong>Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes Following the End of the Public Health Emergency</strong></em>"</p> <p><strong>Applicability</strong><br /> This interim guidance provides guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities that provide skilled personal care services. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.</p> <p>Facilities whose staff provide <strong>non-skilled personal care</strong>, should follow the separate <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/long-term-care/guidelines-community-congregate-living-settings.html" target="_blank">IDPH Interim COVID-19 Guidelines for Assisted Living and Other Higher Risk Community Congregate Living Settings</a>. The CDC definition of non-skilled personal care is provided under Definitions.</p> <p><strong>Reason for Update</strong><br /> On May 11, 2023, the Illinois COVID-19 Disaster Proclamation ended, aligning with the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services end to the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE)</a>. The response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remains a public health priority. However, as a result of the concerted efforts of all those involved in ensuring high levels of vaccination, the availability of effective treatments, and use of infection prevention measures, there has been a substantial reduction in the risk for significant COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Both the nation, and the state of Illinois, are in a better place in the response than three years ago and are prepared to transition away from the emergency phase.</p> <p>This guidance reflects changes to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic</a>, released May 8, 2023, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) “QSO_23-13-ALL” <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-23-13-all.pdf" target="_blank">Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency</a>&nbsp;released May 1, 2023.</p> <p>Included are new provisions regarding COVID-19 metrics, the appropriate use of masking, and the testing of new admissions. The focus remains on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections on the residents of nursing homes, who are at higher risks of severe outcomes due to respiratory viral infections.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full Guidance.&nbsp;</p> IDPH has issued "***Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes Following the End of the Public Health Emergency***" **Applicability** This interim guidance provides guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities that provide skilled personal care services. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Facilities whose staff provide **non-skilled personal care** , should follow the separate [IDPH Interim COVID-19 Guidelines for Assisted Living and Other Higher Risk Community Congregate Living Settings](https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/long-term-care/guidelines-community-congregate-living-settings.html). The CDC definition of non-skilled personal care is provided under Definitions. **Reason for Update** On May 11, 2023, the Illinois COVID-19 Disaster Proclamation ended, aligning with the [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services end to the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE)](https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html). The response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remains a public health priority. However, as a result of the concerted efforts of all those involved in ensuring high levels of vaccination, the availability of effective treatments, and use of infection prevention measures, there has been a substantial reduction in the risk for significant COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Both the nation, and the state of Illinois, are in a better place in the response than three years ago and are prepared to transition away from the emergency phase. This guidance reflects changes to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html), released May 8, 2023, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) "QSO_23-13-ALL" [Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-23-13-all.pdf) released May 1, 2023. Included are new provisions regarding COVID-19 metrics, the appropriate use of masking, and the testing of new admissions. The focus remains on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections on the residents of nursing homes, who are at higher risks of severe outcomes due to respiratory viral infections. Please see the attachment for the full Guidance. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678477?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,4414442023-05-19T17:33:5646678280School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, May, 2023 - EC/K12 Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago.</p> <p>Summer is quickly approaching! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about bike safety.&nbsp;</p> <p>Together, let's ensure that everyone can go ride a bike this summer!</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Summer is quickly approaching! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about bike safety. Together, let's ensure that everyone can go ride a bike this summer! truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678280?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-05-19T19:55:2646678379COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighPost Acute and Long Term Care Inaugural Medical Director Symposium - June 5, 2023<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) in partnership with Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR) is announcing the first Post Acute and Long Term Care Inaugural Medical Director Symposium. COVID-19 has been particularly difficult for the residents, staff and medical providers in the Long Term Care (LTC) community. With the ending of the Public Health Emergency, it is especially important LTCF providers stay up to date on treatment and infection prevention and control guidance. CDPH with our partners at CIMPAR, would like to invite the Medical Directors and other LTC providers to join us in a discussion about managing COVID-19 in LTCFs, available resources and up-to-date regulations and guidance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Register today take part in this special dinner and CME event as we host an engaging evening of discussion, learning, and networking with peers.</p> <p>Date: June 5th, 2023<br /> Time: 4:30pm - 8:00pm<br /> Where: Weiss Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building</p> <p><a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ejsjno2x4907376c&amp;llr=7g68czfbb" target="_blank">Register here</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) in partnership with Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR) is announcing the first Post Acute and Long Term Care Inaugural Medical Director Symposium. COVID-19 has been particularly difficult for the residents, staff and medical providers in the Long Term Care (LTC) community. With the ending of the Public Health Emergency, it is especially important LTCF providers stay up to date on treatment and infection prevention and control guidance. CDPH with our partners at CIMPAR, would like to invite the Medical Directors and other LTC providers to join us in a discussion about managing COVID-19 in LTCFs, available resources and up-to-date regulations and guidance. Register today take part in this special dinner and CME event as we host an engaging evening of discussion, learning, and networking with peers. Date: June 5th, 2023 Time: 4:30pm - 8:00pm Where: Weiss Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building [Register here](http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ejsjno2x4907376c&llr=7g68czfbb) Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678379?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4345562023-05-26T19:28:5946678577Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,InfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 26, 2023<p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 19&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19:</strong> <em>metrics are based on 7-day averages</em></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level</a> is Low.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from&nbsp;3.5 to 3.1.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.6% to 4.0%.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Influenza:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Influenza activity is low.</span></li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 2, 2022, 201&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">23&nbsp;of 2,334 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,496&nbsp;of 158,133&nbsp;(8.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI)&nbsp;and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are&nbsp;below local thresholds.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season</a>. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.2% to 3.1%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 18.3% to 21.6% .</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 7.1% to 3.4%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased from 1.9% to 2.5%.</span></li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 19 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** *metrics are based on 7-day averages* * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is Low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population has decreased from 3.5 to 3.1. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.6% to 4.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 2, 2022, 201 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 23 of 2,334 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,496 of 158,133 (8.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2022-2023 season](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427378/20220915_2022-2023_ODC_Annual_Flu_Te.pdf). Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.2% to 3.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 18.3% to 21.6% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 7.1% to 3.4%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus has increased from 1.9% to 2.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678577?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,4378352023-07-07T18:22:1946679189InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 7, 2023<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 26&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve</a>l is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.8 to 1.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.4% to 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Two of 2,244 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,636 of 175,892 (7.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.8% to 2.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.3% to 9.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.2% to 4.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 26 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html)l is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.8 to 1.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.4% to 2.5%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Two of 2,244 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,636 of 175,892 (7.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.8% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.3% to 9.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.2% to 4.2%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679189?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-05T15:15:1046680388West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 5, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 5, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-two (22) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 5, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-two (22) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680388?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-12-08T20:16:3146682182InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 8, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/26/2023-12/2/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank"> COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 6.9 to 7.5.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.5% to 10.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 1, 2023, 27 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>226 of 5,574 (4.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 966 of 44,182 (2.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are at or above local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.9% to 8.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 12.5% to 10.8%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 11% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.5% to 1.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.4% to 13.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.5% to 4.0%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/26/2023-12/2/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's[COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 6.9 to 7.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.5% to 10.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 27 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 226 of 5,574 (4.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 966 of 44,182 (2.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are at or above local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.9% to 8.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 12.5% to 10.8%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 11% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.5% to 1.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.4% to 13.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.5% to 4.0%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682182?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-06-01T20:51:2046678580COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,Moderna,COVIDHighModerna Vaccine Shelf-Life Extension - June 1, 2023<p>Several lots of bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have received shelf-life extensions. Moderna has verified the new expiry dates below and updated the Moderna Vial Expiration Checker. To check product expiration dates, the best practice is to use the manufacturer’s online expiry checking tool.</p> <p><strong>Note that the first 5 lots in this list are currently in the field:</strong><br />  </p> <table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:500px"> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Lot Number</strong></td> <td><strong>Old Expiry</strong></td> <td><strong>New Expiry</strong></td> <td><strong>Location(s)</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">AS7172B&nbsp;</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">06/12/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">09/12/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">In Field</span></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">066H22A&nbsp;</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">06/13/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">09/13/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">In Field</span></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">067H22A</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">06/15/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">09/15/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">CDC Depot, In Field</span></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">AS7173B&nbsp;</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">06/16/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">09/16/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">CDC Depot, In Field</span></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">AS7180B&nbsp;</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">06/26/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">09/26/2023</span></strong></td> <td><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">CDC Depot, In Field, VMI</span></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7184B</td> <td>07/03/2023</td> <td>10/03/2023</td> <td>CDC Depot, VMI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7185B</td> <td>07/04/2023</td> <td>10/04/2023</td> <td>CDC Depot, VMI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7642B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/13/2023</td> <td>10/13/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7643E</td> <td>07/13/2023</td> <td>10/13/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7644C&nbsp;</td> <td>07/14/2023</td> <td>10/14/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7645B</td> <td>07/14/2023</td> <td>10/14/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7647B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/15/2023</td> <td>10/15/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7646C&nbsp;</td> <td>07/16/2023</td> <td>10/16/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7661B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/16/2023</td> <td>10/16/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7663B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/20/2023</td> <td>10/20/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7664B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/22/2023</td> <td>10/22/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7665B</td> <td>07/24/2023</td> <td>10/24/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> <tr> <td>AS7666B&nbsp;</td> <td>07/25/2023</td> <td>10/25/2023</td> <td>VMI Only</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>VMI=Vaccine Manufacturer Inventory</p> <p>Please reach out to <a href="http://covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> with further questions.&nbsp;</p> Several lots of bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have received shelf-life extensions. Moderna has verified the new expiry dates below and updated the Moderna Vial Expiration Checker. To check product expiration dates, the best practice is to use the manufacturer's online expiry checking tool. **Note that the first 5 lots in this list are currently in the field:** |----------------|----------------|----------------|------------------------------| | **Lot Number** | **Old Expiry** | **New Expiry** | **Location(s)** | | **AS7172B** | **06/12/2023** | **09/12/2023** | **In Field** | | **066H22A** | **06/13/2023** | **09/13/2023** | **In Field** | | **067H22A** | **06/15/2023** | **09/15/2023** | **CDC Depot, In Field** | | **AS7173B** | **06/16/2023** | **09/16/2023** | **CDC Depot, In Field** | | **AS7180B** | **06/26/2023** | **09/26/2023** | **CDC Depot, In Field, VMI** | | AS7184B | 07/03/2023 | 10/03/2023 | CDC Depot, VMI | | AS7185B | 07/04/2023 | 10/04/2023 | CDC Depot, VMI | | AS7642B | 07/13/2023 | 10/13/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7643E | 07/13/2023 | 10/13/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7644C | 07/14/2023 | 10/14/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7645B | 07/14/2023 | 10/14/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7647B | 07/15/2023 | 10/15/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7646C | 07/16/2023 | 10/16/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7661B | 07/16/2023 | 10/16/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7663B | 07/20/2023 | 10/20/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7664B | 07/22/2023 | 10/22/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7665B | 07/24/2023 | 10/24/2023 | VMI Only | | AS7666B | 07/25/2023 | 10/25/2023 | VMI Only | VMI=Vaccine Manufacturer Inventory Please reach out to [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](http://covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) with further questions. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678580?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,440660,4414442023-06-01T22:37:3646678481School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health News, June, 2023 - EC/K12 Edition<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago.</p> <p>Summer is here! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about water safety for children. By implementing these precautions, we can create a safer environment for our children to learn, play, and enjoy water activities.&nbsp;</p> <p>Together, let's ensure that every child has the opportunity to make a splash responsibly!</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Summer is here! Please take a look at the attached document to learn more about water safety for children. By implementing these precautions, we can create a safer environment for our children to learn, play, and enjoy water activities. Together, let's ensure that every child has the opportunity to make a splash responsibly! truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678481?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-06-01T22:47:4646678482Fungal InfectionsDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR)HighCDC: UPDATE Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Mening. in US Pts. who Underwent Surgical Proc. in Mexico<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to supplement the CDC HAN Health Advisory issued on May 17, 2023. This Health Update provides updates on the status of the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak and highlights interim recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.</p> <p>The attached <u>CDC Health Update</u> includes more information including background, Case Definitions, Recommendations for Healthcare Providers, Recommendations for the Public, and Links for more information.</p> <p><strong>To report Chicago residents with history of undergoing epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico since January 1, 2023, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org.</strong></p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to supplement the CDC HAN Health Advisory issued on May 17, 2023. This Health Update provides updates on the status of the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak and highlights interim recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. The attached ++CDC Health Update++ includes more information including background, Case Definitions, Recommendations for Healthcare Providers, Recommendations for the Public, and Links for more information. **To report Chicago residents with history of undergoing epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico since January 1, 2023, please call 312-744-1100. For questions, please email doyoung.kim@cityofchicago.org.** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46678482?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382132023-07-10T15:24:5846679190West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report For July 10, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 10, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human WNV infection in the city is low</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were five (5) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 10, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human WNV infection in the city is low **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were five (5) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679190?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-07-13T15:45:1546679082Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for Children,Lab,Lead Program,School HealthHighIDPH: HIV/STI, and Clinical Blood Lead test requisitions will be moving to ETOR<p>This <u>advanced notification</u> is being provided to inform IDPH Laboratory clients that the Division of Laboratories will be transitioning from paper test requisitions to the online Electronic Test Ordering and Results (ETOR) for all samples being submitted for HIV, STI (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia), and Clinical Blood Lead testing.</p> <p>The ETOR online ordering platform will replace the current:<br /> ▪ Test Request for Blood Lead Analysis, and<br /> ▪ HIV/STD Test Requisition Form</p> <p>Once ETOR is implemented for HIV/STI and Clinical Blood Lead test ordering, IDPH will no longer be providing HIV/STD Requisition forms to submitters and will require that all test requisitions be submitted through ETOR.</p> <p>As this is as advanced notice, if your facility has not already enrolled in ETOR, please contact <a href="mailto:dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov">dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov</a>. <span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Enrollment for<u> clinical submitters should be performed at this time to ensure a successful transition</u></span>. If your facility is already using ETOR for testing services or supply ordering, no additional registration steps are required at this time.</p> <p>As IDPH nears the full transition to ETOR, a separate notification will be sent indicating the go-live date for electronic ordering of HIV/STI and Clinical Blood Lead testing.</p> <p>For a helpful reference, the&nbsp;ETOR User Manual can be accessed <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/resources/resources-00-shared-laboratory-pages/2a-il-etor-user-guide-v131.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attached for the full IDPH Memo.</p> This ++advanced notification++ is being provided to inform IDPH Laboratory clients that the Division of Laboratories will be transitioning from paper test requisitions to the online Electronic Test Ordering and Results (ETOR) for all samples being submitted for HIV, STI (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia), and Clinical Blood Lead testing. The ETOR online ordering platform will replace the current: ▪ Test Request for Blood Lead Analysis, and ▪ HIV/STD Test Requisition Form Once ETOR is implemented for HIV/STI and Clinical Blood Lead test ordering, IDPH will no longer be providing HIV/STD Requisition forms to submitters and will require that all test requisitions be submitted through ETOR. As this is as advanced notice, if your facility has not already enrolled in ETOR, please contact [dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov). Enrollment for++clinical submitters should be performed at this time to ensure a successful transition++. If your facility is already using ETOR for testing services or supply ordering, no additional registration steps are required at this time. As IDPH nears the full transition to ETOR, a separate notification will be sent indicating the go-live date for electronic ordering of HIV/STI and Clinical Blood Lead testing. For a helpful reference, the ETOR User Manual can be accessed [here](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/resources/resources-00-shared-laboratory-pages/2a-il-etor-user-guide-v131.pdf). Please see attached for the full IDPH Memo. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679082?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437620,438739,440472,441468,1133292,20635202023-09-06T16:20:2546680587Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIncreased Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Parts of the Southeastern United States: New Prevention Tools Available to Protect Patients<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The CDC issued a HAN&nbsp; Health Advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increases in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across some parts of the Southeastern United States in recent weeks, suggesting a continued shift toward seasonal RSV trends observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, such regional increases have predicted the beginning of RSV season nationally, with increased RSV activity spreading north and west over the following 2–3 months. RSV can cause severe disease in infants, young children, and older adults.</p> <p>In anticipation of the onset of the 2023-2024 RSV season, CDC encourages clinicians to prepare to implement new RSV prevention options. Monoclonal antibody products, including a new, long-acting product, <strong>nirsevimab (Beyfortus™, Sanofi and AstraZeneca)</strong>, are available to protect infants and some<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7234a4-H.pdf" target="_blank"> young children at higher risk</a> for severe RSV disease. For all infants ages &lt;8 months, and infants and children ages 8–19 months who are at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7234a4-H.pdf" target="_blank">increased risk</a> of severe RSV, clinicians should start to offer nirsevimab when it becomes available (expected by early October).</p> <p>Also, two new vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV disease. For adults ages 60 years and older, clinicians should offer a single dose of an RSV vaccine, either <strong>RSVPreF3 (Arexvy, GSK) </strong>or <strong>RSVpreF (Abrysvo™, Pfizer)</strong>, based on shared clinical decision-making between the healthcare provider and the patient. Clinicians should also talk to their patients about other vaccines available this fall to help prevent respiratory infections. Clinicians should consider testing symptomatic patients with high-risk conditions for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV to inform treatment decisions. &nbsp;Healthcare personnel, childcare providers, and staff at long-term care facilities should stay home and not go to work when they have fever or symptoms of respiratory infection to reduce the spread of respiratory infections including RSV.&nbsp;</p> <p>Chicago providers please note:</p> <ul> <li>Please see the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" target="_blank">Chicago Respiratory Weekly Surveillance Reports</a>, at&nbsp;this time RSV indicators in Chicago remain very low.</li> <li>VFC Note: Nirsevimab has been added to the VFC program. VFC providers will be able to order once available on the CDC formulary which is anticipated October 1, 2023.</li> <li>Reminder: &nbsp;<a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events/" target="_blank">RSV Treatment &amp; Vaccine Update Webinar</a> today at 12:00&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information,</p> **Summary** The CDC issued a HAN Health Advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increases in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across some parts of the Southeastern United States in recent weeks, suggesting a continued shift toward seasonal RSV trends observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, such regional increases have predicted the beginning of RSV season nationally, with increased RSV activity spreading north and west over the following 2--3 months. RSV can cause severe disease in infants, young children, and older adults. In anticipation of the onset of the 2023-2024 RSV season, CDC encourages clinicians to prepare to implement new RSV prevention options. Monoclonal antibody products, including a new, long-acting product, **nirsevimab (Beyfortus™, Sanofi and AstraZeneca)** , are available to protect infants and some[young children at higher risk](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7234a4-H.pdf) for severe RSV disease. For all infants ages \<8 months, and infants and children ages 8--19 months who are at [increased risk](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7234a4-H.pdf) of severe RSV, clinicians should start to offer nirsevimab when it becomes available (expected by early October). Also, two new vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV disease. For adults ages 60 years and older, clinicians should offer a single dose of an RSV vaccine, either **RSVPreF3 (Arexvy, GSK)** or **RSVpreF (Abrysvo™, Pfizer)**, based on shared clinical decision-making between the healthcare provider and the patient. Clinicians should also talk to their patients about other vaccines available this fall to help prevent respiratory infections. Clinicians should consider testing symptomatic patients with high-risk conditions for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV to inform treatment decisions. Healthcare personnel, childcare providers, and staff at long-term care facilities should stay home and not go to work when they have fever or symptoms of respiratory infection to reduce the spread of respiratory infections including RSV. Chicago providers please note: * Please see the [Chicago Respiratory Weekly Surveillance Reports](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html), at this time RSV indicators in Chicago remain very low. * VFC Note: Nirsevimab has been added to the VFC program. VFC providers will be able to order once available on the CDC formulary which is anticipated October 1, 2023. * Reminder: [RSV Treatment \& Vaccine Update Webinar](https://illinoisaap.org/events/) today at 12:00 Please see the attachment for more information, truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680587?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,440472,20635202023-07-14T19:34:0246679277InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 14, 2023<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 27&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve</a>l is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to&nbsp;<br /> 1.4.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 3.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.&nbsp;</li> <li>Four of 2,396 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,641&nbsp;<br /> of 178,417 (7.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of&nbsp;<br /> outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.7% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.5% to 11.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.2% to 4.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 27 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html)l is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to 1.4. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 3.6%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Four of 2,396 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,641 of 178,417 (7.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.7% to 1.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.5% to 11.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.2% to 4.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679277?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-06T20:23:4846680588Lead TestingDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighLead Poisoning Prevention for Children Webinar - September 21, 2023<p>Please join ICAAP for the final Lead Poisoning Prevention webinar in the 2023 series. In addition to Dr. Buchanan’s presentation on lead poisoning prevention, a Nurse Case Management Coordinator from CDPH will be in attendance to provide information regarding the case management process for elevated blood lead levels and what their role entails and answer any questions healthcare providers have. This webinar is eligible for 1 CME credit.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Webinar</strong>: <strong>Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children</strong><br /> <strong>Presenters</strong>: Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH and Clora Aikens, RN<br /> <strong>When</strong>: Thursday, September 21, 2023<br /> <strong>Time</strong>: 12pm - 1pm CST</p> <p><strong>To Register</strong> <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lc--orDIpEt16eHuEpm7_CKPxw9ZUxDKd" target="_blank">Cick Here</a></p> Please join ICAAP for the final Lead Poisoning Prevention webinar in the 2023 series. In addition to Dr. Buchanan's presentation on lead poisoning prevention, a Nurse Case Management Coordinator from CDPH will be in attendance to provide information regarding the case management process for elevated blood lead levels and what their role entails and answer any questions healthcare providers have. This webinar is eligible for 1 CME credit. **Webinar** : **Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children** **Presenters** : Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH and Clora Aikens, RN **When** : Thursday, September 21, 2023 **Time**: 12pm - 1pm CST **To Register** [Cick Here](https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lc--orDIpEt16eHuEpm7_CKPxw9ZUxDKd) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680588?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,1133292,20635202024-09-26T15:39:0546686879School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighOctober offerings HAN alert Fall 2024 <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is hosting a series of fall virtual webinars on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Thursday of every month. Upcoming sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Nutrition for K12 Schools (October 1st) and Early Childcare (October 3rd)</strong></li> </ul> <p>NEW! Youth Settings monthly Office Hours, held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in English and Spanish!</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Office Hours on October 8th</strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>English: 10 am – 11 am</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px"><strong>Spanish 11 am – 12 pm</strong></p> <p><strong>Nutrition in K-12 Schools</strong></p> <p>Date: October 1st &nbsp;<br /> Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am<br /> <strong>Microsoft Teams&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTkzY2RhYzQtNTZiMS00ZjMyLTk1NmMtNWZlYzNjZDU3MDBj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank"><u>Join the meeting now</u></a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 249 399 657 289</p> <p>Passcode: ouX6hy</p> <p><br /> <strong>Nutrition in Early Childcare</strong></p> <p>Date: October 3rd</p> <p>Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm<br /> <strong>Microsoft Teams&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTEzM2RjZDMtNjVjYS00MzgwLTgzNWYtYTgzYTQxYjZkM2Qw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 246 474 170 431</p> <p>Passcode: K3PupB</p> <p><br /> <strong>Youth Settings Office Hours (English)</strong></p> <p>Date: October 8th&nbsp;</p> <p>Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am</p> <p><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mjc5OTQyMzItYWE3OC00NWU4LTg1OTAtZmExNWQxNWQwMDcx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 284 019 740 125</p> <p>Passcode: syJcvc</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Youth Settings Office Hours (Spanish)</strong></p> <p>Date: October 8th &nbsp;</p> <p>Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm</p> <p><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDg0ZDdhOTctYmNhNi00OWUwLWFkZmQtZjJmYWU3NWY2Y2I3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 238 757 229 617</p> <p>Passcode: VXCfPV</p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is hosting a series of fall virtual webinars on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Thursday of every month. Upcoming sessions will include: * **Nutrition for K12 Schools (October 1st) and Early Childcare (October 3rd)** NEW! Youth Settings monthly Office Hours, held the 2nd Tuesday of every month in English and Spanish! * **Office Hours on October 8th** **English: 10 am -- 11 am** **Spanish 11 am -- 12 pm** **Nutrition in K-12 Schools** Date: October 1st Time: 10:00 am -- 11:00 am **Microsoft Teams** [++Join the meeting now++](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTkzY2RhYzQtNTZiMS00ZjMyLTk1NmMtNWZlYzNjZDU3MDBj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 249 399 657 289 Passcode: ouX6hy <br /> **Nutrition in Early Childcare** Date: October 3rd Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:00 pm **Microsoft Teams** [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTEzM2RjZDMtNjVjYS00MzgwLTgzNWYtYTgzYTQxYjZkM2Qw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 246 474 170 431 Passcode: K3PupB <br /> **Youth Settings Office Hours (English)** Date: October 8th Time: 10:00 am -- 11:00 am **Microsoft Teams** [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Mjc5OTQyMzItYWE3OC00NWU4LTg1OTAtZmExNWQxNWQwMDcx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 284 019 740 125 Passcode: syJcvc **Youth Settings Office Hours (Spanish)** Date: October 8th Time: 11:00 am -- 12:00 pm **Microsoft Teams** [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDg0ZDdhOTctYmNhNi00OWUwLWFkZmQtZjJmYWU3NWY2Y2I3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 238 757 229 617 Passcode: VXCfPV truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46686879?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202023-09-07T18:35:5046680778Laboratory InformationLabLowIDPH: Laboratory Preparedness Exercise - LPX-B<p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory.&nbsp;</p> <p>The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism.&nbsp;</p> <p>LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory September 6, 2023.</p> <p>Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <a href="https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C" target="_blank">https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C</a> .&nbsp;</p> <p>See attachment for full details</p> <p> </p> The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism. LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory September 6, 2023. Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C> . See attachment for full details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680778?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682023-09-07T18:52:3346680779School HealthSchool HealthHigh Respiratory Virus Guidance - September 7, 2023<p>Facilities should take a broad approach to preventing respiratory illness in their school communities for the 2023-24 School Year. A comprehensive approach to respiratory hygiene should be emphasized in schools and early childcare settings. Please see message attached for further details</p> Facilities should take a broad approach to preventing respiratory illness in their school communities for the 2023-24 School Year. A comprehensive approach to respiratory hygiene should be emphasized in schools and early childcare settings. Please see message attached for further details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680779?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-12-11T22:48:4446682183MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,MonkeypoxHighMpox Caused by Human-to-Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus with Geographic Spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and health departments about the occurrence, geographic spread, and sexually associated human-to-human transmission of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). MPXV has two distinct genetic clades (subtypes), and cases of Clade I MPXV have not been reported in the United States at this time (a clade is a broad grouping of viruses that has evolved over decades and is a genetic and clinically distinct group). However, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of Clade I MPXV in travelers who have been in DRC. Clinicians should notify their state health department if they have a patient with mpox-like symptoms, which may include a diffuse rash and lymphadenopathy, and recent travel to DRC. Clinicians should also submit lesion specimens for clade-specific testing for these patients.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vaccines (e.g., JYNNEOS, ACAM2000) and other<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/treatment.html#anchor_1655488233196" target="_blank"> medical countermeasures</a> (e.g., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) are available and expected to be effective for both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. However, vaccination coverage in the United States remains low, with only one in four people who are<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/vaccines/vaccine-basics-healthcare.html#eligibility-criteria" target="_blank"> eligible to receive the vaccine</a> having received both doses of JYNNEOS. CDC recommends that clinicians encourage vaccination for patients who are eligible.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> For patients with compatible symptoms and travel to DRC within 21 days of illness onset, 2 laboratory specimens should be obtained. &nbsp;One specimen should go to a commercial lab to diagnose mpox and one specimen should go to IDPH lab to hold for potential clade-specific testing.&nbsp; &nbsp;The IDPH lab, in partnership with the local jurisdiction, would need to identify commercial tests that are positive for mpox, to then send on stored specimen to CDC for clade-typing. Instructions for storage of specimens after business hours are available at<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/mpox" target="_blank"> mpox - HAN (chicagohan.org)</a> under testing/specimen collection. &nbsp;Cases should also be reported in INEDSS.</p> <p>Providers who would like to report a Chicago case and/or have questions please call: &nbsp;312-742-2883.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.&nbsp;</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and health departments about the occurrence, geographic spread, and sexually associated human-to-human transmission of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). MPXV has two distinct genetic clades (subtypes), and cases of Clade I MPXV have not been reported in the United States at this time (a clade is a broad grouping of viruses that has evolved over decades and is a genetic and clinically distinct group). However, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of Clade I MPXV in travelers who have been in DRC. Clinicians should notify their state health department if they have a patient with mpox-like symptoms, which may include a diffuse rash and lymphadenopathy, and recent travel to DRC. Clinicians should also submit lesion specimens for clade-specific testing for these patients. Vaccines (e.g., JYNNEOS, ACAM2000) and other[medical countermeasures](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/treatment.html#anchor_1655488233196) (e.g., tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous) are available and expected to be effective for both Clade I and Clade II MPXV infections. However, vaccination coverage in the United States remains low, with only one in four people who are[eligible to receive the vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/vaccines/vaccine-basics-healthcare.html#eligibility-criteria) having received both doses of JYNNEOS. CDC recommends that clinicians encourage vaccination for patients who are eligible. **Reporting Information** For patients with compatible symptoms and travel to DRC within 21 days of illness onset, 2 laboratory specimens should be obtained. One specimen should go to a commercial lab to diagnose mpox and one specimen should go to IDPH lab to hold for potential clade-specific testing. The IDPH lab, in partnership with the local jurisdiction, would need to identify commercial tests that are positive for mpox, to then send on stored specimen to CDC for clade-typing. Instructions for storage of specimens after business hours are available at[mpox - HAN (chicagohan.org)](https://www.chicagohan.org/mpox) under testing/specimen collection. Cases should also be reported in INEDSS. Providers who would like to report a Chicago case and/or have questions please call: 312-742-2883. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682183?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20482392024-03-09T19:17:3546682982MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School Health,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Measles Updates March 9, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified two confirmed cases of measles in the past two weeks</li> <li>Clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles in their patients. For additional details on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/en/web/han/diseases-and-conditions/measles">www.chicagohan.org/measles</a> for a Measles Job Aid.</li> <li><strong>Providers should notify CDPH immediately upon suspicion of measles. Do not wait on testing before notifying CDPH.</strong> To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH, call 312-743-7216. During after-hours, weekends, holidays, or if you are unsuccessful using the number above, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call.</li> <li>Healthcare providers and facilities should ensure that their patient populations are up to date on their measles vaccines.</li> <li>All persons who work in healthcare facilities should have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#evidence">presumptive evidence of immunity to measles</a>.</li> </ul> **Summary and Action Items** * The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified two confirmed cases of measles in the past two weeks * Clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles in their patients. For additional details on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see [www.chicagohan.org/measles](https://www.chicagohan.org/en/web/han/diseases-and-conditions/measles) for a Measles Job Aid. * **Providers should notify CDPH immediately upon suspicion of measles. Do not wait on testing before notifying CDPH.** To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH, call 312-743-7216. During after-hours, weekends, holidays, or if you are unsuccessful using the number above, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. * Healthcare providers and facilities should ensure that their patient populations are up to date on their measles vaccines. * All persons who work in healthcare facilities should have [presumptive evidence of immunity to measles](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#evidence). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682982?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,2063520,133213092023-07-14T20:36:4346679278COVID19COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVIDHighUpdated COVID-19 Guidelines for Assisted Living, and Other Higher Risk Community Congregate<p><u><strong>Key Points</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>The previous CDC metrics, COVID-19 Community Transmission and Community Levels, will no longer be available</strong> following the expiration May 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. However, the<strong> <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker</a> will continue to provide relevant data that can be used to guide decision making.</strong></li> <li><strong>Facilities should continue to monitor the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker</a> weekly and implement select infection prevention and control measures (e.g., masking) based on <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_new-admissions-rate-county" target="_blank">the level of new COVID-19 hospital admissions </a>over the past week in their county.</strong> This is the same metric that will be utilized by the CDC to issue alerts to the public regarding higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the community and the need to take additional protective actions.</li> <li><strong>IDPH is recommending that a COVID-19 new hospital admissionslevel of 20 per 100,000 population over the past week be used as the measure at which facilities should considerimplementing Enhanced Prevention Strategies(“HIGH”).</strong></li> <li><strong>If there is a steady increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections, including flu and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nrevss/rsv/state.html#IL" target="_blank">RSV</a> over two weeks regardless of the actual rate of admissions, facilities should be vigilant and prepared to implement enhanced measures if necessary.</strong></li> <li>Facilities and individuals may choose to implement <strong>additional</strong> protective measures when the <strong>COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levelis lower based on their discretion and taking into account the activity of other respiratory infections,such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm" target="_blank">flu</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nrevss/rsv/state.html#IL" target="_blank">RSV</a>.&nbsp;</strong></li> <li> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> </li> </ul> ++**Key Points**++ * **The previous CDC metrics, COVID-19 Community Transmission and Community Levels, will no longer be available** following the expiration May 11 of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. However, the**[CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county) will continue to provide relevant data that can be used to guide decision making.** * **Facilities should continue to monitor the [CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county) weekly and implement select infection prevention and control measures (e.g., masking) based on [the level of new COVID-19 hospital admissions](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_new-admissions-rate-county)over the past week in their county.** This is the same metric that will be utilized by the CDC to issue alerts to the public regarding higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the community and the need to take additional protective actions. * **IDPH is recommending that a COVID-19 new hospital admissionslevel of 20 per 100,000 population over the past week be used as the measure at which facilities should considerimplementing Enhanced Prevention Strategies("HIGH").** * **If there is a steady increase in hospital admissions for respiratory infections, including flu and [RSV](https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nrevss/rsv/state.html#IL) over two weeks regardless of the actual rate of admissions, facilities should be vigilant and prepared to implement enhanced measures if necessary.** * Facilities and individuals may choose to implement **additional** protective measures when the **COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levelis lower based on their discretion and taking into account the activity of other respiratory infections,such as [flu](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm) and [RSV](https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nrevss/rsv/state.html#IL).** * Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679278?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,434556,4414442023-07-14T23:44:1746679377Parasitic DiseasesDiseases & ConditionsHighIDPH HEALTH ADVISORY: Increase in Cyclospora Cases in Illinois<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Alert providers and local health departments (LHDs) that an increase in domestically acquired Cyclospora cases has been identified in Illinois</li> <li>Request LHDs conduct enhanced investigation of domestically acquired Cyclospora cases, as detailed below</li> <li>Remind health care providers and laboratories about testing requirements to identify Cyclospora</li> <li>Request laboratories forward clinical materials positive for Cyclospora to the IDPH Laboratory</li> </ul> <p>CDPH is conducting an investigation of cyclosporiasis. As of 7/14/2023, 29 lab-confirmed and epidemiologically linked cyclosporiasis cases without international travel have been reported to CDPH since June 16, with onsets ranging from 6/4 to 7/6. &nbsp;A total of 9 cases who have been interviewed attended events in the Chicago area from 6/22-7/4. &nbsp;No cases associated with this cluster are known to have been hospitalized. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Reporting (Chicago)&nbsp; &nbsp;</strong>Providers should report cases of cyclosporiasis to INEDSS or call 312-743-9000.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Alert providers and local health departments (LHDs) that an increase in domestically acquired Cyclospora cases has been identified in Illinois * Request LHDs conduct enhanced investigation of domestically acquired Cyclospora cases, as detailed below * Remind health care providers and laboratories about testing requirements to identify Cyclospora * Request laboratories forward clinical materials positive for Cyclospora to the IDPH Laboratory CDPH is conducting an investigation of cyclosporiasis. As of 7/14/2023, 29 lab-confirmed and epidemiologically linked cyclosporiasis cases without international travel have been reported to CDPH since June 16, with onsets ranging from 6/4 to 7/6. A total of 9 cases who have been interviewed attended events in the Chicago area from 6/22-7/4. No cases associated with this cluster are known to have been hospitalized. **Reporting (Chicago)**Providers should report cases of cyclosporiasis to INEDSS or call 312-743-9000. Please see the attachment for more details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679377?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-07-17T16:39:4246679279West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report For July 17, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 17, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human WNV infection in the city is low</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 28&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight&nbsp;(8) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> <p>.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 17, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human WNV infection in the city is low **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. . truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679279?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-07-17T22:20:3946679280VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - July 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Annual VFC Training Reminder</li> <li>Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Updates</li> <li>Targeted Messaging to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines for Children</li> <li>Summer Travel Measles Guidance</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Annual VFC Training Reminder * Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Updates * Targeted Messaging to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines for Children * Summer Travel Measles Guidance Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679280?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-07-20T13:00:0046679281COVID19COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVIDHighCOVID-19 Vaccine Transitional Ordering-July 20, 2023<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>New, monovalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available on the commercial market as early as late September 2023</li> <li>Regular ordering mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccines + supplies will end August 3, 2023</li> <li>Place orders through the routine ordering survey linked <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA" target="_blank">here </a>by August 1, 2023</li> <li>Order enough vaccine to hold you over until the new, monovalent formulation is available</li> </ul> <p>Contact <a href="mailto:COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> for further questions.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * New, monovalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available on the commercial market as early as late September 2023 * Regular ordering mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccines + supplies will end August 3, 2023 * Place orders through the routine ordering survey linked [here](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA)by August 1, 2023 * Order enough vaccine to hold you over until the new, monovalent formulation is available Contact [COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:COVID19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) for further questions. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679281?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,436929,436930,4414442023-07-21T19:37:0946679579Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighCDC: Clinical Reminders during Bicillin L-A® Shortage <p>Please see the following message from the CDC - Division of STD Prevention</p> <p>Dear Colleagues,&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> We would like to bring your attention to <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injectable%20Suspension&amp;st=c&amp;tab=tabs-1" target="_blank">FDA’s listing of Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A®) on their drug shortage webpage</a>, noting limited supply due to increased demand. In addition, Penicillin G procaine <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Procaine%20Injectable%20Suspension&amp;st=d" target="_blank">has been discontinued by the manufacturer</a>.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> We are aware that jurisdictions may currently be <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm" target="_blank">experiencing challenges</a> procuring enough Bicillin L-A® to meet their needs. As we await resolution of this issue, it remains critical that limited inventory be used to treat the patients who need it most.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <u><strong>CDC strongly encourages the following priority actions during the ongoing shortage:&nbsp;</strong></u><br /> <u>Take inventory:&nbsp;</u></p> <ul> <li>Monitor local supply of Bicillin L-A® and<a href="https://www.ncsddc.org/resource/bicillin-forecasting-and-inventory/" target="_blank"> determine the local pattern of use to forecast need</a>.</li> <li>Continue to contact distributors to procure Bicillin L-A® as appropriate. Contact Pfizer (see <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/169427/download" target="_blank">“Dear Patient Letter”</a> posted on the FDA website) if there is less than a 2-week supply, the distributor has no supply, and there is a risk that patients may not be treated.</li> </ul> <p><u>Prioritize using Bicillin L-A® to treat pregnant people with syphilis and babies with congenital syphilis – penicillin is the only recommended treatment for these populations.</u></p> <ul> <li>Choose doxycycline for non-pregnant people to help preserve Bicillin L-A® supplies. See <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/syphilis.htm" target="_blank">CDC’s treatment recommendations</a> for more.</li> <li>Consider involving antimicrobial stewardship leaders to help institute systems-level approaches to limit the use of Bicillin L-A® and encourage the use of alternative effective antimicrobials for treatment of other infectious diseases.</li> </ul> <p><u>Appropriately stage syphilis cases to ensure appropriate use of antimicrobials. Early syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent) only requires 2.4 million units of Bicillin L-A®.&nbsp;</u><br /> &nbsp;<br /> Please see the attached for more details.</p> Please see the following message from the CDC - Division of STD Prevention Dear Colleagues, <br /> We would like to bring your attention to [FDA's listing of Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A®) on their drug shortage webpage](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injectable%20Suspension&st=c&tab=tabs-1), noting limited supply due to increased demand. In addition, Penicillin G procaine [has been discontinued by the manufacturer](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Procaine%20Injectable%20Suspension&st=d). <br /> We are aware that jurisdictions may currently be [experiencing challenges](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm) procuring enough Bicillin L-A® to meet their needs. As we await resolution of this issue, it remains critical that limited inventory be used to treat the patients who need it most. <br /> ++**CDC strongly encourages the following priority actions during the ongoing shortage:**++ ++Take inventory:++ * Monitor local supply of Bicillin L-A® and[determine the local pattern of use to forecast need](https://www.ncsddc.org/resource/bicillin-forecasting-and-inventory/). * Continue to contact distributors to procure Bicillin L-A® as appropriate. Contact Pfizer (see ["Dear Patient Letter"](https://www.fda.gov/media/169427/download) posted on the FDA website) if there is less than a 2-week supply, the distributor has no supply, and there is a risk that patients may not be treated. ++Prioritize using Bicillin L-A® to treat pregnant people with syphilis and babies with congenital syphilis -- penicillin is the only recommended treatment for these populations.++ * Choose doxycycline for non-pregnant people to help preserve Bicillin L-A® supplies. See [CDC's treatment recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/syphilis.htm) for more. * Consider involving antimicrobial stewardship leaders to help institute systems-level approaches to limit the use of Bicillin L-A® and encourage the use of alternative effective antimicrobials for treatment of other infectious diseases. ++Appropriately stage syphilis cases to ensure appropriate use of antimicrobials. Early syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent) only requires 2.4 million units of Bicillin L-A®.++ <br /> Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679579?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392023-12-14T20:14:3346682280Situational AwarenessDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,COVIDHighRespiratory Illness Activity in the US and Locally<p> </p> <p>Respiratory illness activity continues to increase in the United States, including in Illinois. The COVID-19 hospital admission rate for Cook County has increased in recent weeks to 8.3 per 100,000. While level for Cook County is still classified as LOW (&lt; 10 per 100,000), it has been increasing over the last four weeks along with emergency department and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).</p> <p>For more information about respiratory illness activity indicators for the City of Chicago:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Rate for Cook County</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City of Chicago COVID-19 Data Dashboard</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-19-wastewater-surveillance.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard</a></li> </ul> <p>During times of increased incidence of respiratory illness in the community, IDPH supports a healthcare facility’s decision to implement temporary visitor restriction policies which may include the following:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li>Policies and guidance on visitation practices and signage at entrances with dates to ensure visitors know that this reflects current practice at the facility.</li> <li>Consider limiting visitors to those older than 18 yrs and keeping the number of visitors to two or fewer.</li> <li>Promote compliance with Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette&nbsp;</li> <li>Screen visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before entering the facility and place signage that encourages testing for prior to visitation.</li> <li>Provide instruction, before visitors enter patients’ rooms, on hand hygiene, limiting surfaces touched, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) according to current facility policy while in the patient’s room.</li> <li>Instruct visitors to limit their movement within the facility.</li> <li>Encourage visitors with symptoms of respiratory infection to defer non-urgent routine visits in favor of alternative mechanisms (e.g., telehealth applications) until they have recovered.</li> <li>Limit visits to patients in isolation for viral respiratory illnesses to persons who are necessary for the patients’ emotional well-being and care. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage rates for the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine seasonal 2023-2024 influenza vaccine is low in all age groups.&nbsp;<strong>Healthcare providers should strongly recommend influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations to eligible patients now</strong>.<br /> <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-19-vaccine-coverage.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COVID-19 vaccination data for the City of Chicago</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> Respiratory illness activity continues to increase in the United States, including in Illinois. The COVID-19 hospital admission rate for Cook County has increased in recent weeks to 8.3 per 100,000. While level for Cook County is still classified as LOW (\< 10 per 100,000), it has been increasing over the last four weeks along with emergency department and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For more information about respiratory illness activity indicators for the City of Chicago: * [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Rate for Cook County](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) * [City of Chicago COVID-19 Data Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) * [Chicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) * [COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-19-wastewater-surveillance.html) During times of increased incidence of respiratory illness in the community, IDPH supports a healthcare facility's decision to implement temporary visitor restriction policies which may include the following: * Policies and guidance on visitation practices and signage at entrances with dates to ensure visitors know that this reflects current practice at the facility. * Consider limiting visitors to those older than 18 yrs and keeping the number of visitors to two or fewer. * Promote compliance with Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette * Screen visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before entering the facility and place signage that encourages testing for prior to visitation. * Provide instruction, before visitors enter patients' rooms, on hand hygiene, limiting surfaces touched, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) according to current facility policy while in the patient's room. * Instruct visitors to limit their movement within the facility. * Encourage visitors with symptoms of respiratory infection to defer non-urgent routine visits in favor of alternative mechanisms (e.g., telehealth applications) until they have recovered. * Limit visits to patients in isolation for viral respiratory illnesses to persons who are necessary for the patients' emotional well-being and care. COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage rates for the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine seasonal 2023-2024 influenza vaccine is low in all age groups. **Healthcare providers should strongly recommend influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations to eligible patients now** . [COVID-19 vaccination data for the City of Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-19-vaccine-coverage.html). Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682280?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,4414442023-07-21T19:45:1946679580InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 21, 2023<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 28&nbsp;has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve</a>l is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.4&nbsp;to&nbsp; 1.6.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.6% to 3.9%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.&nbsp;</li> <li>Two of 2,464&nbsp;(&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,643&nbsp;of 180,892&nbsp;(7.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of&nbsp;outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.8% to 2.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 11.0% to 10.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.8% to 2.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 28 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html)l is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.4 to 1.6. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.6% to 3.9%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Two of 2,464 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,643 of 180,892 (7.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.8% to 2.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 11.0% to 10.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.8% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679580?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-08T19:57:0746680877InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 8, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/27/2023-9/2/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="http://COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 3.8 to 4.6.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.2% to 7.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Four of 3,407 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,708 of 199,933 (6.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.1% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.7% to 22.1% .</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.7% to 1.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/27/2023-9/2/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](http://COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 3.8 to 4.6. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.2% to 7.3%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Four of 3,407 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,708 of 199,933 (6.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.1% to 1.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.7% to 22.1% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.7% to 1.9%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680877?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-08T23:20:3446680878Food BorneDiseases & ConditionsHighSalmonellosis Outbreak Associated with Chicago Food Establishment - Sept. 8, 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Eight laboratory-confirmed <em>Salmonella spp.</em> infections with an epidemiologic link to a food establishment, Carniceria Guanajuato located at 3140 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, have been reported to Chicago Department of Public Health. Symptom onsets range from 8/29/2023 to 9/4/2023.</li> <li>Perform stool testing for <em>Salmonella spp.</em> for symptomatic (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) patients who ate at this restaurant. Laboratories must submit clinical specimens positive for Salmonella or <em>Salmonella</em> isolates to the IDPH laboratory for serotyping and whole genome sequencing.</li> </ul> <p><em>Salmonella</em> infections are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health: Individuals suspected to be related to this outbreak or those with confirmed Salmonella laboratory identification should be reported to the Communicable Diseases Program through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or through the reporting line at 312-743-9000. After business hours, if no access to INEDSS, cases should be reported by calling the CDPH physician on call at 311 or 312-744-5000.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Eight laboratory-confirmed *Salmonella spp.* infections with an epidemiologic link to a food establishment, Carniceria Guanajuato located at 3140 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, have been reported to Chicago Department of Public Health. Symptom onsets range from 8/29/2023 to 9/4/2023. * Perform stool testing for *Salmonella spp.* for symptomatic (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) patients who ate at this restaurant. Laboratories must submit clinical specimens positive for Salmonella or *Salmonella* isolates to the IDPH laboratory for serotyping and whole genome sequencing. *Salmonella* infections are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health: Individuals suspected to be related to this outbreak or those with confirmed Salmonella laboratory identification should be reported to the Communicable Diseases Program through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or through the reporting line at 312-743-9000. After business hours, if no access to INEDSS, cases should be reported by calling the CDPH physician on call at 311 or 312-744-5000. Please see the attachment for full details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680878?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-09-12T18:56:5246680879VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - September 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>NEW Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Immunization</li> <li>2023-2024 Flu Vaccine Recommendations</li> <li>Increasing Vaccine Confidence</li> <li>Upcoming Events and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * NEW Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Immunization * 2023-2024 Flu Vaccine Recommendations * Increasing Vaccine Confidence * Upcoming Events and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680879?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-09-13T15:03:0646680880West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 13, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 13, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 13, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680880?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-12-15T21:56:1646682281InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 15, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/3/2023-12/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 7.5 to 8.3.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.8% to 10.9%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 1, 2023, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>445 of 6,303 (7.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 1,448 of 51,189 (2.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.5% to 6.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 10.8% to 9.2%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 22% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.2% to 13.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 4.2%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/3/2023-12/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 7.5 to 8.3. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.8% to 10.9%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 445 of 6,303 (7.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 1,448 of 51,189 (2.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 8.5% to 6.3%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 10.8% to 9.2%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 22% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.2% to 13.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.0% to 4.2%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682281?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-07-24T21:02:5946679681West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report For July 24, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 24, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were fifteen (15) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 24, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were fifteen (15) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-07-27T15:37:0446679879STIDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for ChildrenHighUpcoming webinar: Congenital Syphilis: An Update for Pediatricians<p><strong>Webinar: Congenital Syphilis: An Update for Pediatricians</strong><br /> August 2, 2023 12:00 PM</p> <p>In this webinar with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Arti Barnes, MD, MPH, Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP, and Irina Tabidze, MD, will review important information on the topic of congenital syphilis.</p> <p>Click <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iXULkPtCQN-FtfE9IdKESg#/registration" target="_blank">HERE</a> to register.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Fyler attached.</p> **Webinar: Congenital Syphilis: An Update for Pediatricians** August 2, 2023 12:00 PM In this webinar with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Arti Barnes, MD, MPH, Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP, and Irina Tabidze, MD, will review important information on the topic of congenital syphilis. Click [HERE](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iXULkPtCQN-FtfE9IdKESg#/registration) to register. Fyler attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679879?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,438739,4404722023-07-27T16:12:0646679881Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,LabHighUpdate to Submission of Select Agent Pathogens for Clinical Rule-Out at IDPH Laboratories <p> </p> <p>As of August 1, 2023, all clinical isolates of Select Agent Pathogens can again be submitted to the IDPH laboratory within their respective region for confirmatory testing. To prevent delays in testing, submit clinical isolates to the LRN laboratory closest to your location.</p> <p>This includes confirmatory testing of the following clinical isolates:<br /> <em>Bacillus anthracis<br /> Burkholderia spp.<br /> Brucella spp.<br /> Franciscella tularensis<br /> Yersina pestis</em></p> <p>A completed Communicable Diseases Laboratory Test Requisition form must accompany each clinical isolate submitted for testing and can be found on the IDPH Clinical Testing site at<br /> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html</a>.</p> <p>Submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Laboratory with your region:</p> <p><br /> <strong>Carbondale Laboratory</strong></p> <p>Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Division of Laboratories<br /> 1155 S. Oakland Ave.<br /> Carbondale, IL 62901<br /> Phone: 618.457.5131</p> <p><strong>Chicago Laboratory</strong></p> <p>Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Division of Laboratories<br /> 2121 W. Taylor St.<br /> Chicago, IL 60612<br /> Phone: 312.793.4760</p> <p><strong>Sprinfield Laboratory</strong></p> <p>Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Division of Laboratories<br /> 825 N. Rutledge St.<br /> Springfield, IL 62702<br /> Phone: 217.782.6562</p> <p>Additional Resources: Refer to the IDPH Emergency Procedures website for risk assessment information about each of these organisms (<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergencyprocedures.html" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergencyprocedures.html</a>).</p> As of August 1, 2023, all clinical isolates of Select Agent Pathogens can again be submitted to the IDPH laboratory within their respective region for confirmatory testing. To prevent delays in testing, submit clinical isolates to the LRN laboratory closest to your location. This includes confirmatory testing of the following clinical isolates: *Bacillus anthracis Burkholderia spp. Brucella spp. Franciscella tularensis Yersina pestis* A completed Communicable Diseases Laboratory Test Requisition form must accompany each clinical isolate submitted for testing and can be found on the IDPH Clinical Testing site at <https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing.html>. Submit clinical isolates directly to the IDPH Laboratory with your region: <br /> **Carbondale Laboratory** Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories 1155 S. Oakland Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: 618.457.5131 **Chicago Laboratory** Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories 2121 W. Taylor St. Chicago, IL 60612 Phone: 312.793.4760 **Sprinfield Laboratory** Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories 825 N. Rutledge St. Springfield, IL 62702 Phone: 217.782.6562 Additional Resources: Refer to the IDPH Emergency Procedures website for risk assessment information about each of these organisms (<https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/emergencyprocedures.html>). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679881?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4414682023-07-27T21:47:0546679780RabiesDiseases & Conditions,RabiesHighIDPH Urges Public to Watch Out for Rabid Bats, Other Infected Animals<p>As of July 27, 2023, 2 rabid bats have been identified within Chicago. Rabies in humans is almost always a fatal disease. Therefore, it is critical to provide prompt and appropriate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when bat exposures take place.&nbsp;</p> <p>Exposures of concern for rabies transmission by bats:</p> <ul> <li>If any physical contact with a bat has occurred</li> <li>If an individual awakens and finds a bat in a room or if a bat is seen in the room of a sleeping person</li> <li>If a bat is found in the room of an unattended child</li> <li>If a bat is seen near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person</li> <li>If a bat is found near an unattended pet</li> </ul> <p>Algorithms for providers to help determine whether an individual will require rabies PEP are available at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/rabies" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/rabies</a>. Individuals requiring PEP should receive Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) and 4 doses of rabies vaccine.</p> <p>For clinical questions, please call 312-743-9000 and select option 7. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.</p> <p>Please see the attached for the more information.</p> <p>.</p> As of July 27, 2023, 2 rabid bats have been identified within Chicago. Rabies in humans is almost always a fatal disease. Therefore, it is critical to provide prompt and appropriate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) when bat exposures take place. Exposures of concern for rabies transmission by bats: * If any physical contact with a bat has occurred * If an individual awakens and finds a bat in a room or if a bat is seen in the room of a sleeping person * If a bat is found in the room of an unattended child * If a bat is seen near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person * If a bat is found near an unattended pet Algorithms for providers to help determine whether an individual will require rabies PEP are available at <https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/rabies>. Individuals requiring PEP should receive Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) and 4 doses of rabies vaccine. For clinical questions, please call 312-743-9000 and select option 7. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. Please see the attached for the more information. . truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679780?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4381202023-07-28T21:49:1446679984InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 28, 2023<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for week 29 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html">COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve</a>l was not updated by the CDC this week.&nbsp; Based on local data sources, the admission level remains&nbsp;low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.2 as of July 15th.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from&nbsp;3.9% to 4.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.&nbsp;</li> <li>Six of 2,361&nbsp;(&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,649&nbsp;of 183,265&nbsp;(6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of&nbsp;outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.3% to 12.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 5.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for week 29 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Leve](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html)l was not updated by the CDC this week. Based on local data sources, the admission level remains low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.2 as of July 15th. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 3.9% to 4.5%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Six of 2,361 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,649 of 183,265 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.9%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.3% to 12.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 5.3%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679984?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-08-01T14:52:0346680078Opioid ConcernsDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Opioid InformationHighIDPH: Xylazine Best Practices for Health Care Providers<p>Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that has become increasingly prevalent in the unregulated drug supply locally in Chicago and nationally across the United States. There have been subsequent increases in hospitalizations for skin wounds associated with this substance. The "Illinois Xylazine Best Practices for Health Care Providers' provides guidance for the following:</p> <ol> <li>Preventing, recognizing, and addressing Xylaxine-related skin wounds</li> <li>Identifying, responding, and providing supportive care for patients experiencing an overdose involving Xylazine&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p>For additional Xylazine Harm Reduction measures to share with patients, please visit: <a href="https://overcomeopioids.org/free-resources" target="_blank">https://overcomeopioids.org/free-resources</a></p> Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative that has become increasingly prevalent in the unregulated drug supply locally in Chicago and nationally across the United States. There have been subsequent increases in hospitalizations for skin wounds associated with this substance. The "Illinois Xylazine Best Practices for Health Care Providers' provides guidance for the following: 1. Preventing, recognizing, and addressing Xylaxine-related skin wounds 2. Identifying, responding, and providing supportive care for patients experiencing an overdose involving Xylazine For additional Xylazine Harm Reduction measures to share with patients, please visit: <https://overcomeopioids.org/free-resources> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680078?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4403942023-09-13T16:13:2546680881COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighACIP Recommends 2023-2024 COVID-19 Monovalent Vaccines for All People 6 Months and Older<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended for all persons ≥6 months of age.</li> <li>Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use in the US for any age group.</li> <li>COVID-19 remains a significant health risk for all age groups, especially infants and those ≥75 years of age.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Key Messages** * Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended for all persons ≥6 months of age. * Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use in the US for any age group. * COVID-19 remains a significant health risk for all age groups, especially infants and those ≥75 years of age. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680881?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-12-12T17:04:2546682082BacterialDiseases & ConditionsHighSevere and Fatal Confirmed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever among People with Recent Travel to Tecate, Mexico<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing the attached Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers and the public about an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) among people in the United States with recent travel to or residence in the city of Tecate, state of Baja California, Mexico. RMSF is a severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, although many patients do not recall being bitten by a tick. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for patients of all ages. As of December 8, 2023, five patients have been diagnosed with confirmed RMSF since late July 2023; all had travel to or residence in Tecate within 2 weeks of illness onset. RMSF is endemic in multiple border states in northern Mexico, including but not exclusive to Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. Healthcare providers should consider RMSF in their differential diagnosis of patients who have reported recent travel to Tecate, Mexico, or other areas of northern Mexico and subsequently develop signs or symptoms of an unexplained severe febrile illness.<strong> Consider initiating doxycycline based on presumptive clinical and epidemiologic findings, and do not delay treatment pending the result of a confirmatory laboratory test. Early treatment with doxycycline saves lives</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information:</strong> &nbsp; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is reportable to the Communicable Disease Program through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or the disease reporting line at 312-743-9000.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing the attached Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers and the public about an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) among people in the United States with recent travel to or residence in the city of Tecate, state of Baja California, Mexico. RMSF is a severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, although many patients do not recall being bitten by a tick. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for patients of all ages. As of December 8, 2023, five patients have been diagnosed with confirmed RMSF since late July 2023; all had travel to or residence in Tecate within 2 weeks of illness onset. RMSF is endemic in multiple border states in northern Mexico, including but not exclusive to Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. Healthcare providers should consider RMSF in their differential diagnosis of patients who have reported recent travel to Tecate, Mexico, or other areas of northern Mexico and subsequently develop signs or symptoms of an unexplained severe febrile illness.**Consider initiating doxycycline based on presumptive clinical and epidemiologic findings, and do not delay treatment pending the result of a confirmatory laboratory test. Early treatment with doxycycline saves lives**. **Reporting Information:** Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is reportable to the Communicable Disease Program through the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or the disease reporting line at 312-743-9000. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682082?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-12-13T17:12:1746682184AnnouncementSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighCDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Forum Survey<p>We hope this message finds you well. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health is committed to fostering collaborative and informative spaces for healthcare professionals, especially in areas concerning infectious diseases.</p> <p>The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau has successfully organized forums focused on mpox that were tailored specifically for healthcare providers like yourself. As we plan our future initiatives, we aim to continue providing valuable and relevant platforms for discussion and learning.</p> <p>To better understand your interests and needs, we have prepared a brief survey. Your insights will be invaluable in helping us shape the content and frequency of our upcoming syndemic forums. The survey is anonymous and will take only a few minutes of your time.</p> <p><strong>Please complete the survey by Tuesday January 9th.</strong>&nbsp;Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our content to best serve the healthcare community.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.link/ks68kydd" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/ks68kydd</a></p> <p>Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution. Your participation will play a key role in enhancing our collective response to infectious diseases and in supporting the healthcare community.</p> We hope this message finds you well. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health is committed to fostering collaborative and informative spaces for healthcare professionals, especially in areas concerning infectious diseases. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau has successfully organized forums focused on mpox that were tailored specifically for healthcare providers like yourself. As we plan our future initiatives, we aim to continue providing valuable and relevant platforms for discussion and learning. To better understand your interests and needs, we have prepared a brief survey. Your insights will be invaluable in helping us shape the content and frequency of our upcoming syndemic forums. The survey is anonymous and will take only a few minutes of your time. **Please complete the survey by Tuesday January 9th.** Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our content to best serve the healthcare community. <https://redcap.link/ks68kydd> Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution. Your participation will play a key role in enhancing our collective response to infectious diseases and in supporting the healthcare community. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682184?p_r_p_categoryId=438739,4573972023-12-14T19:48:1146682278Infectious DiseaseVaricella (Chickenpox)HighVARICELLA IN YOUTH SETTINGS December 15, 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ol> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health has seen an increase in chickenpox (varicella) cases, especially in the last four weeks.&nbsp;</li> <li>Most cases have been in people newly arrived from the U.S. southern border living in shelters.&nbsp;</li> <li>Schools should ensure incoming students are vaccinated against chickenpox according to the IDPH minimum immunization requirements for schools.&nbsp;</li> <li>Schools are required to report all confirmed chickenpox cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health within 24 hours.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** 1. The Chicago Department of Public Health has seen an increase in chickenpox (varicella) cases, especially in the last four weeks. 2. Most cases have been in people newly arrived from the U.S. southern border living in shelters. 3. Schools should ensure incoming students are vaccinated against chickenpox according to the IDPH minimum immunization requirements for schools. 4. Schools are required to report all confirmed chickenpox cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health within 24 hours. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682278?p_r_p_categoryId=4395502023-08-01T20:22:5046679986West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 31, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 31, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-eight (28) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 31, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-eight (28) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679986?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-08-02T14:52:5446679988COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19 Vaccine,Programs,COVID,FacilitiesMediumCOVID-19 Vaccine Commercialization Webinars - 2023<p>Join us to stay up-to-date on the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines. Information will include vaccine formulations, presentation, storage and handling, reimbursements, ordering, clinical guidance, etc..</p> <p>Webinars are held bi-weekly on Fridays at 12:00 PM.</p> <p>Register <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/EVENTS/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> Join us to stay up-to-date on the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines. Information will include vaccine formulations, presentation, storage and handling, reimbursements, ordering, clinical guidance, etc.. Webinars are held bi-weekly on Fridays at 12:00 PM. Register [here](https://illinoisaap.org/EVENTS/). Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679988?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,436929,438212,441444,4414672023-08-02T15:42:1746680079AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM),Data & Resources,C.auris,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Hepatitis A,Influenza,Legionellosis,Meningococcal Disease,Rabies,Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Perinatal Hepatitis B,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Tuberculosis,Varicella (Chickenpox),Zika,Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Vaccines for Children,West Nile Virus,Announcement,Foodborne Illness,Monkeypox,Ebola,Marburg VirusHigh25th Annual Disease Control Conference - Sept 19, 2023<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Disease Control Bureau on Tuesday, September 19th, for the 25th annual<strong> Disease Control Conference</strong>. This conference is a FREE (no cost to participants) one-day advanced continuing education program. The event will be held at Malcolm X College in the Illinois Medical District from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. State and local public health leaders and subject matter experts in disease control will discuss trending topics of local and national importance, including lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of scientific communication, the Mpox resurgence and much more! &nbsp;</p> <p>Reserve your seat today by using this form to register: <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/25th-DiseaseControlConference-Registration" target="_blank">CDPH 25th Annual Disease Control Conference</a>. We encourage you to share this email and registration link with your public health and clinical networks, including students in health-related fields. This conference will be in-person only. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Please check our conference website at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/disease-control-conference.html" target="_blank">CDPH Disease Control Conference</a> for more information. <em>*Note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!</em></p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health Disease Control Bureau on Tuesday, September 19th, for the 25th annual**Disease Control Conference**. This conference is a FREE (no cost to participants) one-day advanced continuing education program. The event will be held at Malcolm X College in the Illinois Medical District from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. State and local public health leaders and subject matter experts in disease control will discuss trending topics of local and national importance, including lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of scientific communication, the Mpox resurgence and much more! Reserve your seat today by using this form to register: [CDPH 25th Annual Disease Control Conference](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/25th-DiseaseControlConference-Registration). We encourage you to share this email and registration link with your public health and clinical networks, including students in health-related fields. This conference will be in-person only. Please check our conference website at [CDPH Disease Control Conference](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/disease-control-conference.html) for more information. *\*Note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!* falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680079?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437025,437335,437529,437620,437742,437835,437934,438007,438120,438212,438213,438313,438438,438544,438640,438739,438818,439550,439651,440266,440472,455298,457397,2021015,2048239,2099500,60378932023-09-13T20:10:3346680882Project FirstlineLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighProject Firstline September 2023 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the September 2023 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: &nbsp;Environmental Services</li> <li>Events in Healthcare for September</li> <li>Introduction to the PFL- Chicago Team</li> </ul> Attached please find the September 2023 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Environmental Services * Events in Healthcare for September * Introduction to the PFL- Chicago Team truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680882?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,438213,4402662023-08-04T21:38:4146680178InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report Week 30.<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/23/2023-7/29/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level was not updated by CDC this week. Based on local data sources, the admission level remains low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County is 1.4 as of July 22th.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 4.5% to 6.4%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Four of 2,131 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,653 of 185,401 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.9% to 1.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 12.8% to 11.4% .</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 5.3% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/23/2023-7/29/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level was not updated by CDC this week. Based on local data sources, the admission level remains low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County is 1.4 as of July 22th. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 4.5% to 6.4% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Four of 2,131 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,653 of 185,401 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.9% to 1.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 12.8% to 11.4% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 5.3% to 2.1%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-13T20:19:4946680883Lead TestingDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighLead Poisoning Prevention for Children Webinar - September 21, 2023 EVENING OPTION<p>ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is hosting a newly added evening webinar on Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 6-7pm CST with Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH. ICAAP is excited to offer this additional option for those who are not able to make the daytime webinar. A Nurse Case Management Coordinator from CDPH will also be in attendance to provide information regarding the case management process for elevated blood lead levels and what their role entails and answer any questions healthcare providers have. This webinar is eligible for 1 CME credit. Please note: This webinar will include the same content as the 12pm webinar offered by ICAAP on September 21, 2023.</p> <p><em>Participants should only attend once</em>. Please reach out to Abby Creek at <a href="mailto:acreek@illinoisaap">acreek@illinoisaap</a>.com with any questions.</p> <p><strong>Webinar</strong>: <strong>Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children - Evening Session</strong><br /> <strong>Presenters</strong>: Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH and a CDPH Nusre Case Manager<br /> <strong>When</strong>: Thursday, September 21, 2023<br /> <strong>Time</strong>: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM</p> <p><strong>To Register </strong>Click <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUscOCprz8rGdADhTZ_gSpVcLOYVvv0n61i" target="_blank">here</a></p> <p> </p> ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is hosting a newly added evening webinar on Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 6-7pm CST with Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH. ICAAP is excited to offer this additional option for those who are not able to make the daytime webinar. A Nurse Case Management Coordinator from CDPH will also be in attendance to provide information regarding the case management process for elevated blood lead levels and what their role entails and answer any questions healthcare providers have. This webinar is eligible for 1 CME credit. Please note: This webinar will include the same content as the 12pm webinar offered by ICAAP on September 21, 2023. *Participants should only attend once* . Please reach out to Abby Creek at [acreek@illinoisaap](mailto:acreek@illinoisaap).com with any questions. **Webinar** : **Lead Poisoning Prevention for Children - Evening Session** **Presenters** : Dr. Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH and a CDPH Nusre Case Manager **When** : Thursday, September 21, 2023 **Time**: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM **To Register** Click [here](https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUscOCprz8rGdADhTZ_gSpVcLOYVvv0n61i) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680883?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,1133292,20635202023-08-01T20:26:3746679987STIDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for ChildrenHighNew IAS-USA Webinar on Doxy-PEP: Who, When, and How?<p><strong>Webinar:&nbsp;Doxy-PEP: Who, When, and How?</strong><br /> <strong>Date:</strong> &nbsp;Tuesday, September 26, 2023<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> &nbsp;2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CT<br /> <a href="https://www.iasusa.org/login/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iasusa.org%2Fevent-registration%2Fwebinar-2023-luetkemeyer/" target="_blank">Register here.</a> &nbsp;<em>(Please note an account must be created to register.)</em></p> <p><strong>Assessment of Needs</strong><br /> Given the increasing burden of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis infections in the US, effective tools are needed to fight against bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) is a sexual-health strategy that shows considerable promise in this endeavor. Drug formulations and recommendations for use continue to evolve, particularly for patients with HIV. Presented by Annie Luetkemeyer, MD, and moderated by Connie Celum, MD, this webinar reviews the current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the use of doxy-PEP. Topics will include the criteria to determine appropriate candidates for doxy-PEP therapy, strategies for effective doxy-PEP administration, and questions that remain to be answered in future studies on doxy-PEP in patients with HIV.</p> <p><strong>Learning Objectives</strong><br /> Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Implement current CDC guidelines to determine which patients with HIV would benefit from doxy-PEP.</li> <li>Understand how and when to utilize doxy-PEP to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections.</li> <li>Evaluate the ongoing unanswered questions regarding doxy-PEP use in patients with HIV.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Registration</strong><br /> <strong>Who Should Attend</strong><br /> This webinar is designed for clinical decision makers who are actively involved in HIV care and research, including physicians, physician assistants, nursing professionals, pharmacists, and other health care professionals.</p> <p>Individual registration is required in order to receive CME credit or a certificate of participation.</p> <p>Registration closes on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 1:00 PM (PT).</p> <p>Certificates will be available after the completion of the evaluation and claim form.</p> <p>Please forward this email to colleagues who would be interested in attending.</p> <p>For more information or questions, please contact the registration department at <a href="mailto:registration@iasusa.org">registration@iasusa.org</a> or 415-544-9400.</p> <p><a href="https://www.iasusa.org/events/webinar-2023-luetkemeyer/" target="_blank">Click here for more details.</a></p> **Webinar: Doxy-PEP: Who, When, and How?** **Date:** Tuesday, September 26, 2023 **Time:** 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM CT [Register here.](https://www.iasusa.org/login/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iasusa.org%2Fevent-registration%2Fwebinar-2023-luetkemeyer/) *(Please note an account must be created to register.)* **Assessment of Needs** Given the increasing burden of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis infections in the US, effective tools are needed to fight against bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) is a sexual-health strategy that shows considerable promise in this endeavor. Drug formulations and recommendations for use continue to evolve, particularly for patients with HIV. Presented by Annie Luetkemeyer, MD, and moderated by Connie Celum, MD, this webinar reviews the current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the use of doxy-PEP. Topics will include the criteria to determine appropriate candidates for doxy-PEP therapy, strategies for effective doxy-PEP administration, and questions that remain to be answered in future studies on doxy-PEP in patients with HIV. **Learning Objectives** Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to: * Implement current CDC guidelines to determine which patients with HIV would benefit from doxy-PEP. * Understand how and when to utilize doxy-PEP to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections. * Evaluate the ongoing unanswered questions regarding doxy-PEP use in patients with HIV. **Registration** **Who Should Attend** This webinar is designed for clinical decision makers who are actively involved in HIV care and research, including physicians, physician assistants, nursing professionals, pharmacists, and other health care professionals. Individual registration is required in order to receive CME credit or a certificate of participation. Registration closes on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 1:00 PM (PT). Certificates will be available after the completion of the evaluation and claim form. Please forward this email to colleagues who would be interested in attending. For more information or questions, please contact the registration department at [registration@iasusa.org](mailto:registration@iasusa.org) or 415-544-9400. [Click here for more details.](https://www.iasusa.org/events/webinar-2023-luetkemeyer/) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46679987?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,438739,4404722023-08-07T19:10:1146680278InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Influenza,Schools & Day Cares,School HealthHighCDPH Youth Settings Information Sessions - Supporting Early Childcare Centers during Cold/Flu Season<p>Please join the CDPH Youth Settings and MICAH teams for an information session about the ending of the Public Health Emergency in May and what it means for your school or early childcare operations.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Option 1: August 29th 3-4:00 pm CST</strong><br /> Microsoft Teams meeting<br /> Join on your computer, mobile app or room device<br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjVkYjIyMDAtOWQ5Ny00MzJiLWIzNTgtN2Q2ZDM0YWNkYmRk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d4bbd82e-bfd6-45ad-a7a4-59fa270bb9ba%22%7d" target="_blank">Click here to join the meeting</a><br /> Meeting ID: 263 664 467 570<br /> Passcode: 6X6v5p<br /> Or call in (audio only)<br /> +1 872-222-6918,,506706502# United States, Chicago<br /> Phone Conference ID: 506 706 502#<br />  </p> <p><strong>Option 2: August 30th 1pm-2pm</strong><br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTRjOTQ0ZTktOGQyNC00ZTgyLWI5ZjItZDgzNGYyMzZlZjg4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d4bbd82e-bfd6-45ad-a7a4-59fa270bb9ba%22%7d" target="_blank">Microsoft Teams meeting</a><br /> Join on your computer, mobile app or room device<br /> Click here to join the meeting<br /> Meeting ID: 297 856 342 492<br /> Passcode: 8oXRSb<br /> Or call in (audio only)<br /> +1 872-222-6918,,885927319# United States, Chicago<br /> Phone Conference ID: 885 927 319#<br /> <br /> *If neither of these times work for you, please email us at: <a href="mailto:schoolscd@cityofchicago.org">schoolscd@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p><br /> Please see the attached for full details including connection links</p> Please join the CDPH Youth Settings and MICAH teams for an information session about the ending of the Public Health Emergency in May and what it means for your school or early childcare operations. <br /> **Option 1: August 29th 3-4:00 pm CST** Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device [Click here to join the meeting](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjVkYjIyMDAtOWQ5Ny00MzJiLWIzNTgtN2Q2ZDM0YWNkYmRk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d4bbd82e-bfd6-45ad-a7a4-59fa270bb9ba%22%7d) Meeting ID: 263 664 467 570 Passcode: 6X6v5p Or call in (audio only) +1 872-222-6918,,506706502# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 506 706 502# **Option 2: August 30th 1pm-2pm** [Microsoft Teams meeting](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTRjOTQ0ZTktOGQyNC00ZTgyLWI5ZjItZDgzNGYyMzZlZjg4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d4bbd82e-bfd6-45ad-a7a4-59fa270bb9ba%22%7d) Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 297 856 342 492 Passcode: 8oXRSb Or call in (audio only) +1 872-222-6918,,885927319# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 885 927 319# <br /> \*If neither of these times work for you, please email us at: [schoolscd@cityofchicago.org](mailto:schoolscd@cityofchicago.org). <br /> Please see the attached for full details including connection links truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680278?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,437835,441457,20635202025-06-25T14:23:3346690185Opioid ConcernsOpioid Information,Diseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighIncrease in Opioid Overdoses in Chicago<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>An <strong>increased number of opioid overdoses</strong> occurred in Chicago from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 21.</li> <li>Providers should <strong>increase the amount of naloxone and test strips</strong> available on hand and distribute widely.</li> <li>Consider immediate initiation of <strong>medications for opioid use disorder</strong> (MOUD) for patients whose opioid overdose was reversed with naloxone <strong>before discharge from ED or hospital</strong>. MAR NOW is Illinois’ immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234.</li> <li><strong>Report overdoses with atypical features</strong> to the <strong>Illinois Poison Center</strong> (1-800-222-1222) to coordinate send out of drug and biospecimen samples for toxicology testing.</li> <li><strong>Report clusters</strong> of overdoses to the <strong>CDPH medical director on call</strong> (311).</li> <li><strong>Counsel patients</strong> on the unpredictability and high risk of adulterants in the illegal drug supply.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachments for more details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * An **increased number of opioid overdoses** occurred in Chicago from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 21. * Providers should **increase the amount of naloxone and test strips** available on hand and distribute widely. * Consider immediate initiation of **medications for opioid use disorder** (MOUD) for patients whose opioid overdose was reversed with naloxone **before discharge from ED or hospital**. MAR NOW is Illinois' immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234. * **Report overdoses with atypical features** to the **Illinois Poison Center** (1-800-222-1222) to coordinate send out of drug and biospecimen samples for toxicology testing. * **Report clusters** of overdoses to the **CDPH medical director on call** (311). * **Counsel patients** on the unpredictability and high risk of adulterants in the illegal drug supply. Please see attachments for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690185?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,434554,4382122025-02-06T20:05:3446689079EbolaDiseases & Conditions,EbolaHighCDC: Ebola Outbreak Caused by Sudan virus in Uganda<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00521.html?ACSTrackingID=DM144945&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20521%20-%20Health%20Advisory%20(for%20COCA%20partners)&amp;deliveryName=DM144945" target="_blank">Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory</a> about a recently confirmed outbreak of Ebola disease in Uganda caused by the Sudan virus (species Orthoebolavirus sudanense).</li> <li>No suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola cases related to this outbreak have been reported outside of Uganda, including in the United States.&nbsp;</li> <li>In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Ebola disease should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits and asking for the medical director on call <strong>immediately </strong>for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for Ebola testing if indicated and approved.</li> </ul> <p>Please review the full alert, hyperlinked above and attached, for more information.</p> **Summary** * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a [Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory](https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00521.html?ACSTrackingID=DM144945&ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20521%20-%20Health%20Advisory%20(for%20COCA%20partners)&deliveryName=DM144945) about a recently confirmed outbreak of Ebola disease in Uganda caused by the Sudan virus (species Orthoebolavirus sudanense). * No suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola cases related to this outbreak have been reported outside of Uganda, including in the United States. * In Chicago, clinicians with concerns about a patient with suspected Ebola disease should contact the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 3-1-1 within the city and 312-744-5000 outside of city limits and asking for the medical director on call **immediately**for assistance with patient assessment and coordination for Ebola testing if indicated and approved. Please review the full alert, hyperlinked above and attached, for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689079?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20995002023-09-15T18:52:1646680977STIDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for ChildrenHighProvider Survey on Syphilis Reporting<p><strong>Provider Survey on Syphilis Reporting</strong></p> <p>Congenital syphilis cases continue to increase in Chicago. In 2022, there were 46 cases of congenital syphilis reported in Chicago, over a 400% increase since 2019 (9 cases). We would appreciate it if each provider in your practice could complete the attached survey, which will allow us to assess practices pertaining to syphilis reporting and how the reporting process could be improved. The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your time and participation.</p> <p>Please <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!provider_survey" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to start the survey</p> **Provider Survey on Syphilis Reporting** Congenital syphilis cases continue to increase in Chicago. In 2022, there were 46 cases of congenital syphilis reported in Chicago, over a 400% increase since 2019 (9 cases). We would appreciate it if each provider in your practice could complete the attached survey, which will allow us to assess practices pertaining to syphilis reporting and how the reporting process could be improved. The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your time and participation. Please [Click Here](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!provider_survey) to start the survey falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680977?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,438739,4404722023-12-15T22:43:1746682282AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighCDPH: Relocation of Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health, Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau, is relocating their administrative offices effective December 18, 2023. The new address will be:</p> <p><strong>Chicago Department of Public Health<br /> Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau<br /> 1340 S. Damen Ave, 4th floor<br /> Chicago, IL 60608&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same, as will their website address and social media accounts.&nbsp;</p> The Chicago Department of Public Health, Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau, is relocating their administrative offices effective December 18, 2023. The new address will be: **Chicago Department of Public Health Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau 1340 S. Damen Ave, 4th floor Chicago, IL 60608** Phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same, as will their website address and social media accounts. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682282?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972024-06-10T18:34:5746685091West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 10, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 10, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on&nbsp;<br /> other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for&nbsp;<br /> the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito&nbsp;<br /> pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 10, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685091?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-08-08T14:44:0246680279West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 8, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 31, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on&nbsp;other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-four (24) WNV positive&nbsp;mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 31, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human WNV infection in the city is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-four (24) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680279?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982025-10-10T19:22:1346690692InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - October 10, 2025<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s first respiratory surveillance report of the 2025-2026 season has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>This is the first surveillance report of the 2025-2026 season. Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal.&nbsp;</li> <li>COVID-19 activity increased during the past several months but has shown a recent decline across key surveillance indicators.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. ED visits for COVID-19 have decreased across all age groups in recent weeks.&nbsp;</li> <li>COVID-19 test positivity has decreased from 4.5% to 3.5%, the lowest rate since early August. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (&lt;1%).</li> <li>Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal.&nbsp;</li> <li>The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC Center for Forecasting &amp; Outbreak Analytics has released the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-qualitative-assessments/php/data-research/season-outlook25-26.html" target="_blank">2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook</a>. Scenario modeling suggests this season will likely see a similar combined number of peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV as last season.&nbsp;</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> Chicago Department of Public Health's first respiratory surveillance report of the 2025-2026 season has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. Visit the [Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) for more information. **Weekly Key Points** * This is the first surveillance report of the 2025-2026 season. Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. * COVID-19 activity increased during the past several months but has shown a recent decline across key surveillance indicators. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. ED visits for COVID-19 have decreased across all age groups in recent weeks. * COVID-19 test positivity has decreased from 4.5% to 3.5%, the lowest rate since early August. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (\<1%). * Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal. * The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * The CDC Center for Forecasting \& Outbreak Analytics has released the [2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-qualitative-assessments/php/data-research/season-outlook25-26.html). Scenario modeling suggests this season will likely see a similar combined number of peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV as last season. * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690692?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092023-08-08T21:11:0146680280COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighCOVID-19 Bridge Access Program<p><strong>Bridge Access Program</strong><br /> For the fall 2023 season, the Chicago Department of Public Health's Immunization Program will offer COVID-19 vaccines through 2 programs: 1.) the Chicago Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for kids ages 18 and younger who are VFC eligible, and 2.) the Bridge Access program for adults ages 19 and older.</p> <p>The Bridge Access Program is a vaccine program for providers who serve uninsured and underinsured adults in Chicago. The program will require a new enrollment form and not all current COVID-19 Vaccine Program sites may be eligible to participate in the program.</p> <p>Provider sites are eligible to participate in this program if they already see or are willing to see uninsured/underinsured adults. Provider sites who wish to participate must have a way to estimate the number of uninsured/underinsured adults your site currently sees or will see. Provider sites must also have the ability to screen for insurance status. Both pieces of information will be required on the Bridge Access Program enrollment form. Sites will not be able to enroll without this information.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>To gain a better understanding of the number of sites interested in participating in the Bridge Access Program, we ask you to complete <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=F8RTA38CWRMF99M8" target="_blank">THIS SURVEY</a> by Wednesday, August 16th</strong>. &nbsp;</p> <p>Please note that completion of this survey does not guarantee your site will receive COVID-19 vaccine doses in the fall for adults. Doses will be allocated based on vaccine availability to ensure equitable distribution for all uninsured and underinsured adult Chicagoans.</p> <p>Please reach out to: <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago</a> for any questions.</p> **Bridge Access Program** For the fall 2023 season, the Chicago Department of Public Health's Immunization Program will offer COVID-19 vaccines through 2 programs: 1.) the Chicago Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for kids ages 18 and younger who are VFC eligible, and 2.) the Bridge Access program for adults ages 19 and older. The Bridge Access Program is a vaccine program for providers who serve uninsured and underinsured adults in Chicago. The program will require a new enrollment form and not all current COVID-19 Vaccine Program sites may be eligible to participate in the program. Provider sites are eligible to participate in this program if they already see or are willing to see uninsured/underinsured adults. Provider sites who wish to participate must have a way to estimate the number of uninsured/underinsured adults your site currently sees or will see. Provider sites must also have the ability to screen for insurance status. Both pieces of information will be required on the Bridge Access Program enrollment form. Sites will not be able to enroll without this information. **To gain a better understanding of the number of sites interested in participating in the Bridge Access Program, we ask you to complete [THIS SURVEY](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=F8RTA38CWRMF99M8) by Wednesday, August 16th**. Please note that completion of this survey does not guarantee your site will receive COVID-19 vaccine doses in the fall for adults. Doses will be allocated based on vaccine availability to ensure equitable distribution for all uninsured and underinsured adult Chicagoans. Please reach out to: [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago) for any questions. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680280?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,440472,441444,20635202023-08-11T18:50:0546680284InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 11, 2023<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/30/2023-8/5/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level </a>is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.4% to 1.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.4% to 6.7%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Five of 2,443 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,658 of 185,852 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>· The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>· The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>· The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.1% to 1.5%.</li> <li>· The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.4% to 13.7% .</li> <li>· The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.1% to 3.3%.</li> <li>· The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/30/2023-8/5/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html)is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.4% to 1.9%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.4% to 6.7% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Five of 2,443 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,658 of 185,852 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * · The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * · The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * · The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.1% to 1.5%. * · The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.4% to 13.7% . * · The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.1% to 3.3%. * · The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680284?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-08-15T14:01:0046680285VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - August 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>National Immunization Awareness Month</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Protecting Your Vaccine Supply in Severe Weather</li> <li>Flu Vaccines and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * National Immunization Awareness Month * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates * Protecting Your Vaccine Supply in Severe Weather * Flu Vaccines and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680285?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-08-16T14:51:4146680378West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 16, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 16, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were -fifty-nine (59) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 16, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were -fifty-nine (59) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680378?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-12-22T19:59:5846682379InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 22, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/3/2023-12/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low. <ul> <li>CDPH anticipates this level to transition from low to medium in the coming week or weeks.</li> </ul> </li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 8.3 to 9.3.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.9% to 11.4%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 47 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>510 of 5,436 (9.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 1,972 of 56,716 (3.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 6.3% to 6.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 9.2% to 8.5%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 18% from the previous week.</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details.</li> </ul> </li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from &lt;1% to 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.0% to 9.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.2% to 4.3%</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/3/2023-12/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * CDPH anticipates this level to transition from low to medium in the coming week or weeks. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 8.3 to 9.3. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 10.9% to 11.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 47 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 510 of 5,436 (9.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 1,972 of 56,716 (3.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 6.3% to 6.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 9.2% to 8.5%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 18% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from \<1% to 1.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 13.0% to 9.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.2% to 4.3% Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682379?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-08-18T15:55:5946680478InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 18, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/6/2023-8/12/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.9 to 2.6.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.7% to 7.6%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>13 of 2,488 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,674 of 190,501 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.7% to 15.3% .</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.3% to 3.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus is 1%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/6/2023-8/12/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 1.9 to 2.6. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.7% to 7.6% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 13 of 2,488 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,674 of 190,501 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at 1.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 13.7% to 15.3% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.3% to 3.5%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus is 1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202025-10-17T19:52:0046690794InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - October 17, 2025<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal.</li> <li>COVID-19 activity increased during the past several months but has continued to decline across key surveillance indicators.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. ED visits for COVID-19 are slightly elevated among children under 4 but have decreased across all age groups in recent weeks.</li> <li>COVID-19 test positivity has decreased from 3.5% to 2.5%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (&lt;1%).</li> <li>Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal.</li> <li>The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC Center for Forecasting &amp; Outbreak Analytics has released the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-qualitative-assessments/php/data-research/season-outlook25-26.html" target="_blank">2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook</a>. Scenario modeling suggests this season will likely see a similar combined number of peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV as last season.</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. &nbsp; CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflects detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report. You may also visit the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard</a> for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. * COVID-19 activity increased during the past several months but has continued to decline across key surveillance indicators. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. ED visits for COVID-19 are slightly elevated among children under 4 but have decreased across all age groups in recent weeks. * COVID-19 test positivity has decreased from 3.5% to 2.5%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (\<1%). * Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal. * The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * The CDC Center for Forecasting \& Outbreak Analytics has released the [2025-2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-qualitative-assessments/php/data-research/season-outlook25-26.html). Scenario modeling suggests this season will likely see a similar combined number of peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV as last season. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflects detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see the attachment for the full report. You may also visit the [Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690794?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092023-09-15T20:37:0246680884InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 15, 2023<p><br /> Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/3/2023-9/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.6 to 4.5.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.3% to 8.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Eight of 3,589 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,716 of 203,547 (6.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.8% to 2.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 22.1% to 27.4% .</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/3/2023-9/9/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.6 to 4.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.3% to 8.0%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Eight of 3,589 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,716 of 203,547 (6.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.8% to 2.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 22.1% to 27.4% . truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680884?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-18T14:41:5146680886West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 18, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 18, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine (9) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 18, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were nine (9) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680886?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-09-20T19:44:1146680978COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVIDHighI-VAC webinar for OB-GYNs and Those Who Care for Pregnant Persons - Sept 28, 2023<p>IIllinois Vaccintes Against COVID-19 (I-VAC) is hosting a special webinar for OB-GYNs and those who care for pregnant persons, on&nbsp;<strong>Thursday September 28, 2023 from 8 - 10 AM</strong>&nbsp;with Drs. Edward Linn and Helen Cejtin. Free CME is available. Register&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/VN3w-fppRClZtsze0IfhfySwkRrLR3mBXC1L3ux18HA=/hDSQCTfroYn2i_8tDv3VH9gGdd7pPrNd7D_1Wo04dW4=__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bLyQjo0Mggl1h9M6BTVZ17se5LHq6DOoNDl-5a4TkS2cA0E-VoBNxy3IpHnEgJfFnQMH1BXEzlmwB4HHtLlOcIkeYeZ0$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="here">here</a>.</p> <p>Who should attend: OB-GYNs, Family Physicians, and other clinicians that care for pregnant persons.</p> <p><strong>Please consider sharing this information out with your network and colleagues, even if you are not the intended audience.</strong></p> IIllinois Vaccintes Against COVID-19 (I-VAC) is hosting a special webinar for OB-GYNs and those who care for pregnant persons, on **Thursday September 28, 2023 from 8 - 10 AM** with Drs. Edward Linn and Helen Cejtin. Free CME is available. Register [here](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/VN3w-fppRClZtsze0IfhfySwkRrLR3mBXC1L3ux18HA=/hDSQCTfroYn2i_8tDv3VH9gGdd7pPrNd7D_1Wo04dW4=__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bLyQjo0Mggl1h9M6BTVZ17se5LHq6DOoNDl-5a4TkS2cA0E-VoBNxy3IpHnEgJfFnQMH1BXEzlmwB4HHtLlOcIkeYeZ0$ "here"). Who should attend: OB-GYNs, Family Physicians, and other clinicians that care for pregnant persons. **Please consider sharing this information out with your network and colleagues, even if you are not the intended audience.** falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680978?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,436929,4414442023-09-22T14:48:4546681178School HealthSchool HealthHighIDPH: School COVID-19 Guidance<p>Schools and early childcare centers in Chicago should continue to report outbreaks of 5 or more cases, or 20% of a cohort, via the following Redcap form: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=PLMPXN9LX7XWYHWY" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=PLMPXN9LX7XWYHWY</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/school-guidance.html" target="_blank">IDPH and ISBE Joint Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools</a> was updated in June 2023.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> Schools and early childcare centers in Chicago should continue to report outbreaks of 5 or more cases, or 20% of a cohort, via the following Redcap form: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=PLMPXN9LX7XWYHWY>. The [IDPH and ISBE Joint Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Schools](https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/school-guidance.html) was updated in June 2023. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681178?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-12-20T22:46:5946682378School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSchool HAN - Respiratory Virus Alert<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory illness activity continues to increase in the United States, including in Illinois.</li> <li>While level for Cook County is still classified as LOW (&lt; 10 per 100,000), it has been increasing over the last four weeks along with emergency department and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).</li> <li>As schools approach winter break, they should <ul> <li>Remind staff and families to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 if they have not already done so this season.</li> <li>Emphasize respiratory hygiene, including keeping students home if they are sick.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:</strong> <span style="color:#e74c3c">Reach out to the Youth Settings team at s<a href="mailto:choolscd@cityofchicago.org?subject=Question">choolscd@cityofchicago.org</a> for site-specific support and guidance.</span></p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Respiratory illness activity continues to increase in the United States, including in Illinois. * While level for Cook County is still classified as LOW (\< 10 per 100,000), it has been increasing over the last four weeks along with emergency department and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). * As schools approach winter break, they should * Remind staff and families to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 if they have not already done so this season. * Emphasize respiratory hygiene, including keeping students home if they are sick. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:** Reach out to the Youth Settings team at s[choolscd@cityofchicago.org](mailto:choolscd@cityofchicago.org?subject=Question) for site-specific support and guidance. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682378?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202023-08-22T15:17:5546680379Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,Lab,AnnouncementHighIDPH: Laboratory Storage and Shipment of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Isolate<p>This memo updates previous guidance on internal storage of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) isolates for potential shipment to the IDPH Laboratory in Chicago.</p> <p><strong>Please send isolates to the IDPH Chicago laboratory <em>only if </em>requested by IDPH or LHD staff. Isolates may be discarded if no request has been made for shipment to IDPH within 30 days.</strong></p> <p>Laboratories should store the following isolates internally for possible shipment to IDPH:&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">a. Invasive GAS (iGAS) isolates (i.e., Group A Streptococcus, isolated from a normally sterile site, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, surgical aspirate, bone, joint fluid, or internal body site (e.g., lymph node, brain) from individuals, who in the preceding 48 hours, were residents of licensed health care facilities (including long term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities) and other closed or semi-closed settings (e.g. correctional facilities, homeless shelters).</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">b. GAS isolates from individuals with post-surgical infections: Individuals with GAS isolated from a sterile site or a surgical wound (for whom the indication for surgery was not preexisting GAS infection) occurring during the inpatient days following surgery or within 7 days after discharge from healthcare facility.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">c. Isolates from postpartum associated GAS infections: Individuals with GAS isolates from a sterile site, wound infection (e.g., Cesarean section incision) or in association with a clinical postpartum infection (e.g., endometritis) during the postpartum period (i.e., all inpatient days following delivery and the first 7 days after discharge from healthcare facility).</p> <p><br /> <u>Storage:</u><br /> GAS isolates on agar plates or slants may be stored for up to a week in a refrigerator. For longer-term storage, isolates should be placed in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) with glycerol and stored in a freezer at -80C. <u>Only one GAS isolate per patient should be stored for public health purposes</u>.</p> <p>These cases are reportable events based on identification of iGAS, or due to being unusual cases of urgent public health significance. Laboratories may identify such cases based on submission information, but as laboratory submission information may be limited, infection control and local health department staff may also notify laboratories of individuals fulfilling<br /> these criteria.</p> <p><u>Internal storage of isolates from GAS cases is important</u>, in the event there are future iGAS cases linked to or clustered with the case, in which case, emm typing/whole genome sequencing could be informative and help identify potential transmission locations/routes.</p> <p>If other situations arise where storage and/or shipment of a GAS isolate to IDPH is requested, laboratories will be promptly notified.</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> This memo updates previous guidance on internal storage of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) isolates for potential shipment to the IDPH Laboratory in Chicago. **Please send isolates to the IDPH Chicago laboratory *only if*requested by IDPH or LHD staff. Isolates may be discarded if no request has been made for shipment to IDPH within 30 days.** Laboratories should store the following isolates internally for possible shipment to IDPH: a. Invasive GAS (iGAS) isolates (i.e., Group A Streptococcus, isolated from a normally sterile site, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, surgical aspirate, bone, joint fluid, or internal body site (e.g., lymph node, brain) from individuals, who in the preceding 48 hours, were residents of licensed health care facilities (including long term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities) and other closed or semi-closed settings (e.g. correctional facilities, homeless shelters). b. GAS isolates from individuals with post-surgical infections: Individuals with GAS isolated from a sterile site or a surgical wound (for whom the indication for surgery was not preexisting GAS infection) occurring during the inpatient days following surgery or within 7 days after discharge from healthcare facility. c. Isolates from postpartum associated GAS infections: Individuals with GAS isolates from a sterile site, wound infection (e.g., Cesarean section incision) or in association with a clinical postpartum infection (e.g., endometritis) during the postpartum period (i.e., all inpatient days following delivery and the first 7 days after discharge from healthcare facility). <br /> ++Storage:++ GAS isolates on agar plates or slants may be stored for up to a week in a refrigerator. For longer-term storage, isolates should be placed in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) with glycerol and stored in a freezer at -80C. ++Only one GAS isolate per patient should be stored for public health purposes++. These cases are reportable events based on identification of iGAS, or due to being unusual cases of urgent public health significance. Laboratories may identify such cases based on submission information, but as laboratory submission information may be limited, infection control and local health department staff may also notify laboratories of individuals fulfilling these criteria. ++Internal storage of isolates from GAS cases is important++, in the event there are future iGAS cases linked to or clustered with the case, in which case, emm typing/whole genome sequencing could be informative and help identify potential transmission locations/routes. If other situations arise where storage and/or shipment of a GAS isolate to IDPH is requested, laboratories will be promptly notified. Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680379?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441468,4573972025-10-27T14:45:1646691178InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - October 27, 2025<p>The <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard</a> summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard is updated every Friday at 1pm. This report is a supplement to the dashboard and summarizes select respiratory virus surveillance indicators. All data are preliminary and may change as additional reports are received.</p> <p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains <strong>Minimal</strong>.</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.</li> <li>COVID-19 test positivity has increased from 1.9% to 2.8%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (&lt;1%).</li> <li>Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 are minimal. RSV wastewater concentrations increased from minimal to moderate, primarily driven by a high detection in the Chicago Lawn sewershed.</li> <li>The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.</li> <li>An estimated 12.5% of Chicagoans have received a 2025-26 <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">flu shot</a> this season as of mid-October, down from 13.8% at the same time last year. 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is low at an estimated 3.7%.</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> The [Chicago Respiratory Illness Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard is updated every Friday at 1pm. This report is a supplement to the dashboard and summarizes select respiratory virus surveillance indicators. All data are preliminary and may change as additional reports are received. **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains **Minimal**. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. * COVID-19 test positivity has increased from 1.9% to 2.8%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (\<1%). * Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 are minimal. RSV wastewater concentrations increased from minimal to moderate, primarily driven by a high detection in the Chicago Lawn sewershed. * The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * An estimated 12.5% of Chicagoans have received a 2025-26 [flu shot](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) this season as of mid-October, down from 13.8% at the same time last year. 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is low at an estimated 3.7%. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092025-10-31T18:39:0046691184MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)High[CORRECTED ATTACHMENT] Providers Should Remain Alert for Clade I Mpox Importation - October 31, 2025<p><em>Good afternoon,</em></p> <p><em>The below alert included an inaccessible link to the Mpox diagnostic Clade I testing Job Aid. We have attached a workable copy of the Job Aid to this alert for reference. Our sincerest apologies for the error.</em></p> <p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <p>Three cases of clade I mpox have been diagnosed in Southern California with no recent international travel or clear epidemiologic links to each other. These are the first reported cases of community spread of clade I mpox in the U.S.</p> <p>Chicago is currently experiencing an outbreak of clade II mpox, mostly among gay, bisexual and same gender loving men. However, as a major port of entry for international travelers, Chicago remains at risk for mpox clade I importation and providers should remain alert for clade I mpox.</p> <p>Clinicians should consider clade I mpox in a patient with compatible signs and symptoms who has:</p> <ul> <li>International travel within the past 21 days <strong>OR</strong></li> <li>Intimate contact with an international traveler in the last 21 days OR</li> <li>Intimate contact with a clade I mpox case within the past 21 days</li> </ul> <p>The mpox vaccine is expected to be protective against both clade I and clade II mpox and remains the best strategy to protect against complications including severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/mpox-home/mpox-vaccine.html" target="_blank">other indications for mpox vaccination</a>, vaccination is also recommended prior to travel to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East or <a href="https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/#sec-clade-export" target="_blank">any country with a clade I mpox outbreak or community transmission</a> when an individual anticipates sexual or intimate contact while traveling, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.</p> <p><u><strong>Report suspected or confirmed cases of clade I mpox in Chicago residents or travelers remaining in Chicago to CDPH immediately</strong></u> for coordination of testing at the IDPH Public Health Laboratory, case investigation, and contact tracing. Clade I mpox testing at IDPH lab requires CDPH approval. Call the mpox hotline at 312-742-2883 during business hours. After hours, clinicians should call 311 and speak with the CDPH provider on call.</p> <p><strong>Please join a provider webinar:</strong> <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4a6Ll7zzRhOMdHGFxlzxqw#/registration" target="_blank">Clade I Mpox Update for Chicago Clinicians 11/13 @ 12pm CST</a></p> <p> </p> *Good afternoon,* *The below alert included an inaccessible link to the Mpox diagnostic Clade I testing Job Aid. We have attached a workable copy of the Job Aid to this alert for reference. Our sincerest apologies for the error.* ++**Summary and Action Items**++ Three cases of clade I mpox have been diagnosed in Southern California with no recent international travel or clear epidemiologic links to each other. These are the first reported cases of community spread of clade I mpox in the U.S. Chicago is currently experiencing an outbreak of clade II mpox, mostly among gay, bisexual and same gender loving men. However, as a major port of entry for international travelers, Chicago remains at risk for mpox clade I importation and providers should remain alert for clade I mpox. Clinicians should consider clade I mpox in a patient with compatible signs and symptoms who has: * International travel within the past 21 days **OR** * Intimate contact with an international traveler in the last 21 days OR * Intimate contact with a clade I mpox case within the past 21 days The mpox vaccine is expected to be protective against both clade I and clade II mpox and remains the best strategy to protect against complications including severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition to [other indications for mpox vaccination](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/mpox-home/mpox-vaccine.html), vaccination is also recommended prior to travel to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East or [any country with a clade I mpox outbreak or community transmission](https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/#sec-clade-export) when an individual anticipates sexual or intimate contact while traveling, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. ++**Report suspected or confirmed cases of clade I mpox in Chicago residents or travelers remaining in Chicago to CDPH immediately**++ for coordination of testing at the IDPH Public Health Laboratory, case investigation, and contact tracing. Clade I mpox testing at IDPH lab requires CDPH approval. Call the mpox hotline at 312-742-2883 during business hours. After hours, clinicians should call 311 and speak with the CDPH provider on call. **Please join a provider webinar:** [Clade I Mpox Update for Chicago Clinicians 11/13 @ 12pm CST](https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4a6Ll7zzRhOMdHGFxlzxqw#/registration) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691184?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392023-08-24T15:00:4046680480West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 24, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 24, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 24, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680480?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-08-24T19:21:0346680481West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighFirst West Nile virus Human Cases in Chicago - August 24, 2023<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first 3 cases of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year in Chicago residents.&nbsp;</li> <li>West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly between now and October 31.</li> <li>The most sensitive screening test for WNV in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g. reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION</strong>: &nbsp;Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 7.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * The Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first 3 cases of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year in Chicago residents. * West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly between now and October 31. * The most sensitive screening test for WNV in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g. reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction \[RT-PCR\]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION**: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 7. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680481?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-08-25T20:17:5946680484InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - August 25, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/13/2023-8/19/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 2.6.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 9.4%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>13 of 2,488 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,674 of 190,501 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% .</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.5% to 2.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus is &lt;1%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 8/13/2023-8/19/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 2.6. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 9.4% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * 13 of 2,488 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,674 of 190,501 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 1.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.3% to 14.5% . * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.5% to 2.6%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus is \<1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680484?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-08-28T15:56:3446680383West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for August 28, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 28, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were (thirty-two) (32) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 28, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were (thirty-two) (32) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680383?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-08-29T13:40:5846680384School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighUPCOMING EVENT: Communicable Diseases and Early Childcare Centers Update<p>Please join the CDPH Youth Settings team <strong>today or tomorrow</strong> for an information session about how facilities should take a broad approach to preventing respiratory illness in their school communities for the 2023-24 school year.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> Please join the CDPH Youth Settings team **today or tomorrow** for an information session about how facilities should take a broad approach to preventing respiratory illness in their school communities for the 2023-24 school year. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680384?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572025-11-07T22:33:4246691195UpdateAnnouncementHighCDPH: SNAP Funding Delays and Reductions<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Nearly 1 in 5 Chicago households qualifies for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance.</li> <li>CDPH anticipates spikes in food insecurity due to partial and delayed SNAP payments.</li> <li>Practitioners are advised to screen for food insecurity and direct patients to food resources.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Nearly 1 in 5 Chicago households qualifies for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance. * CDPH anticipates spikes in food insecurity due to partial and delayed SNAP payments. * Practitioners are advised to screen for food insecurity and direct patients to food resources. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691195?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972023-08-29T15:57:4746680485MalariaDiseases & ConditionsHighCDC: Important Updates on Locally Acquired Malaria Cases Identified in Florida, Texas, and Maryland<p><strong>Key Messages:</strong></p> <ul> <li>To date, Chicago has not had any reported cases of locally acquired malaria and risk for locally acquired malaria remains very low</li> <li>Malaria should continue to be considered as a cause of febrile illness among patients with a history of international travel to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/m.html" target="_blank">areas where malaria is transmitted</a></li> <li>The best way to prevent malaria in Chicago is for travelers to malaria-endemic areas to take appropriate steps to prevent acquiring malaria while traveling, including taking prophylactic medication</li> <li>In both Chicago and the rest of the United States, the most common mosquito-borne disease continues to be West Nile virus (WNV) <ul> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680481">Three cases of WNV have been reported among Chicagoans</a> so far this year</li> <li>The best way to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html" target="_blank">prevent WNV</a> is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and emptying standing water in and around your home</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p> **Key Messages:** * To date, Chicago has not had any reported cases of locally acquired malaria and risk for locally acquired malaria remains very low * Malaria should continue to be considered as a cause of febrile illness among patients with a history of international travel to [areas where malaria is transmitted](https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/m.html) * The best way to prevent malaria in Chicago is for travelers to malaria-endemic areas to take appropriate steps to prevent acquiring malaria while traveling, including taking prophylactic medication * In both Chicago and the rest of the United States, the most common mosquito-borne disease continues to be West Nile virus (WNV) * [Three cases of WNV have been reported among Chicagoans](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680481) so far this year * The best way to [prevent WNV](https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html) is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and emptying standing water in and around your home Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680485?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-09-22T17:33:1246681179InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 22, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/10/2023-9/16/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.6 to 4.5.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.3% to 8.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Thirteen of 3,609 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,729 of 207,189 (6.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV is 1.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.5% to 2.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 27.4% to 26.1% .</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/10/2023-9/16/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.6 to 4.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.3% to 8.0%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Thirteen of 3,609 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,729 of 207,189 (6.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV is 1.4%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.5% to 2.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 27.4% to 26.1% . truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681179?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-12-22T20:08:0546682380Infectious DiseaseVaricella (Chickenpox)HighCDPH: Increase in Varicella in Chicago: Updated Vaccine Guidance - HAN #2 - December 22, 2023<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>New arrival children ages 1–4 years, especially if residing in a shelter, should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine as long as 3 months have elapsed between doses.</li> <li>Clinicians who diagnose varicella within healthcare settings should notify their institution’s infection prevention team.</li> <li>Clinicians should continue using every opportunity to make sure patients are up to date on vaccinations, including varicella, influenza, and COVID-19</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * New arrival children ages 1--4 years, especially if residing in a shelter, should receive 2 doses of varicella vaccine as long as 3 months have elapsed between doses. * Clinicians who diagnose varicella within healthcare settings should notify their institution's infection prevention team. * Clinicians should continue using every opportunity to make sure patients are up to date on vaccinations, including varicella, influenza, and COVID-19 Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682380?p_r_p_categoryId=4395502024-03-12T21:53:2046683091MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School Health,Congregate SettingsHighCORRECTED LINK: Chicago Measles Upcoming Webinar March 20, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p><strong>Upcoming Webinar:</strong> Measles Update for Clinicians: Recognition, Reporting and Response&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday March 20 at noon</p> <p><strong>About:</strong> Cases of measles have been recently on the rise nationally, and Illinois is now experiencing an uptick in cases as well. This one-hour webinar will provide an update for clinicians in Illinois regarding:</p> <ul> <li>Recognition of measles in the clinical setting</li> <li>Proper laboratory evaluation of suspect cases</li> <li>Understanding the connection to individual cases and the response by public health departments</li> </ul> <p><strong>Speakers:</strong> Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP, Pediatric Medical Advisor and Josh Geltz, PhD, Chief, Division of Laboratories at Illinois Department of Public Health; and Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p><strong>Register</strong> through <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88" target="_blank">this link</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;(<span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!eOtC6r_a_EqRDUov_caJgnDspZ-o3sImNraLqLICZ1N-KtPA7ulYGcHckYt8HlUDHG5Uj1fyNySzmdkF1Cc8ive4UMPTJq3BAHMq$" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88</a>)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> **Summary and Action Items** **Upcoming Webinar:** Measles Update for Clinicians: Recognition, Reporting and Response **When:** Wednesday March 20 at noon **About:** Cases of measles have been recently on the rise nationally, and Illinois is now experiencing an uptick in cases as well. This one-hour webinar will provide an update for clinicians in Illinois regarding: * Recognition of measles in the clinical setting * Proper laboratory evaluation of suspect cases * Understanding the connection to individual cases and the response by public health departments **Speakers:** Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP, Pediatric Medical Advisor and Josh Geltz, PhD, Chief, Division of Laboratories at Illinois Department of Public Health; and Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at Chicago Department of Public Health **Register** through [this link](https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88) ([https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r5e8464a935f08cfe8f7f886039480c88__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!eOtC6r_a_EqRDUov_caJgnDspZ-o3sImNraLqLICZ1N-KtPA7ulYGcHckYt8HlUDHG5Uj1fyNySzmdkF1Cc8ive4UMPTJq3BAHMq$)) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683091?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,2063520,133213092024-03-15T15:14:3646682992School HealthDiseases & Conditions,School HealthHighIDPH Webinar - Measles: Preventing, Reporting, Responding, and Managing Measles in Schools and Daycares - March 21, 2024<p><strong>Upcoming Webinar:</strong> Measles: Preventing, Reporting, Responding, and Managing Measles in Schools and Daycares</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday, March 21 at noon</p> <p><strong>About:</strong> Thus far in 2024, the CDC has already confirmed 45 cases of measles in the U.S., compared to 58 cases for all of 2023. Illinois has had 13 cases of measles in the last six months, after not reporting any cases in the prior three years. This is reflective of a rise in global measles cases and a growing global threat from the disease.</p> <p>This one-hour virtual event is free to School Nurses, Daycare Providers and other School Health clinicians.</p> <p><strong>Presenters:</strong></p> <p>Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, Pediatric Medical Advisor<br /> Judy Kauerauf, MPH, Section Chief Communicable Diseases IDPH<br /> Michelle Funk, DVM, MPH, Medical Director Community Congregate Settings|Disease Control Bureau CDPH&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Register through this <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/ weblink/register/" target="_blank">link</a></strong> &nbsp; (https://illinois.webex.com/<br /> weblink/register/)</p> <p>Flyer attached.</p> **Upcoming Webinar:** Measles: Preventing, Reporting, Responding, and Managing Measles in Schools and Daycares **When:** Thursday, March 21 at noon **About:** Thus far in 2024, the CDC has already confirmed 45 cases of measles in the U.S., compared to 58 cases for all of 2023. Illinois has had 13 cases of measles in the last six months, after not reporting any cases in the prior three years. This is reflective of a rise in global measles cases and a growing global threat from the disease. This one-hour virtual event is free to School Nurses, Daycare Providers and other School Health clinicians. **Presenters:** Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, Pediatric Medical Advisor Judy Kauerauf, MPH, Section Chief Communicable Diseases IDPH Michelle Funk, DVM, MPH, Medical Director Community Congregate Settings\|Disease Control Bureau CDPH **Register through this [link](https://illinois.webex.com/ weblink/register/)** (https://illinois.webex.com/ weblink/register/) Flyer attached. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682992?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20635202025-11-10T17:32:1446691196InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report Surveillance Week 44 (October 26 – November 1, 2025)<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary has been published. The 2024-25 respiratory season was characterized by severe influenza outcomes, including four influenza-associated pediatric deaths and more influenza-associated intensive care unit hospitalizations than the last two seasons combined. See the attached report for full details.</p> <p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute<strong> respiratory illness activity level</strong> in Chicago remains Minimal.</li> <li><strong>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions</strong> for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.</li> <li>COVID-19 <strong>test positivity</strong> is 2.9%. &nbsp;Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (&lt;1%).</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal.</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.&nbsp;</li> <li>An estimated 16.2% of Chicagoans have received a 2025-26<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank"> flu shot</a> this season as of November 1, down from 17.4% at the same time last year. Similarly, 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is an estimated 6.2%, down from 8.1% last year.</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank"> immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank"> Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.&nbsp;</li> </ul> The Chicago Department of Public Health's 2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary has been published. The 2024-25 respiratory season was characterized by severe influenza outcomes, including four influenza-associated pediatric deaths and more influenza-associated intensive care unit hospitalizations than the last two seasons combined. See the attached report for full details. **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute**respiratory illness activity level** in Chicago remains Minimal. * **ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions** for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. * COVID-19 **test positivity** is 2.9%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (\<1%). * **Wastewater concentrations** for Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV, and COVID-19 are minimal. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * An estimated 16.2% of Chicagoans have received a 2025-26[flu shot](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) this season as of November 1, down from 17.4% at the same time last year. Similarly, 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is an estimated 6.2%, down from 8.1% last year. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its[immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691196?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-08-30T14:39:3646680488Laboratory InformationDiseases & Conditions,Lab,AnnouncementHighSustained Genomic Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 for Variant Monitoring-August 30, 2023<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>A new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant that contains a large number of mutations labeled BA.2.86 has been detected in Denmark, Israel, South America, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.&nbsp;</li> <li>To increase capacity to monitor circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, Chicago hospitals and laboratories are encouraged to submit up to 30 SARS-CoV-2 positive nasal swab specimens each week for genomic characterization to CDPH’s Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL).&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago laboratories performing genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * A new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant that contains a large number of mutations labeled BA.2.86 has been detected in Denmark, Israel, South America, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. * To increase capacity to monitor circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, Chicago hospitals and laboratories are encouraged to submit up to 30 SARS-CoV-2 positive nasal swab specimens each week for genomic characterization to CDPH's Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL). * Chicago laboratories performing genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680488?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441468,4573972023-08-31T18:28:1946680489InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighWEBINAR: RSV Treatment & Vaccine Updates - Sept 6, 2023 <p><strong>RSV Treatment &amp; Vaccine Updates Webinar</strong></p> <p>Learn about the newest product for prevention of RSV (Nirsevimab). Patient eligibility, duration of protection, importance of equity when planning implementation, impact on respiratory virus season and more.</p> <p><strong>WHEN</strong>: September 6, 2023<br /> <strong>TIME</strong>: 12:00pm<br /> <a href="https://illinoisaap.org/events" target="_blank">Click here to register</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> **RSV Treatment \& Vaccine Updates Webinar** Learn about the newest product for prevention of RSV (Nirsevimab). Patient eligibility, duration of protection, importance of equity when planning implementation, impact on respiratory virus season and more. **WHEN** : September 6, 2023 **TIME** : 12:00pm [Click here to register](https://illinoisaap.org/events) Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46680489?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-09-25T15:04:2846681078West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 25, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 25, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance ndicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 25, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance ndicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681078?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-09-26T18:35:0146681180COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),COVID-19 Vaccine,COVIDHighBridge Access Program Enrollment for Pharmacies<p>Center for Disease Control (CDC’s) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html" target="_blank">Bridge Access Program</a> provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Nocost COVID-19 vaccines through this program will be available until December 31, 2024. Adults can receive no-cost COVID-19 vaccines from healthcare providers, federally supported health centers, and retail pharmacy chains participating in the Bridge Access Program. Providers can be located by<br /> visiting <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.</p> <p>CDC is establishing new contracts with CVS, Walgreens, and eTrueNorth through existing<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/icatt/index.html" target="_blank"> Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT)</a> contracts to provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines.<br /> eTrueNorth is partnering directly with Chain and Independent Pharmacies to expand COVID-19 vaccine services in the community. Pharmacies enrolled can receive reimbursement for administering no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. Pharmacies can register here: <a href="https://www.joinetruenorth.com/" target="_blank">www.joinetruenorth.com</a></p> <p><strong>Chain Pharmacies</strong></p> <ul> <li>Work directly with eTrueNorth to enroll retail pharmacy locations in the Bridge Access Program.</li> <li>eTrueNorth makes participation easy by providing a secure online platform for convenient patient sign-up and participating pharmacy reimbursement.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Independent Pharmacies</strong></p> <ul> <li>oPSAO-Affiliated Pharmacies: eTrueNorth will work with your PSAO to streamline program enrollment. Please contact your PSAO to express interest in the Bridge Access Program.</li> <li>Non-PSAO-affiliated Pharmacies: Work directly with eTrueNorth to enroll your pharmacy or pharmacies in the Bridge Access Program</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for full details.</p> Center for Disease Control (CDC's) [Bridge Access Program](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html) provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Nocost COVID-19 vaccines through this program will be available until December 31, 2024. Adults can receive no-cost COVID-19 vaccines from healthcare providers, federally supported health centers, and retail pharmacy chains participating in the Bridge Access Program. Providers can be located by visiting [vaccines.gov](https://www.vaccines.gov). CDC is establishing new contracts with CVS, Walgreens, and eTrueNorth through existing[Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT)](https://www.cdc.gov/icatt/index.html) contracts to provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines. eTrueNorth is partnering directly with Chain and Independent Pharmacies to expand COVID-19 vaccine services in the community. Pharmacies enrolled can receive reimbursement for administering no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. Pharmacies can register here: [www.joinetruenorth.com](https://www.joinetruenorth.com/) **Chain Pharmacies** * Work directly with eTrueNorth to enroll retail pharmacy locations in the Bridge Access Program. * eTrueNorth makes participation easy by providing a secure online platform for convenient patient sign-up and participating pharmacy reimbursement. **Independent Pharmacies** * oPSAO-Affiliated Pharmacies: eTrueNorth will work with your PSAO to streamline program enrollment. Please contact your PSAO to express interest in the Bridge Access Program. * Non-PSAO-affiliated Pharmacies: Work directly with eTrueNorth to enroll your pharmacy or pharmacies in the Bridge Access Program Please see the attachments for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681180?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,436929,4414442023-09-28T19:00:0046681181LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighChicago Long-Term Care Facility Survey Request for LTC PPE Kit Deployment<p>Dear Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers</p> <p>As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility’s medical surge capacity is essential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in the event of medical surge, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau &amp; the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events &amp; emergencies.</p> <p>Please complete this brief survey to help us determine your facility’s needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=PHEP!LTCFSurvey2023" target="_blank">Click here to start survey.</a></p> <p>Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> Dear Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility's medical surge capacity is essential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in the event of medical surge, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau \& the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events \& emergencies. Please complete this brief survey to help us determine your facility's needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc. [Click here to start survey.](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=PHEP!LTCFSurvey2023) Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681181?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562023-09-29T18:13:4846681278InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - September 29, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/17/2023-9/23/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 4.5 to 5.4.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 8.0% to 6.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Ten of 3,403 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,739 of 210,610 (6.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) has increased but remains low at 1.6. The proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains low at 1.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.4% to 1.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased 26.1% to 23.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Respiratory Virus Laboratory Surveillance - Current Week and Cumulative</strong> The table below includes respiratory viral PCR tests performed by several hospital laboratories in Chicago as well as two commercial laboratories serving Chicago facilities. Reporting facilities represent nearly half of all acute care hospitals in the city. Data reported include Chicago and non-Chicago residents.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 9/17/2023-9/23/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 4.5 to 5.4. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 8.0% to 6.7%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Ten of 3,403 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,739 of 210,610 (6.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) has increased but remains low at 1.6. The proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains low at 1.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.4% to 1.3%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased 26.1% to 23.6%. **Respiratory Virus Laboratory Surveillance - Current Week and Cumulative** The table below includes respiratory viral PCR tests performed by several hospital laboratories in Chicago as well as two commercial laboratories serving Chicago facilities. Reporting facilities represent nearly half of all acute care hospitals in the city. Data reported include Chicago and non-Chicago residents. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681278?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-12-28T21:29:2346682383AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighCongenital Syphilis Clinical Utilization Survey<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH is working to address the rise in Congenital Syphilis Cases in Chicago.</li> <li>We have created a survey to better understand the practices utilized for diagnosis and treatment of congenital syphilis in Chicago.</li> <li>Please take the following survey if diagnosis and treatment of infants with Congenital Syphilis is a part of your practice. <ul> <li><a href="https://cdphrc.chicago.gov/surveys/?s=L4X7KMAEAYMETWKR" target="_blank">Congenital Syphilis Clinical Utilization Survey</a>&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: &nbsp;Please send questions to Dr. Irina Tabidze at <a href="mailto:Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org">Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org</a></p> **Summary and Action Items** * CDPH is working to address the rise in Congenital Syphilis Cases in Chicago. * We have created a survey to better understand the practices utilized for diagnosis and treatment of congenital syphilis in Chicago. * Please take the following survey if diagnosis and treatment of infants with Congenital Syphilis is a part of your practice. * [Congenital Syphilis Clinical Utilization Survey](https://cdphrc.chicago.gov/surveys/?s=L4X7KMAEAYMETWKR) REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Please send questions to Dr. Irina Tabidze at [Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org](mailto:Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682383?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972023-12-29T20:20:4246682678InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 29, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/17/2023-12/23/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low.</li> <li>CDPH anticipates this level to transition from low to medium in the coming week or weeks.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 9.3 to 8.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 11.4% to 12.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Twenty-six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 87 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>1,084 of 7,556 (14.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 3,115 of 56,716 (5.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 6.1% to 5.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has remained at 8.5%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 8.8% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.0% to &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.0% to 11.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.3% to 5.6%.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/17/2023-12/23/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low. * CDPH anticipates this level to transition from low to medium in the coming week or weeks. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 9.3 to 8.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 11.4% to 12.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Twenty-six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 87 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 1,084 of 7,556 (14.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 3,115 of 56,716 (5.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 6.1% to 5.9%. * The test positivity for RSV has remained at 8.5%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 8.8% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.0% to \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.0% to 11.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 4.3% to 5.6%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682678?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-01-03T22:14:0146682679AnnouncementSchool HealthHighInvent 2 Prevent Opportunity for Schools focusing on Violence Prevention<p>Illinois High Schools are invited to participate in a free school safety and prevention program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3).</p> <p>Invent2Prevent, now in its third year, and offered to both High Schools and Universities in the U.S. It challenges students in a classroom setting or student organization to create and implement peer-developed initiatives, products, and tools to prevent targeted violence and hate in ways they believe will be most impactful in their schools and communities.</p> <p>Invent2Prevent is managed by EdVenture Partners and McCain Institute, who work with students throughout the entire project period in a guiding, mentoring, and coaching capacity.</p> <p>For more information, please contact Tony Sgro, CEO of EdVenture Partners at <a href="mailto:tony@edventurepartners.com">tony@edventurepartners.com</a> or at 415-264-7666.</p> Illinois High Schools are invited to participate in a free school safety and prevention program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3). Invent2Prevent, now in its third year, and offered to both High Schools and Universities in the U.S. It challenges students in a classroom setting or student organization to create and implement peer-developed initiatives, products, and tools to prevent targeted violence and hate in ways they believe will be most impactful in their schools and communities. Invent2Prevent is managed by EdVenture Partners and McCain Institute, who work with students throughout the entire project period in a guiding, mentoring, and coaching capacity. For more information, please contact Tony Sgro, CEO of EdVenture Partners at [tony@edventurepartners.com](mailto:tony@edventurepartners.com) or at 415-264-7666. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682679?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202024-01-05T20:16:2546682680InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 5, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/24/2023-12/30/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is medium.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 8.9 to 10.4.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is high.</li> <li>23 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 113 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>837 of 5,799 (14.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 4,095 of 71,511 (5.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is at local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9% to 4.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 8.5% to 7.0%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 17.0% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.0% to 12.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.6% to 3.8%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/24/2023-12/30/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is medium. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 8.9 to 10.4. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is high. * 23 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 113 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 837 of 5,799 (14.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 4,095 of 71,511 (5.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is at local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9% to 4.7%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 8.5% to 7.0%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 17.0% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.6% to 3.8%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682680?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-01-12T21:24:5846682681InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 12, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/31/2023-01/06/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is medium.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 10.4 to 12.5.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.8% to 10.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is high.</li> <li>25 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 151 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>774 of 6,714 (11.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 4,907 of 78,429 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds. ILINet Data was not updated for the current surveillance week.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9% to 4.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 7.0% to 7.6%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 20.0% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the 1/5/24 COCA Now update for full details.The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 12.1% to 7.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.8% to 4.1%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 12/31/2023-01/06/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is medium. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 10.4 to 12.5. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.8% to 10.3%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is high. * 25 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 151 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 774 of 6,714 (11.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 4,907 of 78,429 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds. ILINet Data was not updated for the current surveillance week. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 5.9% to 4.7%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 7.0% to 7.6%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 20.0% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the 1/5/24 COCA Now update for full details.The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 12.1% to 7.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.8% to 4.1%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-01-12T22:07:5946682578VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - January 2024<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682578?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722025-11-28T22:52:3846691478InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - November 28, 2025<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. Influenza and RSV activity continue to increase across multiple surveillance indicators, and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html" target="_blank">national data</a> also suggest epidemic growth in Illinois and across the country.</li> <li><strong>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions</strong> for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups; however, hospitalizations and ED visits associated with influenza have been increasing across all age groups for the previous three weeks, and ED and inpatient visits associated with RSV have more than doubled among children &lt;5 years.</li> <li>Influenza <strong>test positivity</strong> increased from 2.4% to 3.0% this week. Test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.0% to 2.1% this week. COVID-19 test positivity increased from 1.8% to 2.0% this week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Wastewater data for the week of 11/16/25 – 11/22/25 are not available. Influenza A and COVID-19 wastewater data for the week of 10/26/25 - 11/1/2025 are being further investigated and may be subject to change.</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. Influenza and RSV activity continue to increase across multiple surveillance indicators, and [national data](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html) also suggest epidemic growth in Illinois and across the country. * **ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions** for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups; however, hospitalizations and ED visits associated with influenza have been increasing across all age groups for the previous three weeks, and ED and inpatient visits associated with RSV have more than doubled among children \<5 years. * Influenza **test positivity** increased from 2.4% to 3.0% this week. Test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.0% to 2.1% this week. COVID-19 test positivity increased from 1.8% to 2.0% this week. * Wastewater data for the week of 11/16/25 -- 11/22/25 are not available. Influenza A and COVID-19 wastewater data for the week of 10/26/25 - 11/1/2025 are being further investigated and may be subject to change. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-10-02T13:00:0046681378School HealthSchool HealthHighYouth Setting Needs Survey October 2, 2023<p>Dear HAN User:</p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you.</p> <p>CDPH has launched a <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">HAN Needs Survey</a> to let us know how we can be a better partner.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW</a></p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to assist us in better understanding your needs. The <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Dear HAN User: Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you. CDPH has launched a [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our [HAN Needs Survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to let us know how we can be a better partner. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW> You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you. Please complete this [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to assist us in better understanding your needs. The [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681378?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-10-02T15:07:3846681280West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for September 25, 2023<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 2, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were two (2) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.<br /> Also attached, CDC Tick awareness flyer</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 2, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were two (2) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details. Also attached, CDC Tick awareness flyer truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681280?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-10-03T15:00:0046681279LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighNo Cost Rapid Flu/Covid Tests Provided to Chicago LTCFs<p>Dear Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers,&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> On behalf of The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau &amp; the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program, we are pleased to inform you that your facility will be receiving a one-time shipment of rapid POC COVID-19/flu tests, at no cost.</p> <p>The COVID-19/Influenza tests are intended to be used for staff and residents at your facility. These tests will expand your capacity to rapidly test for COVID-19 and influenza with in-house Point of Care (POC) testing. &nbsp;Rapid and timely testing will aid in outbreak mitigation during the 2023 influenza season by ensuring early case detection to trigger patient isolation procedures. Early POC testing as an infection prevention measure effectively decreases hospitalizations in your vulnerable patient population.<br /> The shipment will be arriving at your facility on October 4th-6th, and will be delivered directly by the supply company McKesson. No further action is needed from your facility to receive these tests, as they are being automatically delivered to your facility.</p> <p>Questions may be directed to Faye Thanas for more information about this shipment at faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Dear Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers, <br /> On behalf of The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau \& the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program, we are pleased to inform you that your facility will be receiving a one-time shipment of rapid POC COVID-19/flu tests, at no cost. The COVID-19/Influenza tests are intended to be used for staff and residents at your facility. These tests will expand your capacity to rapidly test for COVID-19 and influenza with in-house Point of Care (POC) testing. Rapid and timely testing will aid in outbreak mitigation during the 2023 influenza season by ensuring early case detection to trigger patient isolation procedures. Early POC testing as an infection prevention measure effectively decreases hospitalizations in your vulnerable patient population. The shipment will be arriving at your facility on October 4th-6th, and will be delivered directly by the supply company McKesson. No further action is needed from your facility to receive these tests, as they are being automatically delivered to your facility. Questions may be directed to Faye Thanas for more information about this shipment at faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681279?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562023-10-04T17:57:2346681281Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighNew CDC Guidelines on Doxycycline as STI PEP Posted for Public Comment<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the opening of a docket to obtain comment on proposed guidelines for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI). &nbsp;The Proposed guidelines and supplemental material are available at: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2023-0080/document" target="_blank">https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2023-0080/document</a>. &nbsp;Written comments must be received on or before November 16, 2023.&nbsp;</p> <p>The proposed guidelines for bacterial STI prevention include post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline (doxycycline PEP) because it has demonstrated benefit in reducing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections and represents a new approach to addressing STI prevention in populations at increased risk for these infections. Doxycycline PEP, when offered, should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive sexual health approach including risk reduction counseling, STI screening and treatment, recommended vaccination, and linkage to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV care, or other services, as appropriate.&nbsp;</p> <p>The purpose of the proposed guidelines is to provide updated clinical guidance for healthcare providers to inform the use of doxycycline PEP for preventing bacterial STI infections. CDC has made available a pre-recorded informational presentation to provide information about the studies considered when developing the proposed guideline, explain the public comment process, and provide an overview of important monitoring for antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance that the agency will be considering to address potential risks. &nbsp; &nbsp;An Informational Presentation has been pre-recorded and is available at &nbsp;<a href="https://npin.cdc.gov/groups/doxy-pep-guidelines-webinar" target="_blank">https://npin.cdc.gov/groups/doxy-pep-guidelines-webinar</a>.</p> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the opening of a docket to obtain comment on proposed guidelines for the use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI). The Proposed guidelines and supplemental material are available at: <https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CDC-2023-0080/document>. Written comments must be received on or before November 16, 2023. The proposed guidelines for bacterial STI prevention include post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline (doxycycline PEP) because it has demonstrated benefit in reducing chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections and represents a new approach to addressing STI prevention in populations at increased risk for these infections. Doxycycline PEP, when offered, should be implemented in the context of a comprehensive sexual health approach including risk reduction counseling, STI screening and treatment, recommended vaccination, and linkage to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV care, or other services, as appropriate. The purpose of the proposed guidelines is to provide updated clinical guidance for healthcare providers to inform the use of doxycycline PEP for preventing bacterial STI infections. CDC has made available a pre-recorded informational presentation to provide information about the studies considered when developing the proposed guideline, explain the public comment process, and provide an overview of important monitoring for antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance that the agency will be considering to address potential risks. An Informational Presentation has been pre-recorded and is available at <https://npin.cdc.gov/groups/doxy-pep-guidelines-webinar>. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681281?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392023-10-05T19:30:3246681282STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighIllinois' Rise of Sexually Transmitted Infection Cases & Bicillin Shortage Inventory Survey<p>Since 2000, national data shows an increase in chlamydia of 132%, gonorrhea 96%, and syphilis of 459%. Specifically for pregnant people and their infants, congenital syphilis has increased 203% since 2017. Most recently in Illinois, the number of congenital syphilis cases per year has increased from 29 cases in 2020, to 50 cases in 2021, and 84 cases in 2022.&nbsp;</p> <p>IDPH would like providers to complete a short survey to help determine treatment access gaps and Bicillin inventory for Illinois, link <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBcLxe9XG_R9PuwHfUGdJOJVUMFhQWkdHUTE2RVVZUVFDUDJEN1RMQ0c1My4u" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached Dear Colleague letter regarding Illinois' Rise of Sexually Transmitted Infection Cases for more details on this issue, including actions to take during the ongoing Bicillian shortage,</p> Since 2000, national data shows an increase in chlamydia of 132%, gonorrhea 96%, and syphilis of 459%. Specifically for pregnant people and their infants, congenital syphilis has increased 203% since 2017. Most recently in Illinois, the number of congenital syphilis cases per year has increased from 29 cases in 2020, to 50 cases in 2021, and 84 cases in 2022. IDPH would like providers to complete a short survey to help determine treatment access gaps and Bicillin inventory for Illinois, link [here](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBcLxe9XG_R9PuwHfUGdJOJVUMFhQWkdHUTE2RVVZUVFDUDJEN1RMQ0c1My4u). Please see the attached Dear Colleague letter regarding Illinois' Rise of Sexually Transmitted Infection Cases for more details on this issue, including actions to take during the ongoing Bicillian shortage, truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681282?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392025-12-05T21:27:2746691579InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - December 5, 2025<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has increased from Minimal to Low. Influenza and RSV activity has continued to increase across multiple surveillance indicators for the past four weeks. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html" target="_blank">National data</a> suggest epidemic growth in Illinois, the Midwest region, and across the country.</li> <li><strong>ED visits</strong> remain minimal for COVID-19 and low for influenza and RSV. However, influenza-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ED visits have been increasing over the last four weeks. RSV associated ED and inpatient visits are also increasing among children &lt;5 years.</li> <li><strong>Test positivity</strong> increased for all three viruses: Influenza test positivity increased from 3.0% to 4.1% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.9%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.6%.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for influenza A and RSV have decreased from low to minimal, influenza B remains minimal, and COVID-19 concentrations have decreased from moderate to low.&nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (97.5%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 92% have been H3N2 and 8% H1N1.</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has increased from Minimal to Low. Influenza and RSV activity has continued to increase across multiple surveillance indicators for the past four weeks. [National data](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html) suggest epidemic growth in Illinois, the Midwest region, and across the country. * **ED visits** remain minimal for COVID-19 and low for influenza and RSV. However, influenza-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ED visits have been increasing over the last four weeks. RSV associated ED and inpatient visits are also increasing among children \<5 years. * **Test positivity** increased for all three viruses: Influenza test positivity increased from 3.0% to 4.1% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.9%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.6%. * **Wastewater concentrations** for influenza A and RSV have decreased from low to minimal, influenza B remains minimal, and COVID-19 concentrations have decreased from moderate to low. * Almost all (97.5%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 92% have been H3N2 and 8% H1N1. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691579?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-10-06T14:32:5146681283C. AurisDiseases & Conditions,C.auris,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighIDPH: Candida auris Health Advisory<p> </p> <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has seen an increase in Candida auris cases detected in counties that previously had low or no prevalence.</li> <li>To prevent further spread in these regions, recommendations for facilities on TransmissionBased Precautions, cleaning and disinfecting, inter-facility communication, and use of the Extensively Drug-Resistant Organism (XDRO) registry are described below.</li> </ul> <p>Patients transferred from long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) or ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs) are at increased risk of colonization with Candida auris and CDPH recommends empiric contact precautions until patients are screened or, if not screened, for duration of the hospital stay. In Illinois, Candida auris is reportable through the Illinois’ National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS); please refer to CDPH HAN HAI/AR page (<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/programs/hai" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/programs/hai</a>) for detailed information on reporting and how to sign up for the Extensively Drug Resistant Organism (XDRO) registry.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has seen an increase in Candida auris cases detected in counties that previously had low or no prevalence. * To prevent further spread in these regions, recommendations for facilities on TransmissionBased Precautions, cleaning and disinfecting, inter-facility communication, and use of the Extensively Drug-Resistant Organism (XDRO) registry are described below. Patients transferred from long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) or ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs) are at increased risk of colonization with Candida auris and CDPH recommends empiric contact precautions until patients are screened or, if not screened, for duration of the hospital stay. In Illinois, Candida auris is reportable through the Illinois' National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS); please refer to CDPH HAN HAI/AR page (<https://www.chicagohan.org/programs/hai>) for detailed information on reporting and how to sign up for the Extensively Drug Resistant Organism (XDRO) registry. Please see the attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681283?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437529,438213,4402662024-01-16T22:39:4446682581STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighFDA Announcement on Availability of Extencilline<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The attachment is regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injection&amp;st=c" target="_blank">announcement about the availability of Extencilline</a> (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension) to address <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2023-july-20-Mena-BicillinLA.htm" target="_blank">the ongoing shortages of Bicillin L-A®</a>. The FDA has exercised enforcement discretion for a temporary importation and use of this treatment temporarily to mitigate the effects of the Bicillin L-A® drug shortage. Extencilline has been determined to be equivalent to Bicillin L-A® and is currently authorized and marketed in other countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The FDA has provided distribution and administration information in a letter to healthcare providers (see the “<a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a026d0c-6f91-4ee3-b193-b2186a37e7ca" target="_blank">Dear Healthcare Provider Letter</a>”). Please note that the preparation and administration of Extencilline, as well as the contraindications for prescribing, differ from those for Bicillin-LA®. Extencilline will only be available by prescription in the United States. To place an order, please contact Direct Success at <a href="mailto:Distribution@dsuccess.com">Distribution@dsuccess.com</a> or 1-877-404-3338. For additional information related to the product, please contact Provepharm, the U.S. distribution partner, at <a href="mailto:medicalaffairs@provepharm.com">medicalaffairs@provepharm.com</a> or 610-601-8600.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please continue to refer to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/syphilis.htm" target="_blank">CDC STI Treatment Guidelines</a> on appropriate management, including staging, of syphilis cases.</span></span></p> Please see the attachment for more information. The attachment is regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) [announcement about the availability of Extencilline](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injection&st=c) (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension) to address [the ongoing shortages of Bicillin L-A®](https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2023-july-20-Mena-BicillinLA.htm). The FDA has exercised enforcement discretion for a temporary importation and use of this treatment temporarily to mitigate the effects of the Bicillin L-A® drug shortage. Extencilline has been determined to be equivalent to Bicillin L-A® and is currently authorized and marketed in other countries. The FDA has provided distribution and administration information in a letter to healthcare providers (see the "[Dear Healthcare Provider Letter](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a026d0c-6f91-4ee3-b193-b2186a37e7ca)"). Please note that the preparation and administration of Extencilline, as well as the contraindications for prescribing, differ from those for Bicillin-LA®. Extencilline will only be available by prescription in the United States. To place an order, please contact Direct Success at [Distribution@dsuccess.com](mailto:Distribution@dsuccess.com) or 1-877-404-3338. For additional information related to the product, please contact Provepharm, the U.S. distribution partner, at [medicalaffairs@provepharm.com](mailto:medicalaffairs@provepharm.com) or 610-601-8600. Please continue to refer to the [CDC STI Treatment Guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/syphilis.htm) on appropriate management, including staging, of syphilis cases. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682581?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392024-03-15T16:51:0146682993MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighNew Measles Suspect Case Reporting and Testing Authorization Process<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is implementing a new process for Measles suspect case testing approval and authorization. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH and to request testing, complete this online form: <a href="https://redcap.link/reportmeasles" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/reportmeasles</a>&nbsp;</strong></li> <li>If indicated by the <strong>Measles Screening Algorithm for the General Community</strong>, collect a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab according to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427372/FINAL_Measles+Testing_Job+Aid+1_CDPH+HCP_03142024.pdf" target="_blank">instructions</a> and store pending CDPH authorization.</li> <li>This system replaces provider reporting of suspected cases to 311. <strong>DO NOT CALL 311 or 312-743-9000 TO REPORT.</strong>&nbsp;</li> <li>Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Measles can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is implementing a new process for Measles suspect case testing approval and authorization. * **To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH and to request testing, complete this online form: <https://redcap.link/reportmeasles>** * If indicated by the **Measles Screening Algorithm for the General Community** , collect a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab according to [instructions](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427372/FINAL_Measles+Testing_Job+Aid+1_CDPH+HCP_03142024.pdf) and store pending CDPH authorization. * This system replaces provider reporting of suspected cases to 311. **DO NOT CALL 311 or 312-743-9000 TO REPORT.** * Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Measles can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682993?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202024-06-10T19:01:1546685092School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers Summer 2024<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include:</p> <p>o Summer Safety on June 11th for Early Childcare Centers</p> <p>o Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th</p> <p>o Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</p> <p><strong>Summer Safety – Early Childcare Centers</strong></p> <p><strong>Date: June 11th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CST</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWZlZTQ2OTgtMzNkMS00NDU5LWI3NGItODIwMzQxMzNjYjVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p><strong>Join on your computer, mobile app or room device</strong></p> <p>Meeting ID: 233 627 794 161</p> <p>Passcode: 52ENQC</p> <p><strong>Dial in by phone</strong></p> <p><a href="tel:+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#">+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#</a> United States, Chicago</p> <p><a href="https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=852789088" target="_blank">Find a local number</a></p> <p>Phone conference ID: 852 789 088#</p> <p>Please see attached&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include: o Summer Safety on June 11th for Early Childcare Centers o Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th o Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th **Summer Safety -- Early Childcare Centers** **Date: June 11th** **Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CST** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWZlZTQ2OTgtMzNkMS00NDU5LWI3NGItODIwMzQxMzNjYjVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) **Join on your computer, mobile app or room device** Meeting ID: 233 627 794 161 Passcode: 52ENQC **Dial in by phone** [+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#](tel:+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#) United States, Chicago [Find a local number](https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=852789088) Phone conference ID: 852 789 088# Please see attached truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685092?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202023-10-06T20:04:5746681284InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 6, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 09/24/2023-09/30/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.4 to 5.1.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.7% to 6.9%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>Twelve of 3,731 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,755 of 214,833 (5.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains low at 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.3% to 2.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.1% to 2.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased 23.6% to 23.9%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 09/24/2023-09/30/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.4 to 5.1. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.7% to 6.9%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low. * Twelve of 3,731 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 2, 2022, 12,755 of 214,833 (5.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains low at 1.0%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 1.3% to 2.2%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.1% to 2.4%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased 23.6% to 23.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681284?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202025-12-15T17:07:5446691481InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - December 15, 2025<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low but is increasing. Influenza and RSV activity has been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators for several weeks, and COVID-19 activity has also increased over the past two weeks. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html" target="_blank">National data</a> suggest influenza and RSV are experiencing epidemic growth in Illinois and nationwide, and COVID-19 is showing epidemic growth in Illinois and nearby states.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits</strong> remain low for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. However, influenza and RSV-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ED visits have been increasing over the last several weeks. ED and inpatient visits for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are increasing among children &lt;5 years.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity</strong> increased for all three viruses: Influenza test positivity increased from 3.7% to 4.7% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.6% to 2.9%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 2.3% to 4.9%.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV have increased from minimal to low and COVID-19 concentrations remain minimal.&nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (98%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 77% have been H3N2 and 23% (H1N1)pdm09.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Chicago's City Colleges</a>.</li> <li>IDPH has released its <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">immunization guidance</a> for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low but is increasing. Influenza and RSV activity has been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators for several weeks, and COVID-19 activity has also increased over the past two weeks. [National data](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html) suggest influenza and RSV are experiencing epidemic growth in Illinois and nationwide, and COVID-19 is showing epidemic growth in Illinois and nearby states. * **ED visits** remain low for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. However, influenza and RSV-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ED visits have been increasing over the last several weeks. ED and inpatient visits for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are increasing among children \<5 years. * **Test positivity** increased for all three viruses: Influenza test positivity increased from 3.7% to 4.7% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.6% to 2.9%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 2.3% to 4.9%. * **Wastewater concentrations** for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV have increased from minimal to low and COVID-19 concentrations remain minimal. * Almost all (98%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 77% have been H3N2 and 23% (H1N1)pdm09. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html), as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of [Chicago's City Colleges](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html). * IDPH has released its [immunization guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691481?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092023-10-06T21:38:1846681285West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighIDPH: West Nile Virus Health Alert<p><strong>Summary and Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>As of October 6, 2023, Chicago has had 20 patients with reported West Nile virus (WNV) infections compared to 7 infections in 2022. No deaths among Chicago residents have been reported in 2023. <ul> <li>Of the 20 patients this year, 14 (70%) have had neuroinvasive disease and 15 (75%) were hospitalized.</li> <li>Most patients (17; 85%) likely acquired their infection within Illinois.</li> <li>Onset of symptoms ranged from the week of July 16th through the week of September 10th.&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Although most patients develop symptoms of WNV infection during June - September when mosquitoes are most active, some patients may present outside of the typical season because of a prolonged or atypical clinical course or subclinical disease.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full IDPH Health Alert.</p> **Summary and Key Points** * As of October 6, 2023, Chicago has had 20 patients with reported West Nile virus (WNV) infections compared to 7 infections in 2022. No deaths among Chicago residents have been reported in 2023. * Of the 20 patients this year, 14 (70%) have had neuroinvasive disease and 15 (75%) were hospitalized. * Most patients (17; 85%) likely acquired their infection within Illinois. * Onset of symptoms ranged from the week of July 16th through the week of September 10th. * Although most patients develop symptoms of WNV infection during June - September when mosquitoes are most active, some patients may present outside of the typical season because of a prolonged or atypical clinical course or subclinical disease. Please see the attachment for the full IDPH Health Alert. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681285?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-10-10T15:30:0046681286School HealthSchool HealthHighYouth Setting Needs Survey - Reminder<p>Dear HAN User:</p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you.</p> <p>CDPH has launched a <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">HAN Needs Survey</a> to let us know how we can be a better partner.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW</a></p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to assist us in better understanding your needs. The <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Dear HAN User: Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you. CDPH has launched a [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our [HAN Needs Survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to let us know how we can be a better partner. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW> You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you. Please complete this [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to assist us in better understanding your needs. The [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681286?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202023-10-12T20:17:1246681288InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighInfluenza Testing and Reporting Guidance<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations, pediatric influenza-associated deaths, outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting, and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).</p> <p>With the exception of laboratories enrolled as sentinel site reporters, routine testing for inpatient and outpatient clinical care should be conducted at clinical or commercial laboratories. Only the following specimens should be sent to IDPH during the 2023-2024 season: specimens that cannot be typed or specimens approved by CDPH on a case-by-case basis, such as for outbreak management and post-mortem evaluation. Clinical laboratories must request an authorization number from CDPH before submitting a specimen for these purposes.</p> <p>Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report and request influenza testing authorization.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. Influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations, pediatric influenza-associated deaths, outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting, and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). With the exception of laboratories enrolled as sentinel site reporters, routine testing for inpatient and outpatient clinical care should be conducted at clinical or commercial laboratories. Only the following specimens should be sent to IDPH during the 2023-2024 season: specimens that cannot be typed or specimens approved by CDPH on a case-by-case basis, such as for outbreak management and post-mortem evaluation. Clinical laboratories must request an authorization number from CDPH before submitting a specimen for these purposes. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report and request influenza testing authorization. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681288?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-01-19T19:06:1046682687InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 19, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/7/2024-1/13/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is medium.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 12.5 to 10.3.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.3% to 9.9%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing.</li> <li>21 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 174 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>565 of 6,313 (8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 5,483 of 84,789 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.7% to 4.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 7.6% to 5.7%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 19.4% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 7.2% to 6.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 3.9%</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/7/2024-1/13/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is medium. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 12.5 to 10.3. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 10.3% to 9.9% **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing. * 21 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 174 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 565 of 6,313 (8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 5,483 of 84,789 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is decreasing after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.7% to 4.6%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 7.6% to 5.7%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 19.4% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 7.2% to 6.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.1% to 3.9% Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682687?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-13T16:15:5846681379Project FirstlineLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighProject Firstline October 2023 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the October 2023 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: &nbsp;Infection Control</li> <li>Events in Healthcare for October</li> <li>Project Firstline in Action</li> </ul> Attached please find the October 2023 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Infection Control * Events in Healthcare for October * Project Firstline in Action truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681379?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,438213,4402662024-03-15T19:57:5546682994InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 15, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.3 to 4.2.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 5.5% to 4.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 253 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>422 of 4,786 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,489 of 124,811 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank"> HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.2% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.2% to 10.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.3 to 4.2. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 5.5% to 4.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 253 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 422 of 4,786 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,489 of 124,811 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH[HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5% * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.2% to 1.8%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.2% to 10.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682994?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-13T15:28:5846681380MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Measles Health Advisory<p>A case of measles in a suburban Cook County resident was confirmed on October 11, 2023. CDPH is working with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to follow-up with all known Chicago contacts. An investigation to identify potential exposure locations in the U.S is ongoing; currently no exposure locations have been identified in Chicago.</p> <p><strong>Healthcare providers should be alert for possible measles cases and report suspect cases in Chicago residents to CDPH immediately to initiate timely confirmation of diagnosis with measles RT-PCR.</strong> For additional information on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles" target="_blank">chicagohan.org/measles</a> and the attached Job Aid. To report a suspect case call 312-743-9000 during business hours and select option 2. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. For suburban Cook county residents, please call 708-836-8600 after hours and weekends.</p> A case of measles in a suburban Cook County resident was confirmed on October 11, 2023. CDPH is working with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to follow-up with all known Chicago contacts. An investigation to identify potential exposure locations in the U.S is ongoing; currently no exposure locations have been identified in Chicago. **Healthcare providers should be alert for possible measles cases and report suspect cases in Chicago residents to CDPH immediately to initiate timely confirmation of diagnosis with measles RT-PCR.** For additional information on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see [chicagohan.org/measles](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles) and the attached Job Aid. To report a suspect case call 312-743-9000 during business hours and select option 2. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. For suburban Cook county residents, please call 708-836-8600 after hours and weekends. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681380?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202024-01-17T13:32:0046682582AnnouncementSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighReminder: CDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Forum Survey<p>We hope this message finds you well. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health is committed to fostering collaborative and informative spaces for healthcare professionals, especially in areas concerning infectious diseases.</p> <p>The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau has successfully organized forums focused on mpox that were tailored specifically for healthcare providers like yourself. As we plan our future initiatives, we aim to continue providing valuable and relevant platforms for discussion and learning.</p> <p>To better understand your interests and needs, we have prepared a brief survey. Your insights will be invaluable in helping us shape the content and frequency of our upcoming syndemic forums. The survey is anonymous and will take only a few minutes of your time.</p> <p>Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our content to best serve the healthcare community.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.link/ks68kydd" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/ks68kydd</a></p> <p>Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution. Your participation will play a key role in enhancing our collective response to infectious diseases and in supporting the healthcare community.</p> We hope this message finds you well. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health is committed to fostering collaborative and informative spaces for healthcare professionals, especially in areas concerning infectious diseases. The Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau has successfully organized forums focused on mpox that were tailored specifically for healthcare providers like yourself. As we plan our future initiatives, we aim to continue providing valuable and relevant platforms for discussion and learning. To better understand your interests and needs, we have prepared a brief survey. Your insights will be invaluable in helping us shape the content and frequency of our upcoming syndemic forums. The survey is anonymous and will take only a few minutes of your time. Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our content to best serve the healthcare community. <https://redcap.link/ks68kydd> Thank you in advance for your valuable contribution. Your participation will play a key role in enhancing our collective response to infectious diseases and in supporting the healthcare community. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682582?p_r_p_categoryId=438739,4573972024-01-24T21:28:0946682584AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for Children,Announcement,School Health,Congregate SettingsHighECHO - Chicago Training - Complex Pediatric Asthma: Beyond the Guidelines<p>ECHO-Chicago at the University of Chicago provides advanced training via Zoom to support primary care providers and health professionals in implementing evidence-based practices to manage common chronic conditions. This series expands primary care provider knowledge and skills to better administer care for pediatric patients with Complex Asthma including updates on guidelines and treatment options.</p> <p>Every Thursday from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CAST February 1 - April 18, 2024</p> <p>Registration link: <a href="https://www.echo-chicago.org/register/" target="_blank">https://www.echo-chicago.org/register/</a></p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> ECHO-Chicago at the University of Chicago provides advanced training via Zoom to support primary care providers and health professionals in implementing evidence-based practices to manage common chronic conditions. This series expands primary care provider knowledge and skills to better administer care for pediatric patients with Complex Asthma including updates on guidelines and treatment options. Every Thursday from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CAST February 1 - April 18, 2024 Registration link: <https://www.echo-chicago.org/register/> Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682584?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,440472,457397,2063520,133213092024-01-26T14:33:0046682688Project FirstlineLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighProject Firstline January 2024 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the January 2024 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: &nbsp;Respiratory Viruses</li> <li>Immunization Clinics</li> <li>Project Firstline in&nbsp; 2023</li> </ul> Attached please find the January 2024 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Respiratory Viruses * Immunization Clinics * Project Firstline in 2023 truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682688?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,438213,4402662024-03-18T15:05:2346682999Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Programs,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 15, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.3 to 4.2.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 5.5% to 4.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 253 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>422 of 4,786 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,489 of 124,811 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank"> HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.2% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> </ul> </li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.2% to 10.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.3 to 4.2. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 5.5% to 4.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 253 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 422 of 4,786 (8.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 8,489 of 124,811 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH[HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.5% * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.2% to 1.8%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 10.2% to 10.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682999?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,438212,440472,20635202024-06-14T16:43:4946684983InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 14, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/2/2024-6/8/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Points:</strong></p> <ul> <li>During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 4.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.2% to 3.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.5% to 15.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.8% to 2.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 4.1% to 4.9%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/2/2024-6/8/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points:** * During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 4.8%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm) **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.2% to 3.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.5% to 15.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.8% to 2.6%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 4.1% to 4.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684983?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092023-10-13T18:43:2846681289InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 13, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/01/2023-10/07/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.1 to 4.7.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.9% to 5.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week.&nbsp;</li> <li>25 of 3,898 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance </a>for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.2% to 2.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.4% to 3.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 23.9% to 20.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.5% to 3.9%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/01/2023-10/07/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.1 to 4.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.9% to 5.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. * 25 of 3,898 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288)for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.8%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.2% to 2.4%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.4% to 3.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 23.9% to 20.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.5% to 3.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681289?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-13T21:27:5446681290VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - October 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Flu, COVID-19 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Updates</li> <li>10 Year Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Data</li> <li>Evolving View of Vaccinations</li> <li>Upcoming Events and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Flu, COVID-19 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Updates * 10 Year Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Data * Evolving View of Vaccinations * Upcoming Events and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681290?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-10-17T15:00:0046681291LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighLast change to receive no cost LTCF PPE Kits from the Chicago Department of Public Health<p>Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers,</p> <p>As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility’s medical surge capacity is essential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in the event of medical surge, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau &amp; the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events &amp; emergencies.</p> <p><strong><span style="background-color:#ffff00">THIS IS THE FINAL CHANCE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND RECEIVE THE LTCF PPE KITS, AT NO COST.</span></strong></p> <p>Please complete this brief survey to help us determine your facility’s needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc.</p> <p><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=PHEP!LTCFSurvey2023" target="_blank">Click here to start survey.</a></p> <p><strong>If you have already completed this 2023 LTCF PPE Kit survey, please disregard this message.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>Thank you,</p> Chicago LTCF Healthcare Providers, As we have seen for the duration of the COVID-19 response, medical surge can happen at any time, and without warning. Your facility's medical surge capacity is essential to the life and safety of your staff and residents. To help LTCFs plan and optimize the use of PPE in the event of medical surge, The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Preparedness and Emergency Response Bureau \& the CDPH Hospital Preparedness Program would like to deploy a cache of PPE to your facility. This will better prepare for the potential shortage of critical supplies during future planned and unplanned events \& emergencies. **THIS IS THE FINAL CHANCE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND RECEIVE THE LTCF PPE KITS, AT NO COST.** Please complete this brief survey to help us determine your facility's needs. Only one survey per facility is required. And we will be in contact with you soon to schedule the delivery of your LTCF PPE Kit(s). Each kit will include a variety of PPE such as face shields, gowns, gloves, face masks, etc. [Click here to start survey.](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=PHEP!LTCFSurvey2023) **If you have already completed this 2023 LTCF PPE Kit survey, please disregard this message.** Please reach out to Faye Thanas with any follow-up questions or request additional information about resources and exercises /trainings available to your facility at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org). Thank you, falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681291?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562023-10-20T20:21:4646681478InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 20, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/08/2023-10/14/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.7 to 3.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 5.0% to 6.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week.&nbsp;</li> <li>38 of 3,892 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 2.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.4% to 4.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.2% to 3.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.8% to 17.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.9% to 4.5%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/08/2023-10/14/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.7 to 3.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 5.0% to 6.7%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. * 38 of 3,892 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 2.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.4% to 4.0%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 3.2% to 3.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.8% to 17.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.9% to 4.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-23T22:30:0046681479Respiratory VirusDiseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighCDC HAN - Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the U.S. - Interim CDC Recommendations<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to provide options for clinicians to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the context of a <a href="https://www.news.sanofi.us/Sanofi-Beyfortus-Statement" target="_blank">limited supply of nirsevimab</a>, a long-acting monoclonal antibody immunization product recommended for preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants.</p> <p>In the context of limited supply during the 2023–2024 RSV season, CDC recommends prioritizing available nirsevimab 100mg doses for infants at the highest risk for severe RSV disease: young infants (age &lt;6 months) and infants with underlying conditions that place them at highest risk for severe RSV disease. Recommendations for using 50mg doses remain unchanged at this time. Avoid using two 50mg doses for infants weighing ≥5 kilograms (≥11 pounds) to preserve supply of 50mg doses for infants weighing &lt;5 kilograms (&lt;11 pounds). Providers should be aware that some insurers may not cover the cost of two 50mg doses for an individual infant.</p> <p>CDC further recommends that providers suspend using nirsevimab in <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/1/e2023061803/192153/Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-in-Infants-and-Young" target="_blank">palivizumab-eligible children</a> aged 8–19 months for the 2023–2024 RSV season. These children should receive palivizumab per <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/1/e2023061803/192153/Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-in-Infants-and-Young" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations</a>. Nirsevimab should continue to be offered to American Indian and Alaska Native children aged 8–19 months who are not palivizumab-eligible and who live in remote regions, where transporting children with severe RSV for escalation of medical care is more challenging or in communities with known high rates of RSV among older infants and toddlers. Prenatal care providers should discuss potential nirsevimab supply concerns when counseling pregnant people about RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo, Pfizer) as maternal vaccination is effective and will reduce the number of infants requiring nirsevimab during the RSV season.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to provide options for clinicians to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the context of a [limited supply of nirsevimab](https://www.news.sanofi.us/Sanofi-Beyfortus-Statement), a long-acting monoclonal antibody immunization product recommended for preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants. In the context of limited supply during the 2023--2024 RSV season, CDC recommends prioritizing available nirsevimab 100mg doses for infants at the highest risk for severe RSV disease: young infants (age \<6 months) and infants with underlying conditions that place them at highest risk for severe RSV disease. Recommendations for using 50mg doses remain unchanged at this time. Avoid using two 50mg doses for infants weighing ≥5 kilograms (≥11 pounds) to preserve supply of 50mg doses for infants weighing \<5 kilograms (\<11 pounds). Providers should be aware that some insurers may not cover the cost of two 50mg doses for an individual infant. CDC further recommends that providers suspend using nirsevimab in [palivizumab-eligible children](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/1/e2023061803/192153/Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-in-Infants-and-Young) aged 8--19 months for the 2023--2024 RSV season. These children should receive palivizumab per [American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/1/e2023061803/192153/Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-in-Infants-and-Young). Nirsevimab should continue to be offered to American Indian and Alaska Native children aged 8--19 months who are not palivizumab-eligible and who live in remote regions, where transporting children with severe RSV for escalation of medical care is more challenging or in communities with known high rates of RSV among older infants and toddlers. Prenatal care providers should discuss potential nirsevimab supply concerns when counseling pregnant people about RSVpreF vaccine (Abrysvo, Pfizer) as maternal vaccination is effective and will reduce the number of infants requiring nirsevimab during the RSV season. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681479?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382122023-10-26T20:15:2346681578InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighIDPH: Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois LTC Facilities<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois Long Term Care Facilities for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</p> <p>Influenza-specific surveillance data can be found on the CDPH online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">dashboard </a>. &nbsp;Expanded respiratory virus surveillance reports are also available <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" target="_blank">online</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois Long Term Care Facilities for the 2023-2024 season. Outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness in a congregate setting are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. Influenza-specific surveillance data can be found on the CDPH online [dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html). Expanded respiratory virus surveillance reports are also available [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html). Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681578?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-27T19:24:2146681778InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - October 27, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/01/2023-10/07/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.1 to 4.7.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.9% to 5.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week.&nbsp;</li> <li>25 of 3,898 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance </a>for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV is 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.2% to 2.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.4% to 3.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 23.9% to 20.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.5% to 3.9%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/01/2023-10/07/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 5.1 to 4.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.9% to 5.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. * 25 of 3,898 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288)for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV is 1.8%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.2% to 2.4%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.4% to 3.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 23.9% to 20.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.5% to 3.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-30T15:25:0046681780School HealthSchool HealthHighYouth Setting Needs Survey - FINAL Reminder<p>Dear HAN User:</p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you.</p> <p>CDPH has launched a <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">HAN Needs Survey</a> to let us know how we can be a better partner.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW</a></p> <p>You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you.</p> <p>Please complete this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> to assist us in better understanding your needs. The <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW" target="_blank">survey</a> will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time.</p> <p>In health,<br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> Dear HAN User: Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness. You are our bridge to implementing that purpose and we want to hear from you. CDPH has launched a [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to learn about the needs and wants of the youth facilities we work with to prevent infectious diseases and respond to and mitigate outbreaks. We want to know what we have done well when it comes to support, what you would like to see more of, and the things that we need to adjust to fit your needs. Please fill out our [HAN Needs Survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to let us know how we can be a better partner. <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW> You are receiving this communication because you have signed up for one of the school health subscriptions on the ChicagoHAN. As this work continues to grow this work, we want to ensure that the direction and content are meaningful to you. Please complete this [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) to assist us in better understanding your needs. The [survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JKW7Y4KDJ79WELPW) will be open through November 3, 2023, at 5pm CENTRAL time. In health, The Chicago Department of Public Health truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681780?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202024-01-26T21:09:0046682778InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - January 26, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/14/2024-1/20/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is medium.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 12.3 to 11.3.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 9.9% to 8.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing.</li> <li>11 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 187 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>367 of 5,115 (7.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 5,851 of 89,923 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to decrease after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.6% to 3.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 5.7% to 4.3%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 43% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 6.5% to 5.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.9% to 3.3%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/14/2024-1/20/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is medium. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 12.3 to 11.3. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 9.9% to 8.3%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing. * 11 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 187 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 367 of 5,115 (7.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 5,851 of 89,923 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to decrease after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.6% to 3.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 5.7% to 4.3%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 43% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 6.5% to 5.4%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.9% to 3.3%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-01-31T17:22:1146682878AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for Children,Announcement,School HealthHighSuicide Prevention In Youth: A 2024 ECHO Series<p><strong>ECHO Chicago is offering a 9 session series: &nbsp;Suicide Prevention In Youth</strong></p> <p><u>Details:</u> &nbsp;This 9-session series aims to train pediatric providers in implementing evidence-based, patient-centered best practices for suicide prevention in youth.</p> <p><br /> Upon completion of this series, participants will be able to:</p> <ul> <li>Implement suicide screening and assessment in their clinical setting.</li> <li>Develop skills in medication management.</li> <li>List the resources available for screening, assessing, and managing patients with suicidal ideation/attempt.</li> </ul> <p>WEDNESDAYS* &nbsp;8 AM TO 9AM CST<br /> FREE CME AND REGISTRATION<br /> February 28 to May 8, 2024<br /> *No session on April 17 or May 1</p> <p>Please <a href="https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=LDWXLHRNHT" target="_blank">click here to register</a>.</p> <p>Please share the attached announcement with colleagues</p> **ECHO Chicago is offering a 9 session series: Suicide Prevention In Youth** ++Details:++ This 9-session series aims to train pediatric providers in implementing evidence-based, patient-centered best practices for suicide prevention in youth. <br /> Upon completion of this series, participants will be able to: * Implement suicide screening and assessment in their clinical setting. * Develop skills in medication management. * List the resources available for screening, assessing, and managing patients with suicidal ideation/attempt. WEDNESDAYS\* 8 AM TO 9AM CST FREE CME AND REGISTRATION February 28 to May 8, 2024 \*No session on April 17 or May 1 Please [click here to register](https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=LDWXLHRNHT). Please share the attached announcement with colleagues truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682878?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,440472,457397,20635202024-01-31T23:32:0246682879Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,Programs,AnnouncementHighIDPH Health Advisory: Ethylene Oxide Health Risks Information for Clinicians<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ol> <li>Provide clinicians with information on the health risks of ethylene oxide (EtO), including the increased lifetime cancer risk due to occupational exposures and environmental (community) emissions of EtO.</li> <li>Provide clinical guidance, including the recommended cancer screenings for workers and residents of communities near sites with industrial EtO emissions.</li> <li>Encourage clinicians to become familiar with taking an exposure history from patients. Share resources for incorporating exposure histories into clinical practice.</li> </ol> <p>Please see the attached IDPH Health Advisory for more information</p> **Summary and Action Items** 1. Provide clinicians with information on the health risks of ethylene oxide (EtO), including the increased lifetime cancer risk due to occupational exposures and environmental (community) emissions of EtO. 2. Provide clinical guidance, including the recommended cancer screenings for workers and residents of communities near sites with industrial EtO emissions. 3. Encourage clinicians to become familiar with taking an exposure history from patients. Share resources for incorporating exposure histories into clinical practice. Please see the attached IDPH Health Advisory for more information truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682879?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4573972024-02-01T22:26:0946682779AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,TuberculosisHighTuberculosis Case Reporting and Temporary Change in Tuberculosis Program Fax Number<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Healthcare providers must report cases of suspected and confirmed active tuberculosis disease within seven days of diagnosis.</li> <li>Civil surgeons must also report cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).</li> <li>All reports must be accompanied by supporting clinical documentation.</li> <li>Providers may initiate a case report by calling the CDPH TB Reporting Line: (312) 743-9000.</li> <li>Until further notice, please use (312) 743-0243 to fax laboratory reports and other supporting documentation to the CDPH TB Program.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Healthcare providers must report cases of suspected and confirmed active tuberculosis disease within seven days of diagnosis. * Civil surgeons must also report cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). * All reports must be accompanied by supporting clinical documentation. * Providers may initiate a case report by calling the CDPH TB Reporting Line: (312) 743-9000. * Until further notice, please use (312) 743-0243 to fax laboratory reports and other supporting documentation to the CDPH TB Program. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682779?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4388182024-02-01T22:48:4746682780LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),ProgramsHighToolkit for Implementing Personal Protective Equipment in Nursing Homes to Prevent the Spread of Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Organisms<p>The control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs), and emerging pathogens is particularly challenging in skilled nursing facilities. In response, the Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/toolkit-for-implementing-ppe-mdros-1-17-24.pdf" target="_blank">A Toolkit for Implementing Personal Protective Equipment in Nursing Homes to Prevent the Spread of Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Organisms</a>. The document provides necessary tools and resources to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for residents with wounds requiring dressings or indwelling medical devices and successfully admit and care for those residents with an XDRO or epidemiologically important MDRO.</p> <p>The toolkit includes:</p> <ul> <li>directions on how to query the XDRO registry,</li> <li>examples of interfacility transfer forms,</li> <li>Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP) signs,</li> <li>algorithms for determining the appropriate TBP category and required personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents,</li> <li>cohorting options when room availability is limited, and</li> <li>resources for training staff (PowerPoint presentation, in-service attendance sheet, and post-test).</li> </ul> <p>This document is not intended for use in acute care, long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH), or assisted living (AL) communities and does not replace existing guidance regarding the use of contact precautions for other pathogens (e.g., Clostridioides difficile, norovirus) in nursing homes.</p> <p>Please direct any questions to <a href="mailto:dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov">dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov</a>.</p> The control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs), and emerging pathogens is particularly challenging in skilled nursing facilities. In response, the Illinois Department of Public Health is releasing [A Toolkit for Implementing Personal Protective Equipment in Nursing Homes to Prevent the Spread of Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Organisms](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/toolkit-for-implementing-ppe-mdros-1-17-24.pdf). The document provides necessary tools and resources to implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for residents with wounds requiring dressings or indwelling medical devices and successfully admit and care for those residents with an XDRO or epidemiologically important MDRO. The toolkit includes: * directions on how to query the XDRO registry, * examples of interfacility transfer forms, * Transmission-Based Precautions (TBP) signs, * algorithms for determining the appropriate TBP category and required personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents, * cohorting options when room availability is limited, and * resources for training staff (PowerPoint presentation, in-service attendance sheet, and post-test). This document is not intended for use in acute care, long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH), or assisted living (AL) communities and does not replace existing guidance regarding the use of contact precautions for other pathogens (e.g., Clostridioides difficile, norovirus) in nursing homes. Please direct any questions to [dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.xdroregistry@illinois.gov). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682780?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,4382122024-02-02T20:44:2446682880InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 2, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/21/2024-1/27/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 11.3 to 9.0.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 8.3%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing.</li> <li>12 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 199 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>325 of 4,794 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,184 of 94,783 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) &nbsp;is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to decrease after a peak in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.6% to 3.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 4.3% to %2.7 3.3%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 41.2% from the previous week.</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now </a>update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 5.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.3% to 2.7%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/21/2024-1/27/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 11.3 to 9.0. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 8.3% **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing. * 12 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 199 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 325 of 4,794 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,184 of 94,783 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to decrease after a peak in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 4.6% to 3.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 4.3% to %2.7 3.3%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 41.2% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html)update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 5.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.3% to 2.7%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682880?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-10-31T17:10:3046681678VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighCDPH October 2023 Data Quality Newsletter<p><strong>Overview:</strong><br /> Immunization information systems (IIS) are trusted sources for important immunization information. Having high-quality patient and vaccination data in the immunization registry is essential in making data-driven public health decisions to help protect our Chicago residents from vaccine preventable diseases. &nbsp;</p> <p>CDPH relies on our partnerships with vaccine providers to ensure that we have high quality data reported to the state registry. This can be done in part by utilizing the data quality reports available in I-CARE and implementing strategies to maintain and improve data quality into your site’s workflow. Please review the principles of data quality outlined in the attached newsletter to help achieve complete, accurate, valid, and timely vaccination and patient data. &nbsp;</p> **Overview:** Immunization information systems (IIS) are trusted sources for important immunization information. Having high-quality patient and vaccination data in the immunization registry is essential in making data-driven public health decisions to help protect our Chicago residents from vaccine preventable diseases. CDPH relies on our partnerships with vaccine providers to ensure that we have high quality data reported to the state registry. This can be done in part by utilizing the data quality reports available in I-CARE and implementing strategies to maintain and improve data quality into your site's workflow. Please review the principles of data quality outlined in the attached newsletter to help achieve complete, accurate, valid, and timely vaccination and patient data. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681678?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-11-01T13:17:0046681779Antimicrobial StewardshipDiseases & Conditions,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighThe Antimicrobial Stewardship team invites you to celebrate the U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023 Go Purple Chicago Campaign<p><strong>The Antimicrobial Stewardship team invites you to celebrate the U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023 Go Purple Chicago Campaign</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be teaming up with Illuminate Chicago and Blue Cross Blue Shield for this year's U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW). From November 18th to 24th, 2023, local partners will illuminate structures in a vibrant purple hue as part of the USAAW Go Purple Campaign. Moreover, on the evening of November 20th, 2023, the Blue Cross Blue Shield building at 300 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 will feature the message "BE ANTIBIOTIC AWARE" on its renowned tower facing Lake Shore Drive. We encourage you to incorporate the hashtags #CDPH, #AntimicrobialResistance, #USAAW23, or #PurpleforAR in your social media posts to help raise awareness.</p> **The Antimicrobial Stewardship team invites you to celebrate the U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2023 Go Purple Chicago Campaign** The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be teaming up with Illuminate Chicago and Blue Cross Blue Shield for this year's U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW). From November 18th to 24th, 2023, local partners will illuminate structures in a vibrant purple hue as part of the USAAW Go Purple Campaign. Moreover, on the evening of November 20th, 2023, the Blue Cross Blue Shield building at 300 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 will feature the message "BE ANTIBIOTIC AWARE" on its renowned tower facing Lake Shore Drive. We encourage you to incorporate the hashtags #CDPH, #AntimicrobialResistance, #USAAW23, or #PurpleforAR in your social media posts to help raise awareness. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681779?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438213,4402662023-11-01T21:37:0046681781MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,MeaslesHighIDPH: IDPH Health Advisory - Measles UPDATE<p> </p> <p>An outbreak of measles in suburban Cook County was declared on November 1, 2023. All cases of measles have been epi-linked, and all cases have been in unvaccinated individuals. CDPH is continuing to work with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to follow-up with all known Chicago contacts. No Chicago exposure locations have been identified, and there is no evidence of community transmission among Chicago residents.</p> <p><strong>Healthcare providers should be alert for possible measles cases and report suspect cases in Chicago residents to CDPH immediately to initiate timely confirmation of diagnosis with measles RT-PCR.</strong> For additional information on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles" target="_blank">chicagohan.org/measles</a> and the attached Job Aid. To report a suspect case call 312-743-9000 during business hours and select option 2. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. For suburban Cook county residents, please call 708-836-8600 after hours and weekends.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more details</p> An outbreak of measles in suburban Cook County was declared on November 1, 2023. All cases of measles have been epi-linked, and all cases have been in unvaccinated individuals. CDPH is continuing to work with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to follow-up with all known Chicago contacts. No Chicago exposure locations have been identified, and there is no evidence of community transmission among Chicago residents. **Healthcare providers should be alert for possible measles cases and report suspect cases in Chicago residents to CDPH immediately to initiate timely confirmation of diagnosis with measles RT-PCR.** For additional information on measles symptoms, specimen collection, and diagnostic testing, please see [chicagohan.org/measles](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles) and the attached Job Aid. To report a suspect case call 312-743-9000 during business hours and select option 2. After-hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. For suburban Cook county residents, please call 708-836-8600 after hours and weekends. Please see the attached for more details truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681781?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4383132023-11-03T18:33:4846681680InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 3, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/22/2023-10/28/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 3.6 to 4.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.3% to 6.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 1, 2023, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>63 of 4,622 (1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 200 of 17,838 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to increase.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.7% to 5.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 4.7% to 7.7%.</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.8% to 17.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus remains at 3.1%.</li> </ul> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/22/2023-10/28/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has increased from 3.6 to 4.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 6.3% to 6.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 63 of 4,622 (1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 200 of 17,838 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to increase. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 2.7% to 5.2%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 4.7% to 7.7%. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.8% to 17.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus remains at 3.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681680?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-11-03T20:54:3946681682Project FirstlineLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramHighProject Firstline November 2023 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the November 2023 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: &nbsp;Antimicrobial/Antibiotic Resistance</li> <li>Events in Healthcare for September</li> <li>Project Firstline in Action.</li> </ul> Attached please find the November 2023 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Antimicrobial/Antibiotic Resistance * Events in Healthcare for September * Project Firstline in Action. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681682?p_r_p_categoryId=434556,438213,4402662023-11-03T22:59:2346681784RSVDiseases & ConditionsHighRSV Immunization for Infants, Young Children, Pregnant People and Older Adults<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH has been notified that the national supply of nirsevimab, know by brand name Beyfortus, is lower than needed to immunize all infants who are eligible based on guidelines. Low national supply will impact access to nirsevimab during the 2023-2024 RSV season.</li> <li>Pregnant people 32-36 weeks pregnant are encouraged to be vaccination with Abrysvo RSV vaccine to protect their newborns from RSV infection.</li> <li>Adults 60 years and older should speak with their providers about being vaccination with Abrysvo or Arexvy in order to protect themselves from RSV infections.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * CDPH has been notified that the national supply of nirsevimab, know by brand name Beyfortus, is lower than needed to immunize all infants who are eligible based on guidelines. Low national supply will impact access to nirsevimab during the 2023-2024 RSV season. * Pregnant people 32-36 weeks pregnant are encouraged to be vaccination with Abrysvo RSV vaccine to protect their newborns from RSV infection. * Adults 60 years and older should speak with their providers about being vaccination with Abrysvo or Arexvy in order to protect themselves from RSV infections. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681784?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542023-11-03T23:32:0046681785COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,Programs,COVIDHighEnsure Correct Dosing of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) to Individual 6 Months Through 11 Years of Age (0.25mL)<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>FDA advises providers who administer the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) to individuals ages 6 months-11years should ensure that the correct volume of vaccine (0.25mL) is withdrawn from the vial and administered to a single recipient.</li> <li>Providers should discard the vial and excess volume after extracting a single 0.25mL dose. DO NOT use excess volume to administer an additional dose or combine with other partial doses from multiple vials.</li> <li>No serious adverse events related to this issue have been identified.</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/important-information-about-correct-dosage-and-administration-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-2023-2024" target="_blank">FDA announcement: Important Information About the Correct Dosage and Administration</a></p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * FDA advises providers who administer the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) to individuals ages 6 months-11years should ensure that the correct volume of vaccine (0.25mL) is withdrawn from the vial and administered to a single recipient. * Providers should discard the vial and excess volume after extracting a single 0.25mL dose. DO NOT use excess volume to administer an additional dose or combine with other partial doses from multiple vials. * No serious adverse events related to this issue have been identified. [FDA announcement: Important Information About the Correct Dosage and Administration](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/important-information-about-correct-dosage-and-administration-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-2023-2024) Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681785?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,438212,4414442024-02-02T21:46:5146682881Product RecallDiseases & Conditions,LabHighURGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL: BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel<p>Please see the attached information regarding a product recall (correction) involving the <strong>BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel</strong> (part number: <strong>RFIT-ASY-0116</strong> and <strong>RFIT-ASY0104</strong>). bioMérieux has identified a potential signal of increased false positive Norovirus results when using the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel. <strong>All unexpired product is potentially impacted.</strong></p> <p>It has been determined the overall risk of false positive Norovirus reported by the BIOFIRE GI Panel may be serious for patients at greatest risk. False positive results are typically associated with unnecessary treatment and reduced likelihood of identifying the true cause of the patient’s disease. The risk is mitigated by a health care provider’s evaluation of other clinical and diagnostic findings including the context of an evaluation of patient clinical history, travel history, suspicion of infection, clinical presentation, and severity of the disease.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information about this urgent recall.</p> Please see the attached information regarding a product recall (correction) involving the **BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel** (part number: **RFIT-ASY-0116** and **RFIT-ASY0104** ). bioMérieux has identified a potential signal of increased false positive Norovirus results when using the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel. **All unexpired product is potentially impacted.** It has been determined the overall risk of false positive Norovirus reported by the BIOFIRE GI Panel may be serious for patients at greatest risk. False positive results are typically associated with unnecessary treatment and reduced likelihood of identifying the true cause of the patient's disease. The risk is mitigated by a health care provider's evaluation of other clinical and diagnostic findings including the context of an evaluation of patient clinical history, travel history, suspicion of infection, clinical presentation, and severity of the disease. Please see the attached for more information about this urgent recall. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682881?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4414682024-03-19T19:01:5946683104VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - March 2024<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Measles Update</li> <li>Recent ACIP Updates</li> <li>Hepatitis B - CDPH’sProgram</li> <li>Adolescent Immunization Action Week</li> <li>In-Person VFC Trainings are Back!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Measles Update * Recent ACIP Updates * Hepatitis B - CDPH'sProgram * Adolescent Immunization Action Week * In-Person VFC Trainings are Back! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683104?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-03-20T17:07:4046683002LTCFDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),MeaslesHighHealth Advisory to LTCF Regarding Measles in Illinois, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Provide awareness about confirmed <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html" target="_blank">measles</a> cases in Illinois.</li> <li>Remind long term care facilities that all persons who work in their facilities should have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#evidence" target="_blank">presumptive evidence of immunity to measles.</a> The facility should know the immune status of their residents and offer vaccination if their residents do not have presumptive evidence of&nbsp;immunity.&nbsp;</li> <li>Suspect cases (individuals with compatible symptoms) should be immediately masked and isolated, preferably in a negative pressure room, and airborne isolation precautions should be initiated.&nbsp;</li> <li>Remind facilities to<strong> immediately report to their</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/contact-us/regional-health-departments.html" target="_blank">local health departments</a> any suspect measles cases at the time it is first suspected and prior to clinical testing, and to take appropriate steps for diagnosis and infection control and isolation.&nbsp;</li> <li>Review current vaccine and isolation/quarantine guidance. Recommend facilities take steps to ensure that they have policies and procedures in place should a resident or HCW present with signs and symptoms of measles.&nbsp;</li> <li>Facilities should <u><strong>exclude sick visitors and HCWs</strong></u></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Provide awareness about confirmed [measles](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html) cases in Illinois. * Remind long term care facilities that all persons who work in their facilities should have [presumptive evidence of immunity to measles.](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html#evidence) The facility should know the immune status of their residents and offer vaccination if their residents do not have presumptive evidence of immunity. * Suspect cases (individuals with compatible symptoms) should be immediately masked and isolated, preferably in a negative pressure room, and airborne isolation precautions should be initiated. * Remind facilities to**immediately report to their** [local health departments](https://dph.illinois.gov/contact-us/regional-health-departments.html) any suspect measles cases at the time it is first suspected and prior to clinical testing, and to take appropriate steps for diagnosis and infection control and isolation. * Review current vaccine and isolation/quarantine guidance. Recommend facilities take steps to ensure that they have policies and procedures in place should a resident or HCW present with signs and symptoms of measles. * Facilities should ++**exclude sick visitors and HCWs**++ Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683002?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,4383132024-03-20T22:24:4846683105MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIncrease in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination<p>Incidence of measles is increasing globally and across the country, including in Chicago. Most cases are linked to international travel.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best protection against measles infection.</p> <ul> <li>Children not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.</li> <li>Providers should evaluate their patient panels to identify those who are due for a vaccine.</li> <li>For those planning to travel internationally: U.S. residents 6mo or older without evidence of immunity should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure; residents 12mo or older should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.</li> <li>Now is a good time for providers and patients to check their own immune status.</li> </ul> <p>All measles testing must be approved by CDPH. To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH and to request testing, complete this online form: <a href="https://redcap.link/reportmeasles" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/reportmeasles</a></p> <p>For more information about measles reporting and testing approval, see our <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682993?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined">most recent HAN</a>.</p> <p>For information about management of measles in healthcare settings, see our guidelines: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427372/Guidelines+for+Mgmt+of+Measles+in+Healthcare+Settings_Final.pdf" target="_blank">Guidelines for Management of Measles in Healthcare Settings</a></p> <p>For more information about measles in Chicago, see our measles dashboard: <a href="https://www.Chicago.gov/measles" target="_blank">https://www.Chicago.gov/measles</a></p> Incidence of measles is increasing globally and across the country, including in Chicago. Most cases are linked to international travel. Vaccination is the best protection against measles infection. * Children not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years. * Providers should evaluate their patient panels to identify those who are due for a vaccine. * For those planning to travel internationally: U.S. residents 6mo or older without evidence of immunity should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure; residents 12mo or older should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days. * Now is a good time for providers and patients to check their own immune status. All measles testing must be approved by CDPH. To report a suspected case of measles to CDPH and to request testing, complete this online form: <https://redcap.link/reportmeasles> For more information about measles reporting and testing approval, see our [most recent HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682993?p_r_p_categoryId=undefined). For information about management of measles in healthcare settings, see our guidelines: [Guidelines for Management of Measles in Healthcare Settings](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/427372/Guidelines+for+Mgmt+of+Measles+in+Healthcare+Settings_Final.pdf) For more information about measles in Chicago, see our measles dashboard: <https://www.Chicago.gov/measles> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683105?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202023-11-06T16:00:0046681683STIDiseases & Conditions,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Vaccines for ChildrenHighDoxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) for the Prevention of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)<p><strong>Dear Colleague,</strong></p> <p><strong>From 2020-2021 in Chicago, the number of chlamydia (CT) cases increased by 9%, gonorrhea (GC) cases increased by 1%, and primary and secondary (P&amp;S) syphilis cases among women increased by 20%. Given the high rates of these STIs in Chicago and across the country, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to inform all health care providers and community partners of a new biomedical intervention to prevent bacterial STIs, doxycycline PEP (doxy-PEP). Emerging evidence from a <a href="https://programme.aids2022.org/Abstract/Abstract/?abstractid=13231" target="_blank">study</a> among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) has provided evidence that a single dose of doxy-PEP given within 24 to 72 hours of condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex, significantly reduces risk of acquisition of CT, GC, and syphilis.</strong></p> <p><strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published doxy-PEP <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CDC-2023-0080-0002" target="_blank">recommendations</a>. CDPH has developed a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/doxy-pep-for-bacterial-stis.html" target="_blank">clinical protocol for the delivery of doxy-PEP and guidance on offering doxy-PEP</a> on a case-by-case basis in accordance with CDC recommendations. CDPH recommends the following:</strong></p> <p><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recommend doxy-PEP to cisgender men or TGW aged 18 years or older who have tested positive for CT, GC, or syphilis in the previous 12 months and report condomless anal or oral sexual contact with one or more cisgender men or TGW partner in the past 12 months. <a href="https://www.croiconference.org/abstract/doxycycline-postexposure-prophylaxis-for-prevention-of-stis-among-cisgender-women" target="_blank">The efficacy of doxy-PEP among young cisgender women is inconclusive</a>.<br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Offer doxy-PEP using shared decision making to cisgender men, transgender men (TGM), and TGW who report having multiple cisgender male or TGW sex partners in the past 12 months, even if they have not been previously diagnosed with an STI.<br /> 3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Provide preventative sexual health counseling and education for sexually active individuals including appropriate condom use, doxy-PEP, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP), and vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, HPV, and mpox).</strong></p> <p><strong>As a part of CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/doxy-pep-for-bacterial-stis.html" target="_blank">doxy-PEP package</a>, we are offering the following resources:<br /> i.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;CDPH’s doxy-PEP clinical protocol, outlining dosing guidelines, testing, and counseling points&nbsp;<br /> ii.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Data collection and submission guidance form for healthcare providers<br /> iii.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Marketing materials, including palm cards, brochures, and social media messaging&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Please reach out to Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org if you have any questions about this guidance.</strong><br />  </p> <p> </p> **Dear Colleague,** **From 2020-2021 in Chicago, the number of chlamydia (CT) cases increased by 9%, gonorrhea (GC) cases increased by 1%, and primary and secondary (P\&S) syphilis cases among women increased by 20%. Given the high rates of these STIs in Chicago and across the country, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to inform all health care providers and community partners of a new biomedical intervention to prevent bacterial STIs, doxycycline PEP (doxy-PEP). Emerging evidence from a [study](https://programme.aids2022.org/Abstract/Abstract/?abstractid=13231) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) has provided evidence that a single dose of doxy-PEP given within 24 to 72 hours of condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex, significantly reduces risk of acquisition of CT, GC, and syphilis.** **The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published doxy-PEP [recommendations](https://www.regulations.gov/document/CDC-2023-0080-0002). CDPH has developed a [clinical protocol for the delivery of doxy-PEP and guidance on offering doxy-PEP](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/doxy-pep-for-bacterial-stis.html) on a case-by-case basis in accordance with CDC recommendations. CDPH recommends the following:** **1. Recommend doxy-PEP to cisgender men or TGW aged 18 years or older who have tested positive for CT, GC, or syphilis in the previous 12 months and report condomless anal or oral sexual contact with one or more cisgender men or TGW partner in the past 12 months. [The efficacy of doxy-PEP among young cisgender women is inconclusive](https://www.croiconference.org/abstract/doxycycline-postexposure-prophylaxis-for-prevention-of-stis-among-cisgender-women). 2. Offer doxy-PEP using shared decision making to cisgender men, transgender men (TGM), and TGW who report having multiple cisgender male or TGW sex partners in the past 12 months, even if they have not been previously diagnosed with an STI. 3. Provide preventative sexual health counseling and education for sexually active individuals including appropriate condom use, doxy-PEP, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP), and vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, HPV, and mpox).** **As a part of CDPH's [doxy-PEP package](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/doxy-pep-for-bacterial-stis.html), we are offering the following resources: i. CDPH's doxy-PEP clinical protocol, outlining dosing guidelines, testing, and counseling points ii. Data collection and submission guidance form for healthcare providers iii. Marketing materials, including palm cards, brochures, and social media messaging** **Please reach out to Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org if you have any questions about this guidance.** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681683?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,437620,438739,4404722023-11-09T19:16:1046681978InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 9, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/22/2023-10/28/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.9 to 4.7.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.2% to 6.4%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>38 of 4,738 (0.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 240 of 22,610 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to increase.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 5.2% to 6.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 7.7% to 8.3%.</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.7% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.5% to 15.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.1% to 3.9%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 10/22/2023-10/28/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 4.9 to 4.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.2% to 6.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 38 of 4,738 (0.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 240 of 22,610 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to increase. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 5.2% to 6.4%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 7.7% to 8.3%. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the health alert for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.7% to 2.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.5% to 15.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.1% to 3.9%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681978?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-11-14T15:02:5646681879VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - November 2023<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Updates</li> <li>ACIP Updates</li> <li>COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics</li> <li>Upcoming Events and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Updates * ACIP Updates * COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics * Upcoming Events and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681879?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722023-11-16T14:59:2546681882Situational AwarenessDiseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighCDC: High Blood Lead Levels in Children Consuming Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches<p> </p> <p>Multiple states have reported potential cases to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of high blood lead levels (BLLs) in children consuming <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023">recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce</a> products that have high levels of lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to advise clinicians and health departments to consider the possibility of illness due to lead exposure and report cases to their local health authorities.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a potential link between high BLLs and consuming certain cinnamon-containing apple purée and applesauce products.&nbsp;</p> <p>State partners tested multiple lots of the reported products, and test results indicated the products contained extremely high levels of lead. WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis have initiated voluntary recalls of certain lots of the following products:<br /> • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches<br /> • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches<br /> • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches</p> <p>More information about the specific recalled products may be found on the FDA’s website: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023" target="_blank">Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (November 2023) | FDA</a></p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> Multiple states have reported potential cases to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of high blood lead levels (BLLs) in children consuming [recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce](https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023) products that have high levels of lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to advise clinicians and health departments to consider the possibility of illness due to lead exposure and report cases to their local health authorities. **Background** FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a potential link between high BLLs and consuming certain cinnamon-containing apple purée and applesauce products. State partners tested multiple lots of the reported products, and test results indicated the products contained extremely high levels of lead. WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis have initiated voluntary recalls of certain lots of the following products: • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches More information about the specific recalled products may be found on the FDA's website: [Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (November 2023) \| FDA](https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023) Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681882?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4382122023-11-17T19:37:0846681980InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 17, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/05/2023-11/11/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 4.7.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.4% to 7.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low but increasing.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since October 1, 2023, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>107 of 4,596 (2.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 348 of 27,268 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to increase.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.4% to 6.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.3% to 10.3%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV has doubled in the last month.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.3% to 2.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.3% to 18.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.9% to 3.7%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/05/2023-11/11/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 4.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.4% to 7.6%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low but increasing. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 107 of 4,596 (2.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 348 of 27,268 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to increase. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.4% to 6.8%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 8.3% to 10.3%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV has doubled in the last month. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.3% to 2.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 15.3% to 18.4%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.9% to 3.7%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681980?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-11-20T18:32:3446681983COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Programs,COVIDHigh IDPH: COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Reporting Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities in IL<p>Please see the attached for important information regarding COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Reporting Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities in Illinois.</p> <p>To report COVID-19 cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), <strong>Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in Chicago</strong> should use the updated <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=A78T34WFE4">CDPH SNF Case Report Form.</a> Report lab-confirmed resident and staff cases within 24 hours. Facilities with no new cases must report at least once a week, by Thursday 12pm (Noon).&nbsp;</p> <p>For <strong>non-SNF long-term care facilities in Chicago</strong>, use this <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=DF8XMYXA7FYPEANW" target="_blank">link</a> for reporting.</p> Please see the attached for important information regarding COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Reporting Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities in Illinois. To report COVID-19 cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), **Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in Chicago** should use the updated [CDPH SNF Case Report Form.](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=A78T34WFE4) Report lab-confirmed resident and staff cases within 24 hours. Facilities with no new cases must report at least once a week, by Thursday 12pm (Noon). For **non-SNF long-term care facilities in Chicago** , use this [link](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=DF8XMYXA7FYPEANW) for reporting. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681983?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,438212,4414442024-02-05T21:21:1446682781AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighIDPH: Erythromycin Ointment Shortage<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health is aligning with the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) suggestions listed below due to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm" target="_blank">ongoing shortage </a>of erythromycin ointment.</p> <ul> <li>Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment is the only recommended regimen to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum caused by N. gonorrhoeae.</li> <li>If erythromycin ointment is not available, a birthing parent who is <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/149/2/e2021055554/184545/Risks-of-Infectious-Diseases-in-Newborns-Exposed?autologincheck=redirected" target="_blank">at risk for exposure</a> to N. gonorrhoeae or who had no prenatal care, should be tested for N. gonorrhoeae in the immediate peripartum setting using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). If the birth parent’s test is positive for <a href="https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/347/chapter-abstract/5752027/Gonococcal-Infections?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank">gonorrheal infection</a> or if the test result is pending at time of discharge with concerns for lack of follow-up, the neonate should receive ceftriaxone, 25 to 50 mg/kg of body weight, IV or IM, not to exceed 250 mg in a single dose; if ceftriaxone is unavailable or contraindicated, a single dose of ceftazidime or cefepime may be substituted.</li> <li>Alternatively, if erythromycin ointment is not available, azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% is recommended as an acceptable substitute. One to two drops of this product are placed in each conjunctival sac. Because it is a solution rather than an ointment, care must be taken to ensure the drops are placed properly.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">The CDC recommends that 2 people provide the prophylaxis - one to hold the lids open and the other to instill the drops. If azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% is not available, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic ointment 0.3% can be considered as a less suitable alternative. In most cases, potential resistance of N gonorrhoeae to ciprofloxacin will be overcome by the high concentrations of ciprofloxacin achieved.</p> <p>Additional information regarding the availability of erythromycin (0.5%) ophthalmic ointment is available on the<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Erythromycin%20Ointment&amp;st=c" target="_blank"> FDA Drug Shortage</a> page.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health is aligning with the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) suggestions listed below due to the [ongoing shortage](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm)of erythromycin ointment. * Erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment is the only recommended regimen to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum caused by N. gonorrhoeae. * If erythromycin ointment is not available, a birthing parent who is [at risk for exposure](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/149/2/e2021055554/184545/Risks-of-Infectious-Diseases-in-Newborns-Exposed?autologincheck=redirected) to N. gonorrhoeae or who had no prenatal care, should be tested for N. gonorrhoeae in the immediate peripartum setting using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). If the birth parent's test is positive for [gonorrheal infection](https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/347/chapter-abstract/5752027/Gonococcal-Infections?redirectedFrom=fulltext) or if the test result is pending at time of discharge with concerns for lack of follow-up, the neonate should receive ceftriaxone, 25 to 50 mg/kg of body weight, IV or IM, not to exceed 250 mg in a single dose; if ceftriaxone is unavailable or contraindicated, a single dose of ceftazidime or cefepime may be substituted. * Alternatively, if erythromycin ointment is not available, azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% is recommended as an acceptable substitute. One to two drops of this product are placed in each conjunctival sac. Because it is a solution rather than an ointment, care must be taken to ensure the drops are placed properly. The CDC recommends that 2 people provide the prophylaxis - one to hold the lids open and the other to instill the drops. If azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% is not available, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic ointment 0.3% can be considered as a less suitable alternative. In most cases, potential resistance of N gonorrhoeae to ciprofloxacin will be overcome by the high concentrations of ciprofloxacin achieved. Additional information regarding the availability of erythromycin (0.5%) ophthalmic ointment is available on the[FDA Drug Shortage](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Erythromycin%20Ointment&st=c) page. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682781?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972025-02-25T21:02:5246689379School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighYouth Settings Webinars - March 2025<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is hosting a series of virtual webinars the first week of every month.</p> <p><strong>Communicable Disease 101 – join our Youth Settings nurses for an overview of germs and microorganisms to better help K12 schools and early childcare centers keep their children and staff healthy!! (March 4th at 10am)&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>NEW! Request in-person training for your staff</strong> on Infection Prevention and/or Suicide Prevention<br /> Gatekeeper Training. Submit your request <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB" target="_blank">HERE </a>or at <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB" target="_blank">https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB</a></p> <p><strong>Communicable Disease 101 (K-12 Schools and Early Childcare)</strong><br /> Date: March 4th&nbsp;<br /> Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/747fe60a-e658-41b4-9cd0-2d14533a8750@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE </a>or at <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/747fe60a-e658-41b4-9cd0-2d14533a8750@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/747fe60a-e658-41b4-9cd0-2d14533a8750@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027</a></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>NEW! Request in-person training for your staff!</strong> We are offering training on Infection Prevention and Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper training (descriptions below).<br /> If you would like the Youth Settings team to come to your facility and provide training for your staff, submit your request <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB" target="_blank">HERE</a> or at <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB" target="_blank">https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB</a></p> <p> </p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is hosting a series of virtual webinars the first week of every month. **Communicable Disease 101 -- join our Youth Settings nurses for an overview of germs and microorganisms to better help K12 schools and early childcare centers keep their children and staff healthy!! (March 4th at 10am)** **NEW! Request in-person training for your staff** on Infection Prevention and/or Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. Submit your request [HERE](https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB)or at <https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB> **Communicable Disease 101 (K-12 Schools and Early Childcare)** Date: March 4th Time: 10:00 am -- 11:00 am **Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/747fe60a-e658-41b4-9cd0-2d14533a8750@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)or at <https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/747fe60a-e658-41b4-9cd0-2d14533a8750@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027>** **NEW! Request in-person training for your staff!** We are offering training on Infection Prevention and Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper training (descriptions below). If you would like the Youth Settings team to come to your facility and provide training for your staff, submit your request [HERE](https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB) or at <https://forms.office.com/g/3z04hjjjPB> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689379?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572023-11-27T15:18:0046681885School HealthSchool HealthHighSchool Health: How Can You Be Antibiotic Aware? <p> </p> <p><strong>Antibiotic Awareness Week&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>The purpose of Antibiotic Awareness Week is to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. The World Health Organization (2023) estimates that antibiotic resistance causes at least 200,000 deaths in children globally annually. Awareness and education about antibiotics is key for healthy outcomes in our community.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What are antibiotics?&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Medication used to treat bacterial infections in our bodies &nbsp;</li> <li>Come in many forms such as tablets, liquids, creams, and sprays&nbsp;</li> <li>Stop growth of bacteria allowing our bodies to fight the remainder illness&nbsp;</li> <li>Are ineffective against viruses such as Flu and RSV&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>What causes antibiotic resistance?&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Over-prescribing of antibiotics &nbsp;</li> <li>Not taking antibiotics as prescribed&nbsp;</li> <li>Poor hygiene practices or infection control&nbsp;</li> <li>Any antibiotic prescription can lead to resistance, but it is worse if it is being used to treat germs like viruses that for which antibiotics are not effective&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>What can you do as a parent?&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Have a conversation with your provider to understand and advocate for your child’s care&nbsp;</li> <li>Ensure your antibiotics are taken as prescribed &nbsp; <ul> <li>Do not use another person’s prescription even if symptoms and diagnosis are the same &nbsp; &nbsp;</li> <li>Ensure your child takes the entire medication each dose. Call your provider if having difficulty&nbsp;</li> <li>Ensure your child finishes the entire antibiotic course even if feeling better&nbsp;</li> <li>Dispose of antibiotics not used or expired&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Do independent research on antibiotic use and resistance &nbsp; <ul> <li>Find trusted sources &nbsp; <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/usaaw/" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/usaaw/</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2023" target="_blank">https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2023</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2023" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/antimicrobial-stewardship.html&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Learn about antibiotic use and resistance as a family!&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.e-bug.eu/">https://www.e-bug.eu/ </a>&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for more information.</p> **Antibiotic Awareness Week** The purpose of Antibiotic Awareness Week is to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. The World Health Organization (2023) estimates that antibiotic resistance causes at least 200,000 deaths in children globally annually. Awareness and education about antibiotics is key for healthy outcomes in our community. **What are antibiotics?** * Medication used to treat bacterial infections in our bodies * Come in many forms such as tablets, liquids, creams, and sprays * Stop growth of bacteria allowing our bodies to fight the remainder illness * Are ineffective against viruses such as Flu and RSV **What causes antibiotic resistance?** * Over-prescribing of antibiotics * Not taking antibiotics as prescribed * Poor hygiene practices or infection control * Any antibiotic prescription can lead to resistance, but it is worse if it is being used to treat germs like viruses that for which antibiotics are not effective **What can you do as a parent?** * Have a conversation with your provider to understand and advocate for your child's care * Ensure your antibiotics are taken as prescribed * Do not use another person's prescription even if symptoms and diagnosis are the same * Ensure your child takes the entire medication each dose. Call your provider if having difficulty * Ensure your child finishes the entire antibiotic course even if feeling better * Dispose of antibiotics not used or expired * Do independent research on antibiotic use and resistance * Find trusted sources * <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/usaaw/> * <https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2023> * [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/antimicrobial-stewardship.html](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2023) **Learn about antibiotic use and resistance as a family!** * <https://www.e-bug.eu/> Please see the attachments for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681885?p_r_p_categoryId=20635202024-02-05T22:30:0046682782School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighEmpowerment through Education: Free Suicide Prevention Training<p>ISBE is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer free suicide prevention training courses tailored to empower and educate our educators.&nbsp;</p> <p>Two training courses are being offered:</p> <ul> <li><u>Assessing and Measuring Suicide Risk Training</u> - 6.5 credit hours &nbsp;(offered as an Asynchronous/self-pace course available on demand and as as a Virtual training that begins Feb. 21) &nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.echo-chicago.org/resources/amsr/?_cldee=e76wkS10bQ4w8rzzGC4mcDVPIGxs63YIPocxzFszWpHcGjQ-YYaQu3bGTnG7HTZAQMWp0hNEWu3BNydRqK-LBQ&amp;recipientid=contact-13a480f28837ee11bdf4000d3a314d17-cf204b9b4e7444848c732d39ca20843e&amp;esid=08435a04-8dbf-ee11-9078-000d3a32f046" target="_blank">here</a> to register</li> <li><u>Question, Persuade, Refer Training</u> – 1 credit hour &nbsp; Click <a href="https://www.echo-chicago.org/resources/qpr/?_cldee=e76wkS10bQ4w8rzzGC4mcDVPIGxs63YIPocxzFszWpHcGjQ-YYaQu3bGTnG7HTZAQMWp0hNEWu3BNydRqK-LBQ&amp;recipientid=contact-13a480f28837ee11bdf4000d3a314d17-cf204b9b4e7444848c732d39ca20843e&amp;esid=08435a04-8dbf-ee11-9078-000d3a32f046" target="_blank">here</a> to register</li> </ul> <p>Please review and share the attached flyer for more information.</p> ISBE is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer free suicide prevention training courses tailored to empower and educate our educators. Two training courses are being offered: * ++Assessing and Measuring Suicide Risk Training++ - 6.5 credit hours (offered as an Asynchronous/self-pace course available on demand and as as a Virtual training that begins Feb. 21) Click [here](https://www.echo-chicago.org/resources/amsr/?_cldee=e76wkS10bQ4w8rzzGC4mcDVPIGxs63YIPocxzFszWpHcGjQ-YYaQu3bGTnG7HTZAQMWp0hNEWu3BNydRqK-LBQ&recipientid=contact-13a480f28837ee11bdf4000d3a314d17-cf204b9b4e7444848c732d39ca20843e&esid=08435a04-8dbf-ee11-9078-000d3a32f046) to register * ++Question, Persuade, Refer Training++ -- 1 credit hour Click [here](https://www.echo-chicago.org/resources/qpr/?_cldee=e76wkS10bQ4w8rzzGC4mcDVPIGxs63YIPocxzFszWpHcGjQ-YYaQu3bGTnG7HTZAQMWp0hNEWu3BNydRqK-LBQ&recipientid=contact-13a480f28837ee11bdf4000d3a314d17-cf204b9b4e7444848c732d39ca20843e&esid=08435a04-8dbf-ee11-9078-000d3a32f046) to register Please review and share the attached flyer for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682782?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-03-22T20:31:0146683003STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighExtencilline Information for Clinicians <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dear STD PCHD Recipients:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In January, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2024-january-16-availability_of_extencilline.htm" target="_blank">we made you aware</a> of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injection&amp;st=c" target="_blank">announcement about the availability of Extencilline</a> (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension) to address the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2023-july-20-Mena-BicillinLA.htm" target="_blank">ongoing shortages of Bicillin L-A®.</a> At that time, we pointed you to the FDA’s distribution and administration information in a letter to healthcare providers (see the “<a href="https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a026d0c-6f91-4ee3-b193-b2186a37e7ca" target="_blank">Dear Healthcare Provider Letter</a>”). And we noted that the preparation and administration of Extencilline, as well as the contraindications for prescribing, differ from those for Bicillin-LA®. We are writing now to offer you the attached clinical information resource to more clearly delineate some of those differences and offer appropriate guidance. Please share this resource widely with your networks.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a reminder, Extencilline can be ordered by contacting Direct Success at <a href="mailto:Distribution@dsuccess.com" target="_blank">Distribution@dsuccess.com</a> or 1-877-404-3338 and Bicillin® LA shortages should be reported to<a href="mailto: stdshortages@cdc.gov" target="_blank"> stdshortages@cdc.gov</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Attachment</strong>: Extencilline Information for Clinicians (web link <a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/resource_detail.html?id=2032" target="_blank">Denver National | Resource Detail | (nnptc.org) </a>)</span></span></p> Dear STD PCHD Recipients: In January, [we made you aware](https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2024-january-16-availability_of_extencilline.htm) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) [announcement about the availability of Extencilline](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Penicillin%20G%20Benzathine%20Injection&st=c) (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension) to address the [ongoing shortages of Bicillin L-A®.](https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl/2023-july-20-Mena-BicillinLA.htm) At that time, we pointed you to the FDA's distribution and administration information in a letter to healthcare providers (see the "[Dear Healthcare Provider Letter](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5a026d0c-6f91-4ee3-b193-b2186a37e7ca)"). And we noted that the preparation and administration of Extencilline, as well as the contraindications for prescribing, differ from those for Bicillin-LA®. We are writing now to offer you the attached clinical information resource to more clearly delineate some of those differences and offer appropriate guidance. Please share this resource widely with your networks. As a reminder, Extencilline can be ordered by contacting Direct Success at [Distribution@dsuccess.com](mailto:Distribution@dsuccess.com) or 1-877-404-3338 and Bicillin® LA shortages should be reported to[stdshortages@cdc.gov](mailto: stdshortages@cdc.gov). **Attachment** : Extencilline Information for Clinicians (web link [Denver National \| Resource Detail \| (nnptc.org)](https://courses.nnptc.org/resource_detail.html?id=2032)) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683003?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392024-06-17T16:22:4546685093West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 17, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 17, 2023 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on&nbsp;<br /> other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for&nbsp;<br /> the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito&nbsp;<br /> pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 17, 2023 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685093?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982023-11-27T18:53:3646681984InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 27, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/12/2023-11/18/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 4.7 to 5.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 8.4%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for surveillance week 46. &nbsp;Since October 1, 2023, nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>152 of 5,535 (2.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 515 of 33,336 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are above local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to increase.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.8% to 7.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 10.3% to 11.4%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 72% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus remains at 18.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.7% to 5.4%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/12/2023-11/18/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 4.7 to 5.4%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 8.4%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for surveillance week 46. Since October 1, 2023, nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 152 of 5,535 (2.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 515 of 33,336 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are above local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to increase. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 6.8% to 7.9%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 10.3% to 11.4%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 72% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus remains at 18.4%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 3.7% to 5.4%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681984?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202023-11-28T20:36:0546681886AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Programs,AnnouncementHighNew Arrivals Information for Chicago Health Care Providers <p>Attached please find a Dear Colleague letter drafted by CDPH for healthcare providers serving new arrivals in the City of Chicago. The letter contains information and resources regarding the following areas for new arrivals in Chicago:</p> <ul> <li>Access to Primary Care&nbsp;</li> <li>Infection Prevention &amp; Control&nbsp;</li> <li>Immunizations and Vaccine-Preventable disease&nbsp;</li> <li>Syndemic Infectious Disease&nbsp;</li> <li>Behavioral Health &nbsp;</li> <li>Pre-Natal Care, Newborn Care, &amp; Early Childhood Nutrition Support&nbsp;</li> <li>Reproductive Health&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>For additional questions and concerns, please feel free to reach us at <a href="mailto:CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org?subject=New%20Arrivals%20Dear%20Colleague%20Letter%20">CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> Attached please find a Dear Colleague letter drafted by CDPH for healthcare providers serving new arrivals in the City of Chicago. The letter contains information and resources regarding the following areas for new arrivals in Chicago: * Access to Primary Care * Infection Prevention \& Control * Immunizations and Vaccine-Preventable disease * Syndemic Infectious Disease * Behavioral Health * Pre-Natal Care, Newborn Care, \& Early Childhood Nutrition Support * Reproductive Health For additional questions and concerns, please feel free to reach us at [CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org](mailto:CDPHHealthSystems@cityofchicago.org?subject=New%20Arrivals%20Dear%20Colleague%20Letter%20). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46681886?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4573972023-12-01T21:15:3846682178InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - December 1, 2023<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/19/2023-11/25/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4 to 6.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 8.4% to 10.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity continues to increase.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for surveillance week 47. Since October 1, 2023, nineteen influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>219 of 5,153 (4.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 738 of 38,586 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are above local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity continues to increase.</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has increased from 7.9% to 8.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 11.4% to 12.5%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 33% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp" target="_blank">health alert</a> for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.2% to 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.4% to 16.4%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 4.5%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 11/19/2023-11/25/2023 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4 to 6.9%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 8.4% to 10.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity continues to increase. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for surveillance week 47. Since October 1, 2023, nineteen influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 219 of 5,153 (4.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 738 of 38,586 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are above local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity continues to increase. * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has increased from 7.9% to 8.9%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 11.4% to 12.5%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 33% from the previous week. * Due to limited availability of nirsevimab in the US, CDC has issued interim recommendations to prioritize available doses. See the [health alert](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00499.asp) for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.2% to 1.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 18.4% to 16.4%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 5.4% to 4.5%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-02-06T15:25:2746682783RSVDiseases & ConditionsHighWEBINAR: RSV 2024/2025: Nearing The End Of The Respiratory Virus Season - February 6, 2024<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health for a webinar on important updates around immunization products and vaccine programs as we near the end of the respiratory virus season. This webinar will be on Friday, February 9 at 12 pm and is hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health.</p> <p> </p> <p>We will cover:</p> <ul> <li>Updates from the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health vaccine programs.</li> <li>COVID-19 vaccine reimbursement changes.</li> <li>RSV product updates/recommendations for the end of the respiratory virus season and what to expect for the 2024/2025 season.</li> <li>Flu vaccine product changes for the 2024/2025 season.</li> <li>The nirsevimab (Beyfortus) reservation program for the 2024/2025 season.<br />  </li> </ul> <p>This webinar is intended for Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, Vaccine Administrators, and staff that support vaccine programs. Register here: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IdXtZiuQSMeA7kLdg0nrBw__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZLnKTiudzl3Gh4x1aTELPdvpNa73UJcZ9JNWrJB8roSVa5WA66uQVE6y7MLe706gDX-a14N7dm29HdwmxMCRcxfvR5xr$" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IdXtZiuQSMeA7kLdg0nrBw</a></p> <p> </p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health for a webinar on important updates around immunization products and vaccine programs as we near the end of the respiratory virus season. This webinar will be on Friday, February 9 at 12 pm and is hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health. We will cover: * Updates from the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health vaccine programs. * COVID-19 vaccine reimbursement changes. * RSV product updates/recommendations for the end of the respiratory virus season and what to expect for the 2024/2025 season. * Flu vaccine product changes for the 2024/2025 season. * The nirsevimab (Beyfortus) reservation program for the 2024/2025 season. This webinar is intended for Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants, Vaccine Administrators, and staff that support vaccine programs. Register here: [https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IdXtZiuQSMeA7kLdg0nrBw](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IdXtZiuQSMeA7kLdg0nrBw__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZLnKTiudzl3Gh4x1aTELPdvpNa73UJcZ9JNWrJB8roSVa5WA66uQVE6y7MLe706gDX-a14N7dm29HdwmxMCRcxfvR5xr$) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682783?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542024-02-09T16:47:5846682882VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC News Bulletin - January 2024<p>The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC News Bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682882?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-02-09T17:28:4546682883AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighNew Perinatal Syphilis Warmline for Providers February 9, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>In response to an alarming increase in congenital syphilis cases, on November 2, 2023, IDPH launched the <strong>Perinatal Syphilis Warmline (1-800-439-4079)</strong> for providers.</li> <li>The warmline provides: <ul> <li><strong>Clinical consultation</strong> for syphilis in pregnancy and the newborn period,</li> <li>Coordination of <strong>public health record searches</strong> to obtain prior syphilis testing and treatment information, and</li> <li><strong>Assistance with mandatory reporting</strong>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>The warmline will be available <strong>Mondays – Fridays 8am – 4pm</strong> with messages returned in one business day.</li> <li>Providers should increase syphilis testing in all individuals, especially pregnant people.</li> <li>Report all suspected and confirmed cases to the CHIMS electronic case report portal.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: &nbsp;Please send questions to Dr. Irina Tabidze at <a href="mailto:Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org">Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org</a></p> <p> </p> **Summary and Action Items** * In response to an alarming increase in congenital syphilis cases, on November 2, 2023, IDPH launched the **Perinatal Syphilis Warmline (1-800-439-4079)** for providers. * The warmline provides: * **Clinical consultation** for syphilis in pregnancy and the newborn period, * Coordination of **public health record searches** to obtain prior syphilis testing and treatment information, and * **Assistance with mandatory reporting**. * The warmline will be available **Mondays -- Fridays 8am -- 4pm** with messages returned in one business day. * Providers should increase syphilis testing in all individuals, especially pregnant people. * Report all suspected and confirmed cases to the CHIMS electronic case report portal. REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Please send questions to Dr. Irina Tabidze at [Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org](mailto:Irina.Tabidze@CityofChicago.org) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682883?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972024-02-09T20:11:2746682884InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 9, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/28/2024-2/3/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 8.2 to 6.2.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing.</li> <li>4 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 204 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>316 of 5,110 (6.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,507 of 99,932 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) &nbsp;is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity is similar to last week and remains below the peak level in early December:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.5% to 3.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from 3.3% to 3.4%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 10.0% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) </a>on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 5.0% to 6.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 2.8%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 1/28/2024-2/3/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 8.2 to 6.2. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.3%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing. * 4 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 204 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 316 of 5,110 (6.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,507 of 99,932 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity is similar to last week and remains below the peak level in early December: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.5% to 3.0%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 3.3% to 3.4%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV increased 10.0% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse)on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 5.0% to 6.7%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 2.8%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682884?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-03-28T21:48:3346683116Meningococcal DiseaseDiseases & Conditions,Meningococcal Disease,ProgramsHighIncrease in Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease in the United States<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>A specific meningococcal strain, sequence type (ST) 1466, is responsible for most (101 of 148, 68%) serogroup Y cases with available sequence type data that were reported across the United States in 2023. Cases caused by this strain are disproportionately occurring in people ages 30–60 years (65%), Black or African American people (63%), and people with HIV (15%). In addition, most cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by ST-1466 in 2023 had a clinical presentation other than meningitis: 64% presented with bacteremia, and at least 4% presented with septic arthritis. Of 94 patients with known outcomes, 17 (18%) died; this case-fatality rate is higher than the historical case-fatality rate of 11% reported for serogroup Y cases in 2017–2021.</p> <p><strong>Healthcare providers should:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>have a heightened suspicion for meningococcal disease, particularly among populations disproportionately affected by the current increase, </strong></li> <li><strong>be aware that patients may present without symptoms typical of meningitis,</strong></li> <li><strong>ensure that all people recommended for meningococcal vaccination, including people with HIV, are up to date for meningococcal vaccines.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Providers</strong></p> <ul> <li>Maintain a heightened suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease and start immediate <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html#treatment" target="_blank">antibiotic treatment</a> for persons with suspected meningococcal disease. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures are indicated for patients with suspected meningococcal disease.</li> <li>Recognize that invasive meningococcal disease may affect people of any age or demographic group. <ul> <li>Current increases in disease are disproportionately affecting people ages 30–60 years, Black or African American people, and people with HIV.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Be aware that patients with invasive meningococcal disease may present with bloodstream infection or septic arthritis and without symptoms typical of meningitis (e.g., headache, stiff neck).</li> <li>Ensure that all people <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/hcp/index.html" target="_blank">recommended for meningococcal vaccination</a> are up to date for meningococcal vaccines. <ul> <li>All 11–12 year-olds should receive a MenACWY vaccine. Since protection wanes, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years.</li> <li>For people at increased risk due to medical conditions (e.g., with HIV), recommended vaccination includes a 2-dose primary MenACWY series with booster doses every 3–5 years, depending on age.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Suspect or confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease should be reported in INEDSS, through the disease reporting line at 312-743-9000 (option 7) or 3-1-1 after business &nbsp;hours.</strong></p> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p> **Summary** A specific meningococcal strain, sequence type (ST) 1466, is responsible for most (101 of 148, 68%) serogroup Y cases with available sequence type data that were reported across the United States in 2023. Cases caused by this strain are disproportionately occurring in people ages 30--60 years (65%), Black or African American people (63%), and people with HIV (15%). In addition, most cases of invasive meningococcal disease caused by ST-1466 in 2023 had a clinical presentation other than meningitis: 64% presented with bacteremia, and at least 4% presented with septic arthritis. Of 94 patients with known outcomes, 17 (18%) died; this case-fatality rate is higher than the historical case-fatality rate of 11% reported for serogroup Y cases in 2017--2021. **Healthcare providers should:** * **have a heightened suspicion for meningococcal disease, particularly among populations disproportionately affected by the current increase,** * **be aware that patients may present without symptoms typical of meningitis,** * **ensure that all people recommended for meningococcal vaccination, including people with HIV, are up to date for meningococcal vaccines.** **Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** * Maintain a heightened suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease and start immediate [antibiotic treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html#treatment) for persons with suspected meningococcal disease. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures are indicated for patients with suspected meningococcal disease. * Recognize that invasive meningococcal disease may affect people of any age or demographic group. * Current increases in disease are disproportionately affecting people ages 30--60 years, Black or African American people, and people with HIV. * Be aware that patients with invasive meningococcal disease may present with bloodstream infection or septic arthritis and without symptoms typical of meningitis (e.g., headache, stiff neck). * Ensure that all people [recommended for meningococcal vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/hcp/index.html) are up to date for meningococcal vaccines. * All 11--12 year-olds should receive a MenACWY vaccine. Since protection wanes, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years. * For people at increased risk due to medical conditions (e.g., with HIV), recommended vaccination includes a 2-dose primary MenACWY series with booster doses every 3--5 years, depending on age. **Suspect or confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease should be reported in INEDSS, through the disease reporting line at 312-743-9000 (option 7) or 3-1-1 after business hours.** Please see the attached for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683116?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438007,4382122024-02-09T22:36:5546682885MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighMonkeypox (Mpox) Provider Update: Vaccination Reminder and Clade I Mpox<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Since December 1, 2023, 22 mpox cases have been reported in Chicago; of which 17 (77%) have been reported since January 14th, 2024.</li> <li>Clinicians should recommend the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/mpox-home/mpox-vaccine.html" target="_blank">eligible patients</a>. Now is the time to vaccinate individuals <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/vaccines/vaccine-basics-healthcare.html#eligibility-criteria" target="_blank">at-risk</a> for mpox and address sexual health prior to Spring and Summer Festivals.</li> <li>Continue to consider mpox when evaluating the cause of rashes, even in fully vaccinated patients.</li> <li>A Clade I mpox outbreak is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has been linked to transmission through sexual contact; no Clade I cases have been identified in the United States to date.</li> <li>Clinicians should contact CDPH (<a href="mailto:lab.support@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com">lab.support@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com</a>) and pursue clade-specific testing for individuals with a clinically compatible mpox syndrome who: 1) have returned from DRC within 21 days of illness onset OR 2) previously tested negative using Clade II specific diagnostic tests.</li> <li>Vaccination and treatment effectiveness do not differ between Clade I and Clade II mpox.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **KEY MESSAGES** * Since December 1, 2023, 22 mpox cases have been reported in Chicago; of which 17 (77%) have been reported since January 14th, 2024. * Clinicians should recommend the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to [eligible patients](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/mpox-home/mpox-vaccine.html). Now is the time to vaccinate individuals [at-risk](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/vaccines/vaccine-basics-healthcare.html#eligibility-criteria) for mpox and address sexual health prior to Spring and Summer Festivals. * Continue to consider mpox when evaluating the cause of rashes, even in fully vaccinated patients. * A Clade I mpox outbreak is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has been linked to transmission through sexual contact; no Clade I cases have been identified in the United States to date. * Clinicians should contact CDPH ([lab.support@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com](mailto:lab.support@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com)) and pursue clade-specific testing for individuals with a clinically compatible mpox syndrome who: 1) have returned from DRC within 21 days of illness onset OR 2) previously tested negative using Clade II specific diagnostic tests. * Vaccination and treatment effectiveness do not differ between Clade I and Clade II mpox. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682885?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392024-03-27T14:02:4346683110Laboratory InformationCOVID-19,COVID,LabHighLab Alert: FDA Revokes EUAs for Six SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro Diagnostic Devices<p>On March 21, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice in the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Register</a> about the revocation of six Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) of in vitro diagnostic devices for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 to:</p> <ul> <li>Life Technologies Corp. (a legal entity of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.), for the TaqPath COVID-19 Pooling Kit</li> <li>Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., for the Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kit</li> <li>Revvity, Inc., (on behalf of Revvity Omics (a Revvity, Inc. company that was a rebranding of PerkinElmer Genomics)), for the PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Reagent Kit</li> <li>bioMérieux SA, for the VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgM kit</li> <li>bioMérieux SA, for the VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgG kit</li> <li>Luminex Corp., for the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG Assay</li> </ul> <p>FDA revoked these EUAs under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Refer to the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/21/2024-05980/revocation-of-six-authorizations-of-emergency-use-of-in-vitro-diagnostic-device-for-detection-andor" target="_blank">FDA Letter of Revocation</a> for more information.</p> <p>For clinical or public health laboratory professional questions, please contact <a href="mailto:LOCS@cdc.gov">LOCS</a>.</p> On March 21, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice in the [Federal Register](https://www.federalregister.gov/) about the revocation of six Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) of in vitro diagnostic devices for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 to: * Life Technologies Corp. (a legal entity of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.), for the TaqPath COVID-19 Pooling Kit * Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., for the Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kit * Revvity, Inc., (on behalf of Revvity Omics (a Revvity, Inc. company that was a rebranding of PerkinElmer Genomics)), for the PerkinElmer SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Reagent Kit * bioMérieux SA, for the VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgM kit * bioMérieux SA, for the VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 IgG kit * Luminex Corp., for the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG Assay FDA revoked these EUAs under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Refer to the [FDA Letter of Revocation](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/21/2024-05980/revocation-of-six-authorizations-of-emergency-use-of-in-vitro-diagnostic-device-for-detection-andor) for more information. For clinical or public health laboratory professional questions, please contact [LOCS](mailto:LOCS@cdc.gov). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683110?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,4414682024-03-28T20:01:1946683008MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Congregate SettingsHighCity of Chicago Specific Guidance RE: SIREN IDPH Measles Supplies Ordering and IDPH Easter Weekend Testing <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories, transitioned to online supply ordering through an Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting System called ETOR. All supplies for measles must be ordered through this process. If your facility has not already enrolled in ETOR, please contact <a href="mailto:dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov">dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Collection and shipping supplies for measles are currently being limited to<strong> local health departments</strong> and <strong>approved congregate testing sites</strong>, such as shelters. The required collection materials for measles testing are nasopharyngeal swabs (preferred specimen type), biohazard bags and universal/viral transport media. Oropharyngeal swabs are also acceptable specimen sources. Specimens must be kept at 2-8 degrees Celsius after collection and while in transit, thus coolers and ice packs are required. For questions or concerns, please contact <a href="mailto:dph.lab.shipping@illinois.gov">dph.lab.shipping@illinois.gov</a> for questions.</p> <p>IDPH Chicago Laboratory will be performing Measles PCR testing on 3/30 and 3/31 on authorized specimens. Specimens can be delivered to 8:00 AM-4:00 PM on Saturday and 8:00 AM-12:00 PM on Sunday using the back entrance. Specimens are not to be shipped to either of the IDPH Laboratories for weekend delivery unless the submitter has competed the <a href="https://redcap.link/reportmeasles" target="_blank">CDPH Suspect Measles Report and Testing Request Form</a> and an authorization code is issued by CDPH with instructions to the provided over email.</p> <p>For weekends, please instruct your courier service to , “Ring Buzzer on Receiving Room Door. If no one answers, call the Receiving Department at 312.793.4753."</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories, transitioned to online supply ordering through an Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting System called ETOR. All supplies for measles must be ordered through this process. If your facility has not already enrolled in ETOR, please contact [dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.labs.dmg@illinois.gov). Collection and shipping supplies for measles are currently being limited to**local health departments** and **approved congregate testing sites** , such as shelters. The required collection materials for measles testing are nasopharyngeal swabs (preferred specimen type), biohazard bags and universal/viral transport media. Oropharyngeal swabs are also acceptable specimen sources. Specimens must be kept at 2-8 degrees Celsius after collection and while in transit, thus coolers and ice packs are required. For questions or concerns, please contact [dph.lab.shipping@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.lab.shipping@illinois.gov) for questions. IDPH Chicago Laboratory will be performing Measles PCR testing on 3/30 and 3/31 on authorized specimens. Specimens can be delivered to 8:00 AM-4:00 PM on Saturday and 8:00 AM-12:00 PM on Sunday using the back entrance. Specimens are not to be shipped to either of the IDPH Laboratories for weekend delivery unless the submitter has competed the [CDPH Suspect Measles Report and Testing Request Form](https://redcap.link/reportmeasles) and an authorization code is issued by CDPH with instructions to the provided over email. For weekends, please instruct your courier service to , "Ring Buzzer on Receiving Room Door. If no one answers, call the Receiving Department at 312.793.4753." falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683008?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,133213092024-03-28T21:27:4846683115Project FirstlineDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Congregate SettingsHighProject Firstline March 2024 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the March 2024 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: Measles</li> <li>World Immunization Week</li> <li>Events in Health Care</li> </ul> Attached please find the March 2024 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Measles * World Immunization Week * Events in Health Care truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683115?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,438212,438213,440266,133213092024-04-03T20:35:3946683381Laboratory InformationLabLowIDPH: Laboratory Preparedness Exercise - LPX-B<p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory.</p> <p>The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism.</p> <p>LPX-A was scheduled to be shipped to your laboratory on <strong>April 1, 2024</strong>.</p> <p><strong>If your laboratory did not sign up for the 2024 CAP LPX survey, then this memo does not apply to your laboratory. The list of laboratories is based on registration information provided to IDPH by CAP.</strong></p> <p>Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established <em>Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases</em> on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <a href="https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/LaboratoryResponse-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C" target="_blank">https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/LaboratoryResponse-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p> </p> The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism. LPX-A was scheduled to be shipped to your laboratory on **April 1, 2024**. **If your laboratory did not sign up for the 2024 CAP LPX survey, then this memo does not apply to your laboratory. The list of laboratories is based on registration information provided to IDPH by CAP.** Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established *Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases* on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/LaboratoryResponse-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C>. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683381?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682025-10-17T16:31:1746690793VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - October 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>What’s Going on with Vaccines?</li> <li>2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Vaccines Guidance</li> <li>CDPH Vaccine Clinics</li> <li>MMRV Vaccines</li> <li>Quick Resources and Updates</li> <li>VFC Program Staffing Changes</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * What's Going on with Vaccines? * 2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Vaccines Guidance * CDPH Vaccine Clinics * MMRV Vaccines * Quick Resources and Updates * VFC Program Staffing Changes Please see attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690793?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-02-13T21:29:2246682784VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- February 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682784?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-02-16T18:54:5546682887RSVDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for ChildrenHighEnd of Seasonal Implementation for Maternal RSV Vaccine and Recommendations for Infants and Older Adults<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The seasonal implementation for maternal RSV vaccine ended on January 31, 2024.</li> <li>Ordering of Abrysvo through the Chicago VFC Program is now deactivated.</li> <li>Clinicians should continue to administer nirsevimab to eligible newborns through the remainder of RSV season ending March 31, 2024.</li> <li>Clinicians can continue to offer the RSV vaccine to adults 60 years and older using shared clinical decision making.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * The seasonal implementation for maternal RSV vaccine ended on January 31, 2024. * Ordering of Abrysvo through the Chicago VFC Program is now deactivated. * Clinicians should continue to administer nirsevimab to eligible newborns through the remainder of RSV season ending March 31, 2024. * Clinicians can continue to offer the RSV vaccine to adults 60 years and older using shared clinical decision making. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682887?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4404722024-02-16T20:26:4646682888VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighThe 2024 VFC Annual Training Registration Live is Now Open<p><strong>In-Person Vaccine for Children Trainings are Back!</strong></p> <p>In collaboration with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, we are hosting four opportunities for Chicago VFC providers to attend an in-person VFC training this spring. This training is in place of the trainings that have occurred virtually since 2020. &nbsp;We will cover information on:</p> <ul> <li>The CDPH VFC Program - requirements, updates, and more</li> <li>2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccine schedules</li> <li>Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation</li> </ul> <p>Trainings will be held from 8AM to 12PM*. A light breakfast will be provided. <strong>Two staff members from each VFC site are required to attend one of the trainings.</strong> These do not have to be the same event. If you serve multiple sites, you only have to attend the training once.&nbsp;</p> <p>*The 4/19 event at Northeastern Illinois University will be held from 8:30AM – 12:30PM.</p> <p>For more information and to secure your spot at the location that works best for you, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWhH6hSdC6C1be8_BzoSIL7KI5RGNG3Lrhr-YNsJkFCCw3KQ/viewform?usp=sf_link__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bG7nrH6GB6XPcYEamtXYEgXLq26LJBiSUOIy9wkusAA2k0ORQvDYsCyg-8VHS2l6WWstz1uNbV_bkRZkih6jppamdCv_TmpMM88$" target="_blank">register today</a>.</p> <p>Please reach out to Monica Del Ciello at mdelciello@illinoisaap.com if you have any questions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> **In-Person Vaccine for Children Trainings are Back!** In collaboration with the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, we are hosting four opportunities for Chicago VFC providers to attend an in-person VFC training this spring. This training is in place of the trainings that have occurred virtually since 2020. We will cover information on: * The CDPH VFC Program - requirements, updates, and more * 2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccine schedules * Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation Trainings will be held from 8AM to 12PM\*. A light breakfast will be provided. **Two staff members from each VFC site are required to attend one of the trainings.** These do not have to be the same event. If you serve multiple sites, you only have to attend the training once. \*The 4/19 event at Northeastern Illinois University will be held from 8:30AM -- 12:30PM. For more information and to secure your spot at the location that works best for you, [register today](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWhH6hSdC6C1be8_BzoSIL7KI5RGNG3Lrhr-YNsJkFCCw3KQ/viewform?usp=sf_link__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bG7nrH6GB6XPcYEamtXYEgXLq26LJBiSUOIy9wkusAA2k0ORQvDYsCyg-8VHS2l6WWstz1uNbV_bkRZkih6jppamdCv_TmpMM88$). Please reach out to Monica Del Ciello at mdelciello@illinoisaap.com if you have any questions. Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682888?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-02-16T21:22:1046682785InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 16, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/4/2024-2/10/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.2 to 4.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but has decreased from a peak in late December.</li> <li>Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 211 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>307 of 4,871 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,814 of 104,773 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.0% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.4% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 45.5% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 6.7% to 8.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.8% to 3.0%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/4/2024-2/10/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County decreased from 6.2 to 4.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but has decreased from a peak in late December. * Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 211 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 307 of 4,871 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 6,814 of 104,773 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 3.0% to 2.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.4% to 2.1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 45.5% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 6.7% to 8.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.8% to 3.0%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682785?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-02-20T18:44:3746682786LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighLTCF On-site Meet and Greet<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to complete a visit to each long-term care facility in Chicago to meet your teams and to evaluate how CDPH may support your long-term care emergency preparedness efforts. &nbsp;Although CDPH is not a regulatory agency, our goal is to bolster your facility’s capacity to respond to an emergency, assuring resident and staff safety.</p> <p>Site visit goals include providing recommendation(s) and guidance in the following areas:</p> <ul> <li>Review ways to comply with CMS rules and IDPH EP Survey requirements.</li> <li>Emergency planning (Emergency Operations Plan (EOP))</li> <li>Staff training (Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS))</li> <li>Exercises and evaluation</li> </ul> <p>Please select your preferred visit date and time (morning or afternoon) from the schedule here. <a href="https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LTCFSiteVisits@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/" target="_blank">Schedule Visit</a>. &nbsp;During this meeting I would ask that the members of your Incident Command Team join us.</p> <p>The schedule will be open until April 1, 2024. If your organization does not select an appointment from the survey, please expect a visit to your facility at a time of my choosing.</p> <p>CDPH looks forward to partnering with your agency.</p> <p>If you have any questions, please use the contact information below:</p> <p>Mark McCarville<br /> Senior Emergency Management Coordinator<br /> City of Chicago Department of Public Health<br /> Emergency Preparedness | Bureau of Health Protection<br /> <a href="mailto:Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org">Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org</a></p> The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to complete a visit to each long-term care facility in Chicago to meet your teams and to evaluate how CDPH may support your long-term care emergency preparedness efforts. Although CDPH is not a regulatory agency, our goal is to bolster your facility's capacity to respond to an emergency, assuring resident and staff safety. Site visit goals include providing recommendation(s) and guidance in the following areas: * Review ways to comply with CMS rules and IDPH EP Survey requirements. * Emergency planning (Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)) * Staff training (Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS)) * Exercises and evaluation Please select your preferred visit date and time (morning or afternoon) from the schedule here. [Schedule Visit](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LTCFSiteVisits@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/). During this meeting I would ask that the members of your Incident Command Team join us. The schedule will be open until April 1, 2024. If your organization does not select an appointment from the survey, please expect a visit to your facility at a time of my choosing. CDPH looks forward to partnering with your agency. If you have any questions, please use the contact information below: Mark McCarville Senior Emergency Management Coordinator City of Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness \| Bureau of Health Protection [Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46682786?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562024-02-23T19:55:3546683079InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - February 23, 2024<p>Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/4/2024-2/10/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4&nbsp;to 5.8.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but has decreased from a peak in late December.</li> <li>Twelve&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 223&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>306&nbsp;of 4,685&nbsp;(6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,146&nbsp;of 109,725&nbsp;(6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from&nbsp;2.1 to 1.7%%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.4% to 2.1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 16.7% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 8.0 to 10.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0% to 2.9%.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 2/4/2024-2/10/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4 to 5.8. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but has decreased from a peak in late December. * Twelve influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 223 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 306 of 4,685 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,146 of 109,725 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 2.1 to 1.7%%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 3.4% to 2.1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 16.7% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 8.0 to 10.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 3.0% to 2.9%. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683079?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-02-23T20:34:2946683080MeaslesMeaslesHighMeasles Confirmed in Indiana Resident — Exposures Identified at Chicago Hospitals - February 23, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>A case of measles has been confirmed in a northwest Indiana resident.</li> <li>This resident received care at three Chicago hospitals during their contagious period.</li> <li>Clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles in their patients.</li> <li><strong>Providers should notify Chicago Department of Public Health (CPDH) <u>immediately</u> upon&nbsp;suspicion of measles. Do not wait on testing before notifying CDPH.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachments for further details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * A case of measles has been confirmed in a northwest Indiana resident. * This resident received care at three Chicago hospitals during their contagious period. * Clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of measles in their patients. * **Providers should notify Chicago Department of Public Health (CPDH) ++immediately++ upon suspicion of measles. Do not wait on testing before notifying CDPH.** Please see attachments for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683080?p_r_p_categoryId=4383132024-04-04T19:25:2046683478Lead Poisoning PreventionDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighUpcoming Lead Poisoning Prevention Webinars<p>ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is offering Lead Poisoning Prevention webinars for healthcare providers. After attending this webinar, providers will be able to review lead and sources of exposure, identify the effects of lead poisoning on children, discuss lead screening and testing requirements, and discuss prevention and management of lead poisoning.</p> <p>All webinars are eligible for 1.0 CME credit.</p> <p><strong>Please note: these are <em>repeated</em> webinars. Participants should only attend one.</strong> The information and registration for the first two webinars is below. If neither date works, this webinar will be offered two more times in the summer. Please reach out to Abby Creek at <a href="mailto:acreek@illinoisaap.com">acreek@illinoisaap.com</a> with any questions.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Thursday, April 25 6-7pm </strong>– New evening option this year!</p> <ul> <li>Presenter: Jackie Korpics, MD, FAAP, Director, Lead Exposure Clinic at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago</li> <li>Register: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuuppz4uHdKqiqBZvSE7MmOWwGIwKjky#/registration" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuuppz4uHdKqiqBZvSE7MmOWwGIwKjky#/registration</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Thursday, May 2 12-1pm</strong></p> <ul> <li>Presenter: Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH, Director, Great Lakes Center for Children's and Reproductive Environmental Health</li> <li>Register: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeCsqTouG9epx1tkCYlLjqaY2Jl9Xk7-#/registration" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeCsqTouG9epx1tkCYlLjqaY2Jl9Xk7-#/registration</a></li> </ul> ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is offering Lead Poisoning Prevention webinars for healthcare providers. After attending this webinar, providers will be able to review lead and sources of exposure, identify the effects of lead poisoning on children, discuss lead screening and testing requirements, and discuss prevention and management of lead poisoning. All webinars are eligible for 1.0 CME credit. **Please note: these are *repeated* webinars. Participants should only attend one.** The information and registration for the first two webinars is below. If neither date works, this webinar will be offered two more times in the summer. Please reach out to Abby Creek at [acreek@illinoisaap.com](mailto:acreek@illinoisaap.com) with any questions. <br /> **Thursday, April 25 6-7pm**-- New evening option this year! * Presenter: Jackie Korpics, MD, FAAP, Director, Lead Exposure Clinic at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago * Register: <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuuppz4uHdKqiqBZvSE7MmOWwGIwKjky#/registration> **Thursday, May 2 12-1pm** * Presenter: Susan Buchanan, MD, MPH, Director, Great Lakes Center for Children's and Reproductive Environmental Health * Register: <https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdeCsqTouG9epx1tkCYlLjqaY2Jl9Xk7-#/registration> falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,440472,1133292,20635202024-06-18T14:05:4246684984AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighConference registration is closing soon! CDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Annual Provider Conference - Syndemics: Intersecting Challenges & Integrated Solutions - June 27, 2024 <p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on<strong> Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM</strong> at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1900+W+Jackson+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60612/''/@41.878142,-87.7450837,12z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!3e0?hl=en&amp;entry=ttu" target="_blank">Malcolm X College</a>. This year's conference, <strong>Syndemics: Intersecting Challenges &amp; Integrated Solutions, </strong>will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS) to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Disease to CDPH.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Please follow the <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-2024" target="_blank">registration link</a> to register. &nbsp;We encourage you to share the registration link widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! &nbsp;Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024!&nbsp;<br /> CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team&nbsp;</p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on**Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM -- 4:30 PM** at [Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1900+W+Jackson+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60612/''/@41.878142,-87.7450837,12z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!3e0?hl=en&entry=ttu). This year's conference, **Syndemics: Intersecting Challenges \& Integrated Solutions,** will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS) to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Disease to CDPH. <br /> Please follow the [registration link](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-2024) to register. We encourage you to share the registration link widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! <br /> Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024! CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684984?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972024-06-21T16:22:4346684987VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- June 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684987?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-06-21T19:52:2446684988InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 14, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/9/2024-6/15/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.8% to 4.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.2% to 3.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.6% to 14.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.6% to 1.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 4.9% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/9/2024-6/15/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.8% to 4.7%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.2% to 3.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 15.6% to 14.7%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.6% to 1.9%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 4.9% to 2.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684988?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-02-29T16:37:5746683082Project FirstlineDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Congregate SettingsHighProject Firstline February 2024 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the February 2024 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Events in Health Care</li> <li>Project Firstline Training Topics for 2024</li> </ul> Attached please find the February 2024 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Events in Health Care * Project Firstline Training Topics for 2024 truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683082?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,438212,438213,440266,133213092024-02-29T23:04:0346683084COVID19Diseases & Conditions,COVID-19,COVID-19 Vaccine,COVIDHighOlder Adults Can Now Receive an Additional Dose of Updated COVID-19 Vaccine<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:SimSun"><span style="font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Summary and Action Items</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:SimSun"><span style="font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif">The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons ≥ 65 years of age should receive an additional dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:SimSun"><span style="font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif">The additional dose is to be administered at least 4 months following the initial dose of the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine, which was initially released in Fall of 2023.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:SimSun"><span style="font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif">This recommendation is based on evidence that older adults are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if they get COVID-19, therefore additional protection is warranted.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:SimSun"><span style="font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif">Please see the attached for more information.</span></span></span></span></p> **Summary and Action Items** * The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons ≥ 65 years of age should receive an additional dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. * The additional dose is to be administered at least 4 months following the initial dose of the updated 2023--2024 COVID-19 vaccine, which was initially released in Fall of 2023. * This recommendation is based on evidence that older adults are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if they get COVID-19, therefore additional protection is warranted. Please see the attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683084?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,436929,4414442024-03-01T21:53:3046683086InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Vaccines for Children,COVID,School HealthHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 1, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4&nbsp;to 5.9.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza B increasing for the seventh consecutive week.</li> <li>Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 231&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>468 of 5,246&nbsp;(8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,661&nbsp;of 115,387&nbsp;(6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of ED&nbsp;visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.7%&nbsp;to 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.6%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 71.4% from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)</a> on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html" target="_blank">1/5/24 COCA Now</a> update for full details.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.5&nbsp;to 7.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County increased from 5.4 to 5.9. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 is 7.0%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza B increasing for the seventh consecutive week. * Eight influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 231 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 468 of 5,246 (8.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 7,661 of 115,387 (6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of ED visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.7% to 1.5%. * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 2.1% to 1.6%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV decreased 71.4% from the previous week. * The supply of nirsevimab has recently increased. CDC advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h864e1930,1ad949a2,1adabb5e&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNMTE5NzM2JkFDU1RyYWNraW5nTGFiZWw9Q09DQSUyME5vdyUzQSUyMFVwZGF0ZWQlMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMGZvciUyMEhlYWx0aGNhcmUlMjBQcm92aWRlcnMlMjBvbiUyMEluY3JlYXNlZCUyMFN1cHBse) on use of nirsevimab in young children. See the [1/5/24 COCA Now](https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/2024/010524a.html) update for full details. * The test positivity for parainfluenza remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.5 to 7.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683086?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,440472,441444,20635202024-04-05T20:11:5146683383MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,MeaslesHighMeasles Outbreak Update - April 5, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>A total of 55 shelter-linked measles cases and 2 non-shelter-linked cases have been identified.</li> <li>CDPH has identified breakthrough cases, which may have altered clinical presentation.</li> <li>Over 6000 vaccine doses have been administered in shelters, likely stemming a wider outbreak.</li> <li>Providers should make sure all patients are up to date on MMR, including adult patients.</li> <li>Please note updated IDPH laboratory hours this weekend</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * A total of 55 shelter-linked measles cases and 2 non-shelter-linked cases have been identified. * CDPH has identified breakthrough cases, which may have altered clinical presentation. * Over 6000 vaccine doses have been administered in shelters, likely stemming a wider outbreak. * Providers should make sure all patients are up to date on MMR, including adult patients. * Please note updated IDPH laboratory hours this weekend Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683383?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4383132024-06-24T20:26:4446684989West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 24, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 24, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 24, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684989?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-04-05T21:05:0046683482InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Programs,Vaccines for Children,School Health,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 5, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.8 to 2.4.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.2% to 3.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 275 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>268 of 3,968 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 9,664 of 139,630 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.3%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.8% to 1.3%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from &lt;1% to 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.9% to 7.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.2% to 0.5%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.8 to 2.4. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 4.2% to 3.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 275 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 268 of 3,968 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 9,664 of 139,630 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH HAN website for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.3% * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.8% to 1.3%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from \<1% to 1.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.9% to 7.8%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.2% to 0.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683482?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437835,438212,440472,2063520,133213092024-06-25T14:31:4746684990West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighCORRECTED: Arboviral Surveillance Report for June 24, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 24, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 24, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684990?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-06-26T14:29:1846685178VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighData Quality Newsletter- June 2024<p>CDPH relies on our partnerships with vaccine providers to ensure that we have high quality data reported to the state of Illinois registry (I-CARE). This Data Quality newsletter is dedicated to our HL7 Onboarding process. Please read more about how our HL7 team can help enhance your data reporting.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Benefits of connecting to I-CARE using HL7 Messaging</li> <li>The HL7 Onboarding Process</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> CDPH relies on our partnerships with vaccine providers to ensure that we have high quality data reported to the state of Illinois registry (I-CARE). This Data Quality newsletter is dedicated to our HL7 Onboarding process. Please read more about how our HL7 team can help enhance your data reporting. In this issue: * Benefits of connecting to I-CARE using HL7 Messaging * The HL7 Onboarding Process Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685178?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-06-28T20:50:5346685578School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers Summer 2024 <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include:</p> <p> </p> <p>o Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th</p> <p>o Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th</p> <p>o Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 16th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246</p> <p>Passcode: 9JNyZP</p> <p><strong>Stop the Bleed Training – IN PERSON</strong></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 24th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm</strong></p> <p><strong>Location: <span style="color:#f1c40f">1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631</span></strong></p> <p><strong>To register, please complete this form:</strong><br /> <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf" target="_blank">IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include: o Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th o Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th o Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th ++**Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th. **Date: July 16th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:15 pm** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246 Passcode: 9JNyZP **Stop the Bleed Training -- IN PERSON** Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training. **Date: July 24th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 3:00 pm** **Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631** **To register, please complete this form:** [IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK](https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685578?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-06-28T21:05:0046685579InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 28, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/16/2024-6/22/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Points :</strong></p> <p>During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 4.7% to 5.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.0% to 2.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.7% to 16.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.9% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 2.2% to 1.5%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/16/2024-6/22/2024 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points :** During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 4.7% to 5.6%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 3.0% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.7% to 16.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.9% to 2.3%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 2.2% to 1.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685579?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-04-09T18:25:1646683483AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHighSave the Date! CDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Annual Provider Conferences: June 27, 2024 <p><strong>Save the Date!</strong> CDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Annual Provider Conferences: June 27, 2024&nbsp;</p> <p>Please save the date for the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6771526,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639" target="_blank"> Malcolm X College</a>. This year's conference will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Information Management System to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Diseases to CDPH.</p> <p>Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024!&nbsp;<br /> <strong>CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team&nbsp;</strong></p> **Save the Date!** CDPH Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau Annual Provider Conferences: June 27, 2024 Please save the date for the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM -- 4:00 PM at[Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malcolm+X+College/@41.8778777,-87.6771526,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2d158a9586f5:0x55d864b4b049ff1c!8m2!3d41.8778777!4d-87.6749639). This year's conference will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Information Management System to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Diseases to CDPH. Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! <br /> Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024! **CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team** falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683483?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972024-04-10T20:13:4146683485School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Illinois Measles Outbreak - School Action Request & IDPH School Vaccination Dashboard<p><strong>Summary and Highlights:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Since March 2024, an outbreak of measles based in Chicago has included 58 measles cases among Chicago and non-Chicago residents</li> <li>Among these 58 cases, 7 (12%) have occurred in children aged 5-17 years</li> <li>Measles exposures have occurred at 3 schools in Chicago, but no transmission at schools or daycares has been identified to date</li> <li>Exposure locations are available on Chicago’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/get-the-facts--measles.html#dashboard" id="OWAe0316632-e323-af0c-0bd2-90683d80fcad" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/get-the-facts--measles.html#dashboard">measles website</a>: chicago.gov/measles</li> <li>Up to date information about measles for Chicago schools can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools" id="LPlnk691439" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools">ChicagoHAN's School Health Page</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> **Summary and Highlights:** * Since March 2024, an outbreak of measles based in Chicago has included 58 measles cases among Chicago and non-Chicago residents * Among these 58 cases, 7 (12%) have occurred in children aged 5-17 years * Measles exposures have occurred at 3 schools in Chicago, but no transmission at schools or daycares has been identified to date * Exposure locations are available on Chicago's [measles website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/get-the-facts--measles.html#dashboard "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/get-the-facts--measles.html#dashboard"){#OWAe0316632-e323-af0c-0bd2-90683d80fcad}: chicago.gov/measles * Up to date information about measles for Chicago schools can be found on the [ChicagoHAN's School Health Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools "https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools"){#LPlnk691439}. Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683485?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-04-12T19:40:2446683395InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 12, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.4 to 2.0.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.5% to 2.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 280 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>328 of 4,943 (6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 9,994 of 144,589 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank"> HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.3%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.3% to 1.2%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.0% to 1.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 7.8% to 10.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 0.5% to 2.1%</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.4 to 2.0. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.5% to 2.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 280 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 328 of 4,943 (6.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 9,994 of 144,589 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH[HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.3% * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.3% to 1.2%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.0% to 1.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 7.8% to 10.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 0.5% to 2.1% truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683395?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-04-15T20:02:4646683397VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- April 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683397?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-04-18T18:07:2946683579MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,MeaslesHighMeasles Outbreak Update - April 18, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p>Join us for an important webinar!</p> <p><strong>Measles Update for Clinicians: Where We Are Now &amp; What to Expect</strong></p> <p>Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 8am - register at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinoisaap.org/upcoming-events/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZW6rN0XCIJJp16lDAgHfhbGw2yYKEoY4z3TBzgrGuXIwZrQHIgUFQ782IdfRIy4UOWz_GcKU3Tt19dbrYRq4DuJfeivNQnk0GSZc$" target="_blank">illinoisaap.org/events</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>This one-hour webinar will provide an update for clinicians in Illinois regarding:</p> <ul> <li>The state of the measles outbreak in IL</li> <li>What to expect in the coming weeks and months</li> <li>Resources and what you can do now to support your patients and communities</li> </ul> <p>With Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP: Pediatric Medical Advisor at Illinois Department of Public Health and Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization &amp; Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at Chicago Department of Public Health.</p> <p>The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** Join us for an important webinar! **Measles Update for Clinicians: Where We Are Now \& What to Expect** Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 8am - register at [illinoisaap.org/events](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinoisaap.org/upcoming-events/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZW6rN0XCIJJp16lDAgHfhbGw2yYKEoY4z3TBzgrGuXIwZrQHIgUFQ782IdfRIy4UOWz_GcKU3Tt19dbrYRq4DuJfeivNQnk0GSZc$) This one-hour webinar will provide an update for clinicians in Illinois regarding: * The state of the measles outbreak in IL * What to expect in the coming weeks and months * Resources and what you can do now to support your patients and communities With Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, FAAP: Pediatric Medical Advisor at Illinois Department of Public Health and Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization \& Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at Chicago Department of Public Health. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683579?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4383132024-04-19T18:49:1746683682MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighMeasles Community Transmission Alert & Recommendations - April 19, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Recent evidence suggests that community measles transmission might be increasing.</li> <li>Providers should ensure all patients have evidence of adequate vaccination against measles. Also consider vaccinations against other infections, such as varicella, for eligible patients.</li> <li>In the context of community measles transmission, providers should consider administering an “accelerated” 2nd MMR dose to Chicago children &gt;12 months of age, especially if attending schools or daycares.</li> <li>Please remember to document all vaccine doses in I-CARE</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Recent evidence suggests that community measles transmission might be increasing. * Providers should ensure all patients have evidence of adequate vaccination against measles. Also consider vaccinations against other infections, such as varicella, for eligible patients. * In the context of community measles transmission, providers should consider administering an "accelerated" 2nd MMR dose to Chicago children \>12 months of age, especially if attending schools or daycares. * Please remember to document all vaccine doses in I-CARE Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683682?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202024-04-19T20:42:4346683580InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 19, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 2.0.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.8% to 2.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 282 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>236 of 3,748 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,234 of 148,364 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.0%</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.2% to 0.9%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.2% to 2.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.2% to 9.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.1% to 1.8%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County remains at 2.0. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.8% to 2.3%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 282 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 236 of 3,748 (6.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,234 of 148,364 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at 1.0% * The test positivity for RSV has decreased from 1.2% to 0.9%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.2% to 2.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 10.2% to 9.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.1% to 1.8%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683580?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-02T15:47:4946685478West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 2, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 2, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 2, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were three (3) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-04-24T14:01:5946683581STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighPartner communication about erythromycin ointment shortage<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dear STD PCHD Recipients:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention would like to share updates regarding the ongoing erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) shortage in the United States (US) and interim clinical considerations for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) is the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-neonates.htm" target="_blank">only CDC recommended regimen </a>for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the shortage of this medication is a result of several changes in the market. Since 2022, multiple pharmaceutical companies have discontinued (Padagis US) or decreased manufacturing and distribution (Bausch Health America and Armas Pharmaceutical) of erythromycin ointment (0.5%) in the US. To help mitigate these shortages, the FDA has approved a temporary importation of limited quantities of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) from Canada’s Steri-Med Pharma.</span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To assist during this shortage, CDC has updated the clinical considerations for ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis options for those who do not have access to erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Please see<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm" target="_blank"> the CDC webpage on the availability of STI Testing and Treatment Products</a> for additional information.</span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The most important strategy to prevent gonorrhea and chlamydia in neonates is through<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm" target="_blank"> prenatal screening</a> and treatment during pregnancy. The interim clinical considerations are intended to be used in addition to prenatal screening and monitoring of all neonates for signs of ophthalmia neonatorum. Please consider your local populations, resources, and policies when selecting alternative methods of ophthalmia neonatorum prevention. It remains unknown how long this current erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) shortage will persist. Please share this information widely to all clinicians that may be interested.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If you would like additional information and updates about this shortage, please visit the <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Erythromycin%20Ointment&amp;st=c" target="_blank">FDA Drug Shortages webpage</a>. If you need clinical decision-making support, you can contact the <a href="https://www.stdccn.org/controller/Public/AddPublicConsultRequestStep1" target="_blank">STD Clinical Consultation Network</a>.</span></span></p> Dear STD PCHD Recipients: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention would like to share updates regarding the ongoing erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) shortage in the United States (US) and interim clinical considerations for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) is the [only CDC recommended regimen](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/gonorrhea-neonates.htm)for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the shortage of this medication is a result of several changes in the market. Since 2022, multiple pharmaceutical companies have discontinued (Padagis US) or decreased manufacturing and distribution (Bausch Health America and Armas Pharmaceutical) of erythromycin ointment (0.5%) in the US. To help mitigate these shortages, the FDA has approved a temporary importation of limited quantities of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) from Canada's Steri-Med Pharma. **To assist during this shortage, CDC has updated the clinical considerations for ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis options for those who do not have access to erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Please see[the CDC webpage on the availability of STI Testing and Treatment Products](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drug-notices.htm) for additional information.** The most important strategy to prevent gonorrhea and chlamydia in neonates is through[prenatal screening](https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm) and treatment during pregnancy. The interim clinical considerations are intended to be used in addition to prenatal screening and monitoring of all neonates for signs of ophthalmia neonatorum. Please consider your local populations, resources, and policies when selecting alternative methods of ophthalmia neonatorum prevention. It remains unknown how long this current erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) shortage will persist. Please share this information widely to all clinicians that may be interested. If you would like additional information and updates about this shortage, please visit the [FDA Drug Shortages webpage](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Erythromycin%20Ointment&st=c). If you need clinical decision-making support, you can contact the [STD Clinical Consultation Network](https://www.stdccn.org/controller/Public/AddPublicConsultRequestStep1). falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683581?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392024-04-26T20:12:4246684077InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 26, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.0 to 1.7.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.3% to 2.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 292 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>185 of 3,108 (6.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,600 of 152,384 (7.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.0% to &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.2% to 11.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.9%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 2.0 to 1.7. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.3% to 2.6%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity remains high but is decreasing, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 292 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 185 of 3,108 (6.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,600 of 152,384 (7.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV has decreased from 1.0% to \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.0% to 2.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 9.2% to 11.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684077?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-05-02T15:21:1946684079School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighMeasles Community Transmission Alert & Recommendations for Schools & Daycares May 2, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Highlights:</strong></p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for a Chicago school specific measles update.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since January 2024, CDPH has confirmed 64 cases of measles, most of which are related to an outbreak at a Chicago shelter. Among the 64 cases, 33 (52%) have occurred in children 0–4 years and 9 (14%) have occurred in children aged 5–17 years. &nbsp; CDPH is starting to identify more spread of measles in the community. There have been several measles cases recently with no direct link to new arrivals or shelters. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>In the context of community measles transmission, schools and daycares should be aware of the new CDPH recommendation of an “accelerated” 2nd MMR dose to Chicago children. </strong>&nbsp;<br /> For children over 1 year old, 2 doses of MMR vaccine: &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Children can receive their 2nd dose 28 days after 1st dose. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> This 2nd dose before 4 years of age meets IL school vaccine requirements.&nbsp;<br /> Public exposure locations are available on Chicago’s measles website: <a href="http://chicago.gov/measles" target="_blank">chicago.gov/measles</a> &nbsp;<br /> Up to date information about measles for Chicago schools can be found on the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools" target="_blank">ChicagoHAN's School Health Page</a>. &nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> **Summary and Highlights:** Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for a Chicago school specific measles update. Since January 2024, CDPH has confirmed 64 cases of measles, most of which are related to an outbreak at a Chicago shelter. Among the 64 cases, 33 (52%) have occurred in children 0--4 years and 9 (14%) have occurred in children aged 5--17 years. CDPH is starting to identify more spread of measles in the community. There have been several measles cases recently with no direct link to new arrivals or shelters. **In the context of community measles transmission, schools and daycares should be aware of the new CDPH recommendation of an "accelerated" 2nd MMR dose to Chicago children.** For children over 1 year old, 2 doses of MMR vaccine: Children can receive their 2nd dose 28 days after 1st dose. This 2nd dose before 4 years of age meets IL school vaccine requirements. Public exposure locations are available on Chicago's measles website: [chicago.gov/measles](http://chicago.gov/measles) Up to date information about measles for Chicago schools can be found on the [ChicagoHAN's School Health Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools). Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684079?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-05-02T21:23:2746683978MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Private and Commercial Testing for Measles <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDPH strongly discourages commercial or in-house real-time PCR testing for measles.</li> <li>The Illinois Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code (<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700690sections.html" target="_blank">Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Part 690</a>) states that suspect, probable, or confirmed cases of measles must be reported by telephone immediately, <strong>within three hours</strong>, upon clinical suspicion or laboratory test.&nbsp;</li> <li>In-house and commercial testing presents challenges for public health follow-up and might result in delayed reporting, over-testing, and delayed specimen forwarding to reference centers and CDC. Delays can lead to missed opportunities for post-exposure prophylaxis, contact notification and other public health interventions.</li> <li>Please refer to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles" target="_blank">CDPH HAN page</a> for detailed measles testing and reporting instructions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> All Illinois healthcare facilities must ensure processes to notify public health immediately,<strong> within three hours</strong> of clinical suspicion of measles infection or laboratory test. CDPH has established a streamlined process for Chicago providers to seek measles testing approval. The IDPH Public Health Laboratories provide no-cost measles RT-PCR testing of throat and nasopharyngeal swabs, and turnaround time at IDPH lab is generally 1 day. Please refer to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles" target="_blank">CDPH HAN page</a> and <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/437243/Downloads/FINAL_Measles%20Testing_Job%20Aid%201_CDPH%20HCP_03142024%20(1).pdf" target="_blank">measles testing job aid</a> for detailed instructions on CDPH testing authorization and specimen submission to the IDPH Public Health Laboratory.<br /> CDPH strongly discourages use of commercial or in-house real-time PCR testing for measles; all clinical and laboratory entities should ensure compliance with Illinois Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code requirements. See the attached SIREN for additional information about use of private and commercial testing for measles.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> **Summary and Action Items** * CDPH strongly discourages commercial or in-house real-time PCR testing for measles. * The Illinois Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code ([Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Part 690](https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700690sections.html)) states that suspect, probable, or confirmed cases of measles must be reported by telephone immediately, **within three hours**, upon clinical suspicion or laboratory test. * In-house and commercial testing presents challenges for public health follow-up and might result in delayed reporting, over-testing, and delayed specimen forwarding to reference centers and CDC. Delays can lead to missed opportunities for post-exposure prophylaxis, contact notification and other public health interventions. * Please refer to [CDPH HAN page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles) for detailed measles testing and reporting instructions. **Background** All Illinois healthcare facilities must ensure processes to notify public health immediately,**within three hours** of clinical suspicion of measles infection or laboratory test. CDPH has established a streamlined process for Chicago providers to seek measles testing approval. The IDPH Public Health Laboratories provide no-cost measles RT-PCR testing of throat and nasopharyngeal swabs, and turnaround time at IDPH lab is generally 1 day. Please refer to [CDPH HAN page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/measles) and [measles testing job aid](http://file:///C:/Users/437243/Downloads/FINAL_Measles%20Testing_Job%20Aid%201_CDPH%20HCP_03142024%20(1).pdf) for detailed instructions on CDPH testing authorization and specimen submission to the IDPH Public Health Laboratory. CDPH strongly discourages use of commercial or in-house real-time PCR testing for measles; all clinical and laboratory entities should ensure compliance with Illinois Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code requirements. See the attached SIREN for additional information about use of private and commercial testing for measles. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683978?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202024-05-03T19:37:4846684080Project FirstlineDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Congregate SettingsHighProject Firstline April 2024 Newsletter<p>Attached please find the April 2024 Project Firstline newsletter.</p> <p><u>This issue includes:</u></p> <ul> <li>Topic of the Month: Measles</li> <li>World Immunization Week</li> <li>Events in Health Care</li> </ul> Attached please find the April 2024 Project Firstline newsletter. ++This issue includes:++ * Topic of the Month: Measles * World Immunization Week * Events in Health Care truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684080?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,438212,438213,440266,133213092024-05-03T20:29:5946684081InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 3, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to 1.8.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>142 of 4,356 (3.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,803 of 157,694 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are both below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.3% to 2.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.9% to 14.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to 1.8. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 142 of 4,356 (3.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,803 of 157,694 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are both below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.3% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.9% to 14.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684081?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-05-03T20:44:1046684082InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 3, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Cook County’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level</a> is low.</li> <li>The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to 1.8.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>142 of 4,356 (3.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,803 of 157,694 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are both below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.3% to 2.7%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.9% to 14.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Cook County's [COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-admission-levels.html) is low. * The number of new hospitalizations per 100,000 population for Cook County has decreased from 1.9 to 1.8. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 142 of 4,356 (3.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 10,803 of 157,694 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are both below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.3% to 2.7%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 11.9% to 14.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to 2.2%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684082?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-04-26T20:28:5346684078Laboratory InformationLabLowURGENT FIELD CORRECTION NOTICE: CDC Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">URGENT FIELD CORRECTION NOTICE</span></strong><br /> CDC Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel&nbsp;Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit<br /> The H5b component may fail to amplify, resulting in an inconclusive result</p> <p>This communication is to inform you about an issue we have identified with a recently manufactured Influenza&nbsp;A/H5 Subtyping Kit. This assay contains one Influenza A-specific target, and two redundant H5-specific&nbsp;components, H5a and H5b. As a part of our ongoing quality control process, an internal investigation&nbsp;conducted on the analytes of the Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit found decreased performance of the H5b&nbsp;target in lot 220307.&nbsp; At this time, we have only identified lot 220307 as being impacted. There have been no&nbsp;reported inaccurate results based on the use of this test and CDC has no evidence that any H5 cases have been&nbsp;missed. Any inconclusive results would have been sent to CDC for confirmation.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p> </p> **URGENT FIELD CORRECTION NOTICE** CDC Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit The H5b component may fail to amplify, resulting in an inconclusive result This communication is to inform you about an issue we have identified with a recently manufactured Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit. This assay contains one Influenza A-specific target, and two redundant H5-specific components, H5a and H5b. As a part of our ongoing quality control process, an internal investigation conducted on the analytes of the Influenza A/H5 Subtyping Kit found decreased performance of the H5b target in lot 220307. At this time, we have only identified lot 220307 as being impacted. There have been no reported inaccurate results based on the use of this test and CDC has no evidence that any H5 cases have been missed. Any inconclusive results would have been sent to CDC for confirmation. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684078?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682024-05-06T16:30:2046683979School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighHAN for schools and daycares MAY 5,2024<p><strong>Summary and Highlights:</strong></p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alerts for upcoming webinars on gastrointestinal illness (May 21) and invasive Group A Strep (May 15) for both early childcare and k-12 audiences.</p> <p>Join the Strep Throat and invasive Group A Strep webinar on May 21 using the below information:</p> <p><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong> <a href="https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US" target="_blank">Need help?</a></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163</p> <p>Passcode: h4iNNi</p> <p> </p> <p>Join the gastrointestinal webinar using the below information:</p> <p><strong>Microsoft Teams</strong> <a href="https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US" target="_blank">Need help?</a></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGZhMGU5NTAtOWQwZC00NWJjLWIwNWQtMWI5MTMyNGQwZTlm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e8909aae-4243-42c2-a6f0-80cd0bc74bf1%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 294 085 810 484</p> <p>Passcode: ZiBiec</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p> **Summary and Highlights:** Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alerts for upcoming webinars on gastrointestinal illness (May 21) and invasive Group A Strep (May 15) for both early childcare and k-12 audiences. Join the Strep Throat and invasive Group A Strep webinar on May 21 using the below information: **Microsoft Teams** [Need help?](https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US) [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163 Passcode: h4iNNi Join the gastrointestinal webinar using the below information: **Microsoft Teams** [Need help?](https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US) [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGZhMGU5NTAtOWQwZC00NWJjLWIwNWQtMWI5MTMyNGQwZTlm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e8909aae-4243-42c2-a6f0-80cd0bc74bf1%22%7d) Meeting ID: 294 085 810 484 Passcode: ZiBiec Please see the attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46683979?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-07-03T14:27:4646685580RSVDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for ChildrenHighAdult RSV Vaccine and Other ACIP Updates: June 2024 <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Adults 75 years of age and older should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine.</li> <li>Adults 60–74 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine.</li> <li>RSV vaccination is recommended as a single lifetime dose only. Persons who have already received RSV vaccination are NOT recommended to receive another dose.</li> <li>Individuals 6 months of age or older should receive the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine as authorized or approved by FDA once available.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Adults 75 years of age and older should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. * Adults 60--74 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. * RSV vaccination is recommended as a single lifetime dose only. Persons who have already received RSV vaccination are NOT recommended to receive another dose. * Individuals 6 months of age or older should receive the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine as authorized or approved by FDA once available. Please see the attachment for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685580?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4404722024-07-05T22:02:0046685581InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 5, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 26 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Points :</strong></p> <p>During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from&nbsp;5.6% to 6.0%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.8% to 2.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.5% to 9.7%</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.3% to 2.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 1.5% to 2.0%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 26 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points :** During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 5.6% to 6.0%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.8% to 2.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 16.5% to 9.7% * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.3% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 1.5% to 2.0%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685581?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-08T14:11:2746685582West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 8, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 8, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were ten (10) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 8, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were ten (10) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685582?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-05-06T19:57:1246684084LTCFLong-term Care Facilities (LTCFs)HighLTCF On-site Visit Reminder<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) remains committed to enhancing emergency preparedness efforts in long-term care facilities throughout Chicago. Our goal is to ensure the safety of both residents and staff during emergency situations by supporting your facility's capacity to respond effectively.</p> <p>We are pleased to announce that we have already conducted site visits to over twenty facilities, receiving positive feedback from each visit. However, our efforts are ongoing, and we are eager to connect with more facilities to offer guidance and recommendations in key areas, including:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency planning, including the review and enhancement of Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs).</li> <li>Staff training, particularly in the Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS).</li> <li>Conducting exercises and evaluations to test preparedness and identify areas for improvement.</li> </ul> <p>We understand the demands of your schedules, but we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity by scheduling a site visit through the provided link, <a href="https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LTCFSiteVisits@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/">Schedule Visit</a>,</p> <p>During our visits, we have observed a common concern regarding EOPs: while many contain policies and explanations of their necessity, they often lack detailed action plans for handling specific emergency events. Additionally, we've noticed discrepancies between generic boilerplate plans and those tailored to individual facilities. Our aim is to highlight these areas for improvement and provide practical suggestions for clarification and enhancement.</p> <p>Your cooperation in this endeavor is greatly appreciated as we work together to strengthen emergency preparedness across Chicago's long-term care facilities. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.</p> <p>Thank you for your attention to this matter.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Mark McCarville<br /> Senior Emergency Management Coordinator<br /> City of Chicago Department of Public Health<br /> Emergency Preparedness | Bureau of Health Protection<br /> <a href="mailto:Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org">Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org</a></p> <p> </p> The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) remains committed to enhancing emergency preparedness efforts in long-term care facilities throughout Chicago. Our goal is to ensure the safety of both residents and staff during emergency situations by supporting your facility's capacity to respond effectively. We are pleased to announce that we have already conducted site visits to over twenty facilities, receiving positive feedback from each visit. However, our efforts are ongoing, and we are eager to connect with more facilities to offer guidance and recommendations in key areas, including: * Emergency planning, including the review and enhancement of Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). * Staff training, particularly in the Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS). * Conducting exercises and evaluations to test preparedness and identify areas for improvement. We understand the demands of your schedules, but we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity by scheduling a site visit through the provided link, [Schedule Visit](https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LTCFSiteVisits@chicagogov.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/), During our visits, we have observed a common concern regarding EOPs: while many contain policies and explanations of their necessity, they often lack detailed action plans for handling specific emergency events. Additionally, we've noticed discrepancies between generic boilerplate plans and those tailored to individual facilities. Our aim is to highlight these areas for improvement and provide practical suggestions for clarification and enhancement. Your cooperation in this endeavor is greatly appreciated as we work together to strengthen emergency preparedness across Chicago's long-term care facilities. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Mark McCarville Senior Emergency Management Coordinator City of Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness \| Bureau of Health Protection [Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Mark.Mccarville@cityofchicago.org) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684084?p_r_p_categoryId=4345562024-05-10T21:29:4546684278InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 10, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Effective May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report COVID-19 hospital admissions, hospital capacity, or hospital occupancy data to HHS through CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). COVID-19 hospital admission levels will no longer be reported.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 2.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>127 of 3,045 (4.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,019 of 161,681 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it’s been since early September.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.7% to 4.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.5% to 20.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.2 to 4.5%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Effective May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report COVID-19 hospital admissions, hospital capacity, or hospital occupancy data to HHS through CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). COVID-19 hospital admission levels will no longer be reported. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.5% to 2.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 296 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 127 of 3,045 (4.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,019 of 161,681 (6.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The number of pediatric admissions due to RSV is the lowest it's been since early September. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.7% to 4.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.5% to 20.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.2 to 4.5%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684278?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-05-14T14:17:3546684178MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighIDPH: Monkeypox (Mpox) Resources for Providers and Local Health Departments <p><strong>KEY MESSAGE</strong></p> <ul> <li>IDPH continues to closely monitor monkeypox (Mpox) cases in Illinois. During the first 4 months of 2024, there&nbsp;<br /> have been 69 cases of Mpox in IL. Over the last two years, we have seen cases rise during the summer months.&nbsp;<br /> We encourage health care providers to initiate discussions on mpox prevention, encourage vaccinations at the&nbsp;<br /> earliest and consider Mpox in your assessment of patients with risk factors and rash illness. LHDs can order<br /> TPOXX and Jynneos directly from the IDPH stockpile to consider prepositioning it in high risk areas- ordering</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> **KEY MESSAGE** * IDPH continues to closely monitor monkeypox (Mpox) cases in Illinois. During the first 4 months of 2024, there have been 69 cases of Mpox in IL. Over the last two years, we have seen cases rise during the summer months. We encourage health care providers to initiate discussions on mpox prevention, encourage vaccinations at the earliest and consider Mpox in your assessment of patients with risk factors and rash illness. LHDs can order TPOXX and Jynneos directly from the IDPH stockpile to consider prepositioning it in high risk areas- ordering Please see the attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684178?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,20482392024-05-14T20:23:5146684179Meningococcal DiseaseDiseases & Conditions,Meningococcal Disease,ProgramsHighNational and Local Increase in Invasive Meningococcal Disease - May 14, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Since January 2023, 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), a similar increase to the national trend outlined in the CDC Health Alert issued March 28, 2024.</li> <li>Providers should have a high index of suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease and immediately begin antibiotic treatment while collecting blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures as clinically indicated.&nbsp;</li> <li>Among the 15 cases, all presented with bacteremia and one also had septic arthritis.</li> <li>Ensure vaccination of eligible persons against meningococcal disease, with attention to people living with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions.&nbsp;</li> <li>Immediately notify CDPH with suspected or confirmed cases. Gram-negative diplococci identified from a normally sterile site and physician-diagnosed purpura fulminans are reportable in Illinois.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Since January 2023, 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), a similar increase to the national trend outlined in the CDC Health Alert issued March 28, 2024. * Providers should have a high index of suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease and immediately begin antibiotic treatment while collecting blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures as clinically indicated. * Among the 15 cases, all presented with bacteremia and one also had septic arthritis. * Ensure vaccination of eligible persons against meningococcal disease, with attention to people living with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions. * Immediately notify CDPH with suspected or confirmed cases. Gram-negative diplococci identified from a normally sterile site and physician-diagnosed purpura fulminans are reportable in Illinois. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684179?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438007,4382122024-05-14T23:10:5546684280Opioid ConcernsOpioid Information,Diseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighIncrease in Opioid Overdoses May 14, 2024<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>An increased number of opioid overdoses occurred in the Chicago area beginning Saturday, May 11, 2024, and remained elevated on Monday, May 13, 2024. &nbsp; &nbsp;</li> <li>In addition to presenting with symptoms of opioid toxicity (respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils), some patients also presented with hypertension, bradycardia and downward gaze.</li> <li>Providers should increase the amount of naloxone available on hand and distribute widely.</li> <li>Counsel patients and clients that any drug could contain fentanyl.&nbsp;</li> <li>The use of fentanyl and xylazine test strips on drug samples prior to consumption may help minimize the risk of overdose.</li> <li>Consider immediate initiation of buprenorphine for persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone. MAR NOW is Illinois’ immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234.&nbsp;</li> <li>Visit overcomeopioids.org and chicagohan.org/opioid for more information. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * An increased number of opioid overdoses occurred in the Chicago area beginning Saturday, May 11, 2024, and remained elevated on Monday, May 13, 2024. * In addition to presenting with symptoms of opioid toxicity (respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils), some patients also presented with hypertension, bradycardia and downward gaze. * Providers should increase the amount of naloxone available on hand and distribute widely. * Counsel patients and clients that any drug could contain fentanyl. * The use of fentanyl and xylazine test strips on drug samples prior to consumption may help minimize the risk of overdose. * Consider immediate initiation of buprenorphine for persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone. MAR NOW is Illinois' immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234. * Visit overcomeopioids.org and chicagohan.org/opioid for more information. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684280?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,434554,4382122025-03-13T18:30:0346689583VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - March 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Recent News in Vaccine Preventable Diseases</li> <li>Access to Information and Resources</li> <li>Respiratory Virus Season Update</li> <li>VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars</li> <li>Join our Immunizations Workgroup!</li> <li>And More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Recent News in Vaccine Preventable Diseases * Access to Information and Resources * Respiratory Virus Season Update * VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars * Join our Immunizations Workgroup! * And More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689583?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-05-14T20:32:5446684180School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighHAN for schools and daycares May 14,2024<p><strong>Summary and Highlights:</strong></p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for an upcoming webinar on invasive Group A Strep this Wednesday, May 15 for both early childcare and k-12 audiences.</p> <p>We will:</p> <ul> <li>Explain the importance of preventing the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections</li> <li>List potential complications of a Group A Streptococcal infections</li> <li>Identify ways to prevent the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections.</li> </ul> <p>Microsoft Teams</p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163</p> <p>Passcode: h4iNNi</p> <p>Dial in by phone</p> <p><a href="http://tel:+18722226918,,104780471" target="_blank">+1 872-222-6918,,104780471#</a> United States, Chicago</p> <p><a href="https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=104780471" target="_blank">Find a local number</a></p> <p>Phone conference ID: 104 780 471#</p> **Summary and Highlights:** Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for an upcoming webinar on invasive Group A Strep this Wednesday, May 15 for both early childcare and k-12 audiences. We will: * Explain the importance of preventing the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections * List potential complications of a Group A Streptococcal infections * Identify ways to prevent the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections. Microsoft Teams [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163 Passcode: h4iNNi Dial in by phone [+1 872-222-6918,,104780471#](http://tel:+18722226918,,104780471) United States, Chicago [Find a local number](https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=104780471) Phone conference ID: 104 780 471# truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684180?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-05-15T17:00:0046684181School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighHAN for schools and daycares May 15,2024<p><strong>Summary and Highlights:</strong></p> <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for an upcoming webinar on invasive Group A Strep this Wednesday, May 15 for both early childcare and k-12 audiences.</p> <p>We will:</p> <ul> <li>Explain the importance of preventing the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections</li> <li>List potential complications of a Group A Streptococcal infections</li> <li>Identify ways to prevent the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections.</li> </ul> <p>Microsoft Teams</p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank">Join the meeting now</a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163</p> <p>Passcode: h4iNNi</p> <p>Dial in by phone</p> <p><a href="http://tel:+18722226918,,104780471" target="_blank">+1 872-222-6918,,104780471#</a> United States, Chicago</p> <p><a href="https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=104780471" target="_blank">Find a local number</a></p> <p>Phone conference ID: 104 780 471#</p> **Summary and Highlights:** Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for an upcoming webinar on invasive Group A Strep this Wednesday, May 15 for both early childcare and k-12 audiences. We will: * Explain the importance of preventing the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections * List potential complications of a Group A Streptococcal infections * Identify ways to prevent the spread of Group A Streptococcal infections. Microsoft Teams [Join the meeting now](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODg0MDFiMzAtMzQ2NC00YzBiLWI2MTAtNmRhYzU1YzA2ZTU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) Meeting ID: 216 124 481 163 Passcode: h4iNNi Dial in by phone [+1 872-222-6918,,104780471#](http://tel:+18722226918,,104780471) United States, Chicago [Find a local number](https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=104780471) Phone conference ID: 104 780 471# truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684181?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-07-09T14:01:0946685583School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers 2024 <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li>Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th</li> <li>Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th</li> <li>Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 16th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246</p> <p>Passcode: 9JNyZP</p> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training – IN PERSON</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 24th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm</strong></p> <p><strong>Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631</strong></p> <p>To register, please complete this form:<br /> <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf" target="_blank">IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include: * Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th * Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th * Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th ++**Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th. **Date: July 16th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:15 pm** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246 Passcode: 9JNyZP ++**Stop the Bleed Training -- IN PERSON**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training. **Date: July 24th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 3:00 pm** **Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631** To register, please complete this form: [IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK](https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685583?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-05-16T22:07:4946684182Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsDiseases & Conditions,COVID-19,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM),C.auris,Congenital Syphilis (CS),Hepatitis A,Influenza,Legionellosis,Meningococcal Disease,Rabies,Programs,Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI/AR),Measles,Mumps,Pertussis,Perinatal Hepatitis B,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),Tuberculosis,Varicella (Chickenpox),Antimicrobial Stewardship Program,Vaccines for Children,COVID,Foodborne Illness,Monkeypox,School Health,Ebola,Marburg Virus,Congregate SettingsHighIDPH: Amended Communicable Disease Code<p>The attached memo from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) highlights recent changes to the <a href="https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700690sections.html" target="_blank">Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code</a> (formerly the Control of Communicable Diseases Code) that defines disease reporting requirements for healthcare providers and laboratories in Illinois. These changes include the addition of new reportable conditions, updated reporting timeframes, and amendments to clarify reporting and investigation procedures.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> CDPH would like to ensure healthcare facilities and laboratories are aware of significant changes to reporting of respiratory conditions that were made to align reporting systems for respiratory viruses (COVID-19, RSV, and seasonal influenza). &nbsp;While these changes were adopted in February 2024, new modules for reporting respiratory conditions in the Illinois National Electronic Surveillance System (I-NEDSS), including COVID-19, will be available by May 18, 2024. &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR REPORTING COVID-19, SEASONAL INFLUENZA, AND RSV&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Healthcare providers must report &nbsp; COVID-19, RSV, and seasonal influenza ICU admissions and pediatric deaths&nbsp;</li> <li>Laboratories must continue to report positive SARS-CoV-2 tests via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR); reporting of negative results is no longer required&nbsp;</li> <li>Laboratories must start sending positive RSV and influenza results to I-NEDSS via ELR&nbsp;</li> <li>Point of care testing for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer reportable&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<br /> These reporting changes will impact the data products related to COVID-19 that we share publicly. Continue to check our <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Latest Data</a> page for updates. CDPH continues to monitor and share data about respiratory virus circulation in Chicago, including through our weekly <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html" target="_blank">Respiratory Virus Surveillance Reports</a>, also distributed via the HAN.<br />  </p> The attached memo from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) highlights recent changes to the [Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code](https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700690sections.html) (formerly the Control of Communicable Diseases Code) that defines disease reporting requirements for healthcare providers and laboratories in Illinois. These changes include the addition of new reportable conditions, updated reporting timeframes, and amendments to clarify reporting and investigation procedures. <br /> CDPH would like to ensure healthcare facilities and laboratories are aware of significant changes to reporting of respiratory conditions that were made to align reporting systems for respiratory viruses (COVID-19, RSV, and seasonal influenza). While these changes were adopted in February 2024, new modules for reporting respiratory conditions in the Illinois National Electronic Surveillance System (I-NEDSS), including COVID-19, will be available by May 18, 2024. <br /> **KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR REPORTING COVID-19, SEASONAL INFLUENZA, AND RSV** * Healthcare providers must report COVID-19, RSV, and seasonal influenza ICU admissions and pediatric deaths * Laboratories must continue to report positive SARS-CoV-2 tests via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR); reporting of negative results is no longer required * Laboratories must start sending positive RSV and influenza results to I-NEDSS via ELR * Point of care testing for SARS-CoV-2 is no longer reportable <br /> These reporting changes will impact the data products related to COVID-19 that we share publicly. Continue to check our [Latest Data](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) page for updates. CDPH continues to monitor and share data about respiratory virus circulation in Chicago, including through our weekly [Respiratory Virus Surveillance Reports](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health_data/current_flu_situationinchicago.html), also distributed via the HAN. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684182?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434555,434556,437025,437529,437620,437742,437835,437934,438007,438120,438212,438213,438313,438438,438544,438640,438739,438818,439550,440266,440472,441444,2021015,2048239,2063520,2099500,6037893,133213092024-05-17T16:02:1946684183VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- May 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684183?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-05-17T18:49:4546684282InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 17, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Effective May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report COVID-19 hospital admissions, hospital capacity, or hospital occupancy data to HHS through CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). COVID-19 hospital admission levels will no longer be reported.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 remains at 2.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>49 of 3,826 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,069 of 165,523 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.3% to 2.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.3% to 16.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.5 to 2.7%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * Effective May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report COVID-19 hospital admissions, hospital capacity, or hospital occupancy data to HHS through CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). COVID-19 hospital admission levels will no longer be reported. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 remains at 2.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 49 of 3,826 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,069 of 165,523 (6.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.3% to 2.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 20.3% to 16.1%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 4.5 to 2.7%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684282?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092025-03-14T20:24:2546689585InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 14, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has decreased from Moderate to Low. </strong>Flu activity remains Moderate, and all influenza clinical surveillance indicators continue to decline. COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. &nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions attributable to the flu continue to decrease from the late January peak. Overall ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease. ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19 have decreased or remained the same over the past week across all age groups, and ICU admissions have continued to decrease over the last three weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains elevated (11%) but has decreased from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represented 35% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A that were subtyped for the week 82% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentration for flu A remains high, flu B remains low, COVID-19 has decreased from high to low, and RSV has increased from moderate to high. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It’s not too late to get vaccinated!&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> <strong>and</strong> <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> <strong>vaccine coverage across the city remain low</strong>. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has decreased from Moderate to Low.**Flu activity remains Moderate, and all influenza clinical surveillance indicators continue to decline. COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions attributable to the flu continue to decrease from the late January peak. Overall ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease. ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19 have decreased or remained the same over the past week across all age groups, and ICU admissions have continued to decrease over the last three weeks.  * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu remains elevated (11%) but has decreased from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represented 35% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A that were subtyped for the week 82% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week. * Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentration for flu A remains high, flu B remains low, COVID-19 has decreased from high to low, and RSV has increased from moderate to high. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It's not too late to get vaccinated! * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) **and** [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) **vaccine coverage across the city remain low** . See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689585?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-05-20T17:39:5646684184Opioid ConcernsOpioid Information,Diseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighMedetomidine in Chicago’s Drug Supply May 20, 2024<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Multiple drug samples collected from the West Side of Chicago on May 11, 2024 tested positive for elevated levels of medetomidine. In addition, fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, alprazolam and nitazenes have been detected in the same samples.</li> <li>Medetomidine is a new adulterant in Chicago’s drug supply. It is a non-opioid sedative like xylazine but considered more potent. It has no approved use in humans.</li> <li>Like its dextro-isomer dexmedetomidine (sold as Precedex® or Dexdor®), medetomidine acts on alpha-2-adrenergic receptors to cause sedation, analgesia, bradycardia, prolonged hypotension following initial hypertension, and peripheral vasoconstriction. It can also cause respiratory depression, which can be greater when taken with other opioid and non-opioid sedatives.</li> <li>Report overdoses with atypical features to the Illinois Poison Center – 1-800-222-1222 to send specimen for testing.</li> <li>Initiate all patients whose overdose was reversed with naloxone on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) before discharge from ED or hospital. MAR NOW is Illinois’ immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Multiple drug samples collected from the West Side of Chicago on May 11, 2024 tested positive for elevated levels of medetomidine. In addition, fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, alprazolam and nitazenes have been detected in the same samples. * Medetomidine is a new adulterant in Chicago's drug supply. It is a non-opioid sedative like xylazine but considered more potent. It has no approved use in humans. * Like its dextro-isomer dexmedetomidine (sold as Precedex® or Dexdor®), medetomidine acts on alpha-2-adrenergic receptors to cause sedation, analgesia, bradycardia, prolonged hypotension following initial hypertension, and peripheral vasoconstriction. It can also cause respiratory depression, which can be greater when taken with other opioid and non-opioid sedatives. * Report overdoses with atypical features to the Illinois Poison Center -- 1-800-222-1222 to send specimen for testing. * Initiate all patients whose overdose was reversed with naloxone on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) before discharge from ED or hospital. MAR NOW is Illinois' immediate opioid treatment helpline. Call 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234. Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684184?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,434554,4382122024-05-22T14:18:1446684188Lead Poisoning PreventionDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for Children,Lead Program,School HealthHighUpcoming Lead Poisoning Prevention Webinars for healthcare providers.<p>ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is offering Lead Poisoning Prevention webinars for healthcare providers. After attending this webinar, providers will be able to review lead and sources of exposure, identify the effects of lead poisoning on children, discuss lead screening and testing requirements, and discuss prevention and management of lead poisoning. Please see registration information for the upcoming webinars below. All webinars are eligible for 1.0 CME credit. Please note: these are repeated webinars. Participants should only attend one.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, June 4 12-1pm</strong> <ul> <li>Presenter: Jackie Korpics, MD, FAAP, Director, Lead Exposure Clinic at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago</li> <li>Register:<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde6vpzIpGdNN3KqLZ9hUACuieCRdSgss__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bPtQrSEvsp_qk5DdKG1chcnGzxCgIF-hx9w_UCVKkEA6Ze6aYDGb5ybcZIiTeH_4EnrFsnufSbtb3OaMkhaAJA-ZndM$" target="_blank"> https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde6vpzIpGdNN3KqLZ9hUACuieCRdSgss</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Thursday, August 22 12-1pm</strong> <ul> <li>Presenter: Stacy Laurent, DO, FAAP, Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Assistant Program Director, UIC Pediatrics Residency Program</li> <li>Register: <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtc-ysrzwsEtMotVXbGP_jaYwQtoHGNxWv__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bPtQrSEvsp_qk5DdKG1chcnGzxCgIF-hx9w_UCVKkEA6Ze6aYDGb5ybcZIiTeH_4EnrFsnufSbtb3OaMkhaAEUXotwc$" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtc-ysrzwsEtMotVXbGP_jaYwQtoHGNxWv</a><br />  </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>ICAAP is also offering free trainings to Chicago medical practices on Lead Poisoning Prevention. These trainings can be tailored to the specific needs of each practice and can be offered in-person or virtually. Please contact Abby Creek at <a href="mailto:acreek@illinoisaap.com">acreek@illinoisaap.com</a> for more information.</p> <p> </p> ICAAP, in conjunction with CDPH, is offering Lead Poisoning Prevention webinars for healthcare providers. After attending this webinar, providers will be able to review lead and sources of exposure, identify the effects of lead poisoning on children, discuss lead screening and testing requirements, and discuss prevention and management of lead poisoning. Please see registration information for the upcoming webinars below. All webinars are eligible for 1.0 CME credit. Please note: these are repeated webinars. Participants should only attend one. * **Tuesday, June 4 12-1pm** * Presenter: Jackie Korpics, MD, FAAP, Director, Lead Exposure Clinic at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago * Register:[https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde6vpzIpGdNN3KqLZ9hUACuieCRdSgss](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde6vpzIpGdNN3KqLZ9hUACuieCRdSgss__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bPtQrSEvsp_qk5DdKG1chcnGzxCgIF-hx9w_UCVKkEA6Ze6aYDGb5ybcZIiTeH_4EnrFsnufSbtb3OaMkhaAJA-ZndM$) * **Thursday, August 22 12-1pm** * Presenter: Stacy Laurent, DO, FAAP, Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Assistant Program Director, UIC Pediatrics Residency Program * Register: [https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtc-ysrzwsEtMotVXbGP_jaYwQtoHGNxWv](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtc-ysrzwsEtMotVXbGP_jaYwQtoHGNxWv__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!bPtQrSEvsp_qk5DdKG1chcnGzxCgIF-hx9w_UCVKkEA6Ze6aYDGb5ybcZIiTeH_4EnrFsnufSbtb3OaMkhaAEUXotwc$) ICAAP is also offering free trainings to Chicago medical practices on Lead Poisoning Prevention. These trainings can be tailored to the specific needs of each practice and can be offered in-person or virtually. Please contact Abby Creek at [acreek@illinoisaap.com](mailto:acreek@illinoisaap.com) for more information. falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684188?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,440472,1133292,20635202024-05-22T15:47:5546684189AnnouncementDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),AnnouncementHigh CDPH SIDB Provider Conference - registration is now open May 22, 2024<p>Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on <strong>Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM</strong> at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1900+W+Jackson+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60612/''/@41.878142,-87.7450837,12z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!3e0?hl=en&amp;entry=ttu" target="_blank">Malcolm X College</a>. This year's conference, <strong>Syndemics: Intersecting Challenges &amp; Integrated Solutions,</strong> will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS) to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Disease to CDPH.</p> <p><strong>Registration is now OPEN!</strong> Please follow the <a href="https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-2024" target="_blank">registration link</a> to register. &nbsp;We encourage you to share the registration link widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! &nbsp;Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon!&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024!&nbsp;<br /> CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team&nbsp;</p> Please join the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Syndemic Infectious Disease (SID) Bureau for a free one-day advanced continuing education program for healthcare providers on **Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 8:30 AM -- 4:30 PM** at [Malcolm X College](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1900+W+Jackson+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60612/''/@41.878142,-87.7450837,12z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e2d3e4e3a7483:0x134261cc36343ee2!2m2!1d-87.6748719!2d41.8781634!3e0?hl=en&entry=ttu). This year's conference, **Syndemics: Intersecting Challenges \& Integrated Solutions,** will highlight the latest advancements in Syndemic Infectious Disease by guest speakers and dynamic leaders in public health. The SID Bureau will also host onsite technical assistance with the Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS) to ensure healthcare providers have all the tools they need to report Syndemic Infectious Disease to CDPH. **Registration is now OPEN!** Please follow the [registration link](https://cloud.citynews.chicago.gov/SID-2024) to register. We encourage you to share the registration link widely with your clinical networks, including those participating in medical residency and fellowship programs! Please note that the agenda and speaker details will be finalized soon! Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on June 27, 2024! CDPH SID Bureau Conference Team falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684189?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438739,4573972024-05-24T17:54:0446684578InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 24, 2024<p>CDPH’s respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.8% to 3.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.&nbsp;</li> <li>26 of 4,181 (0.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,104 of 170,033 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2023-2024 season. &nbsp;Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease:</li> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.6% to 4.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 16.1% to 17.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 2.9%.</li> </ul> CDPH's respiratory surveillance report for the week has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.8% to 3.8%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low, with the majority of specimens testing positive for influenza B. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since October 1, 2023, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 26 of 4,181 (0.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 1, 2023, 11,104 of 170,033 (6.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are both below local thresholds. * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/vaccine-finder.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45702089&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46681288) for the 2023-2024 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * RSV activity peaked in early December and continues to decrease: * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 2.6% to 4.6%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 16.1% to 17.3%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 2.7% to 2.9%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684578?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092025-03-21T18:52:5946689679InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 21, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> Flu activity remains Moderate and COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low.</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups. &nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represented 55% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 63% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentration for flu A and RSV decreased from high to moderate, flu B increased from low to moderate, and COVID-19 remains low. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It’s not too late to get vaccinated! &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a><strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> <strong>vaccine coverage across the city remain low</strong>. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** Flu activity remains Moderate and COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represented 55% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 63% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week. * Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentration for flu A and RSV decreased from high to moderate, flu B increased from low to moderate, and COVID-19 remains low. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It's not too late to get vaccinated! * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)**and** [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) **vaccine coverage across the city remain low** . See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689679?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-10T20:47:4546685678LTCFDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),MeaslesHighIDPH: Updates for LTCFs Regarding Infection Prevention and Viral Respiratory Illness Mitigation<p>Illinois Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) are Eligible for a FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests from the State of Illinois— *Test Requests are DUE by Monday, July 29th, 2024*</p> <p>To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, your LTCF must have all the following in place:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing.&nbsp;</li> <li>A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Tests received by your LTCF may only be administered on-site for diagnostic and screening purposes. The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of staff, patients, and residents of the facility.&nbsp;</p> <p>Available tests will expire between September and October 2024. IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience.&nbsp;</p> <p>So long as you have met all the above listed requirements for eligibility, you are welcome to complete the form here: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> Illinois Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) are Eligible for a FREE One-Time Bulk Shipment of Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests from the State of Illinois--- \*Test Requests are DUE by Monday, July 29th, 2024\* To be eligible for a one-time bulk shipment of FREE tests, your LTCF must have all the following in place: * A CLIA waiver that allows for the administration of antigen testing. * A provider order for antigen testing that has been approved and signed by a medical professional. Tests received by your LTCF may only be administered on-site for diagnostic and screening purposes. The tests cannot be provided for take home or at home use. Eligible use cases include the on-site testing of staff, patients, and residents of the facility. Available tests will expire between September and October 2024. IDPH has developed a shipment request form for your convenience. So long as you have met all the above listed requirements for eligibility, you are welcome to complete the form here: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=T78A4HAKFTPKWXAA> Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685678?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,4383132024-07-11T18:14:1446685585School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighReminder: Air Travel Associated with Heightened Risk of Measles Exposure July 11, 2024<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>Measles has been confirmed in two non-Illinois residents who travelled through Chicago airports while infectious in the past two weeks.</strong></li> <li>International travel is a risk factor for measles; travellers should be appropriately vaccinated.</li> <li>Domestic travellers may also have heightened risk of exposure, especially if traveling through international airports.<br />  </li> </ul> <p> </p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **Measles has been confirmed in two non-Illinois residents who travelled through Chicago airports while infectious in the past two weeks.** * International travel is a risk factor for measles; travellers should be appropriately vaccinated. * Domestic travellers may also have heightened risk of exposure, especially if traveling through international airports. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685585?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-07-12T19:38:0046685680InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 12, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 27 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Points :</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.0% to 7.6%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.5% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.7% to 9.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.8% to &lt;1%%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 2.0% to 1.1%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 27 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Points :** **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is 1.0%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 6.0% to 7.6% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.5% to 2.3%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.7% to 9.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.8% to \<1%%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 2.0% to 1.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685680?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-15T17:18:1946685586West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 15, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 15, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eleven (11) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 15, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eleven (11) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685586?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-05-28T20:56:2246684678School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSchool Nurse Emergency Care (SNEC) Course 2024<p><strong>School Nurse Emergency Care (SNEC) Course</strong><br /> The School Nurse Emergency Care Course is based on a course initially developed by the University of Connecticut. It has been conducted in Illinois since 1995 and is revised continuously to ensure consistency with current practice. Working in partnership with the Illinois Association of School Nurses and the Illinois Department of Public Health School Health Program, the course enhances the school nurse's assessment, triaging, and treatment skills when confronted with an acutely ill or injured student. With the increasing number of urgent health-related conditions in the changing school environment and the need to ensure disaster preparedness, this course will support the school nurse’s core knowledge base in responding to these situations.&nbsp;<br /> <a href="https://www.osfhealthcare.org/childrens/services/pediatric-readiness/school-nurse-emergency-course/" target="_blank">School Nurse Emergency Course | OSF Children's Hospital (osfhealthcare.org)</a></p> **School Nurse Emergency Care (SNEC) Course** The School Nurse Emergency Care Course is based on a course initially developed by the University of Connecticut. It has been conducted in Illinois since 1995 and is revised continuously to ensure consistency with current practice. Working in partnership with the Illinois Association of School Nurses and the Illinois Department of Public Health School Health Program, the course enhances the school nurse's assessment, triaging, and treatment skills when confronted with an acutely ill or injured student. With the increasing number of urgent health-related conditions in the changing school environment and the need to ensure disaster preparedness, this course will support the school nurse's core knowledge base in responding to these situations. [School Nurse Emergency Course \| OSF Children's Hospital (osfhealthcare.org)](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/childrens/services/pediatric-readiness/school-nurse-emergency-course/) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684678?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202025-03-27T16:58:0546689681MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHigh[CORRECTED MESSAGE] IDPH: Improving Measles Protection Rates and Evaluation of Outbreak Readiness<p><em>The previous message was sent out without critical reporting and vaccination information. We apologize for the inconvenience; please find additional details below.</em></p> <p><u><strong>Summary</strong></u></p> <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Immunization Section requests your immediate action to help avoid a measles outbreak in your school. <strong>Schools with measles protection rates below the 96% Community Immunity Threshold (CIT) will receive an additional communication. We are providing critical resources in this document in the form of:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/school-vaccination-coverage-dashboard.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Illinois School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard</strong></a></li> <li><strong>Critical action steps to minimize spread of infections in schools</strong></li> <li><strong>Access to enroll in <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=35f8f066b2364aff8d3526c4bf413a7c" target="_blank">ICARE</a> (the State Immunization Registry)</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>For Chicago Schools: Report a case of measles at your school or daycare facility, </strong>call the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) at 312-743-9000 option 2 during business hours and 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. Measles cases must be reported to CDPH immediately (within 3 hours).</p> <p>For additional resources for Chicago schools about measles, see: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools</a>.</p> <p>CDPH immunization clinics provide vaccinations for children 0 through 18 at <strong>no out-of-pocket cost</strong>. CDPH serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid (Title XIX) insured, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP; also known as Title XXI or state-funded) individuals. <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> for details on these clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at <a href="https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov/" target="_blank">https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov</a> or by calling the clinic.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Greater Lawn West 55th Street, 4150 W. 55th St., 312.745.1477&nbsp; <ul> <li>Schedule: M - F, 8 am – 3 pm&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Uptown Wilson Ave, 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd level, 312.742.3227&nbsp; <ul> <li>Schedule: M/W/F, 8am – 3pm; T/Th, 9am – 4pm&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub, 1713 S. Ashland Ave., 312.743.1198&nbsp; <ul> <li>Schedule: Th - F, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm&nbsp;</li> <li>This clinic was renamed from the Lower West Clinic to the Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub on Nov. 1, 2024.&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Roseland East 115th Street Health Hub, 200 E. 115th St., 2nd floor, 312.747.1013&nbsp; <ul> <li>Schedule: M, 9 am – 1 pm</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> *The previous message was sent out without critical reporting and vaccination information. We apologize for the inconvenience; please find additional details below.* ++**Summary**++ The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Immunization Section requests your immediate action to help avoid a measles outbreak in your school. **Schools with measles protection rates below the 96% Community Immunity Threshold (CIT) will receive an additional communication. We are providing critical resources in this document in the form of:** * [**The Illinois School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard**](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/school-vaccination-coverage-dashboard.html) * **Critical action steps to minimize spread of infections in schools** * **Access to enroll in [ICARE](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=35f8f066b2364aff8d3526c4bf413a7c) (the State Immunization Registry)** **For Chicago Schools: Report a case of measles at your school or daycare facility,**call the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) at 312-743-9000 option 2 during business hours and 311 (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago) and request the CDPH medical director on-call. Measles cases must be reported to CDPH immediately (within 3 hours). For additional resources for Chicago schools about measles, see: <https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools>. CDPH immunization clinics provide vaccinations for children 0 through 18 at **no out-of-pocket cost** . CDPH serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid (Title XIX) insured, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP; also known as Title XXI or state-funded) individuals. [Click here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html) for details on these clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at [https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov](https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov/) or by calling the clinic. * Greater Lawn West 55th Street, 4150 W. 55th St., 312.745.1477 * Schedule: M - F, 8 am -- 3 pm * Uptown Wilson Ave, 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd level, 312.742.3227 * Schedule: M/W/F, 8am -- 3pm; T/Th, 9am -- 4pm * Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub, 1713 S. Ashland Ave., 312.743.1198 * Schedule: Th - F, 8:30 am -- 3:30 pm * This clinic was renamed from the Lower West Clinic to the Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub on Nov. 1, 2024. * Roseland East 115th Street Health Hub, 200 E. 115th St., 2nd floor, 312.747.1013 * Schedule: M, 9 am -- 1 pm Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689681?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202025-03-28T18:38:1246689780InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - March 28, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> Flu activity has decreased from Moderate to Low, and COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low.</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups. &nbsp;ED visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased slightly for the age group 0-4.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represent 73.1% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 71% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate; COVID-19 concentration remains low. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It’s not too late to get vaccinated! &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a><strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> <strong>vaccine coverage across the city remain low</strong>. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** Flu activity has decreased from Moderate to Low, and COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups. ED visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased slightly for the age group 0-4. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B have continued to increase and represent 73.1% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 71% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week. * Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate; COVID-19 concentration remains low. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. It's not too late to get vaccinated! * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)**and** [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) **vaccine coverage across the city remain low** . See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689780?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-05-29T14:00:0046684679School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers Summer 2024 <p><br /> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and k-12 audiences. Sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li>Summer Safety on June 3rd for K-12 Schools and June 11th for Early Childcare Centers</li> <li>Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th</li> <li>Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</li> </ul> <p><strong>Summer Safety – K-12 Schools</strong></p> <p><strong>Date: June 3rd</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am CST</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzIwYjM5NjUtMTFhNi00ZTE0LTljYjgtMDQwMThkOGQ4M2Iw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e8909aae-4243-42c2-a6f0-80cd0bc74bf1%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p><strong>Join on your computer, mobile app or room device</strong></p> <p><strong>Meeting ID: 240 164 809 973</strong></p> <p><strong>Passcode: 9kSGbR&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Dial in by phone<br /> <a href="tel:+1 872-222-6918,,976467100#">+1 872-222-6918,,976467100#</a> </strong>United States, Chicago<br /> <strong><a href="https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=976467100" target="_blank">Find a local number</a></strong><br /> Phone conference ID: 976 467 100#</p> <p><strong>Summer Safety – Early Childcare Centers</strong></p> <p><strong>Date: June 11th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CST</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWZlZTQ2OTgtMzNkMS00NDU5LWI3NGItODIwMzQxMzNjYjVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p><strong>Join on your computer, mobile app or room device</strong></p> <p><strong>Meeting ID: 233 627 794 161</strong></p> <p><strong>Passcode: 52ENQC</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Dial in by phone</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="tel:+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#">+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#</a> </strong>United States, Chicago</p> <p><a href="https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=852789088" target="_blank"><strong>Find a local number</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Phone conference ID: 852 789 088#</strong></p> <p> </p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and k-12 audiences. Sessions will include: * Summer Safety on June 3rd for K-12 Schools and June 11th for Early Childcare Centers * Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th * Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th **Summer Safety -- K-12 Schools** **Date: June 3rd** **Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am CST** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzIwYjM5NjUtMTFhNi00ZTE0LTljYjgtMDQwMThkOGQ4M2Iw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e8909aae-4243-42c2-a6f0-80cd0bc74bf1%22%7d) **Join on your computer, mobile app or room device** **Meeting ID: 240 164 809 973** **Passcode: 9kSGbR** **Dial in by phone [+1 872-222-6918,,976467100#](tel:+1 872-222-6918,,976467100#)** United States, Chicago **[Find a local number](https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=976467100)** Phone conference ID: 976 467 100# **Summer Safety -- Early Childcare Centers** **Date: June 11th** **Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CST** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWZlZTQ2OTgtMzNkMS00NDU5LWI3NGItODIwMzQxMzNjYjVm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb72aed6-b893-4910-8326-abae0aa7765c%22%7d) **Join on your computer, mobile app or room device** **Meeting ID: 233 627 794 161** **Passcode: 52ENQC** **Dial in by phone** **[+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#](tel:+1 872-222-6918,,852789088#)**United States, Chicago [**Find a local number**](https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1ba6f789-a55d-4ccc-b5c2-0cec01153e94?id=852789088) **Phone conference ID: 852 789 088#** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684679?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-05-30T19:32:5946684778MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighMeasles Update: End of Outbreak Declaration - May 30, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The measles outbreak in Chicago has ended.</li> <li>Providers should call CDPH at 312-743-9000 (select option 2) during business hours or 311 after hours or on weekends to report suspect measles cases and request testing. They should no longer request testing through the online form.</li> <li>Special vaccine recommendations for outbreak settings &amp; community transmission contexts (e.g., accelerated 2nd dose for children &lt;4 years of age) no longer apply.</li> <li>Providers should continue to ensure all patients are updated on their vaccinations, especially&nbsp;prior to international travel.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p> </p> **Summary and Action Items** * The measles outbreak in Chicago has ended. * Providers should call CDPH at 312-743-9000 (select option 2) during business hours or 311 after hours or on weekends to report suspect measles cases and request testing. They should no longer request testing through the online form. * Special vaccine recommendations for outbreak settings \& community transmission contexts (e.g., accelerated 2nd dose for children \<4 years of age) no longer apply. * Providers should continue to ensure all patients are updated on their vaccinations, especially prior to international travel. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202024-05-31T20:42:0246685080School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighMeasles Update For Schools: End of Outbreak Declaration May 31,2024<p><strong>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has declared the recent outbreak of measles in the City of Chicago officially over, with two full incubation periods for measles (42 days) having passed without any new cases. Special vaccine recommendations for outbreak settings &amp; community transmission contexts (e.g., accelerated 2nd dose for children &lt;4 years of age) no longer apply. &nbsp;Schools should remain vigilant for all communicable diseases and ensure their policies align with ISBE and IDPH requirements.</strong></p> <p><strong>Please review the attached HAN for more details or visit Chicago <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools" target="_blank">HAN's School Health Page</a>.</strong></p> <p> </p> **Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to supporting our children to ensure that they thrive and achieve their optimal health and wellness.** **The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has declared the recent outbreak of measles in the City of Chicago officially over, with two full incubation periods for measles (42 days) having passed without any new cases. Special vaccine recommendations for outbreak settings \& community transmission contexts (e.g., accelerated 2nd dose for children \<4 years of age) no longer apply. Schools should remain vigilant for all communicable diseases and ensure their policies align with ISBE and IDPH requirements.** **Please review the attached HAN for more details or visit Chicago [HAN's School Health Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/school_health/communicable-diseases-in-schools/measles-in-schools).** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685080?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-05-31T20:57:3246685081InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 31, 2024<p>CDPH’s Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for the week has been published. Also included in this report is the 2023-2024 Influenza Season Surveillance Summary.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.8% to 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.<br /> The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of&nbsp;<br /> outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.<br /> For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see,<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank"> H5N1 Bird&nbsp;<br /> Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.6% to 2.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.3% to 12.9%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at 4.6%.</li> </ul> CDPH's Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for the week has been published. Also included in this report is the 2023-2024 Influenza Season Surveillance Summary. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 3.8% to 2.5%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see,[H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.6% to 2.9%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 17.3% to 12.9%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has decreased from 2.9% to \<1%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus remains at 4.6%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685081?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-06-04T14:32:2946685082COVID19Diseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School Health,Congregate SettingsHighLong COVID Panel Discussion June 4, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p><strong>Upcoming Webinar:</strong>&nbsp;Long COVID Panel Discussion</p> <p><strong>When:</strong>&nbsp;Friday June 21, 2024</p> <p><strong>About:</strong>&nbsp;Join us for a panel discussion on Long COVID, current and future research, and clinical best practices for supporting patients with Long COVID</p> <p><strong>Panelists include:</strong></p> <p>Ziyad Al-Ay, MD, FASN - Director of the Clinical Epidemiology Center<br /> Chief of Research and Education, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Saint Louis.</p> <p>Hanieh Razzaghi, PhD, MPH - Associate Director, PEDSnet Data Coordinating Center, and Data Scientist Supervisor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.</p> <p>Katrine L Wallace, PhD - Adjunct Assistant Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago and @epidemiologistkat on Instagram.</p> <p>These experts will discuss current and future research on Long COVID and options for treatment. Questions can be submitted upon registration.</p> <p>1.5 hours of free CME/CE is pending.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-iW9C3s5QhGTAW0c4Qgaiw__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Yf7aXhhIBmqjmm_KLlF-m_DmkVkQ9Ysqw3MAI4V8ajEvcqfyIc5LUTTUcvsGyUqvXKATW43HOqPBiReOZnZ8YfmVqPG3rKPwT10W$" target="_blank">Register here today</a></strong><br />  </p> **Summary and Action Items** **Upcoming Webinar:** Long COVID Panel Discussion **When:** Friday June 21, 2024 **About:** Join us for a panel discussion on Long COVID, current and future research, and clinical best practices for supporting patients with Long COVID **Panelists include:** Ziyad Al-Ay, MD, FASN - Director of the Clinical Epidemiology Center Chief of Research and Education, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Saint Louis. Hanieh Razzaghi, PhD, MPH - Associate Director, PEDSnet Data Coordinating Center, and Data Scientist Supervisor at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Katrine L Wallace, PhD - Adjunct Assistant Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago and @epidemiologistkat on Instagram. These experts will discuss current and future research on Long COVID and options for treatment. Questions can be submitted upon registration. 1.5 hours of free CME/CE is pending. **[Register here today](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-iW9C3s5QhGTAW0c4Qgaiw__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Yf7aXhhIBmqjmm_KLlF-m_DmkVkQ9Ysqw3MAI4V8ajEvcqfyIc5LUTTUcvsGyUqvXKATW43HOqPBiReOZnZ8YfmVqPG3rKPwT10W$)** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685082?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,2063520,133213092024-07-15T18:01:0946685587School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers 2024 <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li>Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th</li> <li>Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th</li> <li>Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 16th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Join the meeting now</strong></span></a></p> <p>Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246</p> <p>Passcode: 9JNyZP</p> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training – IN PERSON</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 24th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm</strong></p> <p><strong>Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631</strong></p> <p>To register, please complete this form:<br /> <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf" target="_blank">IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Sessions will include: * Stop the Bleed virtual training on July 16th * Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th * Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th ++**Stop the Bleed Training - VIRTUAL**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be a virtual training. No certificate of completion will be available. If you are interested in a certificate of completion, please attend the in-person training on July 24th. **Date: July 16th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:15 pm** [**Join the meeting now**](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yzc5OTA2M2ItZjBmMC00ZDBmLTk5ODAtZjY5ZDJhODQ5Njc5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c450e03-fd32-4e68-aa8f-13dc390f3af3%22%7d) Meeting ID: 291 827 013 246 Passcode: 9JNyZP ++**Stop the Bleed Training -- IN PERSON**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training. **Date: July 24th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 3:00 pm** **Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631** To register, please complete this form: [IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK](https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685587?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-06-05T22:17:0346685085Laboratory InformationLabHighIDPH: New Extensively-Drug Resistant Organism (XDRO) Registry Reporting and Querying Requirements<p>The purpose of this memo is to notify mandated reporters and health&nbsp;care providers of changes related to the control of multi-drug resistant organisms and Extensively Drug Resistant Organism (XDRO) Registry reporting and querying.</p> <p>For Chicago-based healthcare facilities with further questions related to XDRO or new reporting requirements, please contact <a href="mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org">CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org</a></p> <p>Please see attached for Details.</p> The purpose of this memo is to notify mandated reporters and health care providers of changes related to the control of multi-drug resistant organisms and Extensively Drug Resistant Organism (XDRO) Registry reporting and querying. For Chicago-based healthcare facilities with further questions related to XDRO or new reporting requirements, please contact [CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org](mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org) Please see attached for Details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685085?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682024-06-07T15:27:4446685090School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Updates to the Certificate of Child Health Examination Form June 7,2024<p>The following document entitled, "Child Health Examination Updates for Providers" is attached to the email version of this notification.</p> <p>This document is posted in the SIREN Document Center under Document Library &gt; HAN Notifications &gt; IDPH and can be viewed by logging in to <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.siren.illinois.gov/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Y5YXbXx_or95dZ6u0LlpX4supkmn2bZEhw8DneRl9TPEMl2F63s2W55gTU9QCGo1dtVnXCZduNF9F1ayP8BklPUGidC2jr5gwMWE8YB7nC5-aw$" target="_blank">www.siren.illinois.gov.</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>For questions on SIREN alerting/notifications or if you believe you received this message in error, please contact IDPH HAN at <a href="mailto:dph.siren@illinois.gov">dph.siren@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Thank you,<br /> SIREN</p> <p> </p> The following document entitled, "Child Health Examination Updates for Providers" is attached to the email version of this notification. This document is posted in the SIREN Document Center under Document Library \> HAN Notifications \> IDPH and can be viewed by logging in to [www.siren.illinois.gov.](https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.siren.illinois.gov/__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Y5YXbXx_or95dZ6u0LlpX4supkmn2bZEhw8DneRl9TPEMl2F63s2W55gTU9QCGo1dtVnXCZduNF9F1ayP8BklPUGidC2jr5gwMWE8YB7nC5-aw$) For questions on SIREN alerting/notifications or if you believe you received this message in error, please contact IDPH HAN at [dph.siren@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.siren@illinois.gov). Thank you, SIREN truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685090?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-06-07T17:38:0046684981InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 31, 2024<p>CDPH’s Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for the week has been published. During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:<u>&nbsp;</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 remains at 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.9% to 4.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 12.9% to 15.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from &lt;1% to 2.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 4.6% to 4.1%.</li> </ul> CDPH's Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report for the week has been published. During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses is \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 remains at 2.5%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 4.9% to 4.2%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 12.9% to 15.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from \<1% to 2.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 4.6% to 4.1%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46684981?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-09-25T21:18:1146686783InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHigh Annual Respiratory Reporting and Testing Guidance<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued<strong> Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2024-2025 season.</strong> COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated ICU hospitalizations; COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV-associated pediatric deaths; outbreaks of respiratory illness in a congregate living setting; and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).</p> <ul> <li>Report suspected novel influenza to CDPH immediately (within 3 hours of suspicion) by calling 312-743-9000 ext. 2 or 311 after hours and on weekends.</li> <li>Report ICU hospitalizations and pediatric deaths within 24 hours electronically through I-NEDSS. &nbsp;</li> <li>Use the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8LKFXJMTYNM7MLC4" target="_blank">CDPH Long-Term Care Outbreak Reporting form</a> to report outbreaks of respiratory illness in long-term care and assisted living facilities.</li> <li>Use the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=DF8XMYXA7FYPEANW" target="_blank">CDPH Community Congregate Setting Reporting form </a>to report outbreaks of respiratory illness in other congregate living facilities, like correctional facilities and shelters.</li> </ul> <p>With the exception of laboratories enrolled as sentinel site reporters, routine testing for inpatient and outpatient clinical care should be conducted at clinical or commercial laboratories. Only the following specimens should be sent to IDPH public health laboratories during the 2024-2025 season: influenza specimens that cannot be typed or specimens approved by CDPH on a case-by-case basis, such as for outbreak management and post-mortem evaluation. Clinical laboratories must request an authorization number from CDPH before submitting a specimen for these purposes. Visit the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN website</a> for more information on how to report and request respiratory testing authorization.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <ul> <li> </li> </ul> The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued**Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2024-2025 season.** COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated ICU hospitalizations; COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV-associated pediatric deaths; outbreaks of respiratory illness in a congregate living setting; and suspected novel influenza must be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). * Report suspected novel influenza to CDPH immediately (within 3 hours of suspicion) by calling 312-743-9000 ext. 2 or 311 after hours and on weekends. * Report ICU hospitalizations and pediatric deaths within 24 hours electronically through I-NEDSS. * Use the [CDPH Long-Term Care Outbreak Reporting form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8LKFXJMTYNM7MLC4) to report outbreaks of respiratory illness in long-term care and assisted living facilities. * Use the [CDPH Community Congregate Setting Reporting form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=DF8XMYXA7FYPEANW)to report outbreaks of respiratory illness in other congregate living facilities, like correctional facilities and shelters. With the exception of laboratories enrolled as sentinel site reporters, routine testing for inpatient and outpatient clinical care should be conducted at clinical or commercial laboratories. Only the following specimens should be sent to IDPH public health laboratories during the 2024-2025 season: influenza specimens that cannot be typed or specimens approved by CDPH on a case-by-case basis, such as for outbreak management and post-mortem evaluation. Clinical laboratories must request an authorization number from CDPH before submitting a specimen for these purposes. Visit the [CDPH HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report and request respiratory testing authorization. Please see attachment for full details. * truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46686783?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-16T21:25:2146685588BioWatchDiseases & Conditions,Facilities,AnnouncementHighCDPH Category A Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases Webinar for Frontline Providers<p><strong>Upcoming Webinar:</strong> Chicago Department of Public Health, Health Protection Bureau webinar on Category A Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday, July 18 at 12PM-1PM</p> <p><strong>About:</strong> The City of Chicago will be hosting the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 19-22, 2024. Planning efforts to ensure the safety of attendees and the general public are ongoing.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Health Protection Bureau invites you to a webinar to help prepare frontline healthcare providers to recognize clinical syndromes for<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist-category.asp" target="_blank"> Category A disease threats</a>. This training webinar will focus on transmission routes, clinical presentations, and initial management of disease. Mechanisms for reporting suspected cases to CDPH to ensure a rapid public health response will also be reviewed.</p> <p>Speaker: Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p><strong>Please use the attached calendar invite or the Microsoft Teams Link below to join:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzZjNmUxNjktNGZlZS00MmI2LWI5ZjMtYzA3MThkNDVjZmM0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%224a7b588a-6088-4252-a79a-aede6885f747%22%7d" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to join the meeting</p> **Upcoming Webinar:** Chicago Department of Public Health, Health Protection Bureau webinar on Category A Bioterrorism Agents/Diseases **When:** Thursday, July 18 at 12PM-1PM **About:** The City of Chicago will be hosting the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 19-22, 2024. Planning efforts to ensure the safety of attendees and the general public are ongoing. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Health Protection Bureau invites you to a webinar to help prepare frontline healthcare providers to recognize clinical syndromes for[Category A disease threats](https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist-category.asp). This training webinar will focus on transmission routes, clinical presentations, and initial management of disease. Mechanisms for reporting suspected cases to CDPH to ensure a rapid public health response will also be reviewed. Speaker: Alexander Sloboda, MD, MPH: Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Health Protection Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health **Please use the attached calendar invite or the Microsoft Teams Link below to join:** [CLICK HERE](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzZjNmUxNjktNGZlZS00MmI2LWI5ZjMtYzA3MThkNDVjZmM0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%224a7b588a-6088-4252-a79a-aede6885f747%22%7d) to join the meeting truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685588?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,441467,4573972024-07-17T14:47:2446685589STIDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighIDPH: FAST PHACT - Public Health Allied Clinician Talk Webinar Series<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">IDPH: is hosting a series of clinician directed interactive info-sessions in an office hours format called<strong> FAST PHACT (Public Health Allied Clinician Talks) </strong>targeted towards raising timely awareness of emerging and high impact public health issues that directly involve clinical care or health system considerations. Public Health medical advisors and subject matter experts from the Department will discuss and present on one to two topics each session with a forum for addressing questions around clinician roles in these situations from triage, testing to reporting and prevention considerations. All health care professionals are invited to participate.</span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This inaugural FAST PHACT session will be on July 18, 2024, from 12:00—1:00 p.m. (CST) and will focus on:</span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">a) <strong>The Silent Epidemic: The rise of congenital syphilis in Illinois and what clinicians can do to address it.</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">b) <strong>Feeling the Heat: The spike in heat related injuries due to climate change impacts and clinical considerations</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Series Dates: Every Third Thursday of each month from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (CST)</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Click <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/webinar/webinarSeries/register/0804e2093f6249ebbe88b5130f6f2566" onclick="window.open(this.href, '', 'resizable=no,status=no,location=no,toolbar=no,menubar=no,fullscreen=no,scrollbars=no,dependent=no'); return false;">here</a> to register!</span></strong></span></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> IDPH: is hosting a series of clinician directed interactive info-sessions in an office hours format called**FAST PHACT (Public Health Allied Clinician Talks)**targeted towards raising timely awareness of emerging and high impact public health issues that directly involve clinical care or health system considerations. Public Health medical advisors and subject matter experts from the Department will discuss and present on one to two topics each session with a forum for addressing questions around clinician roles in these situations from triage, testing to reporting and prevention considerations. All health care professionals are invited to participate. **This inaugural FAST PHACT session will be on July 18, 2024, from 12:00---1:00 p.m. (CST) and will focus on:** a) **The Silent Epidemic: The rise of congenital syphilis in Illinois and what clinicians can do to address it.** b) **Feeling the Heat: The spike in heat related injuries due to climate change impacts and clinical considerations** Series Dates: Every Third Thursday of each month from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (CST) **Click [here](https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/webinar/webinarSeries/register/0804e2093f6249ebbe88b5130f6f2566) to register!** Please see attachment for more details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685589?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392024-07-17T15:18:4646685590VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- July 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685590?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-07-19T18:56:2346685591Meningococcal DiseaseDiseases & Conditions,Meningococcal Disease,ProgramsHighNeisseria meningitidis Cases in a Chicago Shelter July 19, 2024 <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Two cases of Neisseria meningitidis infections have been detected since May 2024 in individuals residing in the same Chicago shelter.</li> <li>In 2024 to date, there have been 10 cases of N. meningitidis in Chicago residents, compared to 1–3 cases annually from 2017 to 2022.</li> <li>Vaccination efforts at the shelter are underway.</li> <li>Providers should continue to have a high index of suspicion for N. meningitidis in patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * Two cases of Neisseria meningitidis infections have been detected since May 2024 in individuals residing in the same Chicago shelter. * In 2024 to date, there have been 10 cases of N. meningitidis in Chicago residents, compared to 1--3 cases annually from 2017 to 2022. * Vaccination efforts at the shelter are underway. * Providers should continue to have a high index of suspicion for N. meningitidis in patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685591?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438007,4382122024-07-19T21:56:4146685593InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 19, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 28 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 9.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.3% to 1.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.2% to 9.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from &lt;1% to 1.8%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 28 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **COVID-19:** * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at 1.0%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 7.6% to 9.8%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm) **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 2.3% to 1.5%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.2% to 9.0%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from \<1% to 1.8%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685593?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-22T14:51:4746685594School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighSummer Webinar Series for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers Summer 2024 <p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Upcoming sessions will include:</p> <ul> <li>Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th</li> <li>Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Stop the Bleed Training – IN PERSON</strong></u></p> <p>Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training.</p> <p><strong>Date: July 24th</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm</strong></p> <p><strong>Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631</strong></p> <p><strong>To register, please complete this form:</strong><br /> <a href="https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf" target="_blank">IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK</a></p> <p> </p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. Please review the attached HAN Alert for upcoming summer webinars for both early childcare and K-12 audiences. Upcoming sessions will include: * Stop the Bleed in-person training on July 24th * Daycare and School Exclusion on August 15th and August 28th ++**Stop the Bleed Training -- IN PERSON**++ Learn how to stop life-threatening bleeding. This will be an in-person training that includes a hands-on skills portion. A certificate of completion will be provided after completing the in-person training. **Date: July 24th** **Time: 1:00 pm -- 3:00 pm** **Location: 1340 S Damen Ave 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60631** **To register, please complete this form:** [IN PERSON TRAINING - REGISTRATION LINK](https://forms.office.com/g/uqnwUNQsxf) truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685594?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-07-22T15:05:2046685595West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 22, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 22, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty (20) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 22, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty (20) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685595?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-07-23T21:47:3246685682School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighNew 4-Part Webinar Series on Pediatric Mental Health in IL from ICAAP<p><strong>FREE 4-Part Webinar Series: Building Capacity – Improving Pediatric Mental Health Screening, Treatment and Care in the Primary Care Setting</strong></p> <p><a href="https://illinoisaap.org/mental-health/pediatric-mental-health-care-education/" target="_blank">Register Here</a></p> <p><br /> The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting a new, 4-part webinar series, aimed to support primary health care providers on pediatric mental health screening, treatment and care. In addition to the webinars, ICAAP will host peer-to-peer collaboration sessions.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Webinar 1 - August 6, 2024 at 12pm:</strong> The Primary Care Approach to Addressing Mental Health in Children and Youth <ul> <li>Peer Support - August 8, 2024</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Webinar 2 - August 20, 2024 at 12pm:</strong> Diagnosis of Common Pediatric Mental Health Conditions <ul> <li>Peer Support - August 23, 2024 at 12pm</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Webinar 3 - September 9, 2024 at 12pm:</strong> Management of Pediatric Mental Health Conditions <ul> <li>Peer Support: September 13, 2024 at 12pm</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Webinar 4 - September 23, 2024 at 12pm:</strong> Management of Complex Mental Health Presentations in Pediatrics <ul> <li>Peer Support: September 27, 2024 at 12pm</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>All webinars include free CME/CE, while peer sessions are not eligible for credit. Participants must register for each of the four webinars individually. Participants can attend any session they would find most helpful and are not required to attend all four. Topics were identified by pediatric health care providers based on data ICAAP collected as part of a <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinoisaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ICAAP_PMHC_NeedsAssesment_Dec13_Digital.pdf__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ced6Jc4zsepemiLVkQLKuMymecauScVvWtgo67PzpT9kkF6PWt7QhIfdIMazHySE8dUYhXZCVG1MPjX4x4fhXWk2WdakEA9bqf4Q$" target="_blank">statewide mental health needs assessment</a> in 2023.</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> Please contact <a href="http://mchavdar@illinoisaap.com" target="_blank">Müge Chavdar</a> if you have any questions.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> **FREE 4-Part Webinar Series: Building Capacity -- Improving Pediatric Mental Health Screening, Treatment and Care in the Primary Care Setting** [Register Here](https://illinoisaap.org/mental-health/pediatric-mental-health-care-education/) <br /> The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting a new, 4-part webinar series, aimed to support primary health care providers on pediatric mental health screening, treatment and care. In addition to the webinars, ICAAP will host peer-to-peer collaboration sessions. * **Webinar 1 - August 6, 2024 at 12pm:** The Primary Care Approach to Addressing Mental Health in Children and Youth * Peer Support - August 8, 2024 * **Webinar 2 - August 20, 2024 at 12pm:** Diagnosis of Common Pediatric Mental Health Conditions * Peer Support - August 23, 2024 at 12pm * **Webinar 3 - September 9, 2024 at 12pm:** Management of Pediatric Mental Health Conditions * Peer Support: September 13, 2024 at 12pm * **Webinar 4 - September 23, 2024 at 12pm:** Management of Complex Mental Health Presentations in Pediatrics * Peer Support: September 27, 2024 at 12pm All webinars include free CME/CE, while peer sessions are not eligible for credit. Participants must register for each of the four webinars individually. Participants can attend any session they would find most helpful and are not required to attend all four. Topics were identified by pediatric health care providers based on data ICAAP collected as part of a [statewide mental health needs assessment](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/illinoisaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ICAAP_PMHC_NeedsAssesment_Dec13_Digital.pdf__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ced6Jc4zsepemiLVkQLKuMymecauScVvWtgo67PzpT9kkF6PWt7QhIfdIMazHySE8dUYhXZCVG1MPjX4x4fhXWk2WdakEA9bqf4Q$) in 2023. <br /> Please contact [Müge Chavdar](http://mchavdar@illinoisaap.com) if you have any questions. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685682?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202024-07-29T13:37:1446685878InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 29, 2024<p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 29 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Point:</strong></p> <p>During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 activity has been consistently increasing over the past four weeks in Chicago.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses has increased from 1.0% to 1.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 9.8% to 12.8%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is &lt;1%.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits in children &lt;5 years old due to RSV remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV remains at &nbsp;&lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 5.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.0% to 8.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 1.0% to 1.3%.</li> </ul> Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 29 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key Point:** During the summer, an abbreviated report will be published with the full report to resume in the fall. **COVID-19:** * COVID-19 activity has been consistently increasing over the past four weeks in Chicago. * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses has increased from 1.0% to 1.3%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 9.8% to 12.8%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is \<1%. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary.](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm) **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits in children \<5 years old due to RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for RSV remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has increased from 1.5% to 5.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 9.0% to 8.5%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.8% to 2.5%. * The test positivity for human metapneumovirus increased from 1.0% to 1.3%. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685878?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092024-07-29T14:50:3646685778West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for July 29, 2024<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 29, 2024 is now available.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 29, 2024 is now available. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-one (21) WNV positive mosquito pools. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685778?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982024-07-29T16:42:3746685879Laboratory InformationLabLowIDPH: Shortage of BD BACTEC Blood Culture Bottles<p>On July 23, 2024, the CDC issued a Health Advisory (HAN) regarding Disruptions in Availability of Becton Dickinson (BD) BACTEC™ Blood Culture Bottles. BD BACTEC™ blood culture media bottles are the only compatible bottles used with the BD continuous-monitoring blood culture system. This system is used in about half of all U.S. laboratories. Because the culture bottles are sole source, this means that alternatives cannot be procured from an alternative manufacturer. This critical supply disruption has the potential for causing significant impact to acute clinical care.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p> </p> On July 23, 2024, the CDC issued a Health Advisory (HAN) regarding Disruptions in Availability of Becton Dickinson (BD) BACTEC™ Blood Culture Bottles. BD BACTEC™ blood culture media bottles are the only compatible bottles used with the BD continuous-monitoring blood culture system. This system is used in about half of all U.S. laboratories. Because the culture bottles are sole source, this means that alternatives cannot be procured from an alternative manufacturer. This critical supply disruption has the potential for causing significant impact to acute clinical care. Please see attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46685879?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682021-12-10T15:28:0646669381COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report December 9, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 positivity, case incidence, and deaths continue to increase in Chicago.<br /> Chicago is averaging 971 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 4.2%.</li> <li>The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 positivity, case incidence, and deaths continue to increase in Chicago. Chicago is averaging 971 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 4.2%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669381?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442020-12-16T23:21:3046664797COVID19LowPublic Health Order Amendment and Hospital Visitation Recommendations by COVID-19 Risk Level<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Though Chicago essential businesses are open, we are currently in state-wide<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid/reopen-businesses-portal/guidelines/BeSafe.Capacity-Limitations-City-of-Chicago-Phase-4-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank"> Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation</a> which includes a stay-at-home advisory effective November 20, 2020.</li> <li><strong>CDPH Hospital Visitation Guidance will now be guided by 7-day Rolling Averages for Test Positivity Rates and Hospital System Capacity and Hospital Admissions as they relate to City of Chicago Risk Level and Goals: <span style="color:#FF0000">Red</span>, <span style="color:#FFD700">Yellow</span>, <span style="color:#008000">Green</span></strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/health-orders.html" target="_blank">Public Health Order 2020-2</a> was amended to reflect the change.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for more information.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Though Chicago essential businesses are open, we are currently in state-wide[Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid/reopen-businesses-portal/guidelines/BeSafe.Capacity-Limitations-City-of-Chicago-Phase-4-Guidelines.pdf) which includes a stay-at-home advisory effective November 20, 2020. * **CDPH Hospital Visitation Guidance will now be guided by 7-day Rolling Averages for Test Positivity Rates and Hospital System Capacity and Hospital Admissions as they relate to City of Chicago Risk Level and Goals: Red, Yellow, Green** * [Public Health Order 2020-2](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/health-orders.html) was amended to reflect the change. Please see the attachment for more information.true2022-02-01T20:56:5746670179HIVSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowCOVID-19 Primary Vaccination and Booster Coverage Among Chicago Residents Living with HIV<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s <a href="https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/covid-19-and-persons-hiv-interim-guidance/interim-guidance-covid-19-and-persons-hiv" target="_blank">Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV</a> recommend that PLWH receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of CD4 or viral load, as the potential benefits outweigh potential risks.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>70%</strong> of Chicagoans living with HIV have received <strong>at least one dose</strong> of COVID-19 vaccine</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>65%</strong> of Chicagoans living with HIV are <strong>fully vaccinated</strong><br /> <strong>61% fully vaccinated PLWH have <u>received an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine</u></strong></span></li> <li><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Only 44% of all Chicago residents living with HIV are currently up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and have received all recommended doses, including booster doses when eligible</span></strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare providers should follow primary dose, additional dose, and booster dose recommendations from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/covid-19.html" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices</a> when providing clinical care to patients living with HIV.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's [Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV](https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/covid-19-and-persons-hiv-interim-guidance/interim-guidance-covid-19-and-persons-hiv) recommend that PLWH receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of CD4 or viral load, as the potential benefits outweigh potential risks. * **70%** of Chicagoans living with HIV have received **at least one dose** of COVID-19 vaccine * **65%** of Chicagoans living with HIV are **fully vaccinated** **61% fully vaccinated PLWH have ++received an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine++** * **Only 44% of all Chicago residents living with HIV are currently up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and have received all recommended doses, including booster doses when eligible** * Healthcare providers should follow primary dose, additional dose, and booster dose recommendations from the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/covid-19.html) when providing clinical care to patients living with HIV. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670179?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392022-02-09T15:37:0346670289COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Feb 7, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Children are vaccinated in primary care more often than in a pharmacy setting. It is important that children have access to vaccination in primary care settings.</li> <li>The booster interval for immunocompromised individuals is changing to 3 months (from 5 months previously).</li> <li>Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine received full approval; gains official name, Spikevax.</li> <li>Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years is being reviewed by FDA.</li> <li>Vaccination of the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated remains the leading priority while also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages** * Children are vaccinated in primary care more often than in a pharmacy setting. It is important that children have access to vaccination in primary care settings. * The booster interval for immunocompromised individuals is changing to 3 months (from 5 months previously). * Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine received full approval; gains official name, Spikevax. * Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years is being reviewed by FDA. * Vaccination of the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated remains the leading priority while also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670289?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-06-17T19:12:3046673289InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 17, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/5/2022-6/11/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days decreased from to 7.7 to 3.5.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 4.2% to 3.6%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza continues to decrease.&nbsp;</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza has increased in recent weeks, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/5/2022-6/11/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days decreased from to 7.7 to 3.5. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 4.2% to 3.6%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza continues to decrease. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza has increased in recent weeks, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673289?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-02-09T15:07:1446670288COVID19MIS-CLowMIS-C Associated with COVID-19: Latest Data, February 8, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Given the recent surge in COVID-19 across Chicago and Illinois, clinicians should familiarize themselves with the clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and reporting requirements for Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).</li> <li>MIS-C occurs within about 4 weeks of an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased cases of MIS-C have been seen 3-4 weeks following surges of acute COVID transmission.</li> <li>A high index of suspicion should be maintained for MIS-C cases following the current wave of COVID caused by the Omicron variant.</li> <li>COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective in preventing MIS-C.</li> <li>Report MIS-C in Chicago residents to CDPH by following instructions on the HAN page and described below.</li> <li>Attend the upcoming CDC COCA call on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 1p-2p Central: <ul> <li><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_021022.asp" target="_blank">COVID-19 Updates: What Clinicians Need to Know About Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages** * Given the recent surge in COVID-19 across Chicago and Illinois, clinicians should familiarize themselves with the clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and reporting requirements for Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). * MIS-C occurs within about 4 weeks of an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased cases of MIS-C have been seen 3-4 weeks following surges of acute COVID transmission. * A high index of suspicion should be maintained for MIS-C cases following the current wave of COVID caused by the Omicron variant. * COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective in preventing MIS-C. * Report MIS-C in Chicago residents to CDPH by following instructions on the HAN page and described below. * Attend the upcoming CDC COCA call on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 1p-2p Central: * [COVID-19 Updates: What Clinicians Need to Know About Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2022/callinfo_021022.asp) Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670288?p_r_p_categoryId=4411142022-02-07T23:13:3446670182COVID19COVIDLowOutpatient Treatment for COVID-19<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>There are four available outpatient treatments for COVID-19: Paxlovid (oral antiviral), sotrovimab (intravenous monoclonal antibody), remdesivir (intravenous antiviral), and molnupiravir (oral anti-viral).&nbsp;</li> <li>Clinicians should be aware of <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/statement-on-patient-prioritization-for-outpatient-therapies/" target="_blank">patient prioritization</a> recommendations and ensure patients at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease are aware of and have access to these therapies.</li> <li>Clinicians should educate high-risk patients to contact them immediately after testing positive for COVID-19, including on home tests, and should treat without requiring confirmatory in-clinic testing.</li> <li>Locations providing these therapeutics can be found on <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid-19-outpatient-therapy-locator.html" target="_blank">IDPH’s COVID-19 Outpatient Therapy Locator</a> and <a href="https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">HHS’s COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for dull details.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There are four available outpatient treatments for COVID-19: Paxlovid (oral antiviral), sotrovimab (intravenous monoclonal antibody), remdesivir (intravenous antiviral), and molnupiravir (oral anti-viral). * Clinicians should be aware of [patient prioritization](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/statement-on-patient-prioritization-for-outpatient-therapies/) recommendations and ensure patients at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease are aware of and have access to these therapies. * Clinicians should educate high-risk patients to contact them immediately after testing positive for COVID-19, including on home tests, and should treat without requiring confirmatory in-clinic testing. * Locations providing these therapeutics can be found on [IDPH's COVID-19 Outpatient Therapy Locator](https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid-19-outpatient-therapy-locator.html) and [HHS's COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator](https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/). Please see the attachment for dull details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670182?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-02-04T22:14:3446670287COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report February 3, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 test positivity, cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago is averaging 870 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 4.0%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity, cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 870 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 4.0%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670287?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-02-04T21:39:0146670181InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Feb 4, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of January 23, 2022 - January 29, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low. &nbsp;In the 2019-2020 season, the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations and the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza both peaked in mid-February; percent positivity has peaked as late as early April (2018-2019).</li> <li>Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>15 of 3,362 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 776 of 66,549 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues.&nbsp; Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022.&nbsp; (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for&nbsp;respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits.&nbsp; This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.)</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of January 23, 2022 - January 29, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low. In the 2019-2020 season, the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations and the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza both peaked in mid-February; percent positivity has peaked as late as early April (2018-2019). * Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 15 of 3,362 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 776 of 66,549 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues. Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022. (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits. This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.) Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670181?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-08-09T16:35:1146667418BacterialDiseases & ConditionsLowNew Case Identified: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas - 2021<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Georgia Department of Public Health, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is investigating a fatal case of <em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em> infection (i.e., melioidosis) identified in late July 2021. Based on genomic analysis, this case in Georgia closely matches the three cases previously identified in Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas in 2021, indicating they all most likely share a common source of exposure. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Texas Department of State Health Services continue to investigate the three previous cases with assistance from CDC. The four cases include both children and adults. Two cases are female, and two cases are male. The first case, which was fatal, was identified in March 2021 in Kansas. The second and third cases, both identified in May 2021 in Minnesota and Texas, were hospitalized for extended periods of time before being discharged to transitional care facilities. The most recent case died in the hospital and was identified post-mortem in late July 2021 in Georgia. None of the cases had a history of traveling outside of the continental United States. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific, and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, and blood infections. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, which can delay proper treatment. B. pseudomallei may also be misidentified by some automated identification methods in laboratory settings. This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update serves as an update to <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00444.asp" target="_blank">HAN Health Advisory Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Three Patients: Kansas, Texas, and Minnesota—2021</a> that CDC issued on June 30, 2021.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <strong>Recommendations</strong></p> <ul> <li>Consider melioidosis diagnosis in patients with a compatible illness, even if they do not have a travel history to a disease-endemic country.</li> <li>Culture of <em>B. pseudomallei</em> from any clinical specimen is considered diagnostic for melioidosis. Ideal specimens for culture include blood, urine, throat swab, and, when relevant, respiratory specimens, abscesses, or wound swabs.</li> <li>When ordering specimen cultures to diagnose melioidosis, advise the laboratory that cultures may grow <em>B. pseudomallei</em>, and that appropriate laboratory safety precautions should be observed by the laboratory personnel.</li> <li>Laboratory testing involving automated identification algorithms (e.g., MALDI-TOF, 16s, VITEK-2) may misidentify <em>B. pseudomallei</em> as another bacterium. The isolate from the Texas case was initially misidentified as <em>B. thailandensis</em> by MALDI-TOF. Consider re-evaluating patients with isolates identified on automated systems as <em>Burkholderia spp</em>. (specifically <em>B. cepacia</em> and <em>B. thailandensis</em>), <em>Chromobacterium violaceum, Ochrobactrum anthropi</em>; and, possibly, <em>Pseudomonas spp</em>., <em>Acinetobacter spp</em>., and <em>Aeromonas spp</em>.</li> <li>Treat melioidosis with IV antibiotics (e.g., ceftazidime or meropenem) for at least two weeks. Depending on the response to therapy, IV treatment may be extended for up to eight weeks. Intravenous treatment is followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for three to six months to prevent relapse. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used in persons with a contraindication to, or who cannot tolerate, TMP/SMX.&nbsp;</li> <li>If B. pseudomallei is identified or an organism is suspicious for B. pseudomallei, contact your state or local public health department immediately.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p>**Summary** The Georgia Department of Public Health, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is investigating a fatal case of *Burkholderia pseudomallei* infection (i.e., melioidosis) identified in late July 2021. Based on genomic analysis, this case in Georgia closely matches the three cases previously identified in Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas in 2021, indicating they all most likely share a common source of exposure. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Texas Department of State Health Services continue to investigate the three previous cases with assistance from CDC. The four cases include both children and adults. Two cases are female, and two cases are male. The first case, which was fatal, was identified in March 2021 in Kansas. The second and third cases, both identified in May 2021 in Minnesota and Texas, were hospitalized for extended periods of time before being discharged to transitional care facilities. The most recent case died in the hospital and was identified post-mortem in late July 2021 in Georgia. None of the cases had a history of traveling outside of the continental United States. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific, and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, and blood infections. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, which can delay proper treatment. B. pseudomallei may also be misidentified by some automated identification methods in laboratory settings. This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update serves as an update to [HAN Health Advisory Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Three Patients: Kansas, Texas, and Minnesota---2021](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00444.asp) that CDC issued on June 30, 2021. <br /> **Recommendations** * Consider melioidosis diagnosis in patients with a compatible illness, even if they do not have a travel history to a disease-endemic country. * Culture of *B. pseudomallei* from any clinical specimen is considered diagnostic for melioidosis. Ideal specimens for culture include blood, urine, throat swab, and, when relevant, respiratory specimens, abscesses, or wound swabs. * When ordering specimen cultures to diagnose melioidosis, advise the laboratory that cultures may grow *B. pseudomallei*, and that appropriate laboratory safety precautions should be observed by the laboratory personnel. * Laboratory testing involving automated identification algorithms (e.g., MALDI-TOF, 16s, VITEK-2) may misidentify *B. pseudomallei* as another bacterium. The isolate from the Texas case was initially misidentified as *B. thailandensis* by MALDI-TOF. Consider re-evaluating patients with isolates identified on automated systems as *Burkholderia spp* . (specifically *B. cepacia* and *B. thailandensis* ), *Chromobacterium violaceum, Ochrobactrum anthropi* ; and, possibly, *Pseudomonas spp* ., *Acinetobacter spp* ., and *Aeromonas spp*. * Treat melioidosis with IV antibiotics (e.g., ceftazidime or meropenem) for at least two weeks. Depending on the response to therapy, IV treatment may be extended for up to eight weeks. Intravenous treatment is followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for three to six months to prevent relapse. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used in persons with a contraindication to, or who cannot tolerate, TMP/SMX. * If B. pseudomallei is identified or an organism is suspicious for B. pseudomallei, contact your state or local public health department immediately. Please see the attached for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667418?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542022-06-24T19:58:1446673679InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 24, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/12/2022-6/18/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days remains unchanged at 3.5.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased slightly from 3.6% to 3.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/12/2022-6/18/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days remains unchanged at 3.5. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased slightly from 3.6% to 3.7%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673679?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-31T14:12:1146670178COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report January 30, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 test positivity, cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago is averaging 1,468 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 5.8%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity, cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 1,468 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 5.8%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670178?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-28T21:49:4746670284InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Jan 28, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of January 16, 2022 - January 22, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color:#c0392b">NEW</span> expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low. &nbsp;In the 2019-2020 season, the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations and the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza both peaked in mid-February; percent positivity has peaked as late as early April (2018-2019).</li> <li>Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>11 of 4,262 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 761 of 63,187 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues.&nbsp; Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022.&nbsp; (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for&nbsp;respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits.&nbsp; This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.)</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong><br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu" target="_blank">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of January 16, 2022 - January 22, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low. In the 2019-2020 season, the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations and the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza both peaked in mid-February; percent positivity has peaked as late as early April (2018-2019). * Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 11 of 4,262 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 761 of 63,187 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues. Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022. (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits. This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.) **About this report:** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46670284?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-21T20:48:4246669984COVID19COVIDLowCORRECTED: COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Jan 20, 2022<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>The next ordering survey will be open January 21 – February 1.&nbsp;</li> <li>Booster doses are now recommended 5 months after completion of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) primary series.&nbsp;</li> <li>Vaccine uptake in 5-11-year-olds is lagging behind other age groups.</li> <li>Vaccination of the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated remains the leading priority while also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> <p><em>CORRECTION:&nbsp;&nbsp;The percentage comparion for 12-18 year old adolescents (fully vaccinated and those received at least one dose) were inverted in prior Alert (sent 1/20/2022)- they are corrected in this alert/PDF.</em></p>**Key Messages** * The next ordering survey will be open January 21 -- February 1. * Booster doses are now recommended 5 months after completion of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) primary series. * Vaccine uptake in 5-11-year-olds is lagging behind other age groups. * Vaccination of the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated remains the leading priority while also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals. Please see the attachment for full details. *CORRECTION: The percentage comparion for 12-18 year old adolescents (fully vaccinated and those received at least one dose) were inverted in prior Alert (sent 1/20/2022)- they are corrected in this alert/PDF.*truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669984?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-21T20:33:0846669983InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Jan 21, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of January 9, 2022 - January 15, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color:#c0392b">NEW</span> expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was&nbsp;reported.&nbsp; Since October 3, 2021, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>17 of 5,857&nbsp;(&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 749&nbsp;of 58,805&nbsp;(1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues.&nbsp; Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022.&nbsp; (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for&nbsp;respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits.&nbsp; This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.)&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of January 9, 2022 - January 15, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report. **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was reported. Since October 3, 2021, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 17 of 5,857 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 749 of 58,805 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and optpatient visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues. Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022. (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits. This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.) Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669983?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-20T20:44:0646669981COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report January 20, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago is averaging 2,819 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 11.9%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases, and deaths continue to decrease in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 2,819 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 11.9%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669981?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-14T22:00:5246669979InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Jan 14, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of January 2, 2022 - January 8, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color:#c0392b">NEW</span> expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>One&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was&nbsp;reported.&nbsp; Since October 3, 2021, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>30&nbsp;of 5,938&nbsp;(&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 732&nbsp;of 52,948&nbsp;(1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues.&nbsp; Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022.&nbsp; (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for&nbsp;respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits.&nbsp; This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.)&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of January 2, 2022 - January 8, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to this report. **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations was reported. Since October 3, 2021, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 30 of 5,938 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 732 of 52,948 (1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illnes (ILI) is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and RSV transmission continues. Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time with a coverage approved through March 31, 2022. (Note: Marked increase in COVID activity has led to increased testing for respitory pathogens in general as well as increased ED visits. This creates limitation in intrepretation of RSV data relative to previous years, especially the percent posititivity.) Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669979?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-07-18T01:28:4746667396ViralDiseases & ConditionsLowCDC HAN: Potential Exposure to Person with Confirmed Human Monkeypox Infection — United States, 2021<p><strong>Background Information</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and Dallas County Health and Human Services, is investigating a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a U.S. citizen who resides in the United States and recently returned from travel to Nigeria. The patient traveled to Dallas from Lagos, Nigeria, via Atlanta on two separate flights during July 8-9, 2021. The patient presented to an emergency department in Dallas, Texas on July 13 for complaints of a rash that began on July 7, one day prior to travel. Testing at Dallas County and CDC confirmed the presence of monkeypox virus. CDC is working with the airlines to share information with state and local health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient during two flights: Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta on July 8, with arrival on July 9; and Atlanta to Dallas on July 9. CDC is issuing this health advisory to ask clinicians to consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present with a febrile prodrome followed by rash and who may have had direct or indirect contact with the patient.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians</strong></p> <ul> <li>If clinicians identify patients with a constellation of signs and symptoms that could be monkeypox, a travel history should be solicited. Monkeypox should be considered in patients with unexplained onset of fever, chills, new rash, or new lymphadenopathy, and a history of 1) air travel from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 8 with arrival on July 9, 2) air travel from Atlanta to Dallas Love Field Airport on July 9, or 3) presence in those airports on July 8-9.</li> <li>Patients with suspected monkeypox should be isolated in a negative pressure room, and all personnel should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with recommendations for standard, contact, and airborne precautions3. All healthcare workers (e.g., clinical staff and environmental staff) caring for a patient with suspect or confirmed monkeypox should be communicated the importance of maintaining proper isolation precautions so that infection is not transmitted to them or others.</li> <li>Clinicians should consult their state health department or CDC’s monkeypox call center through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) as soon as monkeypox is suspected.</li> </ul> <p>In Chicago to Report Suspect Cases, Contact: The CDPH Disease Reporting Hotline at 312-743-9000.&nbsp; After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago).</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Background Information** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and Dallas County Health and Human Services, is investigating a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a U.S. citizen who resides in the United States and recently returned from travel to Nigeria. The patient traveled to Dallas from Lagos, Nigeria, via Atlanta on two separate flights during July 8-9, 2021. The patient presented to an emergency department in Dallas, Texas on July 13 for complaints of a rash that began on July 7, one day prior to travel. Testing at Dallas County and CDC confirmed the presence of monkeypox virus. CDC is working with the airlines to share information with state and local health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient during two flights: Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta on July 8, with arrival on July 9; and Atlanta to Dallas on July 9. CDC is issuing this health advisory to ask clinicians to consider a diagnosis of monkeypox in people who present with a febrile prodrome followed by rash and who may have had direct or indirect contact with the patient. **Recommendations for Clinicians** * If clinicians identify patients with a constellation of signs and symptoms that could be monkeypox, a travel history should be solicited. Monkeypox should be considered in patients with unexplained onset of fever, chills, new rash, or new lymphadenopathy, and a history of 1) air travel from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 8 with arrival on July 9, 2) air travel from Atlanta to Dallas Love Field Airport on July 9, or 3) presence in those airports on July 8-9. * Patients with suspected monkeypox should be isolated in a negative pressure room, and all personnel should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with recommendations for standard, contact, and airborne precautions3. All healthcare workers (e.g., clinical staff and environmental staff) caring for a patient with suspect or confirmed monkeypox should be communicated the importance of maintaining proper isolation precautions so that infection is not transmitted to them or others. * Clinicians should consult their state health department or CDC's monkeypox call center through the CDC Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) as soon as monkeypox is suspected. In Chicago to Report Suspect Cases, Contact: The CDPH Disease Reporting Hotline at 312-743-9000. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call (or 312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667396?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542022-05-23T15:09:3946672785COVID19COVID-19,COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates - May 23, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Boosters are now recommended for 5–11 year-olds, at least 5 months after completion of their primary series.</li> <li>Boosters recommended for all persons 5 and older.</li> <li>The CDC strengthened its recommendations for second boosters for people 50 and older and those 12 and older who are immunocompromised</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Boosters are now recommended for 5--11 year-olds, at least 5 months after completion of their primary series. * Boosters recommended for all persons 5 and older. * The CDC strengthened its recommendations for second boosters for people 50 and older and those 12 and older who are immunocompromised Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672785?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,4414442021-12-10T21:09:3046669477InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Dec 10, 2021<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of 11/28/2021-12/4/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">interactive report</a> on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW </span>expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>105 of 3,318 (3.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 337 of 19,563 (1.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.&nbsp;</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.<br />  </li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong><br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu" target="_blank">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of 11/28/2021-12/4/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the [interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 105 of 3,318 (3.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 337 of 19,563 (1.7%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. **About this report:** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). Please see the attached for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669477?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-13T03:43:0646669977COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report January 12, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases have decreased in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago is averaging 5,070 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 18.2%.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases have decreased in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 5,070 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is 18.2%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669977?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-06-10T16:56:3546673283MonkeypoxMonkeypoxLowIDPH: Increase in Dermatitis Due to Presumed Poison Hemlock Plant Exposures<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is notifying healthcare providers, hospitals, and local public health departments of an increase in plant-based exposures resulting in systemic skin lesions requiring medical consultation or attention. Because providers are on higher alert for rash illnesses due to other circulating illnesses, plant-based exposures should be part of the rule out list, especially for those who work outdoors, mow, weed, or are cleaning out areas of plants that are unfamiliar to them.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is notifying healthcare providers, hospitals, and local public health departments of an increase in plant-based exposures resulting in systemic skin lesions requiring medical consultation or attention. Because providers are on higher alert for rash illnesses due to other circulating illnesses, plant-based exposures should be part of the rule out list, especially for those who work outdoors, mow, weed, or are cleaning out areas of plants that are unfamiliar to them. Please see attachment for further detail.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673283?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392022-01-12T21:16:0846669877Hospital NotificationCOVIDLowIDPH Memo: Process to Request Federal Medical Staffing Resources - clarification information<p>The purpose of the IDPH issued Memo is to outline the State of Illinois’s process requirements before submitting a resource request form (RRF) to FEMA.</p> <p>Submission Criteria and Process are as follows:</p> <ul> <li>Upon confirmation all state organic and contractual resources are exhausted,IDPH will submit a validated request for Federal support to IEMA to assist in supporting local supplemental staffing requests.&nbsp;&nbsp;Request will include: <ul> <li>ASPR Hospital Request Validation Form</li> <li>Justification/Answer to FEMA 13 Questions</li> <li>RFA within WebEOC</li> </ul> </li> <li>Upon approval from IEMA leadership, IEMA Operations will complete formal FEMA Resource Request Form (RRF) and submit to FEMA for consideration.</li> <li>If FEMA supports the mission, FEMA, IEMA and IDPH will coordinate resource deployment and IDPH will advise the Requestor/Jurisdiction Having Authority (JHA) of the incoming assistance.</li> <li>If FEMA cannot support the mission, FEMA will advise IEMA. IEMA will then advise IDPH accordingly. IDPH will be responsible for communicating the result to the Requestor/JHA.</li> </ul> <p>Questions about federal medical staffing resources can be directed to IDPH at <a href="mailto:SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov">SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov</a> or IEMA at <a href="mailto:SEOC.MGR@illinois.gov.">SEOC.MGR@illinois.gov.</a></p> <p>Please see the attachments for the full IDPH Memo and decision process.</p>The purpose of the IDPH issued Memo is to outline the State of Illinois's process requirements before submitting a resource request form (RRF) to FEMA. Submission Criteria and Process are as follows: * Upon confirmation all state organic and contractual resources are exhausted,IDPH will submit a validated request for Federal support to IEMA to assist in supporting local supplemental staffing requests. Request will include: * ASPR Hospital Request Validation Form * Justification/Answer to FEMA 13 Questions * RFA within WebEOC * Upon approval from IEMA leadership, IEMA Operations will complete formal FEMA Resource Request Form (RRF) and submit to FEMA for consideration. * If FEMA supports the mission, FEMA, IEMA and IDPH will coordinate resource deployment and IDPH will advise the Requestor/Jurisdiction Having Authority (JHA) of the incoming assistance. * If FEMA cannot support the mission, FEMA will advise IEMA. IEMA will then advise IDPH accordingly. IDPH will be responsible for communicating the result to the Requestor/JHA. Questions about federal medical staffing resources can be directed to IDPH at [SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov](mailto:SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov) or IEMA at [SEOC.MGR@illinois.gov.](mailto:SEOC.MGR@illinois.gov.) Please see the attachments for the full IDPH Memo and decision process.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669877?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-07T21:35:0046669778InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Jan 7, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of December 26, 2021-January 1, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>34 of 6,321 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 697 of 46,755 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of December 26, 2021-January 1, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 34 of 6,321 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 697 of 46,755 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669778?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-06T18:32:3246669687Hospital NotificationCOVIDLowIDPH Memo: Process to Request Federal Medical Staffing Resources<p>Hospitals across the state of Illinois are experiencing difficulties with staffing during the COVID-19 surge. This has resulted in strains on the healthcare system due to increased patients being seen in the Emergency Departments and resulting in increased hospitalizations. If local and state healthcare staffing resources become depleted and cannot support local response needs, hospitals may identify the need to request federal resources for healthcare staffing. While not always readily available due to limited supply, this resource can be used for assisting in hospital decompression.</p> <p>Prior to making a request for federal medical resources the following should be considered or implemented.<br /> • Activation of hospital incident command<br /> • All efforts have been made to decompress the affected hospital<br /> • Cross leveling and augmenting staff<br /> • Expanding the use of telemedicine and tele-triage<br /> • Recalling retirees and furloughed staff members<br /> • Temporary re-assignment of healthcare personnel from other care areas<br /> • Pre-hospital triage algorithms have been developed and activated<br /> • Evaluation and scrutiny of all elective procedures that can be reasonably delayed<br /> • Regional or healthcare system approach for coordination to load balance patients<br /> • A request has been made to the state for <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1dba84d463374054a95b2ee4266e47b6" target="_blank">surge staffing assistance</a></p> <p><strong>Request Process</strong><br /> Upon identification that all efforts have been exhausted, a process has been put in place for hospitals to make a federal staffing resource request to the state.</p> <p>Hospitals can submit requests for COVID-19 federal medical staffing aid through this Smartsheet link: <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4f3399428ce45cdb04dfed6220b9132" target="_blank">COVID-19 Hospital Federal Aid Request</a> (smartsheet.com).* The form cannot be submitted until the fillable ASPR Request form attached to this SIREN notification is uploaded.</p> <p>Notifications must be made to the Regional Hospital Coordinating Center (RHCC), Local Public Health, Local Emergency Management, and IDPH Regional EMS Coordinator for their awareness prior to submission.<br /> Once requested via the smartsheet, equitable considerations such as hospital status as outlined in the form, regional case rates, and COVID hospitalizations will be used to prioritize requests. Hospitals must complete the information and forms in their entirety to be considered. This request will then be entered in the WebEOC program for processing.** Once reviewed for consideration the hospital will be contacted for a virtual site assessment with state and federal personnel to further evaluate the request.</p> <p>Please see the attachments for the full IDPH Memo and Request form.</p>Hospitals across the state of Illinois are experiencing difficulties with staffing during the COVID-19 surge. This has resulted in strains on the healthcare system due to increased patients being seen in the Emergency Departments and resulting in increased hospitalizations. If local and state healthcare staffing resources become depleted and cannot support local response needs, hospitals may identify the need to request federal resources for healthcare staffing. While not always readily available due to limited supply, this resource can be used for assisting in hospital decompression. Prior to making a request for federal medical resources the following should be considered or implemented. • Activation of hospital incident command • All efforts have been made to decompress the affected hospital • Cross leveling and augmenting staff • Expanding the use of telemedicine and tele-triage • Recalling retirees and furloughed staff members • Temporary re-assignment of healthcare personnel from other care areas • Pre-hospital triage algorithms have been developed and activated • Evaluation and scrutiny of all elective procedures that can be reasonably delayed • Regional or healthcare system approach for coordination to load balance patients • A request has been made to the state for [surge staffing assistance](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1dba84d463374054a95b2ee4266e47b6) **Request Process** Upon identification that all efforts have been exhausted, a process has been put in place for hospitals to make a federal staffing resource request to the state. Hospitals can submit requests for COVID-19 federal medical staffing aid through this Smartsheet link: [COVID-19 Hospital Federal Aid Request](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4f3399428ce45cdb04dfed6220b9132) (smartsheet.com).\* The form cannot be submitted until the fillable ASPR Request form attached to this SIREN notification is uploaded. Notifications must be made to the Regional Hospital Coordinating Center (RHCC), Local Public Health, Local Emergency Management, and IDPH Regional EMS Coordinator for their awareness prior to submission. Once requested via the smartsheet, equitable considerations such as hospital status as outlined in the form, regional case rates, and COVID hospitalizations will be used to prioritize requests. Hospitals must complete the information and forms in their entirety to be considered. This request will then be entered in the WebEOC program for processing.\*\* Once reviewed for consideration the hospital will be contacted for a virtual site assessment with state and federal personnel to further evaluate the request. Please see the attachments for the full IDPH Memo and Request form.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669687?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-05-27T16:45:1546672879VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - May 27, 2022<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">VFC Re-enrollment Due 5/31/22</span></strong></li> <li><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">Mandatory VFC Provider Type Survey due 6/8/2022</span></strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * **VFC Re-enrollment Due 5/31/22** * **Mandatory VFC Provider Type Survey due 6/8/2022** Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672879?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-05-24T15:11:4546672787COVID19COVID-19,COVID,Therapeutics and ProphylaxisLowCOVID-19 Rebound After Paxlovid Treatment<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to update healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public on the potential for recurrence of COVID-19 or “COVID-19 rebound.” Paxlovid continues to be recommended for early-stage treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 among persons at high risk for progression to severe disease. Paxlovid treatment helps prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. COVID-19 rebound has been reported to occur between 2 and 8 days after initial recovery and is characterized by a recurrence of COVID-19 symptoms or a new positive viral test after having tested negative. A brief return of symptoms may be part of the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in some persons, independent of treatment with Paxlovid and regardless of vaccination status. Limited information currently available from case reports suggests that persons treated with Paxlovid who experience COVID-19 rebound have had mild illness; there are no reports of severe disease. There is currently no evidence that additional treatment is needed with Paxlovid or other anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies in cases where COVID-19 rebound is suspected.</p> <p>Regardless of whether the patient has been treated with an antiviral agent, risk of transmission during COVID-19 rebound can be managed by following <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html" target="_blank">CDC’s guidance on isolation</a>, including taking other precautions such as masking.</p> <p>Staying <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html" target="_blank">up to date</a> with COVID-19 vaccination lowers the risk of getting COVID-19 and helps prevent serious outcomes of COVID-19, such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death.</p> <p>Providers may learn more about COVID-19 therapeutics and therapeutics locaters here:<br /> <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/sl/covid-19/therapeutics" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/sl/covid-19/therapeutics</a></p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to update healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public on the potential for recurrence of COVID-19 or "COVID-19 rebound." Paxlovid continues to be recommended for early-stage treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 among persons at high risk for progression to severe disease. Paxlovid treatment helps prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. COVID-19 rebound has been reported to occur between 2 and 8 days after initial recovery and is characterized by a recurrence of COVID-19 symptoms or a new positive viral test after having tested negative. A brief return of symptoms may be part of the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in some persons, independent of treatment with Paxlovid and regardless of vaccination status. Limited information currently available from case reports suggests that persons treated with Paxlovid who experience COVID-19 rebound have had mild illness; there are no reports of severe disease. There is currently no evidence that additional treatment is needed with Paxlovid or other anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies in cases where COVID-19 rebound is suspected. Regardless of whether the patient has been treated with an antiviral agent, risk of transmission during COVID-19 rebound can be managed by following [CDC's guidance on isolation](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html), including taking other precautions such as masking. Staying [up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) with COVID-19 vaccination lowers the risk of getting COVID-19 and helps prevent serious outcomes of COVID-19, such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Providers may learn more about COVID-19 therapeutics and therapeutics locaters here: <https://www.chicagohan.org/sl/covid-19/therapeutics> Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672787?p_r_p_categoryId=434555,441444,20475592022-06-10T19:27:4946673184COVID19COVID-19LowUpcoming CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Webinar -June 16, 2022<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Upcoming CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Webinar--June 16, 2022, 1:00-2:00 PM CT</strong></span></p> <p><strong>What Clinicians Need to Know About Available Therapeutic Options for COVID-19</strong><br /> During this COCA Call, subject matter experts will present an overview of COVID-19 therapeutic options, including indications, efficacy, and distribution.</p> <p><u><strong>Presenters</strong></u><br /> <strong>Dan Filardo, MD</strong><br /> Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer<br /> Core Clinical Unit<br /> Epidemiology Task Force<br /> COVID-19 Response<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p> <p><strong>Eric Daar, MD</strong><br /> Chief, Division of HIV Medicine<br /> Harbor-UCLA Medical Center<br /> Clinical Guidelines Team<br /> National Institutes of Health</p> <p><br /> <strong>Activity-specific Objectives:</strong></p> <p>At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following:</p> <ol> <li>Describe key points about COVID-19 rebound after use of Paxlovid.</li> <li>Describe Paxlovid use, prescribing, and availability.</li> <li>Discuss where to find more information about COVID-19 therapeutics and availability.</li> </ol> <p>Registration is not required.</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Thursday, June 16, 2022<br /> <strong>Time: </strong>1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT</p> <p>A few minutes before the webinar begins, please click the link below to join:<br /> <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603960029?pwd=Z0x1SE1mR3ZNUXFSK3hBckw3aFIyUT09" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603960029?pwd=Z0x1SE1mR3ZNUXFSK3hBckw3aFIyUT09</a></p> <p><strong>Webinar ID:</strong> 160 396 0029<br /> <strong>Passcode:</strong> 308026</p> <p>Dial-in US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590<br /> One-tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1603960029#,,,,*308026# or +16468287666,,1603960029#,,,,*308026#<br /> International numbers available: <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab2qcyEiu7" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab2qcyEiu7</a></p>**Upcoming CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Webinar--June 16, 2022, 1:00-2:00 PM CT** **What Clinicians Need to Know About Available Therapeutic Options for COVID-19** During this COCA Call, subject matter experts will present an overview of COVID-19 therapeutic options, including indications, efficacy, and distribution. ++**Presenters**++ **Dan Filardo, MD** Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer Core Clinical Unit Epidemiology Task Force COVID-19 Response Centers for Disease Control and Prevention **Eric Daar, MD** Chief, Division of HIV Medicine Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Clinical Guidelines Team National Institutes of Health <br /> **Activity-specific Objectives:** At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following: 1. Describe key points about COVID-19 rebound after use of Paxlovid. 2. Describe Paxlovid use, prescribing, and availability. 3. Discuss where to find more information about COVID-19 therapeutics and availability. Registration is not required. **Date:** Thursday, June 16, 2022 **Time:**1:00 PM -- 2:00 PM CT A few minutes before the webinar begins, please click the link below to join: <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603960029?pwd=Z0x1SE1mR3ZNUXFSK3hBckw3aFIyUT09> **Webinar ID:** 160 396 0029 **Passcode:** 308026 Dial-in US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 One-tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1603960029#,,,,\*308026# or +16468287666,,1603960029#,,,,\*308026# International numbers available: <https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab2qcyEiu7>falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673184?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552022-06-10T20:08:1446673185West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report for June 10, 2022<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 10, 2022 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data<br /> on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a<br /> week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV<br /> positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> <p> </p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 10, 2022 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the city is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673185?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-06-14T00:06:4346673285MonkeypoxSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information),MonkeypoxHighMonkeypox Update - June 13, 2022<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Key Messages</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Transmission of monkeypox continues locally, nationally, and internationally.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Recent cases have been identified in association with International Mr. Leather (IML), an event with national and international attendance held May 26-30, 2022 in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Clinicians should have a heighted awareness for new rash illnesses <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html" target="_blank">consistent with monkeypox</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Infections may occur in anyone who has had close contact with another infectious person.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Clinicians should promptly report any suspect cases to Chicago Department of Public Health to obtain appropriate and timely testing during business hours to <a href="mailto:janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org">janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org</a> or <a href="mailto:stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org">stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org</a>; after business hours, contact the CDPH physician on call at 311 (or 312-744-5000, if outside the city but regarding a Chicago resident).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Close contacts of individuals with known infection should monitor for symptoms 21 days after their last exposure and if symptoms develop should self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full information.</span></p>**Key Messages** * Transmission of monkeypox continues locally, nationally, and internationally. * Recent cases have been identified in association with International Mr. Leather (IML), an event with national and international attendance held May 26-30, 2022 in Chicago. * Clinicians should have a heighted awareness for new rash illnesses [consistent with monkeypox](https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html). * Infections may occur in anyone who has had close contact with another infectious person. * Clinicians should promptly report any suspect cases to Chicago Department of Public Health to obtain appropriate and timely testing during business hours to [janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org](mailto:janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org) or [stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org](mailto:stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org); after business hours, contact the CDPH physician on call at 311 (or 312-744-5000, if outside the city but regarding a Chicago resident). * Close contacts of individuals with known infection should monitor for symptoms 21 days after their last exposure and if symptoms develop should self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider. Please see the attachment for full information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673285?p_r_p_categoryId=438739,20482392022-07-22T20:24:4346673801InfluenzaInfluenzaHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 22, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/10/2022-7/16/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 4.3 to 5.4.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.9%</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>CDC has issued a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w" target="_blank">report</a> that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/10/2022-7/16/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 4.3 to 5.4. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.9% **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection is low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * CDC has issued a [report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7129a1.htm?s_cid=mm7129a1_w) that summarizes influenza activity for the 2021-2022 season and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, but has been decreasing for the past several weeks; the majority of positive specimens have been parainfluenza type 3 which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673801?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352020-03-28T20:12:2046661196COVID19LowRecommended Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in High-risk populations during Transport<p>The attached guidance provides recommendations for EMS and Transport agencies providing transport to routine treatments for the High-risk population groups.&nbsp;</p>The attached guidance provides recommendations for EMS and Transport agencies providing transport to routine treatments for the High-risk population groups.true2022-05-24T15:42:0346672684Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsLowCOCA Call-What Clinicians Need to Know About Monkeypox in the United States and Other Countries<p>This COCA Call will present what clinicians need to know about monkeypox including guidance about the typical clinical presentation, treatment options,&nbsp;pre- and post-exposure&nbsp;prophylaxis, and reporting to public health authorities. If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, the recording will be available for viewing on the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479eb&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&amp;s=2lSlkPSoBrDcbyncKPxBTyTCqNIc53P5kj8ShmBYfto__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_7JoLNcHg$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COCA Call webpage</a>&nbsp;a few hours after the live event ends.</p> <p>The slide set will be available on the day of the call on the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ec&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&amp;s=t_hfPgTBUa1EWHZA35eiAgyR4FBMZWkn3hICcM7Plb4__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_5KF0BiNA$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COCA Call webpage</a>&nbsp;under Call Materials.Free Continuing Education (CE) will not be offered for this COCA Call.</p> <p>Registration is not required.</p> <p>Date:&nbsp;Tuesday, May 24, 2022</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET</p> <p>A few minutes before the webinar starts, please click on the Zoom link below to join:</p> <p><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ee&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&amp;s=NOUdNcF5oiGaMxvz2gudnUmUrWSZniiC6q0osnhP8BY__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_6X0K9mOg$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601861381?pwd=ZUFBK3pQSlNBRmZJWk1HV2VxeVJ3QT09</a></p> <p>Passcode: 387494</p> <p>Or Telephone:</p> <p>Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):</p> <p>US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 551 285 1373</p> <p>Or One-tap mobile:&nbsp;</p> <p>US:+16692545252,,1601861381#,,,,*387494# or +16468287666,,1601861381#,,,,*387494#</p> <p>Webinar ID:&nbsp;160 186 1381<br /> International numbers available:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ef&amp;e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&amp;s=KydFLFfiqam4-vprUvL1gg6szEvYcQ5WOsg75rSs_vQ__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_5KZak0Mg$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/u/adtnoTpL61</a></p> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:590px"> <tbody> <tr> <th> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following –&nbsp;</strong></p> <ol> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Cite background information on the topic covered during the presentation.</strong></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Discuss CDC’s role in the topic covered during the presentation.</strong></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Describe the topic’s implications for clinicians.</strong></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Discuss concerns and/or issues related to preparedness for and/or response to urgent public health threats.</strong></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Promote health improvement, wellness, and disease prevention in cooperation with patients, communities, at-risk populations, and other members of an interprofessional team of healthcare providers.</strong></li> </ol> </th> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:590px"> <tbody> <tr> <th> <p style="text-align:left">Presenters</p> </th> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:590px"> <tbody> <tr> <th> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Agam Rao, MD, FIDSA</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Medical Officer, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Laura Hinkle Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Chief Medical Officer</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Division of STD Prevention</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Control</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Brett Petersen, MD, MPH</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Deputy Chief, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>David Kuhar, MD</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Director, Office of Healthcare Worker Safety</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Lead, Hospital Infection Prevention Team</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</strong></p> <p style="text-align:left">For information about this update or other clinical issues, or to send your feedback, please contact us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coca@cdc.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">coca@cdc.gov</a></p> <p style="text-align:left"> </p> <p style="text-align:left"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </th> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p>This COCA Call will present what clinicians need to know about monkeypox including guidance about the typical clinical presentation, treatment options, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and reporting to public health authorities. If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, the recording will be available for viewing on the [COCA Call webpage](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479eb&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&s=2lSlkPSoBrDcbyncKPxBTyTCqNIc53P5kj8ShmBYfto__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_7JoLNcHg$) a few hours after the live event ends. The slide set will be available on the day of the call on the [COCA Call webpage](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ec&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&s=t_hfPgTBUa1EWHZA35eiAgyR4FBMZWkn3hICcM7Plb4__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_5KF0BiNA$) under Call Materials.Free Continuing Education (CE) will not be offered for this COCA Call. Registration is not required. Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Time: 2:00 PM -- 3:00 PM ET A few minutes before the webinar starts, please click on the Zoom link below to join: [https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601861381?pwd=ZUFBK3pQSlNBRmZJWk1HV2VxeVJ3QT09](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ee&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&s=NOUdNcF5oiGaMxvz2gudnUmUrWSZniiC6q0osnhP8BY__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_6X0K9mOg$) Passcode: 387494 Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 551 285 1373 Or One-tap mobile: US:+16692545252,,1601861381#,,,,\*387494# or +16468287666,,1601861381#,,,,\*387494# Webinar ID: 160 186 1381 International numbers available: [https://www.zoomgov.com/u/adtnoTpL61](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h65c6aa29,168f4f50,169479ef&e=QUNTVHJhY2tpbmdJRD1VU0NEQ18xMDUyLURNODI0OTAmQUNTVHJhY2tpbmdMYWJlbD1XaGF0JTIwQ2xpbmljaWFucyUyME5lZWQlMjB0byUyMEtub3clMjBhYm91dCUyME1vbmtleXBveCUyMGluJTIwdGhlJTIwVS5TLiUyMGFuZCUyME11bHRpcGxlJTIwQ291bnRyaWVz&s=KydFLFfiqam4-vprUvL1gg6szEvYcQ5WOsg75rSs_vQ__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!ZcSxgGaV7JLZ8D0OWqW5e-E__ERCSbYDWWIZp9CW0hl2cqP5yJpJFT-lKraq761BkZYoUcCRc3SnMvNQKB8MA_aGHtqYu_5KZak0Mg$) | **At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following --** 1. **Cite background information on the topic covered during the presentation.** 2. **Discuss CDC's role in the topic covered during the presentation.** 3. **Describe the topic's implications for clinicians.** 4. **Discuss concerns and/or issues related to preparedness for and/or response to urgent public health threats.** 5. **Promote health improvement, wellness, and disease prevention in cooperation with patients, communities, at-risk populations, and other members of an interprofessional team of healthcare providers.** | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Presenters | |------------| | **Agam Rao, MD, FIDSA** **CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service** **Medical Officer, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch** **National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases** **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** **Laura Hinkle Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP** **Chief Medical Officer** **Division of STD Prevention** **National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Control** **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** **Brett Petersen, MD, MPH** **CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service** **Deputy Chief, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch** **National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases** **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** **David Kuhar, MD** **Director, Office of Healthcare Worker Safety** **Lead, Hospital Infection Prevention Team** **Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion** **National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases** **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention** For information about this update or other clinical issues, or to send your feedback, please contact us at [coca@cdc.gov](mailto:coca@cdc.gov) | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672684?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542022-05-27T17:10:0746672880VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowWebinar: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5: What We Know Now<p>Upcoming Webinars</p> <p>COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under 5: What We Know Now (Part 1 - June 9):&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SfNdriQMSBCjWDSnJ-xfjA__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Z3gwUth5fVYw5AGpeTPPUYpk3LyTW0ESz1XPcyB-_xBm2F6_usqNDt-89CC_sofQUp46PAwpg8LwsTM-ctTrL1ic7L1snaT6kjnhd1Qdmko$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SfNdriQMSBCjWDSnJ-xfjA</a></p> <p>COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under 5: What We Know Now (Part 2 – June 17):&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgEyzW2oSgyyvcvA86x0ZA__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Z3gwUth5fVYw5AGpeTPPUYpk3LyTW0ESz1XPcyB-_xBm2F6_usqNDt-89CC_sofQUp46PAwpg8LwsTM-ctTrL1ic7L1snaT6kjnhYdjsxks$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgEyzW2oSgyyvcvA86x0ZA</a></p> <p>Please see attached flyer for additional information</p>Upcoming Webinars COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under 5: What We Know Now (Part 1 - June 9): [https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SfNdriQMSBCjWDSnJ-xfjA](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SfNdriQMSBCjWDSnJ-xfjA__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Z3gwUth5fVYw5AGpeTPPUYpk3LyTW0ESz1XPcyB-_xBm2F6_usqNDt-89CC_sofQUp46PAwpg8LwsTM-ctTrL1ic7L1snaT6kjnhd1Qdmko$) COVID-19 Vaccines for Children under 5: What We Know Now (Part 2 -- June 17): [https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgEyzW2oSgyyvcvA86x0ZA](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bgEyzW2oSgyyvcvA86x0ZA__;!!B24N9PvjPQId!Z3gwUth5fVYw5AGpeTPPUYpk3LyTW0ESz1XPcyB-_xBm2F6_usqNDt-89CC_sofQUp46PAwpg8LwsTM-ctTrL1ic7L1snaT6kjnhYdjsxks$) Please see attached flyer for additional informationtruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672880?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-05-31T14:16:1546672881InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - May 27, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of&nbsp;May 8&nbsp;- May 14, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have decreased from the previous week.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 44 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.<br /> One influenza-associated pediatric death has been reported so far this season.</li> <li>139 of 4,578 (3.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 3,332 of 126,043 (2.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago has experienced unusual seasonality and transmission patterns of RSV throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago is currently outside of the usual RSV season and local RSV transmission has remained low over recent weeks.</li> <li>On April 28, 2022, the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0428-avian-flu.html" target="_blank">reported</a> that a human specimen has tested positive for avian influenza A (H5) virus (H5 bird flu) as reported by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and confirmed by CDC. &nbsp;This person had direct exposure with infected poultry.&nbsp; Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of May 8 - May 14, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have decreased from the previous week. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. Since October 3, 2021, 44 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. One influenza-associated pediatric death has been reported so far this season. * 139 of 4,578 (3.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 3,332 of 126,043 (2.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness is above local thresholds and the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago has experienced unusual seasonality and transmission patterns of RSV throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago is currently outside of the usual RSV season and local RSV transmission has remained low over recent weeks. * On April 28, 2022, the CDC [reported](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0428-avian-flu.html) that a human specimen has tested positive for avian influenza A (H5) virus (H5 bird flu) as reported by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and confirmed by CDC. This person had direct exposure with infected poultry. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672881?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-05-31T19:58:4246672882Infectious DiseaseMonkeypox,Diseases & ConditionsLowWebinar: Monkeypox, CDPH Updates<p><strong>Webinar</strong>: Monkeypox, CDPH Updates</p> <p><strong>Date</strong>: June 1, 2022</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong> 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p> <p><u><strong>Webinar Information:</strong></u></p> <p><strong>Microsoft Teams meeting</strong><br /> <strong>Join on your computer or mobile app</strong><br /> <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzJhYjVjY2ItZDcxZS00MmQ2LTkyNzUtNWVlYTViODVmNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b225cef6-710f-498a-9e16-69d805ecc96f%22%7d" target="_blank">Click here to join the meeting</a></p> <p><strong>Or call in (audio only)</strong><br /> +1 872-222-6918,,992657607# &nbsp; United States, Chicago<br /> Phone Conference ID: 992 657 607#</p>**Webinar**: Monkeypox, CDPH Updates **Date**: June 1, 2022 **Time:** 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm ++**Webinar Information:**++ **Microsoft Teams meeting** **Join on your computer or mobile app** [Click here to join the meeting](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzJhYjVjY2ItZDcxZS00MmQ2LTkyNzUtNWVlYTViODVmNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b225cef6-710f-498a-9e16-69d805ecc96f%22%7d) **Or call in (audio only)** +1 872-222-6918,,992657607# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 992 657 607#falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46672882?p_r_p_categoryId=2048239,4345542022-06-10T20:29:5746673284InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - June 10, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 5/29/2022-6/4/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days increased from to 7.0 to 7.7.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 4.0% to 4.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza continues to decrease.&nbsp;</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza has increased in recent weeks, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 5/29/2022-6/4/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases and test positivity have decreased since last week but remain elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days increased from to 7.0 to 7.7. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients increased from 4.0% to 4.2%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza continues to decrease. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza has increased in recent weeks, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. Please see attachment for further detail.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673284?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352020-03-25T19:27:2546660978ViralLowTransfer of Patients among Healthcare Facilities based on COVID-19 Status March 25, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Transfer of patients with COVID-19 from acute to long-term care facilities (LTCFs) should occur when patients are medically stable after communication between hospital discharge planners and receiving facilities to acknowledge readiness to accept.</li> <li>LTCFs should not transfer patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 infection unless medically indicated. These patients should be appropriately isolated with contact and droplet precautions implemented.</li> <li>LTCF should prepare NOW to receive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from acute care by checking supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic laboratory testing supplies.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background:</strong> Long-term care facilities (LTCFs), including long-term acute care hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities, provide care to vulnerable populations, including elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions. These patients are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 complications. Resources below provide interim guidance for transfer and continuity of care from acute to long-term care settings.</p> <p><strong>Transfer of patients from acute to LTCFs:</strong><br /> Transfer of patients to lower acuity settings should occur when patients are medically stable in these scenarios:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Patients with no clinical concern for COVID-19:</strong> Acceptable for transfer to LTCF (standard process)</li> <li><strong>Patients investigated for possible COVID-19, with negative testing results:</strong> If patient has negative COVID-19 testing, negative influenza testing, and meets usual clinical criteria for discharge, then acceptable for transfer to LTCF</li> <li><strong>Patients with positive COVID-19 testing:</strong> A LCTF can accept a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 and still under Transmission Based Precautions for COVID-19 as long as the facility can follow CDC guidance for Droplet and Contact Precautions. If a LTCF cannot, it must wait until these precautions are discontinued. Transmission based precautions may be discontinued as follows: <ul> <li>1) At least 7 days after symptom onset</li> <li>2) Patient afebrile for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND improvement in respiratory symptoms</li> <li>Reduction in acute care facility capacity is anticipated. LTCFs should prepare now to accept patients requiring strict contact and droplet precautions. CDPH will continue to provide guidance updates informed by local healthcare system capacity.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Patients under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19, but test results pending:</strong> At this time, PUIs should NOT be transferred to LTCFs until test results are available. As acute care facility capacity changes and there is need to transfer PUIs to LTCFs, CDPH will provide additional guidance on receiving PUIs.</li> </ul> <p>Acute care hospitals should conduct symptom screening of hospitalized patients with respiratory syndromes consistent with COVID-19, and order testing when indicated. Appropriate infection prevention measures should be implemented at the time of admission to minimize risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19. Acute care facilities are NOT required to perform COVID-19 testing on patients soley for discharge considerations unless they develop new respiratory infection symptoms, in which case the patient is not likely to be ready for discharge. A negative test does not preclude future disease.</p> <p>See attachment for full details.</p> <p>For more information on caring for lab-confirmed COVID-19 residents and the discontinuation of precautions, LTCFs should review the guidance found at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf</a>.</p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Transfer of patients with COVID-19 from acute to long-term care facilities (LTCFs) should occur when patients are medically stable after communication between hospital discharge planners and receiving facilities to acknowledge readiness to accept. * LTCFs should not transfer patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 infection unless medically indicated. These patients should be appropriately isolated with contact and droplet precautions implemented. * LTCF should prepare NOW to receive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from acute care by checking supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic laboratory testing supplies. **Background:** Long-term care facilities (LTCFs), including long-term acute care hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities, provide care to vulnerable populations, including elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions. These patients are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 complications. Resources below provide interim guidance for transfer and continuity of care from acute to long-term care settings. **Transfer of patients from acute to LTCFs:** Transfer of patients to lower acuity settings should occur when patients are medically stable in these scenarios: * **Patients with no clinical concern for COVID-19:** Acceptable for transfer to LTCF (standard process) * **Patients investigated for possible COVID-19, with negative testing results:** If patient has negative COVID-19 testing, negative influenza testing, and meets usual clinical criteria for discharge, then acceptable for transfer to LTCF * **Patients with positive COVID-19 testing:** A LCTF can accept a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 and still under Transmission Based Precautions for COVID-19 as long as the facility can follow CDC guidance for Droplet and Contact Precautions. If a LTCF cannot, it must wait until these precautions are discontinued. Transmission based precautions may be discontinued as follows: * 1) At least 7 days after symptom onset * 2) Patient afebrile for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND improvement in respiratory symptoms * Reduction in acute care facility capacity is anticipated. LTCFs should prepare now to accept patients requiring strict contact and droplet precautions. CDPH will continue to provide guidance updates informed by local healthcare system capacity. * **Patients under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19, but test results pending:** At this time, PUIs should NOT be transferred to LTCFs until test results are available. As acute care facility capacity changes and there is need to transfer PUIs to LTCFs, CDPH will provide additional guidance on receiving PUIs. Acute care hospitals should conduct symptom screening of hospitalized patients with respiratory syndromes consistent with COVID-19, and order testing when indicated. Appropriate infection prevention measures should be implemented at the time of admission to minimize risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19. Acute care facilities are NOT required to perform COVID-19 testing on patients soley for discharge considerations unless they develop new respiratory infection symptoms, in which case the patient is not likely to be ready for discharge. A negative test does not preclude future disease. See attachment for full details. For more information on caring for lab-confirmed COVID-19 residents and the discontinuation of precautions, LTCFs should review the guidance found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf>.true2022-03-18T20:05:3446671479InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Mar 18, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span>February 27, 2022 - March 5, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>97 of 2,879 (3.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 973 of 84,111 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.<br /> While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been &lt;3% since the week ending 12/25/2021.<br /> Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of February 27, 2022 - March 5, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since October 3, 2021, five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 97 of 2,879 (3.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 973 of 84,111 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been \<3% since the week ending 12/25/2021. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46671479?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-01-06T18:09:0146669686COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Pediatric Boosters and Booster Dosing Interval<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Vaccination of the unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated remains the leading priority while&nbsp;also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals.</li> <li>A booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 is now recommended in adolescents 12 years and&nbsp;above.</li> <li>A third primary series dose is now recommended for some children 5-11 years who are moderately&nbsp;or severely immunocompromised.</li> <li>The minimum interval for booster after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 has been reduced to 5 months&nbsp;for all eligible ages.</li> <li>mRNA vaccines (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) are recommended over the J&amp;J COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages** * Vaccination of the unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated remains the leading priority while also providing boosters to eligible vaccinated individuals. * A booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 is now recommended in adolescents 12 years and above. * A third primary series dose is now recommended for some children 5-11 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. * The minimum interval for booster after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 has been reduced to 5 months for all eligible ages. * mRNA vaccines (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) are recommended over the J\&J COVID-19 vaccine. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669686?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-21T22:51:3646669398COVID19COVIDLowNEW Isolation Housing Central Intake Form and Website - Dec. 21, 2021<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:black"><strong><u><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Summary and Action Items:</span></span></u></strong></span></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The COVID-19 Isolation Facility at A Safe Haven is being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Discharge planners and shelter staff can check a new website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at <span style="color:blue"><u><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html.</a></u></span> </span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The </span>online central intake <span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">referral form</a> is available for referrals from providers or self-referrals.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * The COVID-19 Isolation Facility at A Safe Haven is being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities. * Discharge planners and shelter staff can check a new website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at ++[https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html.](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html)++ * The online central intake [referral form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7) is available for referrals from providers or self-referrals. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669398?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-12-15T18:25:0246691483VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - December 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>December ACIP Meeting and Hepatitis B Vaccine Updates</li> <li>Autism and Vaccines</li> <li>RSV Immunizations&nbsp;</li> <li>ICE Activity and Vaccines</li> <li>Vaccine News &amp; Updates</li> <li>VFC Training Registration: Now Open!&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * December ACIP Meeting and Hepatitis B Vaccine Updates * Autism and Vaccines * RSV Immunizations * ICE Activity and Vaccines * Vaccine News \& Updates * VFC Training Registration: Now Open! Please see attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691483?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722022-01-05T15:02:1746669685COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report January 4, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Chicago.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Chicago is averaging 4,591 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 23.6%.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity and Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 4,591 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 23.6%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669685?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-03T18:57:3546669684InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Jan 3, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of 12/19/2021-12/25/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW </span>expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>99 of 5,574 (1.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 673 of 32,789&nbsp;(2.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) remains below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of 12/19/2021-12/25/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 99 of 5,574 (1.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 673 of 32,789 (2.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) remains below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669684?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-23T20:16:3746669678COVID19COVIDHighInterim Guidance to Mitigate Healthcare System Challenges During COVID-19 and Viral Respiratory Season<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 case counts in Chicago are currently in the Very High Transmission level with a 7-day rolling average [7DRA] of 2,345.</li> <li>Positivity is currently 8.6%. At the current pace of increase, it is expected positivity will shortly be above 10%.</li> <li>Hospitalizations have been rising with intensive care unit bed capacity at 13.8% available and acute non-ICU bed capacity at 15.7% available as of 12/22/2021.</li> <li>CDPH recommends that hospitals implement several interventions now to strengthen hospital response capacity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure to patients and staff.</li> <li><strong>CDPH Hospital Visitation Guidance is now based on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-chicago.html#reopeningmetrics" target="_blank">Chicago Community Transmission Risk Matrix</a>. Hospitals are currently recommended to follow the visitation guidance for Very High Transmission (Red)</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 case counts in Chicago are currently in the Very High Transmission level with a 7-day rolling average \[7DRA\] of 2,345. * Positivity is currently 8.6%. At the current pace of increase, it is expected positivity will shortly be above 10%. * Hospitalizations have been rising with intensive care unit bed capacity at 13.8% available and acute non-ICU bed capacity at 15.7% available as of 12/22/2021. * CDPH recommends that hospitals implement several interventions now to strengthen hospital response capacity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure to patients and staff. * **CDPH Hospital Visitation Guidance is now based on the [Chicago Community Transmission Risk Matrix](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-chicago.html#reopeningmetrics). Hospitals are currently recommended to follow the visitation guidance for Very High Transmission (Red)** Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669678?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-01-01T00:44:1946669683COVID19COVIDLowUPDATE CDC HAN: Using Therapeutics to Prevent and Treat COVID-19<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The SARS-CoV-2 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">Omicron</a> variant has quickly become the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">dominant variant of concern</a> in the United States and is present in all 50 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that eligible individuals should get all <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fclinical-considerations.html" target="_blank">vaccines and booster shots</a> as the best preventive measure available against severe disease, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID-19. Therapeutics are also available for preventing and treating COVID-19 in specific <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html" target="_blank">at-risk populations</a>. These therapeutics differ in efficacy, route of administration, risk profile, <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization#coviddrugs" target="_blank">and whether they are authorized by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults only or adults and certain pediatric populations</a>. Some therapeutics are in short supply, but availability is expected to increase in the coming months. The CDC HAN serves to familiarize healthcare providers with available therapeutics, understand how and when to prescribe <a href="https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/statement-on-patient-prioritization-for-outpatient-therapies/" target="_blank">and prioritize them</a>, and recognize contraindications.</p> <p><strong><em>UPDATED INFORMATION:&nbsp;</em></strong>Distribution of COVID-19 therapeutics in Illinois, including in Chicago, is occurring through IDPH. Facilities interested in providing Evusheld, Paxlovid, or Molnupiravir should complete <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/756b5898c212431eb2e11cceee365580" target="_blank">IDPH's COVID-19 Antiviral Survey</a>. Facilities interested in administering monoclonal antibodies should go to <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/monoclonal-antibody-treatment.html" target="_blank">IDPH's Monoclonal Antibody Treatment website</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary** The SARS-CoV-2 [Omicron](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html) variant has quickly become the [dominant variant of concern](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions) in the United States and is present in all 50 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that eligible individuals should get all [vaccines and booster shots](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fclinical-considerations.html) as the best preventive measure available against severe disease, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID-19. Therapeutics are also available for preventing and treating COVID-19 in specific [at-risk populations](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html). These therapeutics differ in efficacy, route of administration, risk profile, [and whether they are authorized by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults only or adults and certain pediatric populations](https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization#coviddrugs). Some therapeutics are in short supply, but availability is expected to increase in the coming months. The CDC HAN serves to familiarize healthcare providers with available therapeutics, understand how and when to prescribe [and prioritize them](https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/statement-on-patient-prioritization-for-outpatient-therapies/), and recognize contraindications. ***UPDATED INFORMATION:*** Distribution of COVID-19 therapeutics in Illinois, including in Chicago, is occurring through IDPH. Facilities interested in providing Evusheld, Paxlovid, or Molnupiravir should complete [IDPH's COVID-19 Antiviral Survey](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/756b5898c212431eb2e11cceee365580). Facilities interested in administering monoclonal antibodies should go to [IDPH's Monoclonal Antibody Treatment website](https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/monoclonal-antibody-treatment.html) for more information. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669683?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-12-19T21:42:5446691486InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - December 19, 2025<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low but influenza activity is increasing rapidly.</strong> RSV and COVID-19 activity have been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators for several weeks as well. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html" target="_blank">National data</a> suggest influenza and RSV are experiencing epidemic growth in Illinois and nationwide, and COVID-19 is showing epidemic growth in Illinois and nearby states.</li> <li><strong>ED visits</strong> for influenza are rapidly increasing, especially among young children and adolescents. ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV and COVID-19 are also increasing among young children.</li> <li><strong>Test positivity</strong> for influenza doubled from 4.8% to 9.6% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.9% to 4.4%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased slightly from 4.8% to 4.2%.</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for influenza A increased from Low to Moderate, influenza B and RSV concentrations remain low and COVID-19 concentrations remain minimal.</li> <li>Almost all (98%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 80% have been H3N2 and 20% (H1N1)pdm09.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.</li> <li><strong>The respiratory season is here.</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a>&nbsp;are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don’t let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! &nbsp;Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2025-2026 season.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low but influenza activity is increasing rapidly.** RSV and COVID-19 activity have been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators for several weeks as well. [National data](https://www.cdc.gov/cfa-modeling-and-forecasting/rt-estimates/index.html) suggest influenza and RSV are experiencing epidemic growth in Illinois and nationwide, and COVID-19 is showing epidemic growth in Illinois and nearby states. * **ED visits** for influenza are rapidly increasing, especially among young children and adolescents. ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV and COVID-19 are also increasing among young children. * **Test positivity** for influenza doubled from 4.8% to 9.6% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.9% to 4.4%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased slightly from 4.8% to 4.2%. * **Wastewater concentrations** for influenza A increased from Low to Moderate, influenza B and RSV concentrations remain low and COVID-19 concentrations remain minimal. * Almost all (98%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 80% have been H3N2 and 20% (H1N1)pdm09. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. * **The respiratory season is here.** [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don't let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/guidance/2025-2026-annual-respiratory-testing-and-reporting-guidance.pdf) for the 2025-2026 season. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691486?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092026-01-02T19:39:3646691780InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - January 2, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has increased from Moderate to High</strong>. Influenza activity increased from High to Very High and continues to increase significantly across all indicators. RSV activity remains Moderate, and COVID-19 activity remains Low but has been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators. &nbsp; &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> are at their highest levels since 2022 and increased across all age categories but most notably among children 0 –17 years. The cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons but may still increase due to reporting lags. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> are similar to the prior week and are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons. ICU admissions for RSV are prominently among children &lt;5 years of age and remain elevated but have declined over the past two weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> remain low but are at their highest level since Spring 2025 and are increasing. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children &lt;5 years of age.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza</strong> increased from 17.7% to 24.3% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 4.4% to 5.0%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 4.4% to 6.6%.&nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (99.1%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 95% have been H3N2 and 5% have been (H1N1)pdm09.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentration data</strong> will be unavailable during 12/22/25–1/2/2026. Reporting will resume on 1/9/2026.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>The respiratory season is here.</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a>&nbsp;are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don’t let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! &nbsp;Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&amp;p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025</a> for full details. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has increased from Moderate to High**. Influenza activity increased from High to Very High and continues to increase significantly across all indicators. RSV activity remains Moderate, and COVID-19 activity remains Low but has been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators.  * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** are at their highest levels since 2022 and increased across all age categories but most notably among children 0 --17 years. The cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons but may still increase due to reporting lags. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** are similar to the prior week and are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons. ICU admissions for RSV are prominently among children \<5 years of age and remain elevated but have declined over the past two weeks. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** remain low but are at their highest level since Spring 2025 and are increasing. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children \<5 years of age. * **Test positivity for influenza** increased from 17.7% to 24.3% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 4.4% to 5.0%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 4.4% to 6.6%. * Almost all (99.1%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 95% have been H3N2 and 5% have been (H1N1)pdm09. * **Wastewater concentration data** will be unavailable during 12/22/25--1/2/2026. Reporting will resume on 1/9/2026. * **The respiratory season is here.** [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don't let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). * IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the [Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) for full details. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691780?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-12-31T18:30:1646669681Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationLow2020 Chicago Opioid Overdose Data Brief<p><strong>Summary and Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li>There were 13,794 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 1303 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in January – December 2020. This is a <strong>32% increase</strong> in opioid-related EMS responses and a <strong>52% increase</strong> in deaths compared to 2019.&nbsp;</li> <li>For the total number of opioid-related deaths from January – December 2020, <strong>86% involved fentanyl</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>In 2020 in Chicago, 51% of opioid-related overdose deaths also involved another substance (cocaine, methenamine, and/or benzodiazepine), suggesting polysubstance use is common.&nbsp;</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>. Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/resource-center/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Interventions</a> for people who use drugs.&nbsp;</li> <li>Hospitals and Community organizations can <a href="https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=58142" target="_blank">register to become a Drug Overdose Prevention Program</a> to order and distribute Naloxone at no cost to their organization.&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/ChiPublicHealth/status/1466505043532652544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1466505043532652544%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagotribune.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fct-fentanyl-test-strips-chicago-department-public-health-20211213-kq47omauzfcn5omf64xjhc7pki-story.html" target="_blank">Fentanyl test strips</a> are available free of charge through CDPH and can be requested by emailing <a href="mailto:osu.cdph@cityofchicago.org">osu.cdph@cityofchicago.org</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.thebraveapp.com/" target="_blank">BeSafe</a> and <a href="https://neverusealone.com/" target="_blank">Never Use Alone</a> (800) 484-3731 are two resources that can be shared with people who use drugs alone; these resources allow for help to be called if an overdose occurs.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please read the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary and Key Points** * There were 13,794 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 1303 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in January -- December 2020. This is a **32% increase** in opioid-related EMS responses and a **52% increase** in deaths compared to 2019. * For the total number of opioid-related deaths from January -- December 2020, **86% involved fentanyl**. * In 2020 in Chicago, 51% of opioid-related overdose deaths also involved another substance (cocaine, methenamine, and/or benzodiazepine), suggesting polysubstance use is common. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf). Share these [Harm Reduction Interventions](https://harmreduction.org/resource-center/) for people who use drugs. * Hospitals and Community organizations can [register to become a Drug Overdose Prevention Program](https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=58142) to order and distribute Naloxone at no cost to their organization. * [Fentanyl test strips](https://twitter.com/ChiPublicHealth/status/1466505043532652544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1466505043532652544%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagotribune.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fct-fentanyl-test-strips-chicago-department-public-health-20211213-kq47omauzfcn5omf64xjhc7pki-story.html) are available free of charge through CDPH and can be requested by emailing [osu.cdph@cityofchicago.org](mailto:osu.cdph@cityofchicago.org) * [BeSafe](https://www.thebraveapp.com/) and [Never Use Alone](https://neverusealone.com/) (800) 484-3731 are two resources that can be shared with people who use drugs alone; these resources allow for help to be called if an overdose occurs. Please read the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669681?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942021-12-29T21:12:0046669680COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report December 29, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">COVID-19 test positivity, Covid-19 cases, and deaths continue to rise in Chicago.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Chicago is averaging 3,825 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 16.2%.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></span></span></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity, Covid-19 cases, and deaths continue to rise in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 3,825 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 16.2%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669680?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-27T21:55:5946669578InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Dec 27, 2021<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of 12/12/2021-12/18/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW </span>expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>64 of 3,065 (2.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 502 of 25,924 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) remains below local thresholds, however the proportion of emergency department visits for ILI is above local thresholds for the first time this season.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.<br />  </li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong><br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu" target="_blank">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of 12/12/2021-12/18/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 64 of 3,065 (2.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 502 of 25,924 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) remains below local thresholds, however the proportion of emergency department visits for ILI is above local thresholds for the first time this season. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. **About this report:** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). Please see the attached for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669578?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-25T03:29:3346669679COVID19COVIDLowRapid Increase of Omicron Variant Infections in the United States: Management of Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Due to the increased transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">Omicron variant</a> and concerns about potential impacts on the healthcare system, the CDC is updating recommendations to enhance protection for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors, and ensure adequate staffing in healthcare facilities. The guidance is based on the limited information currently available about the Omicron variant and will be updated as needed as new information becomes available.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel</strong></p> <ul> <li>Get all doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including additional and booster doses as recommended by CDC as well as influenza vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and your patients.</li> <li>Increase patient outreach efforts to recommend, encourage, and offer COVID-19 vaccination and boosters.</li> <li>Recommend that all healthcare personnel who are immunocompromised continue to practice all prevention measures to protect themselves against COVID-19 even if they have received all COVID-19 vaccines, additional and booster doses as recommended by CDC.</li> <li>When spending time in community settings, take all recommended steps to protect yourself and others from SARS-CoV-2 infection to decrease the risk of introducing new transmission into the healthcare setting.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Facilities and Systems and Nursing Homes&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Implement new CDC guidance for contingency and crisis conditions to shorten duration of work restrictions for healthcare personnel with SARS-CoV-2 infection and those who had a higher-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2, when needed to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare personnel.</li> <li>Recommend and offer COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to your staff and employees and establish policies to encourage uptake such as time off to get COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.&nbsp;</li> <li>Provide resources and support to assist healthcare personnel with stress and physical demands.</li> <li>Ensure that SARS-CoV-2 testing is performed with a test that can detect SARS-CoV-2 considering currently circulating variants.</li> </ul> <p><strong>For full&nbsp;information&nbsp;please see the attached CDC HAN.</strong></p>**Summary** Due to the increased transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 [Omicron variant](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html) and concerns about potential impacts on the healthcare system, the CDC is updating recommendations to enhance protection for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors, and ensure adequate staffing in healthcare facilities. The guidance is based on the limited information currently available about the Omicron variant and will be updated as needed as new information becomes available. **Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel** * Get all doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including additional and booster doses as recommended by CDC as well as influenza vaccine to protect yourself, your family, and your patients. * Increase patient outreach efforts to recommend, encourage, and offer COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. * Recommend that all healthcare personnel who are immunocompromised continue to practice all prevention measures to protect themselves against COVID-19 even if they have received all COVID-19 vaccines, additional and booster doses as recommended by CDC. * When spending time in community settings, take all recommended steps to protect yourself and others from SARS-CoV-2 infection to decrease the risk of introducing new transmission into the healthcare setting. **Recommendations for Healthcare Facilities and Systems and Nursing Homes** * Implement new CDC guidance for contingency and crisis conditions to shorten duration of work restrictions for healthcare personnel with SARS-CoV-2 infection and those who had a higher-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2, when needed to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare personnel. * Recommend and offer COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to your staff and employees and establish policies to encourage uptake such as time off to get COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. * Provide resources and support to assist healthcare personnel with stress and physical demands. * Ensure that SARS-CoV-2 testing is performed with a test that can detect SARS-CoV-2 considering currently circulating variants. **For full information please see the attached CDC HAN.**truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669679?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-22T15:39:5946669400COVID19COVIDLowCORRECTED: Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report December 22, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">COVID-19 test positivity, Covid-19 cases, and deaths have increased in Chicago.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Chicago is averaging 2,069 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 8.3%.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19</span></span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> <p><em>CORRECTION:&nbsp; Correct Attachment now included.</em></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity, Covid-19 cases, and deaths have increased in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 2,069 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 8.3%. * The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 Please see the attachment for more details. *CORRECTION: Correct Attachment now included.*truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669400?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-21T22:21:1246669397COVID19COVIDLowIDPH Memo: Provider Survey & AstraZeneca EVUSHELD EUA, FAQ<ul> <li> <h2><strong>IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM IDPH</strong></h2> </li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The FDA has issued an EUA for Aztra Zeneca’s EVUSHELD for emergency use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40kg) who are immunosuppressed or have contraindications to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">IDPH has created a survey for provider to indicate if they would like to be considered to dispense EVUSHELD and, pending an EUA, Molnupiravir, Merck’s oral COVID-19 therapeutic. These therapies will have a limited initial supply.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Please complete <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/756b5898c212431eb2e11cceee365580" target="_blank">this&nbsp;survey</a> to indicate to IDPH if your facility does or does not intend to provided these therapies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Please read the attachment for full details!</strong></span></span></span></strong></span></span></p>* **IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM IDPH** ------------------------------ * The FDA has issued an EUA for Aztra Zeneca's EVUSHELD for emergency use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40kg) who are immunosuppressed or have contraindications to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. * IDPH has created a survey for provider to indicate if they would like to be considered to dispense EVUSHELD and, pending an EUA, Molnupiravir, Merck's oral COVID-19 therapeutic. These therapies will have a limited initial supply. * **Please complete [this survey](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/756b5898c212431eb2e11cceee365580) to indicate to IDPH if your facility does or does not intend to provided these therapies.** ****Please read the attachment for full details!****truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669397?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-03-13T18:36:5846689584VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - March 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Recent News in Vaccine Preventable Diseases</li> <li>Access to Information and Resources</li> <li>Respiratory Virus Season Update</li> <li>VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars</li> <li>Join our Immunizations Workgroup!</li> <li>And More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Recent News in Vaccine Preventable Diseases * Access to Information and Resources * Respiratory Virus Season Update * VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars * Join our Immunizations Workgroup! * And More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689584?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-12-21T20:04:5746669396COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update: Pfizer shelf-life extension; Vaccinator Appreciation Video; Boost to stop Omicron<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong></p> <ul> <li>Watch and share the updated *<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/videos/456034209493727/?extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C" target="_blank">Vaccinator Appreciation video</a>*&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Ordering (<a href="https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution)" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution)</a> will be available TODAY December 21st but ONLY order if your clinic is open 12/28-12/29 to receive vaccine: email <a href="mailto:Kevin.Hansen@cityofchicago.org">Kevin.Hansen@cityofchicago.org</a> if you need to cancel any orders or you find out that your clinics will be closed last minute after you order. Ordering will next be available on January 4th.&nbsp;</li> <li>Pfizer shelf-life extension: the expiration date for Pfizer orange and gray cap vaccine has now been extended to 9 months (while held at ULT frozen.) This change takes effect immediately.&nbsp;</li> <li>Check out <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E-BDVNimvwJKq9DfbDPhL1WGimf5VhX_" target="_blank">slides and recording</a> of the 12/17 Vaccinator Appreciation Edition of the COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call&nbsp;</li> <li>As the omicron variant rapidly increases locally, remember to continue to provide boosters at every opportunity.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES** * Watch and share the updated \*[Vaccinator Appreciation video](https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/videos/456034209493727/?extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C)\* * Ordering (<https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution)> will be available TODAY December 21st but ONLY order if your clinic is open 12/28-12/29 to receive vaccine: email [Kevin.Hansen@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Kevin.Hansen@cityofchicago.org) if you need to cancel any orders or you find out that your clinics will be closed last minute after you order. Ordering will next be available on January 4th. * Pfizer shelf-life extension: the expiration date for Pfizer orange and gray cap vaccine has now been extended to 9 months (while held at ULT frozen.) This change takes effect immediately. * Check out [slides and recording](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1E-BDVNimvwJKq9DfbDPhL1WGimf5VhX_) of the 12/17 Vaccinator Appreciation Edition of the COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call * As the omicron variant rapidly increases locally, remember to continue to provide boosters at every opportunity. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669396?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-20T15:44:0546669395InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Dec 17, 2021<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of 12/5/2021-12/11/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">interactive report</a>&nbsp;on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW</span> expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>101 of 3,296 (3.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 438 of 22,859 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. &nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong><br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu" target="_blank">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of 12/5/2021-12/11/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the [interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) on our website. **NEW expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low but is increasing. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 101 of 3,296 (3.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 438 of 22,859 (1.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. **About this report:** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu).truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669395?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-16T19:52:0946669481COVID19COVIDLowCOVID19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Friday, Dec 17, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, December 17,&nbsp; 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;11:30AM - 12:30&nbsp;PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8490639988" target="_blank">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8490639988</a><br /> OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 846 9063 9988)&nbsp;</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p> <p> </p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, December 17, 2021 Time: 11:30AM - 12:30 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8490639988](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8490639988) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 846 9063 9988) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669481?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-03-25T19:55:3746671386InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Mar 25, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span>March 13, 2022 - March 19, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the previous week. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>99 of 2,784 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,072 of 86,895 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.<br /> While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been &lt;3% since the week ending 12/25/2021.<br /> Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of March 13, 2022 - March 19, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the previous week. Since October 3, 2021, six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 99 of 2,784 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,072 of 86,895 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been \<3% since the week ending 12/25/2021. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46671386?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-14T22:32:5346669480COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report December 14, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>COVID-19 test positivity increased in Chicago.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Chicago is averaging 903 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 4.2%.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity increased in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 903 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and the test positivity is at 4.2%.** * **The priority in Chicago is to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669480?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442026-01-09T19:26:2846691782InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - January 9, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains High</strong>. Influenza activity decreased from Very High to High and decreased slightly across most indicators but may still increase due to the holiday season and reporting lags. RSV activity increased from Moderate to High, and COVID-19 activity increased from Low to Moderate. &nbsp;  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> remain high across all age categories but most notably among children 0 –17 years and adults 65+ years. The cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons but may still increase due to reporting lags.  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> are similar to prior weeks and remain high among children &lt; 5 years of age but are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons. ICU admissions for RSV are also prominent among children &lt;5 years of age and remain elevated.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> have increased to moderate levels and are higher at this point in the year compared to last season. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children &lt;5 years of age. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity</strong> for influenza decreased from 24.6% to 18.0% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 5.0% to 5.5%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 5.2% to 7.8%. &nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (98.5%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 96% have been H3N2 and 4% have been (H1N1)pdm09. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for Influenza A and RSV are moderate and influenza B and COVID-19 are Low.</li> <li><strong>The respiratory season is here.</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a>&nbsp;are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don’t let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! &nbsp;Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&amp;p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025</a> for full details. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains High**. Influenza activity decreased from Very High to High and decreased slightly across most indicators but may still increase due to the holiday season and reporting lags. RSV activity increased from Moderate to High, and COVID-19 activity increased from Low to Moderate.     * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** remain high across all age categories but most notably among children 0 --17 years and adults 65+ years. The cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to the prior three seasons but may still increase due to reporting lags.   * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** are similar to prior weeks and remain high among children \< 5 years of age but are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons. ICU admissions for RSV are also prominent among children \<5 years of age and remain elevated. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** have increased to moderate levels and are higher at this point in the year compared to last season. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children \<5 years of age.  * **Test positivity** for influenza decreased from 24.6% to 18.0% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 5.0% to 5.5%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 5.2% to 7.8%.  * Almost all (98.5%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 96% have been H3N2 and 4% have been (H1N1)pdm09.  * **Wastewater concentrations** for Influenza A and RSV are moderate and influenza B and COVID-19 are Low. * **The respiratory season is here.** [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don't let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). * IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the [Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) for full details. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691782?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-12-14T21:34:1946669479COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update: TODAY is the 1 year anniversary of first COVID-19 vaccine administered in US December 14, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <p><strong>TODAY is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S.</strong> and tomorrow 12/15 marks one year since the first vaccine was given in Chicago.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Tune in Friday December 17th 11:30a – 12:30p CST</strong> for a<strong> COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> with updates and a <strong>*Vaccinator Appreciation Surprise*</strong>: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84690639988#success">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84690639988</a> <ul> <li>&nbsp;Dial-In: 312-626-6799 (ID: 846 9063 9988)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** **TODAY is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S.** and tomorrow 12/15 marks one year since the first vaccine was given in Chicago. * **Tune in Friday December 17th 11:30a -- 12:30p CST** for a**COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** with updates and a **\*Vaccinator Appreciation Surprise\*** : [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84690639988](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84690639988#success) * Dial-In: 312-626-6799 (ID: 846 9063 9988) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669479?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-08T15:19:4746669285STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowClinical eLearning Collaborative: Addressing Syphilis in Our Clinics December 9th, 2021<p> </p> <p><strong>Course Description</strong>: This FREE e-Learning collaborative will delve into the clinical aspects of STI prevention, diagnosis, and management. Learners will engage in clinical, case based discussions to aide in more fully understanding state-of-the-art techniques in managing STIs. Learners will have the opportunity to interact with other colleagues who see patients with or vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections in their clinics. While the sessions will be organized and moderated by the St. Louis STI/HIV PTC, we encourage participants to bring cases and contribute topics for discussion</p> <p><strong>Course Objectives:</strong> By the end of this course, participants will:</p> <ul> <li>Review tools and pathways for diagnosing syphilis and its various types/stages</li> <li>Explicate indications for syphilis treatment from the 2021 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines</li> <li>Explore common and atypical presentations of syphilis</li> <li>Discuss post treatment follow up and challenges to the management of syphilis</li> </ul> <p><strong>Register here</strong>: <a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3202">https://courses.nnptc .org/class_informatio n.html?id=3202</a></p> <p>Please see the attachement for full details.</p>**Course Description**: This FREE e-Learning collaborative will delve into the clinical aspects of STI prevention, diagnosis, and management. Learners will engage in clinical, case based discussions to aide in more fully understanding state-of-the-art techniques in managing STIs. Learners will have the opportunity to interact with other colleagues who see patients with or vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections in their clinics. While the sessions will be organized and moderated by the St. Louis STI/HIV PTC, we encourage participants to bring cases and contribute topics for discussion **Course Objectives:** By the end of this course, participants will: * Review tools and pathways for diagnosing syphilis and its various types/stages * Explicate indications for syphilis treatment from the 2021 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines * Explore common and atypical presentations of syphilis * Discuss post treatment follow up and challenges to the management of syphilis **Register here** : [https://courses.nnptc .org/class_informatio n.html?id=3202](https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3202) Please see the attachement for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669285?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-12-07T17:52:1346669284COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update: Holiday/New Year’s Shipping UPDATES; December 14th Commemoration<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, December 14, 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S</strong>., and we want to celebrate this significant milestone by recognizing the hard work that you all have contributed as part of the COVID-19 response. <strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Send pictures or stories</span></strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> (recorded on smartphone or written) with your adventures in vaccination over the last year to covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org – </span><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">we want to celebrate you with a surprise on December 14th!</span></strong></li> <li><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>December and New Year’s Shipping:</strong> </span><strong>Complete the vaccine order survey: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution</a> DUE by 5pm TODAY</strong> <strong>to receive the last regular shipment this year. </strong>Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand.</li> <li><strong>Continue to update your VaccineFinder</strong> profile on Vaccines.gov to inform Chicago’s vaccine allocations.</li> <li><strong>Noticing “Vaccine Recommendation Fatigue” </strong>in your staff? Send <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy">this</a> quick video around.</li> <li><strong>Four ways to brush up on vaccine conversations</strong>: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy">Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts (3:37)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LjCeW3LPxs&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy&amp;index=2">Quick Vaccine Conversation training (for parents of 5-11yo) (12:58)</a></li> <li>Motivational Interviewing: A Roadmap to Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence is a virtual course on Wednesday Dec. 8, 2021, at noon CT. Register <a href="https://shop.aap.org/Motivational-Interviewing-A-Roadmap-to-Building-COVID-19-Vaccine-Confidence/">here</a>.</li> <li>Sign up for<a href="https://www.illinoisvaccinates.com/"> I-VAC (Illinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19) </a>and check out their resource</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **Tuesday, December 14, 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S** ., and we want to celebrate this significant milestone by recognizing the hard work that you all have contributed as part of the COVID-19 response. **Send pictures or stories** (recorded on smartphone or written) with your adventures in vaccination over the last year to covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org -- **we want to celebrate you with a surprise on December 14th!** * **December and New Year's Shipping:** **Complete the vaccine order survey: [https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA) DUE by 5pm TODAY** **to receive the last regular shipment this year.**Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand. * **Continue to update your VaccineFinder** profile on Vaccines.gov to inform Chicago's vaccine allocations. * **Noticing "Vaccine Recommendation Fatigue"** in your staff? Send [this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy) quick video around. * **Four ways to brush up on vaccine conversations** : * [Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts (3:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy) * [Quick Vaccine Conversation training (for parents of 5-11yo) (12:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LjCeW3LPxs&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy&index=2) * Motivational Interviewing: A Roadmap to Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence is a virtual course on Wednesday Dec. 8, 2021, at noon CT. Register [here](https://shop.aap.org/Motivational-Interviewing-A-Roadmap-to-Building-COVID-19-Vaccine-Confidence/). * Sign up for[I-VAC (Illinois Vaccinates Against COVID-19)](https://www.illinoisvaccinates.com/)and check out their resource See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669284?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-04-05T14:49:2546671485InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - April 1, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span>March 20, 2022 - March 26, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the previous week. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>106 of 2,958 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,219 of 90,315 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.<br /> While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been &lt;3% since the week ending 12/25/2021.<br /> Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of March 20, 2022 - March 26, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, but has been increasing for the past three weeks. The influenza season continues through the end of May and influenza activity can increase during this time; in 2018-2019, the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza peaked in early April. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the previous week. Since October 3, 2021, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 106 of 2,958 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,219 of 90,315 (1.3%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been \<3% since the week ending 12/25/2021. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46671485?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-06T21:45:5146669380COVID19COVIDLowIDPH: Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Facilities - Visitation<p><strong>IDPH Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes and Other&nbsp;Long-Term Care Facilities - <span style="color:#e74c3c">Visitation</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">Reason for Update:</span> New Guidance released from the CDC and CMS</strong><br /> This interim guidance incorporates revisions to the September 10, 2021 recommendations for nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccination <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh-revised.pdf" target="_blank">QSO-20-38-NH</a>. <span style="color:#e74c3c">CMS also published additional rules on November 11, 2021: visitation <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf" target="_blank">QSO-20-39-NH</a>. <strong>Visitation is allowed for all residents at all times, as long as the Core Principles of Infection Prevention and Control are utilized to prevent the spread of COVID-19</strong></span>.</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**IDPH Updated Interim Guidance for Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Facilities - Visitation** **Reason for Update: New Guidance released from the CDC and CMS** This interim guidance incorporates revisions to the September 10, 2021 recommendations for nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccination [QSO-20-38-NH](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh-revised.pdf). CMS also published additional rules on November 11, 2021: visitation [QSO-20-39-NH](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf). **Visitation is allowed for all residents at all times, as long as the Core Principles of Infection Prevention and Control are utilized to prevent the spread of COVID-19**. Please see the attached for more information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669380?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-12-03T22:31:1046669283InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - Dec 3, 2021<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s influenza surveillance report for the week of 11/21/2021-11/27/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">interactive report</a> on our website.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>Thirty-nine of 2,482 (1.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 232 of 16,245 (1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.&nbsp;</li> <li>CDC issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00458.asp" target="_blank">health advisory</a> concerning increasing seasonal influenza A (H3N2) activity, especially among young adults and in college and university settings.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669192?p_r_p_categoryId=437835" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</li> <li>Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. &nbsp;No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-schedule.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a>&nbsp;is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong><br /> The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu" target="_blank">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's influenza surveillance report for the week of 11/21/2021-11/27/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the [interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) on our website. **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * Thirty-nine of 2,482 (1.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 232 of 16,245 (1.4%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * CDC issued a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00458.asp) concerning increasing seasonal influenza A (H3N2) activity, especially among young adults and in college and university settings. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669192?p_r_p_categoryId=437835). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. * Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-schedule.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season and experiencing seasonal-level transmission of RSV (unlike the 2020-2021 season in which we saw essentially no RSV activity). Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for eligible patients at this time. **About this report:** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669283?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-12-01T22:27:0146669280COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update: 5-11yo Progress; VaxText; December 14th Commemoration<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>December 14, 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S</strong>., and we want to celebrate this significant milestone by recognizing the hard work and unprecedented accomplishments that you all have contributed as part of the COVID-19 response.</li> <li>&nbsp;Send us pictures or stories about your adventures in vaccination over the last year to <span style="color:#2980b9"><strong>covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org </strong></span>– this is a good opportunity to look back and appreciate.</li> <li>Consider watching this video with your staff to commemorate your efforts and look ahead: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy">Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts </a>(3:37)</li> <li><strong>Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. Our vaccine allocations from CDC depend on it!!! </strong>Consider using <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaxtext/index.html">VaxText </a>for free reminder/recall (more info provided below).</li> <li>Thanks to our hospital partners who stepped up to offer options for children during Vaccine Awareness Day and since, including: Comer Children’s Hospital, Cook County Health, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Rush Children’s Hospital, UIH, Swedish Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Roseland Hospital, Sinai Health System, and St. Bernard’s Hospital. <strong>Together you have administered over 57,000 doses to date! Pharmacies ~180,000 and FQHCs ~28,600; as of 11/27, 23% of Chicago 5-11yo have received at least 1 dose!</strong></li> <li>Shout out to Midway Pediatrics for steady ordering and administration of pediatric vaccine.</li> <li>Due to Thanksgiving shipping delays, orders may ship Friday 12/3 or early the next week. Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand. Complete the vaccine order survey: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution</a></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **December 14, 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the U.S**., and we want to celebrate this significant milestone by recognizing the hard work and unprecedented accomplishments that you all have contributed as part of the COVID-19 response. * Send us pictures or stories about your adventures in vaccination over the last year to **covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org**-- this is a good opportunity to look back and appreciate. * Consider watching this video with your staff to commemorate your efforts and look ahead: [Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy)(3:37) * **Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. Our vaccine allocations from CDC depend on it!!!** Consider using [VaxText](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaxtext/index.html)for free reminder/recall (more info provided below). * Thanks to our hospital partners who stepped up to offer options for children during Vaccine Awareness Day and since, including: Comer Children's Hospital, Cook County Health, Lurie Children's Hospital, Rush Children's Hospital, UIH, Swedish Hospital, St. Anthony's Hospital, Roseland Hospital, Sinai Health System, and St. Bernard's Hospital. **Together you have administered over 57,000 doses to date! Pharmacies \~180,000 and FQHCs \~28,600; as of 11/27, 23% of Chicago 5-11yo have received at least 1 dose!** * Shout out to Midway Pediatrics for steady ordering and administration of pediatric vaccine. * Due to Thanksgiving shipping delays, orders may ship Friday 12/3 or early the next week. Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand. Complete the vaccine order survey: [https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669280?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442026-01-16T19:21:3846691784InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Illness Weekly Surveillance Report - January 16, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago decreased from High to Moderate.</strong> Influenza activity decreased from High to Moderate, but future increases are still possible; other seasons (2019-20, 2024-25) have had sharp peaks in January followed by large secondary waves in Feb-March. RSV activity decreased from High to Moderate. COVID-19 activity remains Moderate and has been increasing across indicators. &nbsp; </li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza </strong>decreased for the second week in a row but remain high across all age categories, most notably among children 0–17 years and adults 65+ years. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior two seasons but among children the ICU rate is the second highest it’s ever been in the past 10 seasons.  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV </strong>decreased slightly from the previous week and are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons but remain high among children &lt;5 years of age. ICU admissions for RSV are also prominent among children &lt;5 years of age and remain elevated.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> decreased slightly from the previous week and remain moderate but are at their highest level since Spring 2025. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children &lt;5 years of age. &nbsp; &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza</strong> decreased from 18.0% to 13.7% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 5.5% to 4.8%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 6.2% to 7.7%. &nbsp;</li> <li>Almost all (97.4%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 96% have been H3N2 and 4% have been (H1N1)pdm09.</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A and RSV</strong> are moderate and influenza B and COVID-19 are Low.</li> <li><strong>The respiratory season is here.</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a>&nbsp;are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don’t let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! &nbsp;Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&amp;p_r_p_categoryId=undefined" target="_blank">Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025</a> for full details. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago decreased from High to Moderate.** Influenza activity decreased from High to Moderate, but future increases are still possible; other seasons (2019-20, 2024-25) have had sharp peaks in January followed by large secondary waves in Feb-March. RSV activity decreased from High to Moderate. COVID-19 activity remains Moderate and has been increasing across indicators.    * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza**decreased for the second week in a row but remain high across all age categories, most notably among children 0--17 years and adults 65+ years. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is similar at this point in the year compared to the prior two seasons but among children the ICU rate is the second highest it's ever been in the past 10 seasons.   * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV**decreased slightly from the previous week and are overall lower compared to the three prior seasons but remain high among children \<5 years of age. ICU admissions for RSV are also prominent among children \<5 years of age and remain elevated. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** decreased slightly from the previous week and remain moderate but are at their highest level since Spring 2025. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years and children \<5 years of age.    * **Test positivity for influenza** decreased from 18.0% to 13.7% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 5.5% to 4.8%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 6.2% to 7.7%.  * Almost all (97.4%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 96% have been H3N2 and 4% have been (H1N1)pdm09. * **Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A and RSV** are moderate and influenza B and COVID-19 are Low. * **The respiratory season is here.** [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don't let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#clinics). * IDPH has recommended health care facilities follow enhanced precautions, including temporary visitor restrictions and broader use of source control, with the increase in acute respiratory illness activity in Illinois. See the [Health Alert issued on 12/26/2025](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=__ALERT_ID_PLACEHOLDER__&p_r_p_categoryId=undefined) for full details. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691784?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-11-30T20:51:5246669379AnnouncementAnnouncementLowMessage for City Of Chicago ESRD Providers<p>Message for City Of Chicago ESRD Providers:</p> <p>The City of Chicago acknowledges the annual CMS requirement&nbsp;annual notification letter&nbsp;<em>(<strong>CMS&nbsp;</strong></em><strong>§</strong><em><strong>&nbsp;494.62 CfC Emergency Preparedness of the Federal Regulations, "Conditions for Coverage for Suppliers of End Stage Renal Disease Services"</strong>)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;for all dialysis facilities to compose a letter of introduction to their local emergency management agency. In the City of Chicago, the local emergency management agency identified as your facility’s contact point, is the Chicago Department of Public Health: Healthcare System for Preparedness and Response Division. &nbsp;</p> <p>Please&nbsp;update your <a href="https://emresource.juvare.com/login" target="_blank">EMResource profile</a>&nbsp;to reflect the most up to date contact&nbsp;information &amp; the current information/quantities of your facility. You must then&nbsp;email your 2021 letters to&nbsp;the Sr. Emergency Management Coordinator for the non-hospital partners of The Chicago Healthcare System Coalition for Preparedness &amp; Response,&nbsp;Faye Thanas, at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; Once you have received your signed letter back from CDPH, this will&nbsp;verify you have completed your notification requirements to the EOC for 2021.</p> <p>Thank you, and feel free to reach out with any questions and concerns to Faye Thanas at <a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>Message for City Of Chicago ESRD Providers: The City of Chicago acknowledges the annual CMS requirement annual notification letter *(**CMS*** **§** ***494.62 CfC Emergency Preparedness of the Federal Regulations, "Conditions for Coverage for Suppliers of End Stage Renal Disease Services"**)* for all dialysis facilities to compose a letter of introduction to their local emergency management agency. In the City of Chicago, the local emergency management agency identified as your facility's contact point, is the Chicago Department of Public Health: Healthcare System for Preparedness and Response Division. Please update your [EMResource profile](https://emresource.juvare.com/login) to reflect the most up to date contact information \& the current information/quantities of your facility. You must then email your 2021 letters to the Sr. Emergency Management Coordinator for the non-hospital partners of The Chicago Healthcare System Coalition for Preparedness \& Response, Faye Thanas, at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org). Once you have received your signed letter back from CDPH, this will verify you have completed your notification requirements to the EOC for 2021. Thank you, and feel free to reach out with any questions and concerns to Faye Thanas at [faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org).falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669379?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972021-08-09T13:55:0246667417VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - August 9, 2021<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>VFC Re-enrollment due 8/15/21</li> <li>Get colleagues signed up for this newsletter</li> <li>Aug: National Immunization Awareness Month</li> <li>Regional Meeting Training due 8/30</li> <li>VFC Site Visits</li> <li>ACIP Meeting Resources on Side Effects</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * VFC Re-enrollment due 8/15/21 * Get colleagues signed up for this newsletter * Aug: National Immunization Awareness Month * Regional Meeting Training due 8/30 * VFC Site Visits * ACIP Meeting Resources on Side Effects Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667417?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722024-10-17T22:04:5446687293School HealthDiseases & Conditions,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak, Illinois, 2024<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p><em>Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) </em>is a common cause of bacterial respiratory infections. These infections are most common in young adults and school-aged children. Infections are generally mild but sometimes can be severe. While this condition is not reportable in Illinois, there have been recent increases in percent positivity from clinical lab data as well as several clusters reported in schools throughout the state. The purpose of this Health Alert is to:</p> <ol> <li>Bring awareness to the increases in lab positivity and an increased number of visits due to M. pneumoniae compared to last year, as well as increases specifically in school-aged children.</li> <li>Request that clinicians consider testing for M. pneumoniae in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and in patients with CAP who are not improving on antibiotics known to be ineffective against M. pneumoniae (such as beta-lactams).</li> <li>Remind all that appropriate respiratory hygiene practices continue to be a core strategy to lower the risk of M. pneumoniae infection and other respiratory illnesses.</li> </ol> <p>Please see attached for details.</p> **Summary and Action Items** *Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae)*is a common cause of bacterial respiratory infections. These infections are most common in young adults and school-aged children. Infections are generally mild but sometimes can be severe. While this condition is not reportable in Illinois, there have been recent increases in percent positivity from clinical lab data as well as several clusters reported in schools throughout the state. The purpose of this Health Alert is to: 1. Bring awareness to the increases in lab positivity and an increased number of visits due to M. pneumoniae compared to last year, as well as increases specifically in school-aged children. 2. Request that clinicians consider testing for M. pneumoniae in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and in patients with CAP who are not improving on antibiotics known to be ineffective against M. pneumoniae (such as beta-lactams). 3. Remind all that appropriate respiratory hygiene practices continue to be a core strategy to lower the risk of M. pneumoniae infection and other respiratory illnesses. Please see attached for details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687293?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,440472,20635202021-11-30T17:56:5146669279STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowCluster of Primary & Secondary Syphilis Among Chicago Residents of Roseland Community Area<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Between September 9 and November 4, 2021, five (5) confirmed cases of Primary and Secondary (P&amp;S) syphilis have been diagnosed among African American males residing in the Roseland community area. All men report having oral sex with females who engage in sex work.</li> <li>In response to this concerning trend, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing an alert to medical providers serving the Roseland community to urge routine screening of all sexually active clients and encourage open dialogue about transmission of P&amp;S syphilis, including through oral sex, and signs and symptoms of the disease. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Syphilitic lesions develop at the site of syphilis infection within 10-90 days (median: 21 days), and lesions on the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa have been commonly described.&nbsp;</li> <li>Syphilis in the oral cavity often is asymptomatic or subclinical and can be mistaken by patients for aphthous ulcers or herpes, thereby delaying curative treatment and allowing for ongoing transmission.&nbsp;</li> <li>CDPH urges medical providers to report all P&amp;S syphilis cases immediately via <a href="https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do" target="_blank">Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS)</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachement for full details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * Between September 9 and November 4, 2021, five (5) confirmed cases of Primary and Secondary (P\&S) syphilis have been diagnosed among African American males residing in the Roseland community area. All men report having oral sex with females who engage in sex work. * In response to this concerning trend, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is issuing an alert to medical providers serving the Roseland community to urge routine screening of all sexually active clients and encourage open dialogue about transmission of P\&S syphilis, including through oral sex, and signs and symptoms of the disease. * Syphilitic lesions develop at the site of syphilis infection within 10-90 days (median: 21 days), and lesions on the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa have been commonly described. * Syphilis in the oral cavity often is asymptomatic or subclinical and can be mistaken by patients for aphthous ulcers or herpes, thereby delaying curative treatment and allowing for ongoing transmission. * CDPH urges medical providers to report all P\&S syphilis cases immediately via [Chicago Health Information Management System (CHIMS)](https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do). Please see the attachement for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669279?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-11-30T15:39:5146669378COVID19COVIDLowEnhanced SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance for Omicron variant<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>A new SARS-CoV-2 variant that contains a large number of mutations (Pango lineage B.1.1.529, WHO Variant of Concern “Omicron”) has been detected in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America.</li> <li>As of November 29, 2021, Omicron has not been identified in the United States, but it is likely that cases will be detected in the coming days and weeks.</li> <li>Laboratories that submit specimens to CDPH’s Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL) are usually encouraged to submit at least 15 routine surveillance specimens each week for genomic characterization. <strong>To enhance genomic surveillance, laboratories are temporarily requested to submit 30 routine surveillance specimens each week.</strong></li> <li>Laboratories performing genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * A new SARS-CoV-2 variant that contains a large number of mutations (Pango lineage B.1.1.529, WHO Variant of Concern "Omicron") has been detected in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. * As of November 29, 2021, Omicron has not been identified in the United States, but it is likely that cases will be detected in the coming days and weeks. * Laboratories that submit specimens to CDPH's Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL) are usually encouraged to submit at least 15 routine surveillance specimens each week for genomic characterization. **To enhance genomic surveillance, laboratories are temporarily requested to submit 30 routine surveillance specimens each week.** * Laboratories performing genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669378?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-12-29T15:06:0246691779InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,InfluenzaHighIDPH: Enhanced Precautions Recommended with Increased Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) in Illinois<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p>To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding recommendations when respiratory illnesses reach moderate levels in Illinois:</p> <ul> <li>Temporary visitor restriction policies and</li> <li>Broader use of source control (masking)</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding recommendations when respiratory illnesses reach moderate levels in Illinois: * Temporary visitor restriction policies and * Broader use of source control (masking) Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46691779?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4378352021-11-18T16:45:0246669196COVID19COVIDLowCOVID19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Friday, Nov 19, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, November 19,&nbsp; 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:00&nbsp;PM - 12:30&nbsp;PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86242272216#success" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86242272216</a>&nbsp; OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:862 4227 2216)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p> <p> </p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, November 19, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Webinar Link: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86242272216](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86242272216#success) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:862 4227 2216) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669196?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-24T21:21:5246669100COVID19COVIDLowIllinois Department of Public Health Adopts Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Guidance for Long-term Care Visitation<p><strong>Illinois Department of Public Health Adopts Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Guidance for Long-term Care Visitation</strong></p> <p>November 12, 2021, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an update to the guidance for visitation in certified nursing homes. The guidance provides that visitation is now allowed for all residents at all times using the core principles of infection control as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention (CDC). IDPH will issue formal guidance aligning our guidance with this statement shortly. Links to both the updated CMS Guidance QSO-20-39-NH and the CDC’s core infection control principles can be found here:</p> <p><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf</a><br /> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html</a></p>**Illinois Department of Public Health Adopts Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Guidance for Long-term Care Visitation** November 12, 2021, the Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an update to the guidance for visitation in certified nursing homes. The guidance provides that visitation is now allowed for all residents at all times using the core principles of infection control as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control \& Prevention (CDC). IDPH will issue formal guidance aligning our guidance with this statement shortly. Links to both the updated CMS Guidance QSO-20-39-NH and the CDC's core infection control principles can be found here: <https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf> <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html>truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669100?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-24T16:44:5546669200InfluenzaInfluenzaLowCDC Advisory: Increasing Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Activity, Especially Among Young Adults and in College and University Settings, During SARS-CoV-2 Circulation<p><strong>KEY CHICAGO MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Though NOT yet above epidemic threshold or meeting the definition of a true influenza season, an increase in influenza activity has been noted in Chicago.&nbsp; <ul> <li>The overall current risk remains low but may suggest a change from the inter-seasonal flu activity level Chicago has experienced since April of 2020.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Given the expected co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses such as RSV, clinicians should expand their differential diagnoses to include influenza.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed below.</li> <li>Please refer to the Chicago Health Alert issued Nov 10, 2021 for more localized information ( availiable <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669192?p_r_p_categoryId=437835" target="_blank">on-line</a> and attached)</li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Summary of CDC Health Advisory:</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about increased influenza A(H3N2) activity that could mark the beginning of the 2021-2022 influenza season. The purpose of this HAN Health Advisory is to:</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">1. Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to recommend and offer the current seasonal influenza vaccine to all eligible persons aged six months and older (Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit).<br /> 2. Remind clinicians to consider testing for both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI).<br /> 3. Advise clinicians that antiviral treatment is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is: a) hospitalized; b) at higher risk for influenza complications; or c) developing progressive illness. In patients with suspected influenza, decisions about starting antiviral treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza, however COVID-19 should be excluded if a rapid assay is available.<br /> 4. Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to consider mitigation measures including antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis during influenza outbreaks in institutions (e.g., long-term care facilities, university dormitories) in the setting of co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2.<br /> 5. Remind the public to use non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) or everyday preventive actions, in addition to getting a flu vaccine. Everyday preventive actions include staying home when sick,covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often.</p> <p>Please see attachments for more information.</p>**KEY CHICAGO MESSAGES:** * Though NOT yet above epidemic threshold or meeting the definition of a true influenza season, an increase in influenza activity has been noted in Chicago. * The overall current risk remains low but may suggest a change from the inter-seasonal flu activity level Chicago has experienced since April of 2020. * Given the expected co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses such as RSV, clinicians should expand their differential diagnoses to include influenza. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed below. * Please refer to the Chicago Health Alert issued Nov 10, 2021 for more localized information ( availiable [on-line](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669192?p_r_p_categoryId=437835) and attached) <br /> **Summary of CDC Health Advisory:** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about increased influenza A(H3N2) activity that could mark the beginning of the 2021-2022 influenza season. The purpose of this HAN Health Advisory is to: 1. Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to recommend and offer the current seasonal influenza vaccine to all eligible persons aged six months and older (Flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit). 2. Remind clinicians to consider testing for both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI). 3. Advise clinicians that antiviral treatment is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is: a) hospitalized; b) at higher risk for influenza complications; or c) developing progressive illness. In patients with suspected influenza, decisions about starting antiviral treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza, however COVID-19 should be excluded if a rapid assay is available. 4. Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to consider mitigation measures including antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis during influenza outbreaks in institutions (e.g., long-term care facilities, university dormitories) in the setting of co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2. 5. Remind the public to use non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) or everyday preventive actions, in addition to getting a flu vaccine. Everyday preventive actions include staying home when sick,covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often. Please see attachments for more information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669200?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-11-23T19:04:3746669197COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report November 23, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 567 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.0%.</strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated against COVID-19</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 567 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.0%.** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans vaccinated against COVID-19** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669197?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-22T20:37:5446669099COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update; Expanded mRNA Booster Recs; Thanksgiving shipping delays November 22, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>ACIP expanded booster recommendations for mRNA vaccines on 11/19. See below for details.</strong></li> <li><strong>Due to Thanksgiving shipping delays</strong>, CDPH will not have our newest allocation until 11/30. Orders may ship that Friday 12/3 or early the next week. Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand. Complete the vaccine order survey <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution.</a></li> <li>Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov.</li> <li>11/19 (3:37) <strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW</span></strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy">Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts</a></li> <li>11/19 <strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW </span>COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call </strong>– <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_pGR0Te8c3sNhQCGw8dYOc3Wa0p6a6lW">Slides and Recording</a></li> <li><strong>Check out </strong>a new free reminder/recall resource called<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaxtext/index.html"> VaxText</a>. More information below.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **ACIP expanded booster recommendations for mRNA vaccines on 11/19. See below for details.** * **Due to Thanksgiving shipping delays** , CDPH will not have our newest allocation until 11/30. Orders may ship that Friday 12/3 or early the next week. Do not make appointments until you have vaccine in hand. Complete the vaccine order survey [https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution.](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA) * Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. * 11/19 (3:37) **NEW** [Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy) * 11/19 **NEW COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** -- [Slides and Recording](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_pGR0Te8c3sNhQCGw8dYOc3Wa0p6a6lW) * **Check out** a new free reminder/recall resource called[VaxText](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaxtext/index.html). More information below. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669099?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-19T23:27:2246669098COVID19COVIDLowTemplate Protocol for Administration of COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Congregate Care Facilities<p>Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy are treatments that may reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and hospitalization. Monoclonal antibody treatment is indicated for persons with a positive COVID-19 test result, and for persons with a known exposure to COVID-19. The goal of this therapy is to reduce viral loads through neutralization of the COVID-19 virus, lessen symptom severity, and help prevent hospitalizations. Persons who may benefit from mAb treatments include those with risk factors for development of severe COVID-19 disease (below). Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments can currently be administered either by intravenous or subcutaneous routes.</p> <p>NOTE: This second document is a sample toolkit that facilities can use to customize to their needs or to develop their own site-specific protocols. It is not meant to represent formal guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).</p> <p>Please read the attachments for full details.</p>Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy are treatments that may reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and hospitalization. Monoclonal antibody treatment is indicated for persons with a positive COVID-19 test result, and for persons with a known exposure to COVID-19. The goal of this therapy is to reduce viral loads through neutralization of the COVID-19 virus, lessen symptom severity, and help prevent hospitalizations. Persons who may benefit from mAb treatments include those with risk factors for development of severe COVID-19 disease (below). Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments can currently be administered either by intravenous or subcutaneous routes. NOTE: This second document is a sample toolkit that facilities can use to customize to their needs or to develop their own site-specific protocols. It is not meant to represent formal guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Please read the attachments for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669098?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-19T21:37:3546669097InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 45<p>The&nbsp;Chicago Department of Public Health’s influenza surveillance report for the week of 11/7/2021-11/13/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report or view the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html">interactive report</a>&nbsp;on our website.</p> <p>Key points for the week:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</li> <li>No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>Eighty of 2,205 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.&nbsp; As of October 3, 2021, 115 of 9,925 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>CDC issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2021-2022/flu-activity-increasing.htm?web=1&amp;wdLOR=c1BC8A96A-9140-4002-A084-50494449DC5C" target="_blank">news brief</a>&nbsp;concerning increasing influenza activity in some states, especially among young adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10</a>.</li> <li>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-schedule.html" title="City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a>&nbsp;is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> </ul> <p>About this report:</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=1833cef4-47a8f7f1-18331a9c-86a279d0e4b2-c65bb15a8ec2a123&amp;q=1&amp;e=545b4a71-ec75-492b-a3a2-dfe6c69e5b49&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fdata.cityofchicago.org%2Fbrowse%3Fq%3Dflu%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26tags%3Dflu">Chicago Data Portal</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's influenza surveillance report for the week of 11/7/2021-11/13/2021 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view the [interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) on our website. Key points for the week: * Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. * No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * Eighty of 2,205 (3.6%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. As of October 3, 2021, 115 of 9,925 (1.2%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * CDC issued a [news brief](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2021-2022/flu-activity-increasing.htm?web=1&wdLOR=c1BC8A96A-9140-4002-A084-50494449DC5C) concerning increasing influenza activity in some states, especially among young adults. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed in the [CDPH HAN alert issued on November 10](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192). * Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines. No waiting between COVID-19 and other vaccines is required. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-schedule.html "City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics") is available on the city website and by calling 311. About this report: The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=1833cef4-47a8f7f1-18331a9c-86a279d0e4b2-c65bb15a8ec2a123&q=1&e=545b4a71-ec75-492b-a3a2-dfe6c69e5b49&u=https%3A%2F%2Fdata.cityofchicago.org%2Fbrowse%3Fq%3Dflu%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26tags%3Dflu). Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669097?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-04-08T19:36:1146671486InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - April 8, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span>March 27, 2022 - April 2, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, however the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks.</li> <li>Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 14 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>166 of 3,033 (5.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,426 of 93,811 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.<br /> While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been &lt;3% since the week ending 12/25/2021.<br /> Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of March 27, 2022 - April 2, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, however the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks. * Six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. Since October 3, 2021, 14 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 166 of 3,033 (5.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,426 of 93,811 (1.5%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. While Chicago is currently in the historical RSV season, the season started unusually early. RSV transmission has now decreased and PCR percent positivity has been \<3% since the week ending 12/25/2021. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46671486?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352022-04-15T20:05:2946671487InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Influenza And Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - April 15, 2022<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health’s flu surveillance report for the week of<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span>April 3 - April 9, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">the interactive report </a>on our website.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!</strong></p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, however the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks.</li> <li>Five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. &nbsp;Since October 3, 2021, 19&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>287 of 4,173&nbsp;(6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,744 of 98,327&nbsp;(1.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds, but have increased from the previous week.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> <li>To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required.</li> <li>For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311.</li> <li>Chicago has experoemced unusual seasonality and transmission patterns of RSV throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.&nbsp; Chicago is currently outside of the ususal RSV&nbsp;season and local RSV transmission has remained low over recent weeks.</li> <li>Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. &nbsp;CDC considers the current risk to the general public’s health in the U.S. to be low. &nbsp;For more information visit the CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm" target="_blank">Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health's flu surveillance report for the week of April 3 - April 9, 2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report or view [the interactive report](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)on our website. **Expanded respiratory virus data has been added to report!** **Key points for the week:** * Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains low, however the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza and the number of reported influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks. * Five influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the previous week. Since October 3, 2021, 19 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 287 of 4,173 (6.9%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since October 3, 2021, 1,744 of 98,327 (1.8%) reported specimens tested for influenza have been positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds, but have increased from the previous week. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. * To protect against influenza infection all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines may be administered on the same day with no waiting between vaccinations required. * For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of [City of Chicago Walk-In Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Chicago has experoemced unusual seasonality and transmission patterns of RSV throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chicago is currently outside of the ususal RSV season and local RSV transmission has remained low over recent weeks. * Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks beginning in January 2022. CDC considers the current risk to the general public's health in the U.S. to be low. For more information visit the CDC [Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46671487?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-11-17T23:22:5346669096COVID19COVIDLowCDC Issued EUI Instructions on Boosters and Additional doses; Friday Situational Awareness Call<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Today, CDC issued Emergency Use Instructions (EUI) and updated its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html" target="_blank">clinical considerations</a> to allow the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech to be given as an additional primary dose or booster dose to certain people who completed a vaccine primary series with certain COVID-19 vaccines that are not authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. <ul> <li>Updated guidance in section on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#people-vaccinated-outside-us" target="_blank">People who received COVID-19 vaccine outside the United States</a></li> <li>Updated guidance in section on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#vaccinated-part-clinical-trail" target="_blank">People who received COVID-19 as part of a clinical trial</a>&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Friday November 19th, 2021 12:00-12:30pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> <ul> <li>Link TBD&nbsp;</li> </ul> </li> <li>Tentative ACIP Meeting Friday 11/19 11a-2p CST to consider expanding booster eligibility <a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4" target="_blank">VIEW HERE&nbsp;</a></li> <li>NEW <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy" target="_blank">Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts:</a> Learn how to battle vaccine recommendation fatigue and roll with resistance in a 3 min video with Dr. Caskey and Dr. Scott-Wellington</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * Today, CDC issued Emergency Use Instructions (EUI) and updated its [clinical considerations](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html) to allow the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech to be given as an additional primary dose or booster dose to certain people who completed a vaccine primary series with certain COVID-19 vaccines that are not authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. * Updated guidance in section on [People who received COVID-19 vaccine outside the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#people-vaccinated-outside-us) * Updated guidance in section on [People who received COVID-19 as part of a clinical trial](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#vaccinated-part-clinical-trail) * **Friday November 19th, 2021 12:00-12:30pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** * Link TBD * Tentative ACIP Meeting Friday 11/19 11a-2p CST to consider expanding booster eligibility [VIEW HERE](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4) * NEW [Vaccine Conversation Recommendations from Local Vaccine Experts:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jyBMIkOsSU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy) Learn how to battle vaccine recommendation fatigue and roll with resistance in a 3 min video with Dr. Caskey and Dr. Scott-Wellington See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669096?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-16T21:26:3346669095COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update; Complete order survey TODAY ahead of Thanksgiving shipping pause November 16, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Due to the Thanksgiving holiday shipping pause (11/24-11/28) it is CRITICAL that you COMPLETE THE VACCINE ORDER SURVEY <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution </a>by 5PM TODAY</span></strong> <ul> <li>133,000 pediatric doses have been delivered to Chicago so far. Be aware, Chicago cannot order again until 11/30. Doses ordered this week will likely arrive 11/22 and 11/23. Any doses ordered and not received then will not ship until the week of 11/29.</li> <li>Please account for 2nd doses in your ordering for the end of November/early December. NOTE: They will not be automatically delivered. As you begin vaccinating for second doses you will likely need to reduce your appointments for first appointments. Second doses should be prioritized</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Please continue to update</strong> your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov.</li> <li><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Vaccination Awareness Day in Chicago was a huge success</span></strong>! <ul> <li><strong>Over 8,300 vaccines were administered on 11/12, the single largest day for pediatric vaccine to date.</strong> It was a combined effort from large hospital based events, pharmacies, school-based health centers, CPS regional vaccination centers, and mobile events. <strong>Thanks to all the providers who participated in getting Chicago kiddos protected! </strong>As of 11/16, there were 18,708 first doses given to Chicago children in I-CARE from 11/11-11/14; 91% of those went to 5-11 year-olds.</li> <li><strong>Importantly the vaccine administration was equitable:</strong> over 2X as many Latinx and Black, nonLatinx children vaccinated this past weekend compared to the entire prior week. Prior to 11/11 White non-Latinx children were the demographic with the most administered doses.</li> <li>The demand is there. Consider ordering.<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html"> CDPH Youth website </a>for additional opportunities.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>DO NOT</strong> attempt to dilute the adult Pfizer formulation to make a pediatric concentration. This is not allowed. <ul> <li><strong>&nbsp;Refer to these resources for details:</strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html"> Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Clinical Materials for Ages 5 through 11 years</a>, EUA Fact Sheet for <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/153714/download">Providers for 5 through 11 years of age (Orange cap),</a> COVID pediatric vax logistics: Situational Awareness Call<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL"> Recording and Slides</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **Due to the Thanksgiving holiday shipping pause (11/24-11/28) it is CRITICAL that you COMPLETE THE VACCINE ORDER SURVEY [https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y8D38XKNA)by 5PM TODAY** * 133,000 pediatric doses have been delivered to Chicago so far. Be aware, Chicago cannot order again until 11/30. Doses ordered this week will likely arrive 11/22 and 11/23. Any doses ordered and not received then will not ship until the week of 11/29. * Please account for 2nd doses in your ordering for the end of November/early December. NOTE: They will not be automatically delivered. As you begin vaccinating for second doses you will likely need to reduce your appointments for first appointments. Second doses should be prioritized * **Please continue to update** your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. * **Vaccination Awareness Day in Chicago was a huge success** ! * **Over 8,300 vaccines were administered on 11/12, the single largest day for pediatric vaccine to date.** It was a combined effort from large hospital based events, pharmacies, school-based health centers, CPS regional vaccination centers, and mobile events. **Thanks to all the providers who participated in getting Chicago kiddos protected!**As of 11/16, there were 18,708 first doses given to Chicago children in I-CARE from 11/11-11/14; 91% of those went to 5-11 year-olds. * **Importantly the vaccine administration was equitable:** over 2X as many Latinx and Black, nonLatinx children vaccinated this past weekend compared to the entire prior week. Prior to 11/11 White non-Latinx children were the demographic with the most administered doses. * The demand is there. Consider ordering.[CDPH Youth website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html)for additional opportunities. * **DO NOT** attempt to dilute the adult Pfizer formulation to make a pediatric concentration. This is not allowed. * **Refer to these resources for details:** [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Clinical Materials for Ages 5 through 11 years](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html), EUA Fact Sheet for [Providers for 5 through 11 years of age (Orange cap),](https://www.fda.gov/media/153714/download) COVID pediatric vax logistics: Situational Awareness Call[Recording and Slides](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669095?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-16T19:09:3146669194COVID19COVIDLowIDPH Memo: Reporting of Vaccination and COVID-19 Testing Data for LTC<p>The emergency rule requiring all facilities to require its staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to undergo testing for COVID-19, weekly, at a minimum was renewed. All facilities must maintain a record of fully vaccinated staff, unvaccinated staff, and weekly testing. If staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not tested as required by this subsection, the staff shall not be permitted to enter or work at the facility. The emergency rule is applicable under Section 300.698 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 300 for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, Section 295.4047 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 for assisted living and shared housing establishments, Section 330.794 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 330 for sheltered care facilities, Section 350.769 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 350 for intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, Section 370.4 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 370 for community living facilities, Section 380.643 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 380 for specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities, and Section 390.759 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 390 for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities.</p> <p>All Federal COVID Mandates pertaining to Long Term Care facilities will be enforced by IDPH as required.</p> <p>Facilities that are not required to report COVID-19 aggregate vaccination and testing data into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) shall report this data to the Department weekly utilizing the online form available at <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fa2d7abfb102490b9d2622a2ba490744" target="_blank">https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fa2d7abfb102490b9d2622a2ba490744</a> . Failure to comply with any of the requirements set forth in this Section creates a substantial probability of risk of death or serious mental or physical harm and shall result in a Type “A” or “1” violation as defined in the Sections above. Violations of the requirements of this Section shall have the status of “high risk designation”.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full IDPH memorandum.</p>The emergency rule requiring all facilities to require its staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to undergo testing for COVID-19, weekly, at a minimum was renewed. All facilities must maintain a record of fully vaccinated staff, unvaccinated staff, and weekly testing. If staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not tested as required by this subsection, the staff shall not be permitted to enter or work at the facility. The emergency rule is applicable under Section 300.698 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 300 for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, Section 295.4047 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 for assisted living and shared housing establishments, Section 330.794 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 330 for sheltered care facilities, Section 350.769 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 350 for intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, Section 370.4 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 370 for community living facilities, Section 380.643 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 380 for specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities, and Section 390.759 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 390 for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities. All Federal COVID Mandates pertaining to Long Term Care facilities will be enforced by IDPH as required. Facilities that are not required to report COVID-19 aggregate vaccination and testing data into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) shall report this data to the Department weekly utilizing the online form available at <https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/fa2d7abfb102490b9d2622a2ba490744> . Failure to comply with any of the requirements set forth in this Section creates a substantial probability of risk of death or serious mental or physical harm and shall result in a Type "A" or "1" violation as defined in the Sections above. Violations of the requirements of this Section shall have the status of "high risk designation". Please see the attachment for the full IDPH memorandum.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669194?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442024-11-15T18:44:5146687678InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 15, 2024<p><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 45 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</span></span></em></p> <p><strong>Key Points:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 activity in Chicago is low.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.2%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since September 29, 2024, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>25 of 2,227 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since September 29, 2024, 90 of 13,668 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. &nbsp;</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45706278&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668678" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2024-2025 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits for RSV in children &lt;5 years has increased from 1.6% to 2.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from &nbsp;&lt;1% to 2.5%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.7% to 1.1%.&nbsp;</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.3% to 14.2%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus remains at 1.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Vaccination:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC recommends immunizations as a core prevention strategy to lower the risk from respiratory viruses. &nbsp;Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. &nbsp;For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Influenza vaccine coverage estimates for Chicago residents are now available on the CDPH website. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> *Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 45 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.* **Key Points:** **COVID-19:** * COVID-19 activity in Chicago is low. * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased from 2.6% to 2.2%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * Two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported for the current surveillance week. Since September 29, 2024, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 25 of 2,227 (1.1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since September 29, 2024, 90 of 13,668 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI are below local thresholds. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45706278&_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668678) for the 2024-2025 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation](https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits for RSV in children \<5 years has increased from 1.6% to 2.3%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from \<1% to 2.5%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.7% to 1.1%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has decreased from 25.3% to 14.2%. * The test positivity for adenovirus remains at 1.5%. **Vaccination:** * CDC recommends immunizations as a core prevention strategy to lower the risk from respiratory viruses. Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Influenza vaccine coverage estimates for Chicago residents are now available on the CDPH website. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687678?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092021-11-16T17:01:2246669094COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report November 16, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago.</li> <li>Chicago is averaging 445 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.5%.</li> <li>The CDC has recommended the EUI for the use of Pfizer vaccine to boost all vaccinated overseas.</li> <li>Pfizer has submitted an application to the FDA for EUA for boosters for everyone.&nbsp;</li> <li>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;<br />  </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 445 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.5%. * The CDC has recommended the EUI for the use of Pfizer vaccine to boost all vaccinated overseas. * Pfizer has submitted an application to the FDA for EUA for boosters for everyone. * The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669094?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-15T15:45:0546669193InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 44<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance&nbsp;related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting.</p> <p><strong>About this report</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu">Chicago Data Portal</a></p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low</p> <p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations</strong></p> <p>For the week of&nbsp;October 31-November 6, 2021, there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. **About this report** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu) **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low **Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations** For the week of October 31-November 6, 2021, there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669193?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-11-10T21:24:5446669192InfluenzaInfluenzaLowInfluenza Activity Increasing in Chicago; Provider Reminders November 10, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Though NOT yet above epidemic threshold or meeting the definition of a true influenza season, an increase in influenza activity has been noted over the last week in Chicago. o No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. <ul> <li>The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds for influenza season.</li> <li>The percent of medically-attended outpatient visits attributed to ILI as reported by ILINet facilities in Chicago is 1.7% (below threshold of 2%; but similar level to 2019-2020 season in the same week).</li> <li>The overall current risk remains low but may suggest a change from the inter-seasonal flu activity level Chicago has experienced since April of 2020.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Given the expected co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses such as RSV, clinicians should expand their differential diagnoses to include influenza.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed below.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * Though NOT yet above epidemic threshold or meeting the definition of a true influenza season, an increase in influenza activity has been noted over the last week in Chicago. o No influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * The proportion of emergency department and outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are below local thresholds for influenza season. * The percent of medically-attended outpatient visits attributed to ILI as reported by ILINet facilities in Chicago is 1.7% (below threshold of 2%; but similar level to 2019-2020 season in the same week). * The overall current risk remains low but may suggest a change from the inter-seasonal flu activity level Chicago has experienced since April of 2020. * Given the expected co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses such as RSV, clinicians should expand their differential diagnoses to include influenza. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and review guidelines for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment as discussed below. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669192?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-11-09T21:49:5746669187COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination Provider Update; Vaccination Awareness Day on FRIDAY<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Friday November 12, 2021 is Vaccination Awareness Day in Chicago!</strong> <ul> <li>See press release for “<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2021/november/city-of-chicago-encourages-chicagoans-to-get-vaccinated-and--pro.html" target="_blank">Protect your health on the 12th</a>” and the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html" target="_blank">CDPH Youth website</a> for events currently being offered and additional childcare options for parents.</li> <li>Demand is high - please consider opening up additional appointments or holding events (vaccine and staff permitting) for CPS students who will be out of class specifically for this purpose.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong><span style="background-color:#ffff00">Complete the vaccine order survey</span></strong><span style="background-color:#ffff00"> </span><a href="https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution" target="_blank"><span style="background-color:#ffff00">https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution</span></a><span style="background-color:#ffff00"> by 5PM TODAY</span> if you need to order pediatric vaccine. CDC ordering has reopened for Chicago.</li> <li><strong>NOW AVAILABLE:</strong> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html" target="_blank">Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Clinical Materials for Ages 5 through 11 years</a> <ul> <li>Includes standing orders and visual aides</li> </ul> </li> <li>Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **Friday November 12, 2021 is Vaccination Awareness Day in Chicago!** * See press release for "[Protect your health on the 12th](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2021/november/city-of-chicago-encourages-chicagoans-to-get-vaccinated-and--pro.html)" and the [CDPH Youth website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html) for events currently being offered and additional childcare options for parents. * Demand is high - please consider opening up additional appointments or holding events (vaccine and staff permitting) for CPS students who will be out of class specifically for this purpose. * **Complete the vaccine order survey** <https://redcap.link/COVIDVaccineDistribution> by 5PM TODAY if you need to order pediatric vaccine. CDC ordering has reopened for Chicago. * **NOW AVAILABLE:** [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Clinical Materials for Ages 5 through 11 years](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html) * Includes standing orders and visual aides * Please continue to update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669187?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-09T17:29:3046669089COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report November 9, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 382 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%.</strong></li> <li><strong>The CDC has recommended the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11.</strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine.</strong></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to increase in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 382 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%.** * **The CDC has recommended the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11.** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669089?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442024-11-19T22:57:3946687687MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,MonkeypoxHighCDC: First Case of Clade 1 Mpox Diagnosed in the United States<p>On November 16, the California Department of Public Health confirmed the first clade I mpox case in the United States in a traveler who returned from Eastern Africa. Since Jan. 2023, the Democratic Rep. of the Congo (DRC) has reported the largest yearly number of suspected clade I mpox cases on record; confirmed clade I mpox cases have now also occurred in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">Central or Eastern Africa</a> (including, but not limited to, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe).</p> <ul> <li>Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients who have recently been in DRC or any country with clade I mpox.</li> <li>Ask patients with signs and symptoms of mpox but no recent travel whether they have had intimate or sexual contact with people who had recently been in any of the above countries and who were symptomatic for mpox.</li> <li>Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis if a clinically consistent presentation occurs, even in people vaccinated for or previously diagnosed with mpox.</li> <li>Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others.</li> <li>Evaluate all suspected cases with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone).&nbsp;</li> <li>Treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox. If tecovirimat is indicated for a patient, providers are encouraged to inform their patients to consider enrollment in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-care/tecovirimat.html" target="_blank">STOMP trial</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Recommend vaccination to people who are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html" target="_blank">eligible for mpox vaccine</a>, including those who may have a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/php/monitoring/index.html" target="_blank">recent MPXV exposure</a>.</li> <li>Continue to follow CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html" target="_blank">current vaccine guidance</a> to prevent mpox.&nbsp; <ul> <li>Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm" target="_blank">offer substantial protection against mpox</a>, and are expected to offer protection regardless of clade.</li> <li>If traveling to a country with ongoing transmission of clade I mpox, patients should start the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/travel/index.html" target="_blank">mpox vaccination series at least 6 weeks before travel begins</a>. &nbsp;</li> <li>If people at risk for mpox have only received one dose, remind them to get a second dose as soon as possible.</li> <li>More than two JYNNEOS vaccine doses (“boosters”) are not currently recommended.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Discuss mpox prevention and risk reduction strategies with all travelers to countries with ongoing human-to-human transmission of clade I MPXV. An <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">updated list of the countries</a> with ongoing spread of clade I MPXV is available on the CDC website.</li> <li>Discuss patients’ <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/taking-a-sexual-history.html" target="_blank">sexual history</a> and travel plans, including if patients anticipate sexual or intimate activity during travel.</li> <li>Advise patients that mpox exposure risk is often associated with sexual or intimate contact.</li> <li>Remind patients that mpox is not spread through casual contact, such as being in public spaces like markets, offices, classrooms, public transit, or air travel.</li> <li>Counsel patients on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/causes/index.html" target="_blank">activities that may increase risk</a> for MPXV exposure and risk reduction strategies if they have plans to travel to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">country where ongoing human-to-human transmission</a> of clade I MPXV is occurring. Travelers to affected countries should:&nbsp; <ul> <li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/signs-symptoms/index.html" target="_blank">signs and symptoms of mpox</a>, including skin or genital lesions.</li> <li>Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by people who may have mpox, such as clothing, bedding, toothbrushes, sex toys, or materials used in healthcare settings.</li> <li>Avoid contact with animals that can carry the virus that causes mpox or their products (e.g., bushmeat, lotions, hides) in areas where mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Public Health Lab Approval Process:</strong><br /> Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory.<br /> Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox &nbsp;(i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory.<br /> CDPH approval is required for all public health testing.&nbsp;<br /> To request mpox testing or report a case, please call the <strong>Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883</strong> during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call. Fax number: 312-747-0699</p> <p><strong>Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:</strong><br /> After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. For the specimen, a completed <a href="https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login" target="_blank">Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)</a> form is required to be completed. This info can also be found under “<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf" target="_blank">Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR</a>” in IDPH’s manual of services.<br /> Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury.<br /> More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox diagnostic Clade I Job Aid.</p> <p>More information about mpox vaccination can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox Vaccination Job Aid_10.21.24.</p> On November 16, the California Department of Public Health confirmed the first clade I mpox case in the United States in a traveler who returned from Eastern Africa. Since Jan. 2023, the Democratic Rep. of the Congo (DRC) has reported the largest yearly number of suspected clade I mpox cases on record; confirmed clade I mpox cases have now also occurred in [Central or Eastern Africa](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) (including, but not limited to, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). * Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients who have recently been in DRC or any country with clade I mpox. * Ask patients with signs and symptoms of mpox but no recent travel whether they have had intimate or sexual contact with people who had recently been in any of the above countries and who were symptomatic for mpox. * Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis if a clinically consistent presentation occurs, even in people vaccinated for or previously diagnosed with mpox. * Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others. * Evaluate all suspected cases with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone). * Treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox. If tecovirimat is indicated for a patient, providers are encouraged to inform their patients to consider enrollment in the [STOMP trial](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-care/tecovirimat.html). * Recommend vaccination to people who are [eligible for mpox vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html), including those who may have a [recent MPXV exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/php/monitoring/index.html). * Continue to follow CDC's [current vaccine guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html) to prevent mpox. * Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine [offer substantial protection against mpox](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm), and are expected to offer protection regardless of clade. * If traveling to a country with ongoing transmission of clade I mpox, patients should start the [mpox vaccination series at least 6 weeks before travel begins](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/travel/index.html). * If people at risk for mpox have only received one dose, remind them to get a second dose as soon as possible. * More than two JYNNEOS vaccine doses ("boosters") are not currently recommended. * Discuss mpox prevention and risk reduction strategies with all travelers to countries with ongoing human-to-human transmission of clade I MPXV. An [updated list of the countries](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) with ongoing spread of clade I MPXV is available on the CDC website. * Discuss patients' [sexual history](https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/taking-a-sexual-history.html) and travel plans, including if patients anticipate sexual or intimate activity during travel. * Advise patients that mpox exposure risk is often associated with sexual or intimate contact. * Remind patients that mpox is not spread through casual contact, such as being in public spaces like markets, offices, classrooms, public transit, or air travel. * Counsel patients on [activities that may increase risk](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/causes/index.html) for MPXV exposure and risk reduction strategies if they have plans to travel to a [country where ongoing human-to-human transmission](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) of clade I MPXV is occurring. Travelers to affected countries should: * Avoid close contact with people who are sick with [signs and symptoms of mpox](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/signs-symptoms/index.html), including skin or genital lesions. * Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by people who may have mpox, such as clothing, bedding, toothbrushes, sex toys, or materials used in healthcare settings. * Avoid contact with animals that can carry the virus that causes mpox or their products (e.g., bushmeat, lotions, hides) in areas where mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa. **Public Health Lab Approval Process:** Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory. Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox (i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory. CDPH approval is required for all public health testing. To request mpox testing or report a case, please call the **Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883** during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call. Fax number: 312-747-0699 **Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:** After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. For the specimen, a completed [Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)](https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login) form is required to be completed. This info can also be found under "[Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf)" in IDPH's manual of services. Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury. More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox diagnostic Clade I Job Aid. More information about mpox vaccination can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox Vaccination Job Aid_10.21.24. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687687?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20482392021-11-09T15:54:2246669186AnnouncementAnnouncementLowFrontline HCP Learning Needs Assessment Due 12/3/21<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago.</p> <p>In an effort to identify these needs and challenges, we are asking frontline healthcare personnel to complete <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4" target="_blank">a brief learning needs assessment survey</a>. Encouraging your staff to complete <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4">this survey</a> will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) training curriculums in the future.</p> <p>The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and can be shared with all staff in your organization including but not limited to:&nbsp;<br /> <em>Physicians, Social Services, Physician Assistants, Healthcare Administrators, Nurse Practitioners, Patient Transport Staff Registered Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTS)/Paramedics, Certified Nursing Assistants, Infection Preventionists, Technicians, Health Educators, Pharmacists, Laboratorians, Environmental Services, Non-Clinical Support Staff, Dietary Aids, Any role that supports patient care</em></p> <p>The survey can be found <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4" target="_blank">here</a> in English and in Spanish. &nbsp;Participation in this survey is voluntary and responses will be anonymous. &nbsp;Survey responses should be submitted by December 3, 2021.</p> <p>If you have any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:InfectionPrevention@team-iha.org">InfectionPrevention@team-iha.org</a>.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) to identify priority infection prevention and control (IPC) training needs among frontline healthcare personnel in a variety of care settings across the City of Chicago. In an effort to identify these needs and challenges, we are asking frontline healthcare personnel to complete [a brief learning needs assessment survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4). Encouraging your staff to complete [this survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4) will assist CDPH in understanding infection prevention and control challenges across the City of Chicago and help us to facilitate the development and delivery of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) training curriculums in the future. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and can be shared with all staff in your organization including but not limited to: *Physicians, Social Services, Physician Assistants, Healthcare Administrators, Nurse Practitioners, Patient Transport Staff Registered Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTS)/Paramedics, Certified Nursing Assistants, Infection Preventionists, Technicians, Health Educators, Pharmacists, Laboratorians, Environmental Services, Non-Clinical Support Staff, Dietary Aids, Any role that supports patient care* The survey can be found [here](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=4HECNKMAD7XM44X4) in English and in Spanish. Participation in this survey is voluntary and responses will be anonymous. Survey responses should be submitted by December 3, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact [InfectionPrevention@team-iha.org](mailto:InfectionPrevention@team-iha.org).falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669186?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972021-11-08T17:59:3646669088COVID19COVIDLowCDC MMWR on Pfizer Pediatric Vaccine Released; Updated Product Information Guide; Staff Training Resources November 5, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <p>CDC just published “The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 5–11 Years — United States, November 2021” as an early release MMWR:<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7045e1.htm?s_cid=mm7045e1_w"> https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7045e1.htm?s_cid=mm7045e1_w</a></p> <ul> <li><strong>5-11 year-old Pfizer-BioNTech FDA EUA FACT SHEETS</strong>: <ul> <li>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download">FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS </a>/ <a href="http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=16073&amp;format=pdf">FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>11/4 CDPH COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call Recording and Slides available here:</strong><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL"><strong> </strong>https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL</a></li> <li><strong>&nbsp;11/4 COCA Call Recording and Slides available here</strong>:<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_110421.asp"> Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: CDC’s Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series in Children 5–11 years old</a></li> <li>Circulate <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_ENG.pdf">Tips and Tricks to Help You and your Child Get through the Needlestick</a> (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_ENG.pdf">ENG</a>/<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_SPAN.pdf">SPANISH</a>)</li> <li>As you receive inventory, please update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov.</li> <li><strong>UPDATED </strong>Product Information Guide for COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Products (11/3) is attached.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** CDC just published "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in Children Aged 5--11 Years --- United States, November 2021" as an early release MMWR:<https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7045e1.htm?s_cid=mm7045e1_w> * **5-11 year-old Pfizer-BioNTech FDA EUA FACT SHEETS** : * [FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS](https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download)/ [FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS](http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=16073&format=pdf) * **11/4 CDPH COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call Recording and Slides available here:** <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL> * **11/4 COCA Call Recording and Slides available here** :[Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: CDC's Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series in Children 5--11 years old](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_110421.asp) * Circulate [Tips and Tricks to Help You and your Child Get through the Needlestick](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_ENG.pdf) ([ENG](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_ENG.pdf)/[SPANISH](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/CDPH_Tips_and_Tricks_Flyer_SPAN.pdf)) * As you receive inventory, please update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. * **UPDATED**Product Information Guide for COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Products (11/3) is attached. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669088?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-05T20:17:5346669087InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 43<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance&nbsp;related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting.</p> <p><strong>About this report</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu">Chicago Data Portal</a></p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low</p> <p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations</strong></p> <p>For the week of&nbsp; October 24-30, 2021, there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. **About this report** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu) **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low **Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations** For the week of October 24-30, 2021, there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669087?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-11-05T18:05:0946669084Lead TestingDiseases & ConditionsLowUpdate: Expansion of Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The CDC is issuing&nbsp;an update to <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00454.asp">HAN Update 454: Expansion of Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results</a>.&nbsp;The Update clarifies&nbsp;options for retesting children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits. <strong>The information remains the same except for the new info&nbsp;added below in bold in the Recommendations for Clinicians section.</strong></p> <p>Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the FDA&nbsp;have issued notifications about the expansion of the recall of LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Tests, which were distributed from Oct.&nbsp;27, 2020, to Aug.&nbsp;19, 2021. Additional LeadCare II product lots, including lots previously reported to be unaffected, were recalled due to a significant risk of falsely low results. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. FDA has identified this as a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/industry-guidance-recalls/recalls-background-and-definitions">Class I recall,</a> the most serious type of recall.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians</strong></p> <ul> <li>Continue to schedule and perform required blood lead tests for patients. A venous or capillary blood sample analyzed using higher complexity methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) from a CLIA compliant clinical laboratory should be used if LeadCare lead test kits are unavailable.&nbsp;</li> <li>Discontinue using all<a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/magellan-diagnostics-recalls-leadcare-ii-leadcare-plus-and-leadcare-ultra-blood-lead-tests-due-risk"> test kit lots</a> identified as part of the recall.</li> <li>Retest children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits whose results were less than CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm" target="_blank">blood lead reference value</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Retest children who were previously tested with a LeadCare test kit if the lot number of the initial test kit is unknown and the test was done after October 27, 2020.</li> <li><strong>Retesting should be done by higher complexity testing (ICP-MS or GFAAS) with either a venous or a capillary blood sample. Capillary screening results above the blood lead reference value should be confirmed with blood drawn by venipuncture. Please note that effective October 28, 2021, CDC has updated its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm" target="_blank">blood lead reference value (BLRV)</a> from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in response to the Lead Exposure Prevention and Advisory Committee recommendation made on May 14, 2021.</strong></li> <li>Prioritize testing for: <ul> <li>Children where there is clinical concern that symptoms or developmental problems may be related to lead exposure,</li> <li>Populations at higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, such as children tested due to Medicaid-required screening or due to other state or local requirements,</li> <li>Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and</li> <li>Children who are immigrants, refugees, or recently adopted from outside of the United States.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Discuss the recall and retesting recommendations with a parent or caregiver of children who meet the retesting criteria.</li> <li>Follow recommendations for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lab/default.htm" target="_blank">best practices</a> when collecting a capillary blood sample for lead testing.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary** The CDC is issuing an update to [HAN Update 454: Expansion of Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00454.asp). The Update clarifies options for retesting children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits. **The information remains the same except for the new info added below in bold in the Recommendations for Clinicians section.** Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the FDA have issued notifications about the expansion of the recall of LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Tests, which were distributed from Oct. 27, 2020, to Aug. 19, 2021. Additional LeadCare II product lots, including lots previously reported to be unaffected, were recalled due to a significant risk of falsely low results. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. FDA has identified this as a [Class I recall,](https://www.fda.gov/safety/industry-guidance-recalls/recalls-background-and-definitions) the most serious type of recall. **Recommendations for Clinicians** * Continue to schedule and perform required blood lead tests for patients. A venous or capillary blood sample analyzed using higher complexity methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) from a CLIA compliant clinical laboratory should be used if LeadCare lead test kits are unavailable. * Discontinue using all[test kit lots](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/magellan-diagnostics-recalls-leadcare-ii-leadcare-plus-and-leadcare-ultra-blood-lead-tests-due-risk) identified as part of the recall. * Retest children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits whose results were less than CDC's [blood lead reference value](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm). * Retest children who were previously tested with a LeadCare test kit if the lot number of the initial test kit is unknown and the test was done after October 27, 2020. * **Retesting should be done by higher complexity testing (ICP-MS or GFAAS) with either a venous or a capillary blood sample. Capillary screening results above the blood lead reference value should be confirmed with blood drawn by venipuncture. Please note that effective October 28, 2021, CDC has updated its [blood lead reference value (BLRV)](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm) from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in response to the Lead Exposure Prevention and Advisory Committee recommendation made on May 14, 2021.** * Prioritize testing for: * Children where there is clinical concern that symptoms or developmental problems may be related to lead exposure, * Populations at higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, such as children tested due to Medicaid-required screening or due to other state or local requirements, * Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and * Children who are immigrants, refugees, or recently adopted from outside of the United States. * Discuss the recall and retesting recommendations with a parent or caregiver of children who meet the retesting criteria. * Follow recommendations for [best practices](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lab/default.htm) when collecting a capillary blood sample for lead testing. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669084?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-11-04T14:07:3246669082COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Pfizer Ped. Vaccine approved to administer to all 5-11 year-olds<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC now recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years.The recommendation now paves the way for 28 million children to receive the vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the pediatric formulation (10ug dose) can be administered under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to all 5 to 11 year-olds in the U.S. population. <strong>Providers can start vaccinating as soon as possible as soon as inventory available and staff training (as determined by the organization) has been completed.</strong> Training suggestions are available on page 2. Access CDPH Youth website <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>As you receive inventory, please update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov.</li> <li><strong>5-11 year-old Pfizer-BioNTech FDA EUA FACT SHEETS</strong>: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download" target="_blank">FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS / FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048</a> OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048)</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>COCA Call – Thursday, November 4th from 1-2pm CDT</strong> <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_110421.asp" target="_blank">Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: CDC’s Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series in Children 5–11 years old</a></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * CDC now recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years.The recommendation now paves the way for 28 million children to receive the vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the pediatric formulation (10ug dose) can be administered under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to all 5 to 11 year-olds in the U.S. population. **Providers can start vaccinating as soon as possible as soon as inventory available and staff training (as determined by the organization) has been completed.** Training suggestions are available on page 2. Access CDPH Youth website [here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/for-youth.html). * As you receive inventory, please update your VaccineFinder profile on Vaccines.gov. * **5-11 year-old Pfizer-BioNTech FDA EUA FACT SHEETS** : * [FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS / FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS](https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download) * **Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** * [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048) OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048) * **COCA Call -- Thursday, November 4th from 1-2pm CDT** [Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: CDC's Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series in Children 5--11 years old](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_110421.asp) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669082?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-04T14:03:4746669081COVID19COVIDLowREMINDER: COVID19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Thursday, Nov 4, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Thursday, November 4,&nbsp; 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:00&nbsp;PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048" target="_blank">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:890&nbsp;9862 5048)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:890 9862 5048) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669081?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-03T22:00:1446669181Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsLowSource Identified and Case Definition Established: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas – 2021<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The CDC&nbsp;Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update is an update to <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00455.asp" target="_blank">HAN Health Update 455: Source Implicated in Fatal Case in Georgia: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas—2021</a> that CDC issued on October 22, 2021. The purpose of the HAN Update is to share an interim case definition, case notification guidance, and case reporting guidance for public health jurisdictions investigating additional potential cases related to this outbreak.</p> <p><strong>Suspected or confirmed cases of&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em>&nbsp;Infections (Melioidosis) should be reported to the Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000.</strong></p> <p>See attachment for further details.</p> <p> </p>**Summary** The CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update is an update to [HAN Health Update 455: Source Implicated in Fatal Case in Georgia: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas---2021](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00455.asp) that CDC issued on October 22, 2021. The purpose of the HAN Update is to share an interim case definition, case notification guidance, and case reporting guidance for public health jurisdictions investigating additional potential cases related to this outbreak. **Suspected or confirmed cases of *Burkholderia pseudomallei* Infections (Melioidosis) should be reported to the Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669181?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-11-02T22:16:0746669079COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: ACIP Recommends Pfizer Pediatric Vaccine to all 5-11 year-olds<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the pediatric formulation (10ug dose) under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to all 5 to 11 year-olds in the U.S. population. </strong>We anticipate the CDC Director will sign this recommendation shortly but as a reminder: no action should be taken until then according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement.<strong> </strong></li> <li>We have received confirmation of several providers having already received pediatric formulation doses.<strong> As you receive inventory please update your VaccineFinder profile on <a href="https://www.Vaccines.gov">Vaccines.gov</a>. </strong></li> <li><strong>TONIGHT 11/2 ECHO-Chicago 5:30-6:45pm COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Populations <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc--tqTktGtO0UXtd76DdosUV0jbW7d_E">Register here</a> </strong></li> <li><strong>FDA EUA FACT SHEETS</strong>: <ul> <li>FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds</li> <li>FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds&nbsp;<strong> </strong></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048</a> OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the pediatric formulation (10ug dose) under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to all 5 to 11 year-olds in the U.S. population.** We anticipate the CDC Director will sign this recommendation shortly but as a reminder: no action should be taken until then according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement. * We have received confirmation of several providers having already received pediatric formulation doses.**As you receive inventory please update your VaccineFinder profile on [Vaccines.gov](https://www.Vaccines.gov).** * **TONIGHT 11/2 ECHO-Chicago 5:30-6:45pm COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Populations [Register here](https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc--tqTktGtO0UXtd76DdosUV0jbW7d_E)** * **FDA EUA FACT SHEETS** : * FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds * FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds * **Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** * [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048) OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669079?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-02T21:57:3746669180COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Thursday, November 4, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Thursday, November 4,&nbsp; 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:00&nbsp;PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048" target="_blank">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:890&nbsp;9862 5048)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:890 9862 5048) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669180?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-02T20:16:4246669078COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report November 2, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">• COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity have mildly increased in Chicago.<br /> • Chicago is averaging 312 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 1.7%.<br /> • The FDA has authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11. The ACIP and CDC are reviewing this data will make recommendations regarding the Pfizer vaccine for this age group.<br /> • The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** • COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity have mildly increased in Chicago. • Chicago is averaging 312 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 1.7%. • The FDA has authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11. The ACIP and CDC are reviewing this data will make recommendations regarding the Pfizer vaccine for this age group. • The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669078?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-11-01T22:47:5446669179COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: ACIP UPDATES on 5-11yo Pfizer Expected Tuesday<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>ACIP meeting: TUES November 2</strong> (vote on 5-11yo) - 3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT (<strong><a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4" target="_blank">Watch here</a></strong>). <ul> <li><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>Reminder</strong></span>: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director (anticipated November 2, 2021) according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>ECHO-Chicago</strong> November 2nd 5:30-6:45pm COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Populations <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc--tqTktGtO0UXtd76DdosUV0jbW7d_E" target="_blank">Register here</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>FDA EUA FACT SHEETS</strong>: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download" target="_blank">FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds o FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048</a> OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048)</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **ACIP meeting: TUES November 2** (vote on 5-11yo) - 3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT (**[Watch here](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4)** ). * **Reminder**: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director (anticipated November 2, 2021) according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement. * **ECHO-Chicago** November 2nd 5:30-6:45pm COVID-19 Vaccine in Pediatric Populations [Register here](https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc--tqTktGtO0UXtd76DdosUV0jbW7d_E) * **FDA EUA FACT SHEETS** : [FOR RECIPIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds o FOR VACCINATION PROVIDERS: Pfizer-BioNTech for 5-11 year-olds](https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download) * **Thursday November 4th, 2021 12-1pm COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** * [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048](https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89098625048) OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 890 9862 5048) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669179?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442024-11-20T14:59:4446687688MonkeypoxDiseases & Conditions,MonkeypoxHighMpox diagnostic Clade I testing: Job Aid for healthcare providers<p>On November 16, the California Department of Public Health confirmed the first clade I mpox case in the United States in a traveler who returned from Eastern Africa. Since Jan. 2023, the Democratic Rep. of the Congo (DRC) has reported the largest yearly number of suspected clade I mpox cases on record; confirmed clade I mpox cases have now also occurred in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">Central or Eastern Africa</a> (including, but not limited to, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe).</p> <ul> <li>Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients who have recently been in DRC or any country with clade I mpox.</li> <li>Ask patients with signs and symptoms of mpox but no recent travel whether they have had intimate or sexual contact with people who had recently been in any of the above countries and who were symptomatic for mpox.</li> <li>Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis if a clinically consistent presentation occurs, even in people vaccinated for or previously diagnosed with mpox.</li> <li>Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others.</li> <li>Evaluate all suspected cases with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone).&nbsp;</li> <li>Treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox. If tecovirimat is indicated for a patient, providers are encouraged to inform their patients to consider enrollment in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-care/tecovirimat.html" target="_blank">STOMP trial</a>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Recommend vaccination to people who are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html" target="_blank">eligible for mpox vaccine</a>, including those who may have a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/php/monitoring/index.html" target="_blank">recent MPXV exposure</a>.</li> <li>Continue to follow CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html" target="_blank">current vaccine guidance</a> to prevent mpox.&nbsp; <ul> <li>Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm" target="_blank">offer substantial protection against mpox</a>, and are expected to offer protection regardless of clade.</li> <li>If traveling to a country with ongoing transmission of clade I mpox, patients should start the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/travel/index.html" target="_blank">mpox vaccination series at least 6 weeks before travel begins</a>. &nbsp;</li> <li>If people at risk for mpox have only received one dose, remind them to get a second dose as soon as possible.</li> <li>More than two JYNNEOS vaccine doses (“boosters”) are not currently recommended.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Discuss mpox prevention and risk reduction strategies with all travelers to countries with ongoing human-to-human transmission of clade I MPXV. An <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">updated list of the countries</a> with ongoing spread of clade I MPXV is available on the CDC website.</li> <li>Discuss patients’ <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/taking-a-sexual-history.html" target="_blank">sexual history</a> and travel plans, including if patients anticipate sexual or intimate activity during travel.</li> <li>Advise patients that mpox exposure risk is often associated with sexual or intimate contact.</li> <li>Remind patients that mpox is not spread through casual contact, such as being in public spaces like markets, offices, classrooms, public transit, or air travel.</li> <li>Counsel patients on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/causes/index.html" target="_blank">activities that may increase risk</a> for MPXV exposure and risk reduction strategies if they have plans to travel to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html" target="_blank">country where ongoing human-to-human transmission</a> of clade I MPXV is occurring. Travelers to affected countries should:&nbsp; <ul> <li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/signs-symptoms/index.html" target="_blank">signs and symptoms of mpox</a>, including skin or genital lesions.</li> <li>Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by people who may have mpox, such as clothing, bedding, toothbrushes, sex toys, or materials used in healthcare settings.</li> <li>Avoid contact with animals that can carry the virus that causes mpox or their products (e.g., bushmeat, lotions, hides) in areas where mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Public Health Lab Approval Process:</strong><br /> Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory.<br /> Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox &nbsp;(i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory.<br /> CDPH approval is required for all public health testing.&nbsp;<br /> To request mpox testing or report a case, please call the <strong>Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883</strong> during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call. Fax number: 312-747-0699</p> <p><strong>Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:</strong><br /> After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. For the specimen, a completed <a href="https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login" target="_blank">Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)</a> form is required to be completed. This info can also be found under “<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf" target="_blank">Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR</a>” in IDPH’s manual of services.<br /> Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury.<br /> More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox diagnostic Clade I Job Aid.</p> <p>More information about mpox vaccination can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox Vaccination Job Aid_10.21.24.</p> On November 16, the California Department of Public Health confirmed the first clade I mpox case in the United States in a traveler who returned from Eastern Africa. Since Jan. 2023, the Democratic Rep. of the Congo (DRC) has reported the largest yearly number of suspected clade I mpox cases on record; confirmed clade I mpox cases have now also occurred in [Central or Eastern Africa](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) (including, but not limited to, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). * Clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion for clade I mpox in patients who have recently been in DRC or any country with clade I mpox. * Ask patients with signs and symptoms of mpox but no recent travel whether they have had intimate or sexual contact with people who had recently been in any of the above countries and who were symptomatic for mpox. * Consider mpox as a possible diagnosis if a clinically consistent presentation occurs, even in people vaccinated for or previously diagnosed with mpox. * Advise all patients suspected of having mpox to isolate themselves from others. * Evaluate all suspected cases with laboratory testing (rather than clinical diagnosis alone). * Treatments used during the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak are expected to be effective for clade I mpox. If tecovirimat is indicated for a patient, providers are encouraged to inform their patients to consider enrollment in the [STOMP trial](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/clinical-care/tecovirimat.html). * Recommend vaccination to people who are [eligible for mpox vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html), including those who may have a [recent MPXV exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/php/monitoring/index.html). * Continue to follow CDC's [current vaccine guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/vaccination-overview.html) to prevent mpox. * Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine [offer substantial protection against mpox](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7220a3.htm), and are expected to offer protection regardless of clade. * If traveling to a country with ongoing transmission of clade I mpox, patients should start the [mpox vaccination series at least 6 weeks before travel begins](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/travel/index.html). * If people at risk for mpox have only received one dose, remind them to get a second dose as soon as possible. * More than two JYNNEOS vaccine doses ("boosters") are not currently recommended. * Discuss mpox prevention and risk reduction strategies with all travelers to countries with ongoing human-to-human transmission of clade I MPXV. An [updated list of the countries](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) with ongoing spread of clade I MPXV is available on the CDC website. * Discuss patients' [sexual history](https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/taking-a-sexual-history.html) and travel plans, including if patients anticipate sexual or intimate activity during travel. * Advise patients that mpox exposure risk is often associated with sexual or intimate contact. * Remind patients that mpox is not spread through casual contact, such as being in public spaces like markets, offices, classrooms, public transit, or air travel. * Counsel patients on [activities that may increase risk](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/causes/index.html) for MPXV exposure and risk reduction strategies if they have plans to travel to a [country where ongoing human-to-human transmission](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/outbreaks/2023/index.html) of clade I MPXV is occurring. Travelers to affected countries should: * Avoid close contact with people who are sick with [signs and symptoms of mpox](https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/signs-symptoms/index.html), including skin or genital lesions. * Avoid contact with contaminated materials used by people who may have mpox, such as clothing, bedding, toothbrushes, sex toys, or materials used in healthcare settings. * Avoid contact with animals that can carry the virus that causes mpox or their products (e.g., bushmeat, lotions, hides) in areas where mpox is endemic, particularly in Central or West Africa. **Public Health Lab Approval Process:** Patients who do not meet epidemiologic exposure risk for clade I mpox should continue to have testing performed through a commercial laboratory. Patients suspicious for Clade I mpox (i.e. history of travel to DRC or a country sharing its borders within 21 days) should have specimens submitted through the public health laboratory. CDPH approval is required for all public health testing. To request mpox testing or report a case, please call the **Mpox hotline at 312-742-2883** during business hours. After hours, clinicians may call 311 and speak with the CDPH physician on call. Fax number: 312-747-0699 **Public Health Lab Testing Criteria, Collection, and Submission:** After receiving CDPH testing approval, a single (1) specimen should be collected with its own specimen container. For the specimen, a completed [Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR)](https://prod.labwebportal.com/il/#/auth/login) form is required to be completed. This info can also be found under "[Monkey Pox Clade Typing by PCR](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/resources/topics-services/lab-testing-and-services/odc-labs-manual-of-services-04-05-2024.pdf)" in IDPH's manual of services. Avoid unroofing or aspiration of lesions or otherwise using sharp instruments for mpox testing to minimize the risk of a sharps injury. More information about the specimen submission process, collection, shipping, and ETOR can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox diagnostic Clade I Job Aid. More information about mpox vaccination can be found in the attached job aid- Mpox Vaccination Job Aid_10.21.24. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687688?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,20482392024-11-22T17:48:3046687786InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - November 22, 2024<p><em><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week 46 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp;</span></span></em></p> <p><strong>Key Points:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 activity in Chicago is low.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at &lt;1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.2% to 2.5%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Influenza activity is low.</li> <li>One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. &nbsp;Since September 29, 2024, nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported.</li> <li>21 of 2,137 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since September 29, 2024, 116 of 16,127 (&lt;1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.&nbsp;</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above the local threshold, while the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below the local threshold.</li> <li>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45706278&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668678" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> for the 2024-2025 season. Visit the CDPH <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">HAN website</a> for more information on how to report.</li> <li>For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The percent of emergency department visits for RSV in children &lt;5 years has increased from 2.3% to 4.1%.</li> <li>The test positivity for RSV has increased from &nbsp;2.5% to 3.3%.</li> <li>The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%.</li> <li>The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.2% to 17.6%.</li> <li>The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.5% to 2.3%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Vaccination:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC recommends <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html" target="_blank">immunizations</a> as a core prevention strategy to lower the risk from respiratory viruses. &nbsp;Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. &nbsp;For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#vaxcalendar" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>Influenza vaccine coverage estimates for Chicago residents are now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> *Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week 46 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.* **Key Points:** **COVID-19:** * COVID-19 activity in Chicago is low. * The proportion of emergency department visits attributed to COVID-19 diagnoses remains at \<1%. * The test positivity for SARS-CoV-2 has increased from 2.2% to 2.5%. **Influenza:** * Influenza activity is low. * One influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported for the current surveillance week. Since September 29, 2024, nine influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported. * 21 of 2,137 (1.0%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. Since September 29, 2024, 116 of 16,127 (\<1%) reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above the local threshold, while the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI is below the local threshold. * The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45706278&_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668678) for the 2024-2025 season. Visit the CDPH [HAN website](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for more information on how to report. * For situational awareness of the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza see, [H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation](https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html). **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * The percent of emergency department visits for RSV in children \<5 years has increased from 2.3% to 4.1%. * The test positivity for RSV has increased from 2.5% to 3.3%. * The test positivity for parainfluenza has decreased from 1.1% to 1.0%. * The test positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus has increased from 14.2% to 17.6%. * The test positivity for adenovirus has increased from 1.5% to 2.3%. **Vaccination:** * CDC recommends [immunizations](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/immunizations.html) as a core prevention strategy to lower the risk from respiratory viruses. Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit if the timing coincides. * Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html#vaxcalendar) is available on the city website and by calling 311. * Influenza vaccine coverage estimates for Chicago residents are now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html). truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687786?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092021-10-29T20:26:0646669178InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 42<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance&nbsp;related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting.</p> <p><strong>About this report</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu">Chicago Data Portal</a></p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low</p> <p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations</strong></p> <p>For the week of October 17-23, 2021, there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. **About this report** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu) **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low **Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations** For the week of October 17-23, 2021, there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46669178?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-10-26T17:52:5746668687COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: UPDATES on 5-11yo Pfizer; Booster COCA call TODAY October 26, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong>CDC COCA Call:</strong> What Clinicians Need to Know about the Recent Updates to CDC’s Recommendations for COVID-19 Boosters - Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (CDT) <ul> <li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603968267?pwd=UXJzUThpbHJ3VHhnelF3ZWlMRzZnUT09&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM68066&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20COCA%20Call%3A%20What%20Clinicians%20Need%20to%20Know%20about%20the%20Recent%20Updates%20to%20CDC%E2%80%99s%20Recommendations%20for%20COVID-19%20Boosters%20%20&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM68066#success">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603968267?pwd=UXJzUThpbHJ3VHhnelF3ZWlMRzZnUT09</a></li> <li>Or One tap mobile: US:+16692545252,,1603968267#,,,,*581643#</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>10/22 COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call</strong> - Boosters: <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D4zKDq1X0FzFmE1q8CoAZzKGUXgx6BSA">Slides and Recording</a></li> <li><strong>UPCOMING PEDIATRIC VACCINE MEETINGS</strong>: <ul> <li>FDA VRBPAC meeting: TODAY October 26, 2021 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA">Watch here</a>) – CDC shipping will begin after this authorization but <strong>administration of doses must wait for ACIP recommendation.</strong></li> <li>ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT (<a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">Watch here)</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **CDC COCA Call:** What Clinicians Need to Know about the Recent Updates to CDC's Recommendations for COVID-19 Boosters - Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (CDT) * [https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603968267?pwd=UXJzUThpbHJ3VHhnelF3ZWlMRzZnUT09](https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603968267?pwd=UXJzUThpbHJ3VHhnelF3ZWlMRzZnUT09&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM68066&ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20COCA%20Call%3A%20What%20Clinicians%20Need%20to%20Know%20about%20the%20Recent%20Updates%20to%20CDC%E2%80%99s%20Recommendations%20for%20COVID-19%20Boosters%20%20&deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM68066#success) * Or One tap mobile: US:+16692545252,,1603968267#,,,,\*581643# * **10/22 COVID Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call** - Boosters: [Slides and Recording](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D4zKDq1X0FzFmE1q8CoAZzKGUXgx6BSA) * **UPCOMING PEDIATRIC VACCINE MEETINGS** : * FDA VRBPAC meeting: TODAY October 26, 2021 ([Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA)) -- CDC shipping will begin after this authorization but **administration of doses must wait for ACIP recommendation.** * ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT ([Watch here)](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668687?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-26T15:58:2246668686COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report October 26, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to decline in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 285 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 1.6%.</strong></li> <li><strong>CDC has recommended a “booster” COVID-19 vaccine dose for certain populations who received a Pfizer or Moderna series (6 months after completing their series) and for anyone who received a J&amp;J vaccine (2 months after their initial dose).</strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity continue to decline in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 285 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 1.6%.** * **CDC has recommended a "booster" COVID-19 vaccine dose for certain populations who received a Pfizer or Moderna series (6 months after completing their series) and for anyone who received a J\&J vaccine (2 months after their initial dose).** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668686?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-25T15:18:3746668784STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowSTI Trainings Now Available On-line<p><strong>STI New Staff Training</strong><br /> IDPH has not been able to conduct in person STI training for new staff since the pandemic began. A training toolkit is available from IDPH with important fact sheets and the CDC online training. NEW! Recorded trainings are now available on I-TRAIN. These may be used for new staff or as a refresher for those who have been pulled for COVID duties. See attached for how to login to I-TRAIN and view these trainings.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis training</strong><br /> IDPH and the St. Louis Prevention and Training Center have scheduled a virtual training on <strong>December 3</strong> covering syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis.<br /> Copy and paste this link to register: <a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3175" target="_blank">https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3175</a></p> <p><strong>INEDSS Procedures for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Cases</strong><br /> Routing of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases is different from the other diseases in INEDSS. These cases are routed to the jurisdiction of the testing provider first to obtain treatment information. If the patient was not treated and lives outside the provider jurisdiction, the case should be transferred to the patient jurisdiction to attempt to get the patient treated. <u><em>See attached for links to recorded INEDSS trainings and routing examples below.</em></u></p> <ul> <li>Patient lives in Illinois county and goes to another state for testing. Those cases would be sent to IDPH as WE will contact the other state for treatment information. If no treatment, we will send back to the Illinois county so that they can reach out to get the patient treated. If no time permits to reach out to the patient, then simply close the case with no treatment.</li> <li>Patient lives in another state but was tested in an Illinois county. The Illinois county would be responsible for finding out treatment information, inputting into INEDSS and closing INEDSS case as Confirmed/Out of State/Not a Case.</li> <li>Patient lives in one Illinois county, but goes to another IL county for testing (ex. Will County). Will County would be responsible for contacting the provider for treatment. If there is no treatment, then Will County would transfer the case to the county of patient residence for that health department to contact the patient to try to get in for treatment.</li> </ul> <p>If you have any questions please contact IDPH at 217-782-2747</p>**STI New Staff Training** IDPH has not been able to conduct in person STI training for new staff since the pandemic began. A training toolkit is available from IDPH with important fact sheets and the CDC online training. NEW! Recorded trainings are now available on I-TRAIN. These may be used for new staff or as a refresher for those who have been pulled for COVID duties. See attached for how to login to I-TRAIN and view these trainings. <br /> **Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis training** IDPH and the St. Louis Prevention and Training Center have scheduled a virtual training on **December 3** covering syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis. Copy and paste this link to register: <https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3175> **INEDSS Procedures for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Cases** Routing of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases is different from the other diseases in INEDSS. These cases are routed to the jurisdiction of the testing provider first to obtain treatment information. If the patient was not treated and lives outside the provider jurisdiction, the case should be transferred to the patient jurisdiction to attempt to get the patient treated. ++*See attached for links to recorded INEDSS trainings and routing examples below.*++ * Patient lives in Illinois county and goes to another state for testing. Those cases would be sent to IDPH as WE will contact the other state for treatment information. If no treatment, we will send back to the Illinois county so that they can reach out to get the patient treated. If no time permits to reach out to the patient, then simply close the case with no treatment. * Patient lives in another state but was tested in an Illinois county. The Illinois county would be responsible for finding out treatment information, inputting into INEDSS and closing INEDSS case as Confirmed/Out of State/Not a Case. * Patient lives in one Illinois county, but goes to another IL county for testing (ex. Will County). Will County would be responsible for contacting the provider for treatment. If there is no treatment, then Will County would transfer the case to the county of patient residence for that health department to contact the patient to try to get in for treatment. If you have any questions please contact IDPH at 217-782-2747truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668784?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-10-23T02:15:0646668783Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsLowCDC Update: Source Implicated in Fatal Case in Georgia: Multistate Outbreak of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas–2021<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)&nbsp;has identified&nbsp;the bacterial&nbsp;DNA of&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia</em>&nbsp;<em>pseudomallei</em>&nbsp;in an aromatherapy&nbsp;room spray&nbsp;in the home of the Georgia resident who was infected with and died from&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia</em>&nbsp;<em>pseudomallei</em>&nbsp;infection (melioidosis) in July 2021. This Georgia&nbsp;patient&nbsp;was&nbsp;the fourth melioidosis case in a cluster since March 2021 that&nbsp;involved three other patients in Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas, as described previously in&nbsp;<a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h54d125d6,1521b747,1521c162&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM68596&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20454-%20COCA%20Subscribers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HAN Health Update 448: New Case Identified: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em>&nbsp;Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas—2021</a>&nbsp;that CDC issued on August 9, 2021.</p> <p>Based on genomic analysis, the four cases in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas in 2021 closely match, indicating they all most likely share a common source of exposure. Genomic analysis of the four patient isolates grouped closely with strains from South Asia. None of these cases had a history of traveling outside of the continental United States. The four cases include both children and adults; two are female, and two are male. The first case, which was fatal, was identified in March 2021 in Kansas. The second and third cases, identified in May 2021 in Minnesota and Texas, were hospitalized for extended periods before being discharged to transitional care facilities. The most recent case this July, in Georgia, involved a patient who died in the hospital. Post-mortem testing in late July 2021 identified melioidosis as a cause of death. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific, and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, blood infections, and neurological involvement. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, which can delay proper treatment.&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia pseudomallei&nbsp;</em>may also be misidentified by some automated identification methods in laboratory settings.&nbsp;</p> <p>The contaminated product identified by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay is the B<em>etter Homes and Gardens-branded Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones “Lavender &amp; Chamomile”&nbsp;</em>scent, manufactured in India. The spray was sold at Walmart between February and October 21, 2021, and was distributed in a limited number of stores and online nationwide. Whole genome sequencing results from the positive product sample are pending. This product was removed from stores and online marketplaces on October 21, 2021, and out of abundance of caution, the five other scents under the same brand were removed from Walmart marketplaces as well (Lemon &amp; Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime &amp; Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood &amp; Vanilla). Testing will be conducted on these additional scents as well. Recalls are being initiated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Walmart. CDC is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and federal partners to learn whether the other patients used the implicated product and if other products need to be further investigated. This investigation and response are ongoing, and CDC will share more information as it becomes available.</p> <p>Suspected or confirmed cases of&nbsp;<em>Burkholderia pseudomallei</em>&nbsp;Infections (Melioidosis) should be reported to the Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000.</p> <p>See attachment for further details.</p> <p> </p>**Summary** Testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the bacterial DNA of *Burkholderia* *pseudomallei* in an aromatherapy room spray in the home of the Georgia resident who was infected with and died from *Burkholderia* *pseudomallei* infection (melioidosis) in July 2021. This Georgia patient was the fourth melioidosis case in a cluster since March 2021 that involved three other patients in Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas, as described previously in [HAN Health Update 448: New Case Identified: Multistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated *Burkholderia pseudomallei* Infections (Melioidosis) in Four Patients: Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas---2021](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h54d125d6,1521b747,1521c162&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM68596&ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20454-%20COCA%20Subscribers) that CDC issued on August 9, 2021. Based on genomic analysis, the four cases in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Texas in 2021 closely match, indicating they all most likely share a common source of exposure. Genomic analysis of the four patient isolates grouped closely with strains from South Asia. None of these cases had a history of traveling outside of the continental United States. The four cases include both children and adults; two are female, and two are male. The first case, which was fatal, was identified in March 2021 in Kansas. The second and third cases, identified in May 2021 in Minnesota and Texas, were hospitalized for extended periods before being discharged to transitional care facilities. The most recent case this July, in Georgia, involved a patient who died in the hospital. Post-mortem testing in late July 2021 identified melioidosis as a cause of death. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific, and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, blood infections, and neurological involvement. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, which can delay proper treatment. *Burkholderia pseudomallei*may also be misidentified by some automated identification methods in laboratory settings. The contaminated product identified by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay is the B*etter Homes and Gardens-branded Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones "Lavender \& Chamomile"*scent, manufactured in India. The spray was sold at Walmart between February and October 21, 2021, and was distributed in a limited number of stores and online nationwide. Whole genome sequencing results from the positive product sample are pending. This product was removed from stores and online marketplaces on October 21, 2021, and out of abundance of caution, the five other scents under the same brand were removed from Walmart marketplaces as well (Lemon \& Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime \& Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood \& Vanilla). Testing will be conducted on these additional scents as well. Recalls are being initiated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Walmart. CDC is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and federal partners to learn whether the other patients used the implicated product and if other products need to be further investigated. This investigation and response are ongoing, and CDC will share more information as it becomes available. Suspected or confirmed cases of *Burkholderia pseudomallei* Infections (Melioidosis) should be reported to the Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668783?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542025-04-04T14:14:1346689684RSVDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Vaccines for ChildrenHighCompletion of Infant RSV Immunization Season<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025.</li> <li><strong>Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season.</strong></li> <li>Older adults can continue to receive their one-time dose of RSV vaccine at any point throughout the year.</li> </ul> <p>Please review the attached file for more information.</p> ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. * **Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season.** * Older adults can continue to receive their one-time dose of RSV vaccine at any point throughout the year. Please review the attached file for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689684?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,4404722021-10-22T20:41:3046668685InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 41<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance&nbsp;related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting.</p> <p><strong>About this report</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu">Chicago Data Portal&nbsp;</a>.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low</p> <p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations</strong></p> <p>For the week of October 10-16, 2021, there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. **About this report** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low **Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations** For the week of October 10-16, 2021, there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668685?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-10-22T16:45:5446668684COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: NEW Booster Recs; REQUIRED Pediatric Vaccine Pre-Order Survey October 22, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">BOOSTER UPDATES TODAY 12:30-1:00pm COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness call </span></strong> <ul> <li><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"></span></strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/J/89139067859#success">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89139067859</a> </span></li> <li><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">312-626-6799 (ID: 891 3906 7859)</span></li> </ul> </li> <li>On 10/21/21, ACIP recommended and CDC approved boosters for those who received Moderna and J&amp;J primary series. Providers may start giving boosters immediately.<strong> Who is now eligible for boosters? </strong> <ul> <li>For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series: <ul> <li>&nbsp;65 years and older</li> <li>Age 18+ who live in<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html"> long-term care settings</a></li> <li>Age 18+ who have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html">underlying medical conditions</a></li> <li>Age 18+ who work or live in<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html"> high-risk settings</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>For individuals who received the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots (any mRNA or J&amp;J) are also recommended for those who are 18+ and were vaccinated two or more months ago.</li> <li><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X"><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">***PEDIATRIC Pfizer Vaccine Pre-order survey </span></a><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">DUE TODAY by 12pm***</span></strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">: </span>please complete ASAP! <ul> <li><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **BOOSTER UPDATES TODAY 12:30-1:00pm COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness call** * [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89139067859](https://us02web.zoom.us/J/89139067859#success) * 312-626-6799 (ID: 891 3906 7859) * On 10/21/21, ACIP recommended and CDC approved boosters for those who received Moderna and J\&J primary series. Providers may start giving boosters immediately.**Who is now eligible for boosters?** * For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series: * 65 years and older * Age 18+ who live in[long-term care settings](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html) * Age 18+ who have [underlying medical conditions](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html) * Age 18+ who work or live in[high-risk settings](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html) * For individuals who received the Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots (any mRNA or J\&J) are also recommended for those who are 18+ and were vaccinated two or more months ago. * [\*\*\*PEDIATRIC Pfizer Vaccine Pre-order survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X)**DUE TODAY by 12pm\*\*\*** : please complete ASAP! * <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X> See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668684?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-21T18:14:2346668782COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Friday, October 22, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health&nbsp;</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, October 22,&nbsp; 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:30&nbsp;PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89139067859#success"> HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89139067859</a>&nbsp;OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:891 3906 7859)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, October 22, 2021 Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link:[HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89139067859](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89139067859#success) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID:891 3906 7859) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668782?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-13T15:10:2446668488COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Upcoming VRBPAC and ACIP meetings October 13, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>UPDATES on Moderna / J&amp;J Booster </strong> <ul> <li>FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 14-15, 2021 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhlshZ7Lkr0">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>ACIP meeting: October 20-21, 2021 from 9am-4pm CST (<a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>&nbsp;UPDATES on Pfizer authorization for 5 to 11 year-olds</strong> <ul> <li>FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 26, 2021 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>&nbsp;ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CST (<a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>***The Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine formulation, dosage, and storage/handling are different than the adult formulation. Instructions on ordering will be forthcoming.</li> <li>&nbsp;Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Primary series initiation should remain a top priority,</strong> while we undergo planning for the above.</li> <li><strong>NFID Webinar: </strong>Co-administration of Influenza, COVID-19, and Other Routine Vaccines <ul> <li>Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST <a href="https://nfid.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nfid/eventRegistration.jsp?event=350&amp;">Register here</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Moderna shelf life extension of 78 lots</strong>: <a href="https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/providers/vial-lookup">Check the Moderna expiration date</a> look up website for all lots.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **UPDATES on Moderna / J\&J Booster** * FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 14-15, 2021 ([Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhlshZ7Lkr0)) * ACIP meeting: October 20-21, 2021 from 9am-4pm CST ([Watch here](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4)) * Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use. * **UPDATES on Pfizer authorization for 5 to 11 year-olds** * FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 26, 2021 ([Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA)) * ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CST ([Watch here](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4)) * \*\*\*The Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine formulation, dosage, and storage/handling are different than the adult formulation. Instructions on ordering will be forthcoming. * Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use. * **Primary series initiation should remain a top priority,** while we undergo planning for the above. * **NFID Webinar:** Co-administration of Influenza, COVID-19, and Other Routine Vaccines * Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST [Register here](https://nfid.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/nfid/eventRegistration.jsp?event=350&) * **Moderna shelf life extension of 78 lots** : [Check the Moderna expiration date](https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/providers/vial-lookup) look up website for all lots. See attachment for further details. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668488?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-19T21:26:3646668781COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report October 19, 2021<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence continues to decrease in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 287 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%</strong></li> <li><strong>&nbsp;ACIP plans to meet on 10/21/21 to review data on “booster” doses of the Moderna vaccine and additional doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.</strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence continues to decrease in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 287 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%** * **ACIP plans to meet on 10/21/21 to review data on "booster" doses of the Moderna vaccine and additional doses of the Johnson \& Johnson vaccine.** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668781?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-04-04T18:43:5246689685InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 4, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. &nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B represent 77.8% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 71% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week.</li> <li>Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate; COVID-19 wastewater concentration decreased from low to minimal. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. &nbsp;</li> <li>In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968" target="_blank">CDPH HAN</a> for more details.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a><strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> <strong>vaccine coverage across the city remain low</strong>. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Low. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decrease across nearly all age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decrease from a peak of 23% in January. Detections of flu B represent 77.8% of all reported flu detections last week. Among flu A specimens that were subtyped for the week 71% were H1N1. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing since mid-December and continues to decrease. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased from the previous week. * Compared to baseline concentrations, the overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate; COVID-19 wastewater concentration decreased from low to minimal. It is possible that even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See the [CDPH HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968) for more details. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)**and** [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) **vaccine coverage across the city remain low** . See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689685?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092021-10-19T20:22:1146668780COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: REQUIRED Pediatric Vaccine Pre-Order Survey October 19, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X">***PEDIATRIC Pfizer Vaccine Pre-order survey</a> DUE by 12pm Friday 10/22***: please complete ASAP!</span></strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>&nbsp;<strong>ICAAP Webinar:</strong> COVID-19 Vaccines for Pediatrics- What We Know Now <ul> <li>Wed, Oct 20, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1104468644579032078">Register here</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>UPDATES on Pfizer authorization for 5 to 11 year-olds</strong> <ul> <li>FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 26, 2021 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT (<a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">Watch here</a>)</li> <li>***The Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine formulation, dosage, and storage/handling are different than the adult formulation.</li> <li>CDPH will be pre-ordering pediatric vaccine this week. <ul> <li>Once the product arrives at the provider site, it can be stored for up to 10 weeks at 2 to 8°C and 6 months at ultracold temperatures of -90 to -60°C.</li> <li>The new pediatric vial will come with a distinctive ORANGE cap and be filled to 1.3mL before dilution. The pediatric formulation will continue to require addition of diluent and will contain 10 doses per vial. See Table on page 2 for details.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **[\*\*\*PEDIATRIC Pfizer Vaccine Pre-order survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X) DUE by 12pm Friday 10/22\*\*\*: please complete ASAP!** * <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=WFFRMFDARWJLX77X> * **ICAAP Webinar:** COVID-19 Vaccines for Pediatrics- What We Know Now * Wed, Oct 20, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT [Register here](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1104468644579032078) * **UPDATES on Pfizer authorization for 5 to 11 year-olds** * FDA VRBPAC meeting: October 26, 2021 ([Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaL0_xKmmA)) * ACIP meeting: November 2-3, 2021 from 9am-4pm CDT ([Watch here](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4)) * \*\*\*The Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine formulation, dosage, and storage/handling are different than the adult formulation. * CDPH will be pre-ordering pediatric vaccine this week. * Once the product arrives at the provider site, it can be stored for up to 10 weeks at 2 to 8°C and 6 months at ultracold temperatures of -90 to -60°C. * The new pediatric vial will come with a distinctive ORANGE cap and be filled to 1.3mL before dilution. The pediatric formulation will continue to require addition of diluent and will contain 10 doses per vial. See Table on page 2 for details. * Reminder: no action should be taken until ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director according to the COVID-19 Provider agreement and would be considered off-label use. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668780?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-18T21:01:0546668778InfluenzaInfluenzaLowIDPH Memo: Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois Long Term Care Facilities<p>IDPH has issed a memorandum "Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois Long Term Care Facilities"</p> <p>The purpose of the&nbsp;memorandum is to provide long-term care facilities (LTCF) and other residential health and living facilities with current guidance for preventing and controlling influenza cases and outbreaks and with information on the reporting requirements in the event of a suspected or confirmed influenza outbreak. Specific guidance pertaining to COVID-19 can be found on the <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19" target="_blank">Illinois Department of Public Health</a> (IDPH) or <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention</a> (CDC) websites. While notes specific to COVID-19 are mentioned in some sections of the&nbsp;document, the primary intent of the&nbsp;memorandum is to provide guidance for influenza. In certain situation, COVID-19 guidance may be more restrictive than the influenza guidance mentioned in this document. Facilities should defer to the appropriate guidance for the situation currently occurring in the community and the state, as the more restrictive guidance may be recommended.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>IDPH has issed a memorandum "Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois Long Term Care Facilities" The purpose of the memorandum is to provide long-term care facilities (LTCF) and other residential health and living facilities with current guidance for preventing and controlling influenza cases and outbreaks and with information on the reporting requirements in the event of a suspected or confirmed influenza outbreak. Specific guidance pertaining to COVID-19 can be found on the [Illinois Department of Public Health](https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19) (IDPH) or [Centers for Disease Control \& Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) (CDC) websites. While notes specific to COVID-19 are mentioned in some sections of the document, the primary intent of the memorandum is to provide guidance for influenza. In certain situation, COVID-19 guidance may be more restrictive than the influenza guidance mentioned in this document. Facilities should defer to the appropriate guidance for the situation currently occurring in the community and the state, as the more restrictive guidance may be recommended. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668778?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-10-18T15:51:2446668683InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 40<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance&nbsp;related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting.</p> <p><strong>About this report</strong></p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&amp;sortBy=relevance&amp;tags=flu">Chicago Data Portal&nbsp;</a>.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low</p> <p><strong>Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations</strong></p> <p>For the week of October 3-9, 2021, there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p> <p> </p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. **About this report** The Chicago Department of Public Health utilizes various surveillance indicators to monitor influenza activity in Chicago. This includes surveillance for influenza-associated intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, monitoring circulating influenza viruses, as well outpatient and emergency department visits that are due to influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza surveillance data are typically aggregated by week. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports. All data presented on this page, except where otherwise noted, are available through the [Chicago Data Portal](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?q=flu&sortBy=relevance&tags=flu). **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low **Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Hospitalizations** For the week of October 3-9, 2021, there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668683?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-10-14T20:51:5246668682Laboratory InformationCOVIDLowIDPH Lab Announces the Implementation of the Influenza/SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announces the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza/SARS CoV-2 Multiplex rtPCR assay effective, Monday, October 18, 2021. Please continue to use the Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR) portal and select the Influenza SARS-COV-2 Multiplex rRT-PCR test request to order the Influenza/SARS CoV-2 Multiplex rtPCR assay. If ETOR becomes temporarily unavailable, a newly revised submission form,&nbsp;Revision Date 10/2021, can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing</a>.</p> <p>Included with the&nbsp;<em>20211014_influenza SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;</em>memo, you will also find a more detailed instructional guide, referred to as a Technical Bulletin, that will aid you with the submission of specimens for testing for Influenza-SARS-CoV-2.</p> <p>The Influenza / SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay will also be used in the virologic sentinel surveillance program.&nbsp; The&nbsp;program&nbsp;consists of&nbsp;testing&nbsp;clinical specimens&nbsp;from&nbsp;ILI&nbsp;patients provided by sentinel sites&nbsp;at designated&nbsp;IDPH laboratories.&nbsp; Additional respiratory testing may be conducted on specimens that are negative on the influenza/SARS-CoV-2 assay to gather information about other circulating respiratory viruses. For more information on the virologic sentinel surveillance program and to enroll, see the attached August 11^th&nbsp;memo related to&nbsp;<em>2021-2022 Influenza and Respiratory Sentinel Surveillance Program Participation</em>.</p> <p>See attachments for full details.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announces the implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza/SARS CoV-2 Multiplex rtPCR assay effective, Monday, October 18, 2021. Please continue to use the Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting (ETOR) portal and select the Influenza SARS-COV-2 Multiplex rRT-PCR test request to order the Influenza/SARS CoV-2 Multiplex rtPCR assay. If ETOR becomes temporarily unavailable, a newly revised submission form, Revision Date 10/2021, can be found here: <http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/lab-testing-services/clinical-testing>. Included with the *20211014_influenza SARS-CoV-2*memo, you will also find a more detailed instructional guide, referred to as a Technical Bulletin, that will aid you with the submission of specimens for testing for Influenza-SARS-CoV-2. The Influenza / SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay will also be used in the virologic sentinel surveillance program. The program consists of testing clinical specimens from ILI patients provided by sentinel sites at designated IDPH laboratories. Additional respiratory testing may be conducted on specimens that are negative on the influenza/SARS-CoV-2 assay to gather information about other circulating respiratory viruses. For more information on the virologic sentinel surveillance program and to enroll, see the attached August 11^th^ memo related to *2021-2022 Influenza and Respiratory Sentinel Surveillance Program Participation*. See attachments for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668682?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-14T17:47:1646668681Lead TestingDiseases & ConditionsLowCDC HAN: Expansion of Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results<p><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued notifications about the expansion of Magellan Diagnostics’ recall of LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Tests, which were distributed from October 27, 2020, to August 19, 2021. Additional LeadCare II product lots, including lots previously reported to be unaffected, were recalled due to a significant risk of falsely low results. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall.</p> <p>The CDC issused a Health Update to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about the expansion of the recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions in the shortage of LeadCare Lead Tests. This HAN Health Update is an update to <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00445.asp" target="_blank">HAN Health Advisory 445: Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results</a>&nbsp;(issued&nbsp;July 6, 2021).</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians</strong></p> <ul> <li>Continue to schedule and perform required blood lead tests for patients. A venous or capillary blood sample analyzed using higher complexity methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) from a CLIA compliant clinical laboratory should be used if LeadCare lead test kits are unavailable. &nbsp; <ul> <li><u>Note:</u> In accordance with Section 6.2 of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (LPPA) and Section 845.55 of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Code (LPPC), all children 6 years of age and younger and pregnant people, upon evaluation from the provider using the Childhood Lead Risk Questionnaire or Prenatal-risk Evaluation of Lead Exposure, shall receive a blood lead test. The results of these analyses shall be reported to IDPH in accordance with Section 7 of the LPPA and Section 845.60 of the LPPC. These testing requirements have NOT been waived. The lead portion of the Certificate of Child Health Examination shall be completed in accordance with these requirements as well. Until such time as the test kits supply shortage for LeadCare II units has been remedied by the manufacturer, providers will need to contact a certified reference laboratory to perform analyses of samples taken in their offices.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Discontinue using all <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/magellan-diagnostics-recalls-leadcare-ii-leadcare-plus-and-leadcare-ultra-blood-lead-tests-due-risk" target="_blank">test kit lots</a> identified as part of the recall.&nbsp;</li> <li>Retest children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits whose results were less than CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm" target="_blank">blood lead reference value</a>. Retesting should be done with a venous blood sample analyzed with higher complexity testing.&nbsp;</li> <li>Retest children who were previously tested with a LeadCare test kit if the lot number of the initial test kit is unknown and the test was done after October 27, 2020.</li> <li>Prioritize testing for: <ul> <li>Children where there is clinical concern that symptoms or developmental problems may be related to lead exposure,</li> <li>Populations at higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, such as children tested due to Medicaid-required screening or due to other state or local requirements,&nbsp;</li> <li>Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and</li> <li>Children who are immigrants, refugees, or recently adopted from outside of the United States.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Discuss the recall and retesting recommendations with a parent or caregiver of children who meet the retesting criteria.</li> <li>Follow recommendations for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lab/default.htm" target="_blank">best practices</a> when collecting a capillary blood sample for lead testing.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>**Summary** Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued notifications about the expansion of Magellan Diagnostics' recall of LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Tests, which were distributed from October 27, 2020, to August 19, 2021. Additional LeadCare II product lots, including lots previously reported to be unaffected, were recalled due to a significant risk of falsely low results. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. The CDC issused a Health Update to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about the expansion of the recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions in the shortage of LeadCare Lead Tests. This HAN Health Update is an update to [HAN Health Advisory 445: Recall of LeadCare Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00445.asp) (issued July 6, 2021). **Recommendations for Clinicians** * Continue to schedule and perform required blood lead tests for patients. A venous or capillary blood sample analyzed using higher complexity methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) from a CLIA compliant clinical laboratory should be used if LeadCare lead test kits are unavailable. * ++Note:++ In accordance with Section 6.2 of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (LPPA) and Section 845.55 of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Code (LPPC), all children 6 years of age and younger and pregnant people, upon evaluation from the provider using the Childhood Lead Risk Questionnaire or Prenatal-risk Evaluation of Lead Exposure, shall receive a blood lead test. The results of these analyses shall be reported to IDPH in accordance with Section 7 of the LPPA and Section 845.60 of the LPPC. These testing requirements have NOT been waived. The lead portion of the Certificate of Child Health Examination shall be completed in accordance with these requirements as well. Until such time as the test kits supply shortage for LeadCare II units has been remedied by the manufacturer, providers will need to contact a certified reference laboratory to perform analyses of samples taken in their offices. * Discontinue using all [test kit lots](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/magellan-diagnostics-recalls-leadcare-ii-leadcare-plus-and-leadcare-ultra-blood-lead-tests-due-risk) identified as part of the recall. * Retest children who were tested with the recalled LeadCare lead test kits whose results were less than CDC's [blood lead reference value](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/blood-lead-reference-value.htm). Retesting should be done with a venous blood sample analyzed with higher complexity testing. * Retest children who were previously tested with a LeadCare test kit if the lot number of the initial test kit is unknown and the test was done after October 27, 2020. * Prioritize testing for: * Children where there is clinical concern that symptoms or developmental problems may be related to lead exposure, * Populations at higher risk of elevated blood lead levels, such as children tested due to Medicaid-required screening or due to other state or local requirements, * Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and * Children who are immigrants, refugees, or recently adopted from outside of the United States. * Discuss the recall and retesting recommendations with a parent or caregiver of children who meet the retesting criteria. * Follow recommendations for [best practices](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/lab/default.htm) when collecting a capillary blood sample for lead testing. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668681?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-10-12T22:05:3046668487VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - October 12, 2021<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Flu vaccine distribution</li> <li>Get colleagues signed up for this newsletter</li> <li>COVID vaccine updates</li> <li>I-CARE training</li> <li>Sign up as a COVID-19 provider</li> <li>Catch up patients on routine vax</li> <li>VFC requirements</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * Flu vaccine distribution * Get colleagues signed up for this newsletter * COVID vaccine updates * I-CARE training * Sign up as a COVID-19 provider * Catch up patients on routine vax * VFC requirements Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668487?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722025-04-11T20:04:1146689977InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 11, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity dropped to minimal. &nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decline across most age groups. &nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in January. Most positive specimens (87%) last week were flu B. RSV test positivity has been on a downward trend since mid-December and continues to decline. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased compared to the previous week.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate, while COVID-19 wastewater concentrations remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.  &nbsp;</li> <li>In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968" target="_blank">the CDPH HAN</a> for more details.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. &nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details.&nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu webpage </a>and the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity dropped to minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to decline across most age groups.  * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in January. Most positive specimens (87%) last week were flu B. RSV test positivity has been on a downward trend since mid-December and continues to decline. Test positivity for COVID-19 decreased compared to the previous week. * Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, flu B, and RSV remain moderate, while COVID-19 wastewater concentrations remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.   * In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See [the CDPH HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968) for more details. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.  * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak, see the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu webpage ](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html)and the [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689977?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092021-10-12T21:02:5146668486COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report October 12, 2021<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity are decreasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 317 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%</strong></li> <li><strong>An FDA advisory committee will review data on Moderna booster doses on Oct 14th and J&amp;J booster doses on Oct 15th.</strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence and test positivity are decreasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 317 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.0%** * **An FDA advisory committee will review data on Moderna booster doses on Oct 14th and J\&J booster doses on Oct 15th.** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668486?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-08T17:39:4146668485STICongenital Syphilis (CS)LowFree Webinar: Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis - Dec 3, 2021<p>The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center presents a webinar "Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis" targeted to Illinois-based clinicians.</p> <p><strong>Objectives:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Review syphilis epidemiology in Illinois and the US</li> <li>Explain recommended STI screening practices in pregnancy</li> <li>Describe management of syphilis in pregnancy</li> <li>Discuss prevention of congenital syphilis</li> <li>Review congenital syphilis case examples</li> </ul> <p><em>Designation Statement</em>: The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.</p> <p>Registeration is required:&nbsp; please click <a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3175" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Quesitons can be directed to:&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirley Williams 314-747-1522&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swilliam@dom.wustl.edu">swilliam@dom.wustl.edu</a></p> <p>Accreditation Statement: The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center is accredited by the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.</p>The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center presents a webinar "Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis" targeted to Illinois-based clinicians. **Objectives:** * Review syphilis epidemiology in Illinois and the US * Explain recommended STI screening practices in pregnancy * Describe management of syphilis in pregnancy * Discuss prevention of congenital syphilis * Review congenital syphilis case examples *Designation Statement*: The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Registeration is required: please click [here](https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3175). Quesitons can be directed to: Shirley Williams 314-747-1522 [swilliam@dom.wustl.edu](mailto:swilliam@dom.wustl.edu) Accreditation Statement: The St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center is accredited by the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668485?p_r_p_categoryId=4376202021-10-07T20:27:3846668484COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Friday, October 8<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health with special guests Stephanie Puentes &amp; Dr. Paul Luning from PCC Wellness Center</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, October 8,&nbsp;&nbsp;2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:00&nbsp;PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83729037839#success"> HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/82505665206 </a>OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health with special guests Stephanie Puentes \& Dr. Paul Luning from PCC Wellness Center Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, October 8, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link:[HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/82505665206](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83729037839#success)OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668484?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-05T21:38:3446668589COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report October 5, 2021<p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence is currently stable in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 355 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.2%</strong></li> <li><strong>&nbsp;An FDA advisory committee will review data on Moderna booster doses on Oct 14th and J&amp;J booster doses on Oct 15th.</strong></li> <li><strong>&nbsp;The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence is currently stable in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 355 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.2%** * **An FDA advisory committee will review data on Moderna booster doses on Oct 14th and J\&J booster doses on Oct 15th.** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668589?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-10-05T15:01:4946668585West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report for October 5, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 5,&nbsp;2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong>This report provides data on Week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were four (4) WNV-positive mosquito pools from four (4) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued October 5, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were four (4) WNV-positive mosquito pools from four (4) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668585?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-09-29T23:14:0446668584COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant People to Prevent Serious Illness, Deaths, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from COVID-19<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends urgent action to increase Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Providers</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure all clinical staff are aware of the recommendation for vaccination of people before and during pregnancy and the serious risks of COVID-19 to pregnant and recently pregnant people and their fetuses/infants.</li> <li>Increase outreach efforts to encourage, recommend, and offer vaccination to people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. A strong recommendation from a healthcare provider is a critical factor in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and can make a meaningful difference to protect the health of pregnant and recently pregnant people and their fetuses/infants from COVID-19.&nbsp;</li> <li>For healthcare providers who see patients who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future:</li> <li>Review patients’ COVID-19 vaccination status at each pre- and post-natal visit and discuss COVID-19 vaccination with those who are unvaccinated.</li> <li>Reach out to your patients with messages encouraging and recommending the critical need for vaccination.</li> <li>Remind patients that vaccination is recommended even for those with prior COVID-19 infections. Studies have shown that vaccination provides increased protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19.</li> <li>Support efforts to ensure people receiving the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) return for their second dose to complete the series as close as possible to the recommended interval.&nbsp;</li> <li>Consider a booster dose in eligible pregnant persons.</li> <li>Communicate accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and confront <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/addressing-vaccine-misinformation.html" target="_blank">misinformation</a> with evidence-based messaging from credible sources. For example, there is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.</li> <li>Become a COVID-19 vaccine provider and vaccinate patients during their visit.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends urgent action to increase Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks. **Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** * Ensure all clinical staff are aware of the recommendation for vaccination of people before and during pregnancy and the serious risks of COVID-19 to pregnant and recently pregnant people and their fetuses/infants. * Increase outreach efforts to encourage, recommend, and offer vaccination to people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. A strong recommendation from a healthcare provider is a critical factor in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and can make a meaningful difference to protect the health of pregnant and recently pregnant people and their fetuses/infants from COVID-19. * For healthcare providers who see patients who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future: * Review patients' COVID-19 vaccination status at each pre- and post-natal visit and discuss COVID-19 vaccination with those who are unvaccinated. * Reach out to your patients with messages encouraging and recommending the critical need for vaccination. * Remind patients that vaccination is recommended even for those with prior COVID-19 infections. Studies have shown that vaccination provides increased protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. * Support efforts to ensure people receiving the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) return for their second dose to complete the series as close as possible to the recommended interval. * Consider a booster dose in eligible pregnant persons. * Communicate accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and confront [misinformation](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/health-departments/addressing-vaccine-misinformation.html) with evidence-based messaging from credible sources. For example, there is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men. * Become a COVID-19 vaccine provider and vaccinate patients during their visit. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668584?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442025-08-08T16:07:0046690580Opioid ConcernsOpioid Information,Diseases & Conditions,ProgramsHighCarfentanil Identified in Chicago’s Drug Supply - August 8, 2025<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>From January 2024 to June 2025, of <strong>1,253 drug samples tested</strong> in Chicago available for analysis, the following substances detected included but were not limited to: <strong>fentanyl (43%)</strong>, nitazene (12%), designer benzodiazepines (11%), xylazine (8%), medetomidine (6%), BTMPS (5%), and lidocaine (3%). <strong>Four samples contained carfentanil</strong>, an analogue of fentanyl, that is <strong>100 times more potent than fentanyl</strong>.</li> <li>Continue to call 911 and <strong>provide naloxone for all suspected drug overdoses</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Report overdoses with atypical features</strong> to the <strong>Illinois Poison Center</strong> (1-800-222-1222) to coordinate send out of drug and biospecimen samples for toxicology testing.</li> <li><strong>Report clusters</strong> of overdoses to the <strong>CDPH medical director on call</strong> (311).</li> <li><strong>Counsel patients and clients</strong> on the unpredictability of the illegal drug supply, encourage safer user practices, and consider immediate initiation of buprenorphine or other medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for patients whose overdose was reversed with naloxone.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Summary and Action Items** * From January 2024 to June 2025, of **1,253 drug samples tested** in Chicago available for analysis, the following substances detected included but were not limited to: **fentanyl (43%)** , nitazene (12%), designer benzodiazepines (11%), xylazine (8%), medetomidine (6%), BTMPS (5%), and lidocaine (3%). **Four samples contained carfentanil** , an analogue of fentanyl, that is **100 times more potent than fentanyl**. * Continue to call 911 and **provide naloxone for all suspected drug overdoses**. * **Report overdoses with atypical features** to the **Illinois Poison Center** (1-800-222-1222) to coordinate send out of drug and biospecimen samples for toxicology testing. * **Report clusters** of overdoses to the **CDPH medical director on call** (311). * **Counsel patients and clients** on the unpredictability of the illegal drug supply, encourage safer user practices, and consider immediate initiation of buprenorphine or other medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for patients whose overdose was reversed with naloxone. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690580?p_r_p_categoryId=440394,434554,4382122021-09-28T21:19:5246668582COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report September 28, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are decreasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 357 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.5%</strong></li> <li><strong>&nbsp;CDC has authorized a “booster” dose of Pfizer vaccine for some individuals who received an initial COVID-19 vaccine series with Pfizer, &gt; 6 months after the initial series. See the CDC statement <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html">here.</a></strong></li> <li><strong>The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are decreasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 357 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.5%** * **CDC has authorized a "booster" dose of Pfizer vaccine for some individuals who received an initial COVID-19 vaccine series with Pfizer, \> 6 months after the initial series. See the CDC statement [here.](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html)** * **The priority in Chicago remains to get all eligible Chicagoans their initial series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Continue to encourage vaccination for anyone age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668582?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-28T17:11:1946668482STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowCHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting<p><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong>&nbsp;Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for congenital syphilis</p> <p><strong>Audience:</strong>&nbsp;All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit congenital syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;Tuesday, October 5, 2021</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp;12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (CDT)</p> <p><strong>Platform:</strong>&nbsp;Microsoft Teams</p> <p><strong>Registration Link Here:&nbsp;</strong>(<a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=682b32e0-37b00a12-682be688-86a241424e9f-21e193e367867f57&amp;q=1&amp;e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Congenital" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!CHIMS_Congenital</a>)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>**SAVE THE DATE** **CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series \| Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting** **Topic:** Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for congenital syphilis **Audience:** All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit congenital syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) **Date:** Tuesday, October 5, 2021 **Time:** 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m. (CDT) **Platform:** Microsoft Teams **Registration Link Here:** ([https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform\&pollid=STI!CHIMS_Congenital](https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=682b32e0-37b00a12-682be688-86a241424e9f-21e193e367867f57&q=1&e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Congenital))falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668482?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-09-28T17:01:5446668481STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowCHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Syphilis Case Reporting<p><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Syphilis Case Reporting</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong>&nbsp;Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for syphilis</p> <p><strong>Audience:</strong>&nbsp;All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;Thursday, September 30, 2021</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp;12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (CDT)</p> <p><strong>Platform:</strong>&nbsp;Microsoft Teams</p> <p><strong>Registration Link Here:</strong> (<a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=37bd4f77-68267785-37bd9b1f-86a241424e9f-d91afec38e3e0c00&amp;q=1&amp;e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Electronic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!CHIMS_Electronic</a>)</p> <p> </p>**SAVE THE DATE** **CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series \| Electronic Syphilis Case Reporting** **Topic:** Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for syphilis **Audience:** All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) **Date:** Thursday, September 30, 2021 **Time:** 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m. (CDT) **Platform:** Microsoft Teams **Registration Link Here:** ([https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform\&pollid=STI!CHIMS_Electronic](https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=37bd4f77-68267785-37bd9b1f-86a241424e9f-d91afec38e3e0c00&q=1&e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Electronic))falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668481?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-09-22T17:55:0646668379COVID19COVID-19LowMIS-C Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance & Chicago Annual Report<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>KEY MESSAGES AND ACTION ITEMS:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Given the recent surge in COVID-19 infections across Chicago and Illinois, clinicians should familiarize themselves with the clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and reporting requirements for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).</strong></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">MIS-C is a rare but severe post-infectious sequela of COVID-19 in children marked by fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and severe illness involving two or more organ systems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago and nationally1, increases in MIS-C cases are seen 3 to 4 weeks following surges in COVID-19 cases in the community, reflecting the delay between initial SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent inflammatory response. It often occurs after asymptomatic or mild infections, so a lack of known exposure or infection following periods of high local transmission should not rule out the diagnosis.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Follow the <a href="https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/20210302_COVID19_MIS_C_Interim_Guid_.pdf" target="_blank">MIS-C Clinical Pathway</a> for cases of suspected MIS-C, including timely transfer to intensive care.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Report MIS-C in Chicago residents to CDPH by following instructions on the HAN page: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c</a> OR follow the two steps below:</span></li> </ul> <ol style="margin-left:40px"> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Fill out the MIS-C case report form link available at <a href="https://redcap.link/misc_afm" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/misc_afm</a> and upload it confidentially through the same portal (<a href="https://redcap.link/misc_afm" target="_blank">here</a>).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Enter suspect MIS-C cases into the COVID-19 I-NEDSS module – subsection “Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome”.</span></li> </ol> <p>See&nbsp;MIS-C Guidanc attachment for full details.&nbsp;&nbsp;MIS-C Annual Report also attached.</p>**KEY MESSAGES AND ACTION ITEMS:** * **Given the recent surge in COVID-19 infections across Chicago and Illinois, clinicians should familiarize themselves with the clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and reporting requirements for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).** * MIS-C is a rare but severe post-infectious sequela of COVID-19 in children marked by fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and severe illness involving two or more organ systems. * In Chicago and nationally1, increases in MIS-C cases are seen 3 to 4 weeks following surges in COVID-19 cases in the community, reflecting the delay between initial SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent inflammatory response. It often occurs after asymptomatic or mild infections, so a lack of known exposure or infection following periods of high local transmission should not rule out the diagnosis. * Follow the [MIS-C Clinical Pathway](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/20210302_COVID19_MIS_C_Interim_Guid_.pdf) for cases of suspected MIS-C, including timely transfer to intensive care. * Report MIS-C in Chicago residents to CDPH by following instructions on the HAN page: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c> OR follow the two steps below: 1. Fill out the MIS-C case report form link available at <https://redcap.link/misc_afm> and upload it confidentially through the same portal ([here](https://redcap.link/misc_afm)). 2. Enter suspect MIS-C cases into the COVID-19 I-NEDSS module -- subsection "Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome". See MIS-C Guidanc attachment for full details. MIS-C Annual Report also attached.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668379?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552025-06-30T19:53:3946690277West Nile VirusDiseases & Conditions,West Nile VirusHighArboviral Surveillance Report for June 30, 2025 <p>Arboviral Surveillance Report for June 30, 2025&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong></p> <p>This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were five (5) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> Arboviral Surveillance Report for June 30, 2025 **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were five (5) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see attachment for further details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690277?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4552982021-09-28T16:05:0146668480COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Booster reminders, COCA call today, CDC inventory updates September 28, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;It is critical that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people complete their primary series of vaccines to protect themselves and further reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its more severe outcomes. <ul> <li>Check out: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6IONQN32XKQ6sxYg71ysRMwu9BJ81Jki">Let’s Talk About It - Conversations about the COVID-19 Vaccine</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/protect-chicago-77.html">The 77 Pledge</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>On Sept. 23rd, CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series. In addition, the CDC Director recommended a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html">booster dose</a> for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings. <ul> <li>For details, watch<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fPOx4u1bSzHs6jsjrWRxzcV5ol5qf9xE"> 9/24/21 Provider Situational Awareness call</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf">CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall.</a></li> <li><strong>Tune in TODAY: COCA call Tuesday 9/28 from 1:00p – 2:00p CT: </strong><span style="color:#3498db"><u>What Clinicians Need to Know About the Latest CDC Recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination</u></span></li> </ul> </li> <li>CDC recommends: <ul> <li>people 65+ and residents 18+ in long-term care settings <strong>should</strong> receive a booster shot of PfizerBioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series</li> <li>people aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions<strong> should </strong>receive a booster shot of PfizerBioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;</li> <li>people 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions <strong>may</strong> receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their PfizerBioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks; and</li> <li>people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting<strong> may</strong> receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.</li> </ul> </li> <li>&nbsp;In the coming weeks, CDC will evaluate data for other populations or people who received the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson/Janssen vaccines.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * It is critical that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people complete their primary series of vaccines to protect themselves and further reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its more severe outcomes. * Check out: [Let's Talk About It - Conversations about the COVID-19 Vaccine](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6IONQN32XKQ6sxYg71ysRMwu9BJ81Jki) / [The 77 Pledge](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/protect-chicago-77.html) * On Sept. 23rd, CDC's independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series. In addition, the CDC Director recommended a [booster dose](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html) for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings. * For details, watch[9/24/21 Provider Situational Awareness call](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fPOx4u1bSzHs6jsjrWRxzcV5ol5qf9xE) / [CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall.](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf) * **Tune in TODAY: COCA call Tuesday 9/28 from 1:00p -- 2:00p CT:** ++What Clinicians Need to Know About the Latest CDC Recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination++ * CDC recommends: * people 65+ and residents 18+ in long-term care settings **should** receive a booster shot of PfizerBioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series * people aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions**should**receive a booster shot of PfizerBioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series; * people 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions **may** receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their PfizerBioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks; and * people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting**may** receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks. * In the coming weeks, CDC will evaluate data for other populations or people who received the Moderna or Johnson \& Johnson/Janssen vaccines. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668480?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-27T15:44:5346668581West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report for September 27, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 27,&nbsp;2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were four (4) WNV-positive mosquito pools from four (4) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 27, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were four (4) WNV-positive mosquito pools from four (4) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668581?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-09-24T22:00:0846668579COVID19COVIDLowCDC/ACIP Recommend Single Pfizer Booster for Certain Groups<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES AND ACTION ITEMS:</strong></p> <ul> <li>On September 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after completing an initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series for certain groups. This was followed by CDC Director approval with addition of a category for high-risk of occupational/institutional exposure.</li> <li>Recommendations were not made for individuals who received a primary series of Moderna or J&amp;J vaccine.</li> <li>Healthcare providers should remain focused on ensuring that individuals receive their primary series as the best way to prevent COVID-19 hospitalization and death; there is ample vaccine supply.</li> <li>CDC COCA Call: What Clinicians Need to Know About the Latest CDC Recommendations for PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Central <ul> <li><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602551375?pwd=MlllclovakpROFZBU1pYNmlIZE1Ydz09" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602551375?pwd=MlllclovakpROFZBU1pYNmlIZE1Ydz09</a></li> <li>Passcode: 163147 Or US: +16692545252,16025</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES AND ACTION ITEMS:** * On September 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after completing an initial Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series for certain groups. This was followed by CDC Director approval with addition of a category for high-risk of occupational/institutional exposure. * Recommendations were not made for individuals who received a primary series of Moderna or J\&J vaccine. * Healthcare providers should remain focused on ensuring that individuals receive their primary series as the best way to prevent COVID-19 hospitalization and death; there is ample vaccine supply. * CDC COCA Call: What Clinicians Need to Know About the Latest CDC Recommendations for PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:00 PM -- 2:00 PM Central * <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1602551375?pwd=MlllclovakpROFZBU1pYNmlIZE1Ydz09> * Passcode: 163147 Or US: +16692545252,16025 See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668579?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-24T20:18:4546668478West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowWest Nile Virus Human Cases, September 2021<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting 6 cases of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year among Chicago residents.</li> <li>West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31.</li> <li>The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection.</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION</strong>: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6.</p> <p>See attachment for further detail.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting 6 cases of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year among Chicago residents. * West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31. * The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction \[RT-PCR\]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION**: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-743-9000, option number 6. See attachment for further detail.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668478?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-09-24T13:20:0146668578COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Situational Awareness Call For Chicago Vaccine Providers Friday, September 24<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, September 24, 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:30 PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82505665206" target="_blank">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/82505665206</a> OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, September 24, 2021 Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/82505665206](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82505665206) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668578?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-21T22:30:0046668281COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report September 21, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are mildly decreasing in Chicago.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Chicago is averaging 408 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.0%</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">On 9/17, an FDA advisory committee endorsed a “booster dose” of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people age 65+ and those at high risk of severe COVID-19, at least 6 months after initial series.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif">The next step is an authorization action by the FDA and ACIP approval and recommendations. “Booster doses” should not be administered prior to FDA authorization and ACIP approval.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are mildly decreasing in Chicago. * Chicago is averaging 408 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.0% * On 9/17, an FDA advisory committee endorsed a "booster dose" of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people age 65+ and those at high risk of severe COVID-19, at least 6 months after initial series. * The next step is an authorization action by the FDA and ACIP approval and recommendations. "Booster doses" should not be administered prior to FDA authorization and ACIP approval. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668281?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-21T20:54:0746668280COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Boosters, Provider recognition, Flu September 21, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>BOOSTER NEWS: On 9/17, the VRBPAC FDA advisory committee endorsed a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine&nbsp;for those who are 65+ or who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness, at least 6 months after completing their&nbsp;primary COVID-19 vaccine series. No recommendations were made on boosters after J&amp;J or Moderna. <ul> <li>The next step is an authorization action by the FDA and ACIP approval and recommendations.</li> <li><strong>***CDC states that giving booster shots ahead of ACIP approval is considered off-label and a violation&nbsp;of the CDC provider agreement.</strong> The only people currently eligible for an additional dose of a Pfizer or&nbsp;Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised under EUA.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html" target="_blank">ACIP meeting</a> about booster shots: tentatively scheduled for September 22nd (9:00a-3:30p) and 23rd (11:00a2:30p). No vote is currently scheduled; Final agenda&nbsp; awaiting an authorization action by FDA.</li> <li><strong>CDPH Booster updates: Friday September 24th 12:30-1:00pm</strong> COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational&nbsp;Awareness Call <a href="https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216" target="_blank">https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216</a> OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216)</li> </ul> </li> <li>BOOSTER PLANNING: While we await FDA authorization and ACIP approval, make sure you ensure your&nbsp;reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. <ul> <li>Check out <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf" target="_blank">CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall</a>.</li> <li>Keep primary series initiation and completion top of mind.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Please order Pfizer vaccine for a full month at a time to minimize small order transport.</li> <li>Moderna expiration extension is expected this week, so hold onto short-dated Moderna vials for now.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * BOOSTER NEWS: On 9/17, the VRBPAC FDA advisory committee endorsed a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for those who are 65+ or who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness, at least 6 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccine series. No recommendations were made on boosters after J\&J or Moderna. * The next step is an authorization action by the FDA and ACIP approval and recommendations. * **\*\*\*CDC states that giving booster shots ahead of ACIP approval is considered off-label and a violation of the CDC provider agreement.** The only people currently eligible for an additional dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised under EUA. * [ACIP meeting](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html) about booster shots: tentatively scheduled for September 22nd (9:00a-3:30p) and 23rd (11:00a2:30p). No vote is currently scheduled; Final agenda awaiting an authorization action by FDA. * **CDPH Booster updates: Friday September 24th 12:30-1:00pm** COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call <https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216> OR 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216) * BOOSTER PLANNING: While we await FDA authorization and ACIP approval, make sure you ensure your reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. * Check out [CDPH resources on Reminder/Recall](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf). * Keep primary series initiation and completion top of mind. * Please order Pfizer vaccine for a full month at a time to minimize small order transport. * Moderna expiration extension is expected this week, so hold onto short-dated Moderna vials for now. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668280?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-21T21:32:5146668279Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsInfection ControlLowGuidance for Clinicians Caring for Individuals Recently Evacuated from Afghanistan<p><strong>CDC Guidance for Clinicians Caring for Individuals Recently Evacuated from Afghanistan</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that clinicians be on alert for cases of measles that meet the <a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/measles-2013/" target="_blank">case definition</a>, as well as other infectious diseases, including <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/hcp.html" target="_blank">mumps</a>, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/leishmaniasis/health_professionals/index.html" target="_blank">leishmaniasis</a>, and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/index.html" target="_blank">malaria</a>, among evacuees (including both Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens) from Afghanistan. Clinicians should immediately notify their local or state health department of any suspected cases of measles. Clinicians should also recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for unvaccinated patients. Measles is an extremely contagious infectious disease; around 9 out of 10 people who are close contacts and who are not protected will become infected following exposure to measles virus. As of September 20, 2021, CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed cases of measles and 4 cases of mumps among Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens, recently arriving from Afghanistan and continued vigilance is needed. In addition to MMR vaccination, CDC recommends that evacuees are also up to date on vaccinations for varicella, polio, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Reminder for Chicago Providers</strong>:&nbsp;Healthcare providers should contact Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immediately (call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call) if cases of paralytic polio disease or measles are suspected in individuals arriving from Afghanistan. Providers should report suspected or confirmed cases of active TB disease within 24 hours by calling the disease reporting line at (312) 743-9000.</p> <p>See attachment for full details.</p>**CDC Guidance for Clinicians Caring for Individuals Recently Evacuated from Afghanistan** **Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that clinicians be on alert for cases of measles that meet the [case definition](https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/measles-2013/), as well as other infectious diseases, including [mumps](https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/hcp.html), [leishmaniasis](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/leishmaniasis/health_professionals/index.html), and [malaria](https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/index.html), among evacuees (including both Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens) from Afghanistan. Clinicians should immediately notify their local or state health department of any suspected cases of measles. Clinicians should also recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for unvaccinated patients. Measles is an extremely contagious infectious disease; around 9 out of 10 people who are close contacts and who are not protected will become infected following exposure to measles virus. As of September 20, 2021, CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed cases of measles and 4 cases of mumps among Afghan nationals and U.S. citizens, recently arriving from Afghanistan and continued vigilance is needed. In addition to MMR vaccination, CDC recommends that evacuees are also up to date on vaccinations for varicella, polio, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza. **Reminder for Chicago Providers**: Healthcare providers should contact Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immediately (call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call) if cases of paralytic polio disease or measles are suspected in individuals arriving from Afghanistan. Providers should report suspected or confirmed cases of active TB disease within 24 hours by calling the disease reporting line at (312) 743-9000. See attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668279?p_r_p_categoryId=4414652021-09-20T14:54:0746668378West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report for September 20, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 20,&nbsp;2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>The attached report provides data on Week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were twelve (12) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twelve (12) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 20, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**The attached report provides data on Week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were twelve (12) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twelve (12) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668378?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-13T14:49:5446667282Laboratory InformationDiseases & ConditionsLowCDC HAN: Recall of LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results July 6, 2021<p><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a recall notice concerning the use of some LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests (certain LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra test kit lots). These lots were distributed between October 27, 2020, and June 15, 2021. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall.</p> <p>The purpose of this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about this recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> <p> </p>**Summary** Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a recall notice concerning the use of some LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests (certain LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra test kit lots). These lots were distributed between October 27, 2020, and June 15, 2021. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. The purpose of this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about this recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667282?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-09-17T14:42:3946668278COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS CALL FOR CHICAGO VACCINE PROVIDERS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p>Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, September 17, 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;12:30 PM - 1:00 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84535863101#success">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84535863101</a> OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, September 17, 2021 Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84535863101](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84535863101#success) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 845 3586 3101) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668278?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-15T14:19:0146668182COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Planning for Boosters and Flu season September 14, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>REMINDER:</strong> per Governor Pritzker’s executive order, HCW must have received their 1st COVID-19 dose by <strong>Sunday September 19, 2021</strong> and the 2nd dose within the next 30 days or be subject to a testing regimen.</li> <li><strong>Friday September 17, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call, 12:30-1:00pm</strong> <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/J/84054081216">https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216</a> OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216)</li> <li><strong>FLU PLANNING</strong>: give annual flu vaccines along with the HCW’s first dose or upcoming booster doses this fall.</li> <li><strong>BOOSTER PLANNING:</strong> FDA will have a <a href="https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar/vaccines-and-related-biological-products-advisory-committee-september-17-2021-meeting-announcement#event-information">VRBPAC meeting on Friday September 17</a>th to review booster data. In the meantime, make sure you ensure your reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. <ul> <li>Check out CDPH resources on<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf"> Reminder/Recall.</a></li> <li>Keep primary series initiation and completion top of mind. Why?</li> <li><strong>Did you know</strong>…UNvaccinated Black Chicagoans aged 55-64 years are <strong>54 times more likely to die</strong> from COVID-19 than vaccinated Black Chicagoans in the same age group</li> <li><strong>Did you know</strong>…UNvaccinated Latinx Chicagoans aged 55-64 years are <strong>42 times more likely to die</strong> from COVID-19 than vaccinated Latinx Chicagoans in the same age group</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Vaccine ordering request: </strong>Please order Pfizer vaccine for a full month at a time to minimize small order transport.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * **REMINDER:** per Governor Pritzker's executive order, HCW must have received their 1st COVID-19 dose by **Sunday September 19, 2021** and the 2nd dose within the next 30 days or be subject to a testing regimen. * **Friday September 17, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Situational Awareness Call, 12:30-1:00pm** [https://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216](https://us02web.zoom.us/J/84054081216) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216) * **FLU PLANNING**: give annual flu vaccines along with the HCW's first dose or upcoming booster doses this fall. * **BOOSTER PLANNING:** FDA will have a [VRBPAC meeting on Friday September 17](https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar/vaccines-and-related-biological-products-advisory-committee-september-17-2021-meeting-announcement#event-information)th to review booster data. In the meantime, make sure you ensure your reminder/recall processes are in place and effective. * Check out CDPH resources on[Reminder/Recall.](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/COVID-Data-Reports_I-CARE.pdf) * Keep primary series initiation and completion top of mind. Why? * **Did you know** ...UNvaccinated Black Chicagoans aged 55-64 years are **54 times more likely to die** from COVID-19 than vaccinated Black Chicagoans in the same age group * **Did you know** ...UNvaccinated Latinx Chicagoans aged 55-64 years are **42 times more likely to die** from COVID-19 than vaccinated Latinx Chicagoans in the same age group * **Vaccine ordering request:**Please order Pfizer vaccine for a full month at a time to minimize small order transport. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668182?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-14T20:17:2046667991COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report September 14, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are mildly decreasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 430 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.5%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> <li><strong>On 9/3, Illinois issued a vaccine requirement extension for health care workers, P-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are<a href="https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-22.2021.html"> here</a>.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are mildly decreasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 430 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.5%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **On 9/3, Illinois issued a vaccine requirement extension for health care workers, P-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are[here](https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-22.2021.html).** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667991?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-13T16:49:0646668181STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowCHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting<p><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series | Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong>&nbsp;Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for congenital syphilis</p> <p><strong>Audience:</strong>&nbsp;All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit congenital syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;Tuesday, October 5, 2021</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp;12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (CDT)</p> <p><strong>Platform:</strong>&nbsp;Microsoft Teams</p> <p><strong>Registration Link Here:&nbsp;</strong>(<a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=682b32e0-37b00a12-682be688-86a241424e9f-21e193e367867f57&amp;q=1&amp;e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Congenital" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!CHIMS_Congenital</a>)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>**SAVE THE DATE** **CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar Series \| Electronic Congenital Syphilis Case Reporting** **Topic:** Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for congenital syphilis **Audience:** All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit congenital syphilis case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) **Date:** Tuesday, October 5, 2021 **Time:** 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m. (CDT) **Platform:** Microsoft Teams **Registration Link Here:** ([https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform\&pollid=STI!CHIMS_Congenital](https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=682b32e0-37b00a12-682be688-86a241424e9f-21e193e367867f57&q=1&e=f72944c1-3209-46ef-bdbc-5e2909b05d1d&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chicagohan.org%2FViewsFlash%2Fservlet%2Fviewsflash%3Fcmd%3Dshowform%26pollid%3DSTI%21CHIMS_Congenital))falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668181?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-09-08T16:00:0046667987Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsLowMaintaining Vigilance for Measles, Paralytic Polio Disease, and Tuberculosis among Individuals Arriving from Afghanistan September 8, 2021<ul> <li>&nbsp;In the aftermath of the Afghanistan evacuation, individuals from Afghanistan are being resettled across the U.S. These individuals may be at increased risk of measles, polio, and tuberculosis, given that these infections are highly prevalent in Afghanistan.</li> <li>&nbsp;Healthcare providers should contact Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immediately (call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call) if cases of paralytic polio disease or measles are suspected in individuals arriving from Afghanistan. Providers should report suspected or confirmed cases of active TB disease within 24 hours by calling the disease reporting line at (312) 743-9000.</li> <li>All persons entering the United States with a <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/humanitarian-parole">humanitarian parolee</a> status or special immigrant visa (SIV) aged &gt;6 months to 64 years (born in or after 1957) are required to receive one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and those &gt;6 weeks of age are required to receive one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), within seven days of being granted parole in the United States, unless already received overseas before arrival or medically contraindicated.</li> </ul>* In the aftermath of the Afghanistan evacuation, individuals from Afghanistan are being resettled across the U.S. These individuals may be at increased risk of measles, polio, and tuberculosis, given that these infections are highly prevalent in Afghanistan. * Healthcare providers should contact Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) immediately (call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call) if cases of paralytic polio disease or measles are suspected in individuals arriving from Afghanistan. Providers should report suspected or confirmed cases of active TB disease within 24 hours by calling the disease reporting line at (312) 743-9000. * All persons entering the United States with a [humanitarian parolee](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/humanitarian-parole) status or special immigrant visa (SIV) aged \>6 months to 64 years (born in or after 1957) are required to receive one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and those \>6 weeks of age are required to receive one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), within seven days of being granted parole in the United States, unless already received overseas before arrival or medically contraindicated.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667987?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-09-13T16:01:1446667990Hospital NotificationCOVIDLowClarification to SIREN “No Cost Resources Available to State of Illinois Organizations providing COVID-19 care”<p>As previously communicated by IDPH, a request for emergency/surge staffing, “does not guarantee the amount of staff requested will be provided or that the request will be approved. Priority will be based on areas of the state with the greatest need.”</p> <p>The State of Illinois has limited resources, and there are limited numbers of agency staff available for assignment. Given these constraints in comparison to the volume of requests received to date, the state will evaluate each request with the goal of providing resources to hospitals directly addressing the care of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Requests must be on a “per hospital” basis. Therefore, existing requests by hospital systems must be revised and resubmitted to indicate individual hospital’s needs. The state will consider the following information and its response will be determined by:</p> <ol> <li>Indications that the healthcare provider is in immediate need, such as the cancelation of elective procedures/surgeries, crisis staffing mandates (i.e. mandated OT, reassignment of non-traditional staff, unstaffed beds, etc.) and the provider’s access to resources.</li> <li>Virus activity in the region, which takes into consideration various metrics, such as case rates, bed status and vaccination rates.</li> </ol> <p>Requests already submitted (through local EMA’s) may be resubmitted or new requests made and be accompanied by relevant information to inform the state about the current situation at the subject facilities.</p> <p>If you have an immediate need for beds or other supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), please enter the request through your Local Health Department (LHD), who will pass the WebEOC request to IEMA through their Local Emergency Management Agency.&nbsp; In Chicago please use the established procedure of sending requests through the regional coordinator:&nbsp; Anna Scaccia&nbsp; (<a href="mailto:anna.scaccia@aah.org">anna.scaccia@aah.org</a>) of Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.</p>As previously communicated by IDPH, a request for emergency/surge staffing, "does not guarantee the amount of staff requested will be provided or that the request will be approved. Priority will be based on areas of the state with the greatest need." The State of Illinois has limited resources, and there are limited numbers of agency staff available for assignment. Given these constraints in comparison to the volume of requests received to date, the state will evaluate each request with the goal of providing resources to hospitals directly addressing the care of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. Requests must be on a "per hospital" basis. Therefore, existing requests by hospital systems must be revised and resubmitted to indicate individual hospital's needs. The state will consider the following information and its response will be determined by: 1. Indications that the healthcare provider is in immediate need, such as the cancelation of elective procedures/surgeries, crisis staffing mandates (i.e. mandated OT, reassignment of non-traditional staff, unstaffed beds, etc.) and the provider's access to resources. 2. Virus activity in the region, which takes into consideration various metrics, such as case rates, bed status and vaccination rates. Requests already submitted (through local EMA's) may be resubmitted or new requests made and be accompanied by relevant information to inform the state about the current situation at the subject facilities. If you have an immediate need for beds or other supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), please enter the request through your Local Health Department (LHD), who will pass the WebEOC request to IEMA through their Local Emergency Management Agency. In Chicago please use the established procedure of sending requests through the regional coordinator: Anna Scaccia ([anna.scaccia@aah.org](mailto:anna.scaccia@aah.org)) of Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667990?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-13T15:18:3746667989Hospital NotificationAnnouncementUrgentIDPH: Notice of DEVICE RECALL: Philips Trilogy EV300 Ventilators<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has&nbsp;released a DEVICE RECALL for the Philips Trilogy EV300 Ventilators provided by the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).</p> <p>For additional details please reference the attached DEVICE RECALL notice. A Class II recall is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Hospitals should stop using these devices immediately.</p> <p>If there are further questions regarding this notice please contact the IDPH SEOC Liaison at SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov.</p> <p>Please note:&nbsp; The CDPH SNS cache does not contain the Trilogy EV300 Ventilators however&nbsp;hospitals might have acquired them some other sources.&nbsp; Please see the attachments for more information.</p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a DEVICE RECALL for the Philips Trilogy EV300 Ventilators provided by the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). For additional details please reference the attached DEVICE RECALL notice. A Class II recall is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Hospitals should stop using these devices immediately. If there are further questions regarding this notice please contact the IDPH SEOC Liaison at SEOC.IDPH@illinois.gov. Please note: The CDPH SNS cache does not contain the Trilogy EV300 Ventilators however hospitals might have acquired them some other sources. Please see the attachments for more information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667989?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972021-09-13T15:07:2746667988West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report September 13, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 13, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV-positive mosquito pool from one (1) trap location.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 13, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there was one (1) WNV-positive mosquito pool from one (1) trap location. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667988?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-09-08T20:23:0746668179COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report September 8, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have mildly decreased in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 455 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.8%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> <li><strong>On 9/3, Illinois issued a vaccine requirement extension for health care workers, P-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are <a href="https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-22.2021.html">here</a>.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p> <ul> <li> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have mildly decreased in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 455 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.8%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **On 9/3, Illinois issued a vaccine requirement extension for health care workers, P-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are [here](https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-22.2021.html).** Please see the attachment for more details. * Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668179?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-09-08T15:32:4846668178STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowIntroduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS<p><span style="color:#ff0000"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar (HIV/AIDS)</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong> Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS</p> <p><strong>Audience:</strong> All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit HIV/AIDS case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, September 23, 2021</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong> 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.</p> <p><strong>Platform:</strong> Microsoft Teams</p> <p><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!CHIMS_Webinar"><strong>Registration Link Here</strong></a></p>**SAVE THE DATE** **CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar (HIV/AIDS)** **Topic:** Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS **Audience:** All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit HIV/AIDS case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) **Date:** Thursday, September 23, 2021 **Time:** 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m. **Platform:** Microsoft Teams [**Registration Link Here**](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!CHIMS_Webinar)falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668178?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-09-07T18:52:1746667985Laboratory InformationLabLowIDPH: Laboratory Preparedness Exercise - LPX-B<p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory.</p> <p>The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism.</p> <p>LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory September 7, 2021.</p> <p>Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents Of Bioterrorism And Emerging Infectious Diseases on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <a href="https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C" target="_blank">https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C</a>.</p> <p>See attachment for full details</p> <p> </p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism. LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory September 7, 2021. Exercise participants are required to contact their LRN Reference Laboratory if, after performing the established Sentinel Level Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents Of Bioterrorism And Emerging Infectious Diseases on an isolate, they are unable to rule out an agent of bioterrorism (BT). These guidelines are available at: <https://www.asm.org/Articles/Policy/Laboratory-Response-Network-LRN-Sentinel-Level-C>. See attachment for full detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667985?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682021-09-07T18:50:0646667984STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowIntroduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS<p><span style="color:#ff0000"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar (HIV/AIDS)</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong> Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS</p> <p><strong>Audience:</strong> All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit HIV/AIDS case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, September 23, 2021</p> <p><strong>Time:</strong> 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.</p> <p><strong>Platform:</strong> Microsoft Teams</p> <p><strong>Registration information and link to follow.</strong></p>**SAVE THE DATE** **CHIMS Provider Portal Webinar (HIV/AIDS)** **Topic:** Introduction and overview of electronic case reporting system for HIV/AIDS **Audience:** All Chicago healthcare professionals who routinely submit HIV/AIDS case reports to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) **Date:** Thursday, September 23, 2021 **Time:** 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m. **Platform:** Microsoft Teams **Registration information and link to follow.**falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667984?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-09-07T14:37:2946667983West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report September 7, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 7, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV-positive mosquito pools from eight (8) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued September 7, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV-positive mosquito pools from eight (8) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667983?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-09-01T14:25:0946668083COVID19COVIDLowCovid-19 Situational Awareness Call for Chicago Vaccine Providers September 3, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Date: Friday, September 3, 2021</p> <p>Time:&nbsp;1 PM - 1:30 PM&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84054081216#success">HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216</a> OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216)</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Date: Friday, September 3, 2021 Time: 1 PM - 1:30 PM Webinar Link: [HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84054081216](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84054081216#success) OR DIAL 312-626-6799 (ID: 840 5408 1216) See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668083?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-07-30T21:54:2246667407COVID19COVIDLowIDPH: Updated Guidance for Nursing Homes and LTC Facilities Incorporating COVID-19 Vaccination<p>IDPH has issued&nbsp;an Updated Guidance for Nursing Homes and LTC Facilities Incorporating COVID-19 Vaccination July 28th.&nbsp; Please see the attached for full information.</p> <p><strong>Background:&nbsp;</strong>This interim guidance provides guidelines for nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities regarding restrictions that were instituted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), and also applies to Supportive Living Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care Facilities, Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.&nbsp;</p>IDPH has issued an Updated Guidance for Nursing Homes and LTC Facilities Incorporating COVID-19 Vaccination July 28th. Please see the attached for full information. **Background:**This interim guidance provides guidelines for nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities regarding restrictions that were instituted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The guidance in this document is specifically intended for facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), and also applies to Supportive Living Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Shared Housing Establishments, Sheltered Care Facilities, Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD), State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), Medically Complex/Developmentally Disabled Facilities (MC/DD), and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667407?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-31T21:06:4546667978COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - August 31, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are currently stabilizing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 467 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.3%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> <li><strong>On 8/26, Governor Pritzker announced a vaccination requirement for all health care workers, K-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are <a href="https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-20.2021.html">here.</a></strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are currently stabilizing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 467 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.3%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **On 8/26, Governor Pritzker announced a vaccination requirement for all health care workers, K-12 school personnel, and higher education personnel and students in Illinois. Full details are [here.](https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/resources/executive-orders/display.executive-order-number-20.2021.html)** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667978?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-31T14:51:3046668080COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: ACIP recommends PfizerBioNTech (COMIRNATY) under FDA BLA; Provider appreciation August 30, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Today, August 30th, ACIP voted unanimously to support FDA biologics license application (BLA) of Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 Vaccine and adopted it into the childhood and adult vaccination schedule as a recommendation for use as a two-dose series for individuals 16 years of age and older.</li> <li>Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine use can continue under FDA EUA to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12-15 years and provide a third dose to individuals 12 years of age and older who are moderately and severely immunocompromised.</li> <li>CDC recommends against off-label use of Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 vaccine outside of EUA, BLA, and ACIP recommendations. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDofr5ywwUU&amp;list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy&amp;index=2">Watch the What Does Pfizer Approval Mean for You?</a> video for additional details.</li> <li>CDPH shows appreciation for all our hard-working vaccine providers. Top honors this week go to: <ul> <li><strong>Saint Jude Medical Center</strong> – your vax utilization rate has increased from 20% to 89% and your unaccounted doses have gone from 23% to 2%. AMAZING JOB!</li> <li><strong>Access Family Health Center </strong>– you have administered over 31K shots since the beginning of March and are continuing to order 500-1300 doses per week. Also, over the past week, you have cleared up 1,300 unaccounted doses. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND PERSISTENCE!</li> <li><strong>Children’s Healthcare Associates</strong> – you have 0% unaccounted doses and you have become a referral location for pregnant women in local OB practices. KUDOS</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * Today, August 30th, ACIP voted unanimously to support FDA biologics license application (BLA) of Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 Vaccine and adopted it into the childhood and adult vaccination schedule as a recommendation for use as a two-dose series for individuals 16 years of age and older. * Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine use can continue under FDA EUA to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 12-15 years and provide a third dose to individuals 12 years of age and older who are moderately and severely immunocompromised. * CDC recommends against off-label use of Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 vaccine outside of EUA, BLA, and ACIP recommendations. [Watch the What Does Pfizer Approval Mean for You?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDofr5ywwUU&list=PL1en-Rg_ete-xWPkaVe0zjRYFMdyFRFcy&index=2) video for additional details. * CDPH shows appreciation for all our hard-working vaccine providers. Top honors this week go to: * **Saint Jude Medical Center** -- your vax utilization rate has increased from 20% to 89% and your unaccounted doses have gone from 23% to 2%. AMAZING JOB! * **Access Family Health Center**-- you have administered over 31K shots since the beginning of March and are continuing to order 500-1300 doses per week. Also, over the past week, you have cleared up 1,300 unaccounted doses. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND PERSISTENCE! * **Children's Healthcare Associates** -- you have 0% unaccounted doses and you have become a referral location for pregnant women in local OB practices. KUDOS See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46668080?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-30T18:15:2346667878Infectious DiseaseDiseases & ConditionsLowFree Lyme Disease Clinical Training with CEUs Now Available<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">CDC has released new <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tbd_education/index.html?ACSTrackingID=US_1164-DM64394&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=One%20Health%20Update%3A%20%20New%20Lyme%20Disease%20Training%20Modules&amp;deliveryName=US_1164-DM64394">clinician training modules</a> for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/Lyme/?ACSTrackingID=US_1164-DM64394&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=One%20Health%20Update%3A%20%20New%20Lyme%20Disease%20Training%20Modules&amp;deliveryName=US_1164-DM64394">Lyme disease</a>. The four-part series will aid front-line healthcare providers with recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, an increasingly common tickborne illness.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The free online curriculum serves as a valuable resource for primary care clinicians, public health professionals, pharmacists, and health educators who encounter patients with Lyme disease. Free Continuing Education credits are available.</span></span></p>CDC has released new [clinician training modules](https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tbd_education/index.html?ACSTrackingID=US_1164-DM64394&ACSTrackingLabel=One%20Health%20Update%3A%20%20New%20Lyme%20Disease%20Training%20Modules&deliveryName=US_1164-DM64394) for [Lyme disease](https://www.cdc.gov/Lyme/?ACSTrackingID=US_1164-DM64394&ACSTrackingLabel=One%20Health%20Update%3A%20%20New%20Lyme%20Disease%20Training%20Modules&deliveryName=US_1164-DM64394). The four-part series will aid front-line healthcare providers with recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, an increasingly common tickborne illness. The free online curriculum serves as a valuable resource for primary care clinicians, public health professionals, pharmacists, and health educators who encounter patients with Lyme disease. Free Continuing Education credits are available.falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667878?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-08-30T14:26:5346667779West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report August 30, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 30, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-four (24) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty (20) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 30, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-four (24) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty (20) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667779?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-08-26T19:59:5146667486COVID19COVIDLowRapid Increase in Ivermectin Prescriptions and Reports of Severe Illness Associated with Use of Products Containing Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Ivermectin is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. When used as prescribed for approved indications, it is generally safe and well tolerated.</p> <p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin dispensing by retail pharmacies has increased, as has use of veterinary formulations available over the counter but not intended for human use. FDA has cautioned about the potential risks of use for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.</p> <p>Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has also determined that there are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. ClinicalTrials.gov has listings of ongoing clinical trials that might provide more information about these hypothesized uses in the future.</p> <p>Adverse effects associated with ivermectin misuse and overdose are increasing, as shown by a rise in calls to poison control centers reporting overdoses and more people experiencing adverse effects.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Practitioners</strong></p> <ul> <li>Be aware that ivermectin is not currently authorized or approved by FDA for treatment of COVID-19. NIH has also determined that there are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19.</li> <li>Educate patients about the risks of using ivermectin without a prescription, or ingesting ivermectin formulations that are meant for external use or ivermectin-containing products formulated for veterinary use.</li> <li>Advise patients to immediately seek medical treatment if they have taken any ivermectin or ivermectin-containing products and are experiencing symptoms. Signs and symptoms of ivermectin toxicity include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), headache, blurred vision, dizziness, tachycardia, hypotension, visual hallucinations, altered mental status, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, central nervous system depression, and seizures. Ivermectin may increase sedative effects of other medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Call the poison control center hotline (1-800-222-1222) for medical management advice.</li> <li>Educate patients and the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is safe and the most effective means to prevent infection and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant.</li> <li>Educate patients and the public to use COVID-19 prevention measures including wearing masks in indoor public places, physical distancing by staying at least six feet from other people who don’t live in the same household, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more&nbsp;details.</p>**Summary** Ivermectin is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. When used as prescribed for approved indications, it is generally safe and well tolerated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ivermectin dispensing by retail pharmacies has increased, as has use of veterinary formulations available over the counter but not intended for human use. FDA has cautioned about the potential risks of use for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has also determined that there are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. ClinicalTrials.gov has listings of ongoing clinical trials that might provide more information about these hypothesized uses in the future. Adverse effects associated with ivermectin misuse and overdose are increasing, as shown by a rise in calls to poison control centers reporting overdoses and more people experiencing adverse effects. **Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Practitioners** * Be aware that ivermectin is not currently authorized or approved by FDA for treatment of COVID-19. NIH has also determined that there are currently insufficient data to recommend ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. * Educate patients about the risks of using ivermectin without a prescription, or ingesting ivermectin formulations that are meant for external use or ivermectin-containing products formulated for veterinary use. * Advise patients to immediately seek medical treatment if they have taken any ivermectin or ivermectin-containing products and are experiencing symptoms. Signs and symptoms of ivermectin toxicity include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), headache, blurred vision, dizziness, tachycardia, hypotension, visual hallucinations, altered mental status, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, central nervous system depression, and seizures. Ivermectin may increase sedative effects of other medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Call the poison control center hotline (1-800-222-1222) for medical management advice. * Educate patients and the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is safe and the most effective means to prevent infection and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant. * Educate patients and the public to use COVID-19 prevention measures including wearing masks in indoor public places, physical distancing by staying at least six feet from other people who don't live in the same household, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Please see the attached for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667486?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-25T17:03:0946667596COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 and Pregnancy<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better<strong> understand the effects of COVID-19 in infants born to pregnancies affected by COVID infection</strong>. In 2020, there were more than 1800 pregnancies affected by COVID in Chicago alone. We are establishing a sample of infants to collect key health indicators through the first 6 months of life. If you have a patient that is included in the sample, we will request that you, or a delegate from your office, fill out a web-based REDCap survey. More detailed instructions will accompany the request. <strong>Your partnership with this is key!</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 12 years and older,</strong> including people who are pregnant and breastfeeding.</li> <li><a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-798175/v1" target="_blank">A new analysis</a> of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy showed no increased risk for miscarriage, consistent with previous analyses.</li> <li><a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations-pregnant-women">A new dashboard</a> on the CDC COVID Data Tracker has been added to provide COVID-19 vaccination status among pregnant persons. Only <strong>23% of pregnant people</strong> nationwide have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. &nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">In Chicago</a>, <strong>55% of children 12-17 years old have received at least one dose of COVID-19</strong> vaccine and 43% have completed their vaccine series as of August 18, 2021.</li> <li><strong>Daily average dose distribution for people of all ages, including eligible children, has plateaued</strong>.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Increased circulation of the highly contagious Delta variant, low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19 infection among pregnant people make <strong>vaccination for pregnant women more urgent than ever</strong>. Encourage vaccination for all eligible adults including pregnant parents and children &gt;12 years!</p> <p>Please reach out if you have any questions and we’ll be in touch soon!</p> <p><em>If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to receive information like please consider signing up for the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org">Chicago HAN</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;If you’re already signed up, update your profile and choose&nbsp;the new “Maternal, Infant, Child, and Adolescent Health” subscription.</em></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better**understand the effects of COVID-19 in infants born to pregnancies affected by COVID infection** . In 2020, there were more than 1800 pregnancies affected by COVID in Chicago alone. We are establishing a sample of infants to collect key health indicators through the first 6 months of life. If you have a patient that is included in the sample, we will request that you, or a delegate from your office, fill out a web-based REDCap survey. More detailed instructions will accompany the request. **Your partnership with this is key!** * **COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 12 years and older,** including people who are pregnant and breastfeeding. * [A new analysis](https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-798175/v1) of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy showed no increased risk for miscarriage, consistent with previous analyses. * [A new dashboard](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations-pregnant-women) on the CDC COVID Data Tracker has been added to provide COVID-19 vaccination status among pregnant persons. Only **23% of pregnant people** nationwide have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. * [In Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html), **55% of children 12-17 years old have received at least one dose of COVID-19** vaccine and 43% have completed their vaccine series as of August 18, 2021. * **Daily average dose distribution for people of all ages, including eligible children, has plateaued**. Increased circulation of the highly contagious Delta variant, low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19 infection among pregnant people make **vaccination for pregnant women more urgent than ever**. Encourage vaccination for all eligible adults including pregnant parents and children \>12 years! Please reach out if you have any questions and we'll be in touch soon! *If this email was forwarded to you and you would like to receive information like please consider signing up for the [Chicago HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org). If you're already signed up, update your profile and choose the new "Maternal, Infant, Child, and Adolescent Health" subscription.*truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667596?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-24T22:37:0046667593COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - August 24, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are currently stabilizing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 436 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.4%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> <li><strong>Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings in Chicago. Visit Chicago Reopening Business Portal for more information at Chicago.gov/reopening</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are currently stabilizing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 436 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.4%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings in Chicago. Visit Chicago Reopening Business Portal for more information at Chicago.gov/reopening** Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667593?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-24T21:16:3446667484COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: CDC warns against off label use, Pfizer-BioNTech shelf-life extension August 24, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC is reminding COVID-19 vaccine providers that use of either EUA or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines outside of those that have been approved and authorized by FDA (often referred to as “off-label use”) is NOT recommended. It would violate the CDC provider agreement and could expose providers to the risks described below.</li> <li>&nbsp;FDA has amended the Pfizer-BioNTech EUA to allow shelf-life extension from six to nine months in ultra-cold.</li> <li>FDA-approved COMIRNATY and the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine have the same formulation and can be used interchangeably; providers can and should use doses distributed under the EUA (e.g., the doses currently on your shelves) to administer the vaccination series for those seeking the approved vaccine.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * CDC is reminding COVID-19 vaccine providers that use of either EUA or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines outside of those that have been approved and authorized by FDA (often referred to as "off-label use") is NOT recommended. It would violate the CDC provider agreement and could expose providers to the risks described below. * FDA has amended the Pfizer-BioNTech EUA to allow shelf-life extension from six to nine months in ultra-cold. * FDA-approved COMIRNATY and the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine have the same formulation and can be used interchangeably; providers can and should use doses distributed under the EUA (e.g., the doses currently on your shelves) to administer the vaccination series for those seeking the approved vaccine. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667484?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-07-12T14:17:3746667389VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - July 12, 2021<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>VFC Re-enrollment due 7/31/21</li> <li>New VFC HAN website</li> <li>Flu Pre-Book open Until 7/30</li> <li>VFC Regional Meeting Training now due 7/172</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * VFC Re-enrollment due 7/31/21 * New VFC HAN website * Flu Pre-Book open Until 7/30 * VFC Regional Meeting Training now due 7/172 Please see attachment for full details. Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667389?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-08-23T20:21:2746667483COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: FDA approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 16+ August 23, 2021<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>On August 23, 2021, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine">FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. </a>The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty, for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.</li> <li><strong>Important Comirnaty Resources</strong>: &nbsp; <ul> <li>FDA webpage: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/comirnaty-and-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine">Comirnaty and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | FDA</a></li> <li>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download">Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) (fda.gov)</a></li> <li>Until further notice, use this combined EUA Fact Sheet (8/23/21) in place of an official Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download">Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Comirnaty under full approval and Pfizer-BioNTech under EUA may be used interchangeably</li> <li>On August 18th , CDC announced that we should be prepared to offer mRNA booster shots beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. Additional information forthcoming.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * On August 23, 2021, the [FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine.](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine)The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty, for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. * **Important Comirnaty Resources** : * FDA webpage: [Comirnaty and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine \| FDA](https://www.fda.gov/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/comirnaty-and-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine) * [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) (fda.gov)](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download) * Until further notice, use this combined EUA Fact Sheet (8/23/21) in place of an official Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) * Comirnaty under full approval and Pfizer-BioNTech under EUA may be used interchangeably * On August 18th , CDC announced that we should be prepared to offer mRNA booster shots beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual's second dose. Additional information forthcoming. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667483?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442026-02-20T20:31:1646692277InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - February 20, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low</strong>; however, RSV activity increased from <strong>Moderate </strong>to <strong>High</strong>. RSV activity is higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html" target="_blank">RSV immunization products</a> to all infants &lt; 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8–19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> remained similar to the previous week, and among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons.  &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> slightly increased from the previous week but cumulatively remains lower compared to last season. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.   &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity</strong> for influenza increased from 6.3% to 6.5% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 8.4% to 8.2%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 4.6% to 4.4%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons.&nbsp;</li> <li>Most (78%) <strong>typed influenza specimens</strong> for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 93% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past four weeks. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for RSV remain High, influenza A concentrations are Low, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 decreased to Moderate. &nbsp;</li> <li>The <strong>predominant COVID-19 variant </strong>currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. Detections of XFG.1 have been increasing.  &nbsp;</li> <li>Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf" target="_blank">Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report.&nbsp;</a></li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. &nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.  &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low** ; however, RSV activity increased from **Moderate** to **High** . RSV activity is higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer [RSV immunization products](https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html) to all infants \< 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8--19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low. Despite recent declines in activity, future increases are still possible, and the respiratory season is expected to continue through the winter and spring.  * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** remained similar to the previous week, and among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated.  The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons.   * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** slightly increased from the previous week but cumulatively remains lower compared to last season. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.    * **Test positivity** for influenza increased from 6.3% to 6.5% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 8.4% to 8.2%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 4.6% to 4.4%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons. * Most (78%) **typed influenza specimens** for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped, 93% have been H3N2. The percentage of positive influenza B specimens has increased over the past four weeks.  * **Wastewater concentrations** for RSV remain High, influenza A concentrations are Low, influenza B remains Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 decreased to Moderate.  * The **predominant COVID-19 variant **currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG. Detections of XFG.1 have been increasing.   * Citywide influenza and COVID-19 vaccine coverage is estimated to be 24.5% and 9.6% respectively as of 12/31/2025. See more in the [Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage: 2025-26 Mid-Season Report.](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/resp-illness/2026/Mid-Season-2025-26-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage.ax.tg.em.pdf) * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html).   Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46692277?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-08-23T16:16:0246667481West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report August 23, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 23, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong></p> <p>The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were forty-two (42) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty-three (23) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 23, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus infection in the City of Chicago is high. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were forty-two (42) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty-three (23) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667481?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-08-20T14:36:1646667590COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowSituational Call for Chicago COVID-19 Vaccine Providers - Aug 23, 2021 at 12 PM<p>Please join CDPH from 12:00 PM to 1:00&nbsp; PM on Monday, AUgust 23, 2021 for a Situational Call for Chicago COVID-19 Vaccine Providers.</p> <p>Webinar Link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83114095026" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83114095026</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; or dial 312-626-6799&nbsp; (ID: 831 1409 5026)</p> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>Please join CDPH from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Monday, AUgust 23, 2021 for a Situational Call for Chicago COVID-19 Vaccine Providers. Webinar Link: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83114095026> or dial 312-626-6799 (ID: 831 1409 5026) Please see the attached for more information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667590?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-08-19T14:58:3246667589COVID19COVIDLowNew SNF Case Report Form and reminder of 8/19 12:30 LTCR Call<p>As you know, skilled nursing facilities have been required to submit COVID-19 case information for residents and staff to Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) through a variety of mechanisms. To prevent duplicate data entry and to align with <a href="https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/health-care-providers" target="_blank">IDPH COVID-19 reporting guidelines</a>, we are replacing the current COVID-19 reporting mechanisms with a streamlined SNF-specific reporting process.</p> <p>Today, we are excited to launch the new CDPH SNF Case Report form (<a href="https://redcap.link/snfcasereport" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/snfcasereport</a>). Moving forward, facilities are expected to report using this new system at least once a week, as outlined below:</p> <ol> <li>Facilities that have identified no new staff or resident cases since their prior report must complete the form and indicate that there are no new cases to report. This report must be submitted by 12 pm noon, each Thursday.&nbsp;</li> <li>Facilities that have had a new staff or resident case must report each case via the SNF Case Report form<strong> within 24 hours</strong> of receiving the notification of the positive result.</li> </ol> <p>To aid in this transition, CDPH will accept facility summary reports through Friday, August 20, 2021. After that point, facilities must switch over to the new reporting process. We encourage facilities that have not yet submitted their facility summary reports to begin using the new process immediately.</p> <p>Please tune in to the CDPH Long-Term Care Roundtable webinar on Thursday August 19, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. for a detailed overview of this new reporting process. If you do not have the webinar on your calendar already, you can join the Long Term Care Roundtable using this <a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/info/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&amp;MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc" target="_blank">link</a>.</p> <p>Notes:</p> <ol> <li>This new process is specific to skilled nursing facilities in Chicago. Chicagobased long-term care facilities without skilled care and skilled nursing facilities outside of Chicago should continue reporting through their usual reporting mechanisms.</li> <li>This process fulfills COVID-19 case reporting requirements to CDPH only. Facilities are still expected to complete federal and state reporting requirements (e.g., NHSN). Facilities must continue to report all point of care testing results in accordance with CLIA rules (e.g. NHSN or IDPH Point of Care Reporting&nbsp;System).</li> <li>Effective immediately, <strong>skilled nursing facilities</strong> should <u>no longer use</u> the COVID19 Case and Cluster Report form or the COVID-19 Breakthrough Case Report form to report cases to CDPH.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p>Please see attached for full details.</p>As you know, skilled nursing facilities have been required to submit COVID-19 case information for residents and staff to Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) through a variety of mechanisms. To prevent duplicate data entry and to align with [IDPH COVID-19 reporting guidelines](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/health-care-providers), we are replacing the current COVID-19 reporting mechanisms with a streamlined SNF-specific reporting process. Today, we are excited to launch the new CDPH SNF Case Report form (<https://redcap.link/snfcasereport>). Moving forward, facilities are expected to report using this new system at least once a week, as outlined below: 1. Facilities that have identified no new staff or resident cases since their prior report must complete the form and indicate that there are no new cases to report. This report must be submitted by 12 pm noon, each Thursday. 2. Facilities that have had a new staff or resident case must report each case via the SNF Case Report form**within 24 hours** of receiving the notification of the positive result. To aid in this transition, CDPH will accept facility summary reports through Friday, August 20, 2021. After that point, facilities must switch over to the new reporting process. We encourage facilities that have not yet submitted their facility summary reports to begin using the new process immediately. Please tune in to the CDPH Long-Term Care Roundtable webinar on Thursday August 19, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. for a detailed overview of this new reporting process. If you do not have the webinar on your calendar already, you can join the Long Term Care Roundtable using this [link](https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/info/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc). Notes: 1. This new process is specific to skilled nursing facilities in Chicago. Chicagobased long-term care facilities without skilled care and skilled nursing facilities outside of Chicago should continue reporting through their usual reporting mechanisms. 2. This process fulfills COVID-19 case reporting requirements to CDPH only. Facilities are still expected to complete federal and state reporting requirements (e.g., NHSN). Facilities must continue to report all point of care testing results in accordance with CLIA rules (e.g. NHSN or IDPH Point of Care Reporting System). 3. Effective immediately, **skilled nursing facilities** should ++no longer use++ the COVID19 Case and Cluster Report form or the COVID-19 Breakthrough Case Report form to report cases to CDPH. Please see attached for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667589?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-18T20:26:2846667588Laboratory InformationDiseases & ConditionsLowLeadCare® Test Kit Shortage August 18, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <p>• In July 2021, FDA announced a<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00445.asp"> recall</a> of certain LeadCare® test kits due to the risk of falsely low test results. Since then, shortages of LeadCare® test kits used to analyze capillary blood lead samples from patients have been reported.</p> <p>• If LeadCare® test kits are unavailable, CDC and CDPH strongly recommend that healthcare providers not delay required blood lead testing for children.</p> <p>• Blood lead testing can be done with either a venous or capillary blood sample, both of which can be submitted to a laboratory for analysis with higher complexity methods. Healthcare providers should contact laboratories for recommended blood collection supplies.</p> <p>• For more information about the shortage, visit CDC’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/news/potential-shortage-of-test-kits-following-recall.html">web page</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> <p> </p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ • In July 2021, FDA announced a[recall](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00445.asp) of certain LeadCare® test kits due to the risk of falsely low test results. Since then, shortages of LeadCare® test kits used to analyze capillary blood lead samples from patients have been reported. • If LeadCare® test kits are unavailable, CDC and CDPH strongly recommend that healthcare providers not delay required blood lead testing for children. • Blood lead testing can be done with either a venous or capillary blood sample, both of which can be submitted to a laboratory for analysis with higher complexity methods. Healthcare providers should contact laboratories for recommended blood collection supplies. • For more information about the shortage, visit CDC's [web page](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/news/potential-shortage-of-test-kits-following-recall.html). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667588?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-06-30T22:16:5246666983BacterialDiseases & ConditionsLowMultistate Investigation of Non-travel Associated Burkholderia pseudomallei Infections (Melioidosis) in Three Patients: Kansas, Texas, and Minnesota—2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary</strong><br /> The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Minnesota Department of Health, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are investigating three cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) infections. Based on genomic analysis, these three cases (one male, two females; two adults and one child) may share a potential common source of exposure. The first case, identified in March 2021, was fatal. Two other patients were identified in May 2021, one of whom is still hospitalized. One has been discharged to a transitional care unit. None of the patients’ families reported a history of traveling outside of the continental United States.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, and/or blood infections. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, and proper treatment may be delayed.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Recommendations</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Consider melioidosis in patients with a compatible illness even if they do not have a travel history to a disease-endemic country.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Culture of B. pseudomallei from any clinical specimen is considered diagnostic for melioidosis. If melioidosis is suspected, culture blood, urine, throat swab, and, when relevant, respiratory specimens, abscesses, or wound swabs.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">When ordering specimen cultures to diagnose melioidosis, advise the laboratory that cultures may grow B. pseudomallei, and the laboratory personnel should observe appropriate laboratory safety precautions.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Treatment of melioidosis consists of IV antibiotics (i.e., ceftazidime or meropenem) for at least two weeks. Depending on the response to therapy, IV treatment may be extended for up to eight weeks. Intravenous treatment is followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for 3-6 months to prevent relapse. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used in persons with a contraindication to or who cannot tolerate TMP/SMX3.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Consider re-evaluating patients with isolates identified on automated systems as Burkholderia spp. (specifically B. cepacia and B. thailandensis), Chromobacterium violaceum, Ochrobactrum anthropi; and, possibly, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Aeromonas spp. Laboratory testing involving automated identification algorithms (e.g., MALDI-TOF, 16s, VITEK-2) may misidentify B. pseudomallei as another bacterium. The isolate from the Texas case was initially misidentified as B. thailandensis by MALDI-TOF</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">If B. pseudomallei is identified or an organism is suspicious for B. pseudomallei, contact your local public health department immediately. The health department can facilitate forwarding the isolate for confirmation to the closest reference laboratory and initiate a public health investigation.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary** The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Minnesota Department of Health, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are investigating three cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) infections. Based on genomic analysis, these three cases (one male, two females; two adults and one child) may share a potential common source of exposure. The first case, identified in March 2021, was fatal. Two other patients were identified in May 2021, one of whom is still hospitalized. One has been discharged to a transitional care unit. None of the patients' families reported a history of traveling outside of the continental United States. Symptoms of melioidosis are varied and nonspecific and may include pneumonia, abscess formation, and/or blood infections. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, melioidosis can initially be mistaken for other diseases such as tuberculosis, and proper treatment may be delayed. **Recommendations** * Consider melioidosis in patients with a compatible illness even if they do not have a travel history to a disease-endemic country. * Culture of B. pseudomallei from any clinical specimen is considered diagnostic for melioidosis. If melioidosis is suspected, culture blood, urine, throat swab, and, when relevant, respiratory specimens, abscesses, or wound swabs. * When ordering specimen cultures to diagnose melioidosis, advise the laboratory that cultures may grow B. pseudomallei, and the laboratory personnel should observe appropriate laboratory safety precautions. * Treatment of melioidosis consists of IV antibiotics (i.e., ceftazidime or meropenem) for at least two weeks. Depending on the response to therapy, IV treatment may be extended for up to eight weeks. Intravenous treatment is followed by oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for 3-6 months to prevent relapse. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used in persons with a contraindication to or who cannot tolerate TMP/SMX3. * Consider re-evaluating patients with isolates identified on automated systems as Burkholderia spp. (specifically B. cepacia and B. thailandensis), Chromobacterium violaceum, Ochrobactrum anthropi; and, possibly, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Aeromonas spp. Laboratory testing involving automated identification algorithms (e.g., MALDI-TOF, 16s, VITEK-2) may misidentify B. pseudomallei as another bacterium. The isolate from the Texas case was initially misidentified as B. thailandensis by MALDI-TOF * If B. pseudomallei is identified or an organism is suspicious for B. pseudomallei, contact your local public health department immediately. The health department can facilitate forwarding the isolate for confirmation to the closest reference laboratory and initiate a public health investigation. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666983?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-08-18T20:14:0346667587STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowImplementing the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, 2021: A Conversation for Family PACT Providers<p>The long-awaited 2021 CDC&nbsp;<em>Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines</em>&nbsp;were published in MMWR on July 22, 2021. This webinar will focus on significant changes from the 2015 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines, including updated guidelines for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease, genital herpes,&nbsp;<em>Mycoplasma genitalium</em>, and vaginal trichomoniasis. To assist health care providers in obtaining a sexual history, the updated "Five P's" approach will be reviewed. In addition, current Family PACT benefits&nbsp;for each type of sexually transmitted infection discussed in the program will be explained.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong><strong>Learning Objectives</strong></p> <ul> <li>List 3 examples of sexual history questions for each of the “Five P’s” of sexual history taking</li> <li>Explain why the treatment guidelines for both chlamydia and gonorrhea genital tract infections were updated in the 2021 Guidelines</li> <li>List the indications for obtaining chlamydia and gonorrhea samples from the anus and the oropharynx</li> <li>Describe the consequences of&nbsp;<em>Mycoplasma genitalium</em>&nbsp;genital infection in males and females</li> <li>List 2 updates in the 2021 Guidelines regarding vaginal trichomoniasis</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>There will be ample time for audience members to submit questions, so be sure to consider in advance what you would like to ask our experts!<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Register <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4836800446025650189">HERE</a></strong></p> <p> </p>The long-awaited 2021 CDC *Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines* were published in MMWR on July 22, 2021. This webinar will focus on significant changes from the 2015 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines, including updated guidelines for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease, genital herpes, *Mycoplasma genitalium*, and vaginal trichomoniasis. To assist health care providers in obtaining a sexual history, the updated "Five P's" approach will be reviewed. In addition, current Family PACT benefits for each type of sexually transmitted infection discussed in the program will be explained. **** **Learning Objectives** * List 3 examples of sexual history questions for each of the "Five P's" of sexual history taking * Explain why the treatment guidelines for both chlamydia and gonorrhea genital tract infections were updated in the 2021 Guidelines * List the indications for obtaining chlamydia and gonorrhea samples from the anus and the oropharynx * Describe the consequences of *Mycoplasma genitalium* genital infection in males and females * List 2 updates in the 2021 Guidelines regarding vaginal trichomoniasis There will be ample time for audience members to submit questions, so be sure to consider in advance what you would like to ask our experts! **Register [HERE](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4836800446025650189)**falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667587?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-08-17T22:05:2246667584COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - August 17, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 444 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.5%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> <li><strong>Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings in Chicago. Visit Chicago Reopening Business Portal for more information at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-business-portal.html" target="_blank">Chicago.gov/reopening</a></strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 444 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 4.5%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **Effective August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings in Chicago. Visit Chicago Reopening Business Portal for more information at [Chicago.gov/reopening](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-business-portal.html)**. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667584?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-16T22:28:1146667582COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: COCA call TOMORROW<p><strong>Key Messages</strong></p> <ul> <li>Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html" target="_blank">Delta variant continues to surge</a> across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates.</li> <li>Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities.</li> <li>Don’t let <u>even one</u> routine physical or urgent care visit slip by without discussing COVID-19 vaccination. Your patients WANT you to ask.</li> <li>Offer vaccine to whoever accompanies the patient; including non-established patients and adults in peds offices</li> <li><strong>On August 13, 2021, ACIP recommended use of an <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html" target="_blank">additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine</a></strong> after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Individuals can self-attest and receive the additional dose. <ul> <li><strong>COCA Call TOMORROW</strong> Tuesday, August 17th at 1pm Central: <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_081721.asp" target="_blank">Additional mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Are you an OB/GYN? COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for your patients were strengthened on 8/11/21. Stock COVID-19 vaccine along with influenza and Tdap vaccine in your office or help facilitate vaccination opportunities. Brush up on communications here: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/howirecommend/maternal-vacc-videos.html" target="_blank">Maternal #HowIRecommend Vaccination Video Series</a></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p>**Key Messages** * Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the [Delta variant continues to surge](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html) across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates. * Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities. * Don't let ++even one++ routine physical or urgent care visit slip by without discussing COVID-19 vaccination. Your patients WANT you to ask. * Offer vaccine to whoever accompanies the patient; including non-established patients and adults in peds offices * **On August 13, 2021, ACIP recommended use of an [additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html)** after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Individuals can self-attest and receive the additional dose. * **COCA Call TOMORROW** Tuesday, August 17th at 1pm Central: [Additional mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_081721.asp) * Are you an OB/GYN? COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for your patients were strengthened on 8/11/21. Stock COVID-19 vaccine along with influenza and Tdap vaccine in your office or help facilitate vaccination opportunities. Brush up on communications here: [Maternal #HowIRecommend Vaccination Video Series](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/howirecommend/maternal-vacc-videos.html) Please see the attached for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667582?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-16T14:50:2246667581West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report August 16, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 16, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were forty-three (43) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty-eight (28) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 16, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were forty-three (43) WNV-positive mosquito pools from twenty-eight (28) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667581?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-08-10T21:34:4046667421COVID19COVID-19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report August 10, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 362 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.8%</strong></li> <li>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 362 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.8%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667421?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552021-08-06T13:52:4046667416BacterialDiseases & ConditionsLowIDPH: B. Cepacia Complex linked to a product, MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel.<p>B. Cepacia Complex linked to a product, MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel FDA recall <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eco-med-pharmaceutical-issues-voluntary-recall-eco-gel-200" target="_blank">https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eco-med-pharmaceutical-issues-voluntary-recall-eco-gel-200</a>. &nbsp;Suspected or confirmed cases in Chicago residents should be reported to the Communicable Disease Program Healthcare-Associated Infections Coordinator, &nbsp;Shannon Xydis, at <a href="mailto:shannon.xydis@cityofchicago.org">shannon.xydis@cityofchicago.org</a> or phone 312-743-0416 and providers should also complete a report to FDA's MedWatch program at <a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda" target="_blank">https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda</a>.</p> <p><strong>Background </strong></p> <p>CDC and FDA are working on investigating an outbreak of B. cepacia complex linked to a product, MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel. The product was recalled on August 4, 2021. Preliminary testing indicates the presence of Burkholderia stabilis, a member of Bcc in the product which matches isolates from 15 patients. No cases have been reported to public health authorities in Illinois.</p> <p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <p>1.) CDC and FDA are reporting an ongoing investigation of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) infections in healthcare facilities. Patients have acquired bloodstream infections after undergoing ultrasound-guided procedures in which MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel was used.</p> <p>2.) Health care providers should stop using and remove any product from their facility which is under recall, <a href="https://eco-med.com/recall/">https://eco-med.com/recall/ .</a></p> <p>3.) If a suspect case is identified hold the isolate from the patient and hold any product if it is available until a decision is made about further testing.</p> <p>4.) Health care providers should report any suspect cases to both FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event reporting program and to their local health department.</p> <p>5.) Local health departments should report any suspect cases to the IDPH Communicable Disease program.</p> <p>See attachment for further details&nbsp;</p>B. Cepacia Complex linked to a product, MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel FDA recall <https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/eco-med-pharmaceutical-issues-voluntary-recall-eco-gel-200>. Suspected or confirmed cases in Chicago residents should be reported to the Communicable Disease Program Healthcare-Associated Infections Coordinator, Shannon Xydis, at [shannon.xydis@cityofchicago.org](mailto:shannon.xydis@cityofchicago.org) or phone 312-743-0416 and providers should also complete a report to FDA's MedWatch program at <https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program/reporting-serious-problems-fda>. **Background** CDC and FDA are working on investigating an outbreak of B. cepacia complex linked to a product, MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel. The product was recalled on August 4, 2021. Preliminary testing indicates the presence of Burkholderia stabilis, a member of Bcc in the product which matches isolates from 15 patients. No cases have been reported to public health authorities in Illinois. **Summary and Action Items** 1.) CDC and FDA are reporting an ongoing investigation of Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) infections in healthcare facilities. Patients have acquired bloodstream infections after undergoing ultrasound-guided procedures in which MediChoice® M500812 ultrasound gel was used. 2.) Health care providers should stop using and remove any product from their facility which is under recall, [https://eco-med.com/recall/ .](https://eco-med.com/recall/) 3.) If a suspect case is identified hold the isolate from the patient and hold any product if it is available until a decision is made about further testing. 4.) Health care providers should report any suspect cases to both FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event reporting program and to their local health department. 5.) Local health departments should report any suspect cases to the IDPH Communicable Disease program. See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667416?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-08-13T23:45:1946667580COVID19COVIDLowFDA and ACIP recommend an additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose for immunocompromised people<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">On August 12, 2021, FDA modified the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-vaccine-dose-certain-immunocompromised" target="_blank">Emergency Use Authorizations</a> for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for administration of an additional (i.e. 3rd) dose of an mRNA vaccine after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for certain immunocompromised people (i.e. solid organ transplantation or equivalent immunocompromise).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The age groups authorized to receive the additional dose are unchanged: Pfizer-BioNTech – age 12 and older, Moderna – age 18 and older.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">On August 13, 2021, ACIP made an interim recommendation for use of an additional dose of PfizerBioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * On August 12, 2021, FDA modified the [Emergency Use Authorizations](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-vaccine-dose-certain-immunocompromised) for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for administration of an additional (i.e. 3rd) dose of an mRNA vaccine after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for certain immunocompromised people (i.e. solid organ transplantation or equivalent immunocompromise). * The age groups authorized to receive the additional dose are unchanged: Pfizer-BioNTech -- age 12 and older, Moderna -- age 18 and older. * On August 13, 2021, ACIP made an interim recommendation for use of an additional dose of PfizerBioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Please see the attached for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667580?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-13T17:34:5646667479Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationLow2021 Chicago Mid-Year Opioid Report<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>There were 5,517 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 467 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in January – June 2021.</li> <li>This is a 24% decrease in opioid-related EMS responses and a 18% decrease in deaths compared to 2020.</li> <li>For the total number of opioid related deaths from January – June 2021, 90% involved fentanyl.</li> <li>For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use dring this same perond, 40% involved cocaine.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://cabridge.org/resource/starting-buprenorphine-immediately-after-reversal-of-opioid-overdose-with-naloxone/" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.prevention.org/naloxone-now" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>. Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Interventions</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li>Hospitals and Community orgaizations can <a href="https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=58142" target="_blank">register to become a Drug Overdose Prevention Program</a> to order and distribute Naloxone at no cost to their organization.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for Full HAN Alert and the Mid-Year Opioid Report.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 5,517 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 467 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in January -- June 2021. * This is a 24% decrease in opioid-related EMS responses and a 18% decrease in deaths compared to 2020. * For the total number of opioid related deaths from January -- June 2021, 90% involved fentanyl. * For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use dring this same perond, 40% involved cocaine. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://cabridge.org/resource/starting-buprenorphine-immediately-after-reversal-of-opioid-overdose-with-naloxone/) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.prevention.org/naloxone-now). Share these [Harm Reduction Interventions](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * Hospitals and Community orgaizations can [register to become a Drug Overdose Prevention Program](https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=58142) to order and distribute Naloxone at no cost to their organization. Please see the attached for Full HAN Alert and the Mid-Year Opioid Report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667479?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942021-08-12T20:58:3146667478COVID19Diseases & ConditionsLowAtypical RSV Season and Palivizumab (Synagis) Prophylaxis Recommendations<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Chicago and the surrounding region is currently experiencing an atypical RSV season, which may represent delayed onset of the 2020-2021 season.</li> <li>On 8/5/21, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced that due to the increased prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), providers may submit prior approval requests for palivizumab (Synagis) effective immediately.</li> <li>Use palivizumab (Synagis) prophylaxis for eligible infants and young children at risk for severe disease.</li> <li>Consider alternative respiratory testing and diagnoses besides COVID-19, such as RSV, that do not typically circulate during summer months in Chicago.</li> <li>Encourage parents and caregivers to keep young children out of childcare when experiencing acute respiratory illness, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Chicago and the surrounding region is currently experiencing an atypical RSV season, which may represent delayed onset of the 2020-2021 season. * On 8/5/21, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced that due to the increased prevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), providers may submit prior approval requests for palivizumab (Synagis) effective immediately. * Use palivizumab (Synagis) prophylaxis for eligible infants and young children at risk for severe disease. * Consider alternative respiratory testing and diagnoses besides COVID-19, such as RSV, that do not typically circulate during summer months in Chicago. * Encourage parents and caregivers to keep young children out of childcare when experiencing acute respiratory illness, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667478?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-08-11T14:17:0446667310West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report August 11, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 11, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is moderate.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-two (22) WNV-positive mosquito pools from fifteen (15) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 11, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is moderate. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were twenty-two (22) WNV-positive mosquito pools from fifteen (15) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667310?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-08-10T22:25:5646667309COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Reengage your patients and staff as Delta variant spreads<p><strong>KEY MESSAGES:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Reengage your staff to strongly recommend vaccine and restart reminder/recall efforts.</li> <li>Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the Delta variant causes an increased number of cases across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates.</li> <li>Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities.</li> <li>Hold an event to mark <a href="https://madetosave.org/back-to-school/" target="_blank">National Back-to-School Week of Action</a> August 7-15th</li> <li><strong>Want to prevent hospitalization or RE-hospitalization of your patients today? Vaccine is your best tool</strong>. In this update, we’ll review 3 evidence-based strategies to save lives:</li> </ul> <ol style="margin-left:40px"> <li>Accelerate Reminder/Recall</li> <li>Lean into vaccine conversations</li> <li>Avoid missed opportunities</li> </ol> <ul> <li><strong>Many providers have seen an uptick in vaccination interest.</strong> Be prepared and avoid missed opportunities! <ul> <li>Since July 28, Moderna 10-dose vial is no longer available. Moderna is only available in a 14-dose vial (140 dose/case) presentation.</li> <li>Pfizer can be ordered in 450 dose/case units. Need fewer doses? We will hand deliver orders of 54 doses (6 dose/vial) or more.</li> <li>Janssen doses now have a 6 month shelf-life from the manufacturing date. Doses of Janssen can currently be order in 50 doses allotments (50, 100, 150, etc).</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>ACIP is planning to discuss a <a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4" target="_blank">3rd dose for immunocompromised patients</a> this Friday 8/13/21 @ 10:00AM</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachements for full details.&nbsp; Please note the "RemindRecall" document has details on reminder/recall in ICARE.</p>**KEY MESSAGES:** * Reengage your staff to strongly recommend vaccine and restart reminder/recall efforts. * Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the Delta variant causes an increased number of cases across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates. * Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities. * Hold an event to mark [National Back-to-School Week of Action](https://madetosave.org/back-to-school/) August 7-15th * **Want to prevent hospitalization or RE-hospitalization of your patients today? Vaccine is your best tool**. In this update, we'll review 3 evidence-based strategies to save lives: 1. Accelerate Reminder/Recall 2. Lean into vaccine conversations 3. Avoid missed opportunities * **Many providers have seen an uptick in vaccination interest.** Be prepared and avoid missed opportunities! * Since July 28, Moderna 10-dose vial is no longer available. Moderna is only available in a 14-dose vial (140 dose/case) presentation. * Pfizer can be ordered in 450 dose/case units. Need fewer doses? We will hand deliver orders of 54 doses (6 dose/vial) or more. * Janssen doses now have a 6 month shelf-life from the manufacturing date. Doses of Janssen can currently be order in 50 doses allotments (50, 100, 150, etc). * **ACIP is planning to discuss a [3rd dose for immunocompromised patients](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4) this Friday 8/13/21 @ 10:00AM** Please see the attachements for full details. Please note the "RemindRecall" document has details on reminder/recall in ICARE.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667309?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-08-05T21:37:5646667415Infectious DiseaseLegionellosisLowIncrease in Community-Associated Legionnaires’ Disease Cases: Update and Request for Sputum Culture August 5, 2021<p><u><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>CDPH continues to investigate cases of Legionnaires’ Disease which have increased in July 2021 to more than 2 times the 5-year median from 2016-2020. This is an update to our <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667383?p_r_p_categoryId=437934">July 9, 2021, health alert.</a></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Providers should have a high index of suspicion for Legionella when evaluating patients with respiratory illness or sepsis</p> <ul> <li><strong>Patients with suspected or confirmed pneumonia should be tested for Legionella infection using <u>both </u>urine antigen and sputum/respiratory culture.</strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o When ordering a sputum culture, alert your laboratory to test for Legionella since special microbiologic techniques are required to isolate this organism. Alternatively, sputum specimens or isolates may be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory (see below)</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o The Health Department requires culture data to help identify potential environmental sources of exposure to Legionella; urine antigen testing alone does not provide the data needed to make these links.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Culture yield is greatest when sputum/respiratory samples are taken early in the patient’s course, but do not delay initiating antimicrobial therapy to obtain cultures.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Use a history of compatible symptoms to trigger simultaneous urine antigen and culture testing, rather than waiting to send cultures in response to a positive urine antigen test.</p> <ul> <li>Empiric treatment of pneumonia should include a macrolide or fluoroquinolone that has activity against Legionella.</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Legionellosis cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-743-9000.</strong></p> <p>See attachment for further details.&nbsp;</p>++**Key Messages and Action Steps**++ * CDPH continues to investigate cases of Legionnaires' Disease which have increased in July 2021 to more than 2 times the 5-year median from 2016-2020. This is an update to our [July 9, 2021, health alert.](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667383?p_r_p_categoryId=437934) o Providers should have a high index of suspicion for Legionella when evaluating patients with respiratory illness or sepsis * **Patients with suspected or confirmed pneumonia should be tested for Legionella infection using ++both++urine antigen and sputum/respiratory culture.** o When ordering a sputum culture, alert your laboratory to test for Legionella since special microbiologic techniques are required to isolate this organism. Alternatively, sputum specimens or isolates may be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory (see below) o The Health Department requires culture data to help identify potential environmental sources of exposure to Legionella; urine antigen testing alone does not provide the data needed to make these links. o Culture yield is greatest when sputum/respiratory samples are taken early in the patient's course, but do not delay initiating antimicrobial therapy to obtain cultures. o Use a history of compatible symptoms to trigger simultaneous urine antigen and culture testing, rather than waiting to send cultures in response to a positive urine antigen test. * Empiric treatment of pneumonia should include a macrolide or fluoroquinolone that has activity against Legionella. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Legionellosis cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-743-9000.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667415?p_r_p_categoryId=4379342021-08-04T20:04:2246667304COVID19COVID-19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report August 4, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Chicago is averaging 252 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.5%</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Over 70% of Chicago adults and over 50% of Chicagoans age 12-17 have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccination.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p> <p>See attachment for further details</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 252 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 3.5%** * Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. * **Over 70% of Chicago adults and over 50% of Chicagoans age 12-17 have received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccination.** See attachment for further details See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667304?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552021-08-02T18:01:3646667409COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Vaccination more urgent than ever as Delta variant spreads<ul> <li>August is <strong>National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)</strong> Join the call to action and encourage everyone 12 and up to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Use <span style="background-color:#f1c40f">#ivax2protect </span>on social media to join the conversation and promote vaccination across the lifespan. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccinate-with-confidence.html">Vaccinate with Confidence</a>.</li> <li>Key messages for your patients: <ul> <li>COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19 to July 23, driven by the easily spread Delta variant.</li> <li>Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the Delta variant causes an increased number of cases across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates.</li> <li>&nbsp;Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities.</li> </ul> </li> <li>&nbsp;Join the <a href="https://madetosave.org/back-to-school/">National Back-to-School Week of Action</a> <strong>August 7-15 th </strong>Now is the time for a National Effort to get young people vaccinated. Think about hosting a weekend back-to-school vaccination event for your patients and their families. Get those routine vaccines into arms too.</li> <li>Lean into vaccine conversations: 1) Brush up on safety by reading a recent MMWR: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7031e1.htm?s_cid=mm7031e1_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM62612&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=MMWR%20Early%20Release%20-%20Vol.%2070%2C%20July%2030%2C%202021&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM62612">COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years — United States, December–July, 2)</a> Watch <a href="https://www.gotostage.com/channel/ff5edf4ebb134ec481037f5c774daa3f/recording/2bf8dc2cb2eb41658af05e20a4815afc/watch?regSource=website">COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination (NFID 6/30/21)</a>, 3) Check out the <a href="https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/">MXC Vaccine Ambassador</a> course.</li> <li>&nbsp;<strong>Don’t miss any opportunities to vaccinate for COVID-19:</strong> Are you vaccinating in your Emergency Department, at hospital discharge, at urgent care visit discharge? <span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Take this survey today: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y9M9PXCX8">CDPH ED/Discharge Vax Survey</a></span></li> <li><strong>J&amp;J Shelf-life extension:</strong> On July 28, 2021, the Food &amp; Drug Administration<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/151141/download"> authorized an extension</a> of the shelf life for the J&amp;J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from 4.5 months to 6 months (an additional 45 days) when refrigerated at temperatures of 36-46F (2-8C) according to manufacturer’s storage conditions. Vaccine providers should visit https:<a href="https://vaxcheck.jnj/">//vaxcheck.jnj/</a> to confirm the latest expiration dates of vaccine</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>* August is **National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)** Join the call to action and encourage everyone 12 and up to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Use #ivax2protect on social media to join the conversation and promote vaccination across the lifespan. [Vaccinate with Confidence](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccinate-with-confidence.html). * Key messages for your patients: * COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19 to July 23, driven by the easily spread Delta variant. * Vaccination is more urgent than ever, as the Delta variant causes an increased number of cases across the United States. The highest number of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates. * Getting vaccinated helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities. * Join the [National Back-to-School Week of Action](https://madetosave.org/back-to-school/) **August 7-15 th**Now is the time for a National Effort to get young people vaccinated. Think about hosting a weekend back-to-school vaccination event for your patients and their families. Get those routine vaccines into arms too. * Lean into vaccine conversations: 1) Brush up on safety by reading a recent MMWR: [COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Adolescents Aged 12--17 Years --- United States, December--July, 2)](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7031e1.htm?s_cid=mm7031e1_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM62612&ACSTrackingLabel=MMWR%20Early%20Release%20-%20Vol.%2070%2C%20July%2030%2C%202021&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM62612) Watch [COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination (NFID 6/30/21)](https://www.gotostage.com/channel/ff5edf4ebb134ec481037f5c774daa3f/recording/2bf8dc2cb2eb41658af05e20a4815afc/watch?regSource=website), 3) Check out the [MXC Vaccine Ambassador](https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/) course. * **Don't miss any opportunities to vaccinate for COVID-19:** Are you vaccinating in your Emergency Department, at hospital discharge, at urgent care visit discharge? Take this survey today: [CDPH ED/Discharge Vax Survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8Y9M9PXCX8) * **J\&J Shelf-life extension:** On July 28, 2021, the Food \& Drug Administration[authorized an extension](https://www.fda.gov/media/151141/download) of the shelf life for the J\&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from 4.5 months to 6 months (an additional 45 days) when refrigerated at temperatures of 36-46F (2-8C) according to manufacturer's storage conditions. Vaccine providers should visit https:[//vaxcheck.jnj/](https://vaxcheck.jnj/) to confirm the latest expiration dates of vaccine See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667409?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-08-02T14:17:0846667408West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report August 2, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 2, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were twelve (12) WNV-positive mosquito pools from eleven (11) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued August 2, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For thisreporting period, there were twelve (12) WNV-positive mosquito pools from eleven (11) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667408?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-30T22:10:4346667302COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowJ&J COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration Dates Extended<p>The Food &amp; Drug Administration authorized an <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/151141/download" target="_blank">extension of the shelf life</a> for the Johnson &amp; Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from 4.5 months to 6 months (an additional 45 days). The decision is based on data from ongoing stability assessment studies, which have demonstrated that the vaccine is stable at 6 months when refrigerated at temperatures of 36 – 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 – 8 degrees Celsius).</p> <p>Vaccine providers should visit <a href="https://vaxcheck.jnj/" target="_blank">https://vaxcheck.jnj/</a> to confirm the latest expiration dates of vaccine, including those currently available for administration throughout the U.S. This extension applies to refrigerated vials of J&amp;J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine that have been held in accordance with the manufacturer’s storage conditions. The expiration dates have also been updated in I-CARE.</p> <p>COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized under an EUA do not have fixed expiration dates, and their expiration dates can be extended as we get more stability data. Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s website to obtain the most up-to-date expiration dates for COVID-19 vaccines you have on hand.</p>The Food \& Drug Administration authorized an [extension of the shelf life](https://www.fda.gov/media/151141/download) for the Johnson \& Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from 4.5 months to 6 months (an additional 45 days). The decision is based on data from ongoing stability assessment studies, which have demonstrated that the vaccine is stable at 6 months when refrigerated at temperatures of 36 -- 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 -- 8 degrees Celsius). Vaccine providers should visit <https://vaxcheck.jnj/> to confirm the latest expiration dates of vaccine, including those currently available for administration throughout the U.S. This extension applies to refrigerated vials of J\&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine that have been held in accordance with the manufacturer's storage conditions. The expiration dates have also been updated in I-CARE. COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized under an EUA do not have fixed expiration dates, and their expiration dates can be extended as we get more stability data. Always be sure to check the manufacturer's website to obtain the most up-to-date expiration dates for COVID-19 vaccines you have on hand.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667302?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292020-02-01T15:45:2846660281ViralLowCDC Guidance and Flowchart to Identify and Assess 2019 Novel Coronavirus<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Please review the attached CDC Health Update:&nbsp;<em>Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).</em>&nbsp; These tools will be available on CDPH&#39;s 2019-nCoV health alert network page:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-nCoV" id="LPlnk305223" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/2019-nCoV</a>.</li> <li>This CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Update provides a situational update and interim guidance to state and local health departments that supersedes guidance in CDC&rsquo;s HAN 426 distributed on January 17,&nbsp;2020. It also adds <ul> <li>guidance for clinicians caring for patients with 2019-nCoV (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html</a>), and</li> <li>updated infection prevention and control guidance specific to 2019-nCoV (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html</a>).</li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Resources: </strong><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Please review the attached CDC Health Update: *Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).* These tools will be available on CDPH's 2019-nCoV health alert network page: [www.chicagohan.org/2019-nCoV](https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-nCoV){#LPlnk305223}. * This CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Update provides a situational update and interim guidance to state and local health departments that supersedes guidance in CDC's HAN 426 distributed on January 17, 2020. It also adds * guidance for clinicians caring for patients with 2019-nCoV (<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html>), and * updated infection prevention and control guidance specific to 2019-nCoV (<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html>). * **Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311**. Please see the attachment for more information. **Resources:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2021-07-28T18:23:4846667300COVID19COVID-19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report July 28, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>&nbsp;COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 176 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.8%</strong></li> <li><strong>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></li> <li><strong>The CDC issued updated guidance for fully vaccinated individuals on 7/27/21&nbsp;</strong></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 176 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and test positivity is at 2.8%** * **Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** * **The CDC issued updated guidance for fully vaccinated individuals on 7/27/21** See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667300?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552021-07-28T00:01:1446667299COVID19COVIDLowVaccination to Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks with Current and Emergent Variants — United States, 2021<p>The CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory to notify public health practitioners and clinicians about the urgent need to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the United States to prevent surges in new infections that could increase COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, overwhelm healthcare capacity, and widen existing COVID-19-related health disparities.&nbsp; Please see the attached for full information.</p> <p>For more information on local vaccination events and healthcare provider resources, visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/covidvax</a>.</p>The CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory to notify public health practitioners and clinicians about the urgent need to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage across the United States to prevent surges in new infections that could increase COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, overwhelm healthcare capacity, and widen existing COVID-19-related health disparities. Please see the attached for full information. For more information on local vaccination events and healthcare provider resources, visit [www.chicago.gov/covidvax](https://www.chicago.gov/covidvax).truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667299?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-07-26T21:26:1846667297C. AurisC.aurisLowSurveillance and Containment of Candida auris during COVID-19 pandemic - July 2021<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Preventing the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) remains a priority in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare facilities should remain vigilant for <em>Candida auris (C. auris</em>) and MDROs and implement measures to detect and prevent spread of these organisms.</li> <li>Implement or reinstate the following infection prevention and control measures: <ul> <li>Query the Extensively Drug-Resistant Organism Registry (XDRO Registry) for all new admissions to identify patients with C. auris or other multidrug-resistant organisms <a href="https://www.xdro.org/" target="_blank">(https://www.xdro.org/</a>)</li> <li>Institute appropriate <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/c-auris-infection-control.html#transmission" target="_blank">Transmission-based Precautions</a> for an infected or colonized patient.&nbsp;</li> <li>Ensure at least daily cleaning and disinfection especially of high touch surfaces with an approved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered sporicidal agent (see <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-p-antimicrobial-products-registered-epa-claims-against-candida-auris" target="_blank">List P</a>).</li> <li>Promote hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub among staff, patients/residents, and visitors/family members. If hands are visibly soiled, wash with soap and water.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Confirmed <em>C. auris</em> cases identified in Chicago residents should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health within 7 days from laboratory result.</li> <li>Complete the <em>C. auris</em> <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/cauris">case report form or INEDSS module</a> for confirmed clinical C. auris cases to report risk factors and potential transmission sources.</li> </ul> <p><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION</strong>:<strong> <em>C. auris</em> cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS).</strong> For providers without INEDSS access, please fax or send via encrypted email the lab result and case report form to Kelly Walblay (Fax: (312) 746-6388; email: <a href="mailto:kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org">kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org</a>).</p> <p>Please see the attached for more details.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * Preventing the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) remains a priority in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare facilities should remain vigilant for *Candida auris (C. auris*) and MDROs and implement measures to detect and prevent spread of these organisms. * Implement or reinstate the following infection prevention and control measures: * Query the Extensively Drug-Resistant Organism Registry (XDRO Registry) for all new admissions to identify patients with C. auris or other multidrug-resistant organisms [(https://www.xdro.org/](https://www.xdro.org/)) * Institute appropriate [Transmission-based Precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/c-auris-infection-control.html#transmission) for an infected or colonized patient. * Ensure at least daily cleaning and disinfection especially of high touch surfaces with an approved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered sporicidal agent (see [List P](https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-p-antimicrobial-products-registered-epa-claims-against-candida-auris)). * Promote hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub among staff, patients/residents, and visitors/family members. If hands are visibly soiled, wash with soap and water. * Confirmed *C. auris* cases identified in Chicago residents should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health within 7 days from laboratory result. * Complete the *C. auris* [case report form or INEDSS module](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/cauris) for confirmed clinical C. auris cases to report risk factors and potential transmission sources. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION** :***C. auris* cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS).** For providers without INEDSS access, please fax or send via encrypted email the lab result and case report form to Kelly Walblay (Fax: (312) 746-6388; email: [kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org](mailto:kelly.walblay@cityofchicago.org)). Please see the attached for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667297?p_r_p_categoryId=4375292021-07-26T15:20:3946667403West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report July 26, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 26, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV-positive mosquito pools from six (6) trap locations.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 26, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were eight (8) WNV-positive mosquito pools from six (6) trap locations. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667403?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-23T19:36:4046667401COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Statement<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), based on the best science, strongly recommends that healthcare facilities require COVID-19 vaccination for all healthcare employees. Ensuring vaccination of healthcare employees is part of a healthcare facility's commitment to patient and employee safety and aligned with hospital and health systems’ ongoing role in protecting the public and healthcare personnel from COVID-19. Protecting healthcare employees through vaccination ensures the availability of critical resources to serve our communities.&nbsp;</p> <p>To date, approximately 70% of all Chicago area hospital and health system employees have been fully vaccinated, along with more than 6.3 million Illinoisians overall, and about 161.2 million Americans. &nbsp;Protecting patients, visitors, and healthcare personnel from COVID-19 infection is critically important, and the most effective way to do this is to ensure that all hospital and health system employees are vaccinated against COVID-19.</p> <p>The Chicago healthcare community has a history of coming together and committing to serve patients with contagious diseases and protect the public from transmission. CDPH stands ready to support our healthcare partners who commit to protecting their patients and employees from COVID-19 infection by ensuring that all hospital and health system employees are vaccinated against COVID-19.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full statement and details.</p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), based on the best science, strongly recommends that healthcare facilities require COVID-19 vaccination for all healthcare employees. Ensuring vaccination of healthcare employees is part of a healthcare facility's commitment to patient and employee safety and aligned with hospital and health systems' ongoing role in protecting the public and healthcare personnel from COVID-19. Protecting healthcare employees through vaccination ensures the availability of critical resources to serve our communities. To date, approximately 70% of all Chicago area hospital and health system employees have been fully vaccinated, along with more than 6.3 million Illinoisians overall, and about 161.2 million Americans. Protecting patients, visitors, and healthcare personnel from COVID-19 infection is critically important, and the most effective way to do this is to ensure that all hospital and health system employees are vaccinated against COVID-19. The Chicago healthcare community has a history of coming together and committing to serve patients with contagious diseases and protect the public from transmission. CDPH stands ready to support our healthcare partners who commit to protecting their patients and employees from COVID-19 infection by ensuring that all hospital and health system employees are vaccinated against COVID-19. Please see the attachment for the full statement and details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667401?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-07-20T20:28:4646667291COVID19COVID-19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report July 20, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Chicago is averaging 90 new cases of COVID-19 per day, increased from 53 daily cases last week.</strong></li> <li><strong>Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variant</strong></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are increasing in Chicago.** * **Chicago is averaging 90 new cases of COVID-19 per day, increased from 53 daily cases last week.** * **Vaccines provide good coverage against COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant. Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variant** See attachment for further detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667291?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552021-07-19T14:34:2846667287West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report July 19, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 19, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 19, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 28 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid and BG Sentinel traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667287?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-15T22:24:4146667285STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowRejection of Roche cobas® Specimen Collection Kits for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/GC)<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">On July 1, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory in Carbondale transitioned to the Hologic Aptima Combo 2® assay on the Panther® System for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/GC). A technical bulletin was released with the relevant information for transitioning to the new Hologic system.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Critical information communicated in the technical bulletin is, specimens collected in the Roche collection system cannot be analyzed using the Hologic system. IDPH allowed for a two-week transition for the change to the new testing requirements. <strong>Effective July 18, 2021, any CT/GC specimens collected in Roche collection devices will be rejected for testing when they are received in the laboratory. A “Not Tested” report with the comment, “Improper collection kit,” will be issued.</strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Please contact the laboratory if you need a copy of the referenced Technical Bulletin or if you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication. If you need to place an order for Hologic Aptima collection kits, please email Chris Vogt at <a href="mailto:Chris.Vogt@Illinois.gov" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Chris.Vogt@Illinois.gov</a> &nbsp;or Amy Liefer at <a href="mailto:Amy.Liefer@Illinois.gov" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Amy.Liefer@Illinois.gov</a> or call the IDPH Carbondale Laboratory at 618-457-5131. You may also contact Lesli Choat, STD Counseling and Testing Coordinator, at <a href="mailto:Lesli.Choat@Illinois.gov" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Lesli.Choat@Illinois.gov</a></span></span></span></span></p>On July 1, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory in Carbondale transitioned to the Hologic Aptima Combo 2® assay on the Panther® System for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/GC). A technical bulletin was released with the relevant information for transitioning to the new Hologic system. Critical information communicated in the technical bulletin is, specimens collected in the Roche collection system cannot be analyzed using the Hologic system. IDPH allowed for a two-week transition for the change to the new testing requirements. **Effective July 18, 2021, any CT/GC specimens collected in Roche collection devices will be rejected for testing when they are received in the laboratory. A "Not Tested" report with the comment, "Improper collection kit," will be issued.** Please contact the laboratory if you need a copy of the referenced Technical Bulletin or if you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication. If you need to place an order for Hologic Aptima collection kits, please email Chris Vogt at [Chris.Vogt@Illinois.gov](mailto:Chris.Vogt@Illinois.gov) or Amy Liefer at [Amy.Liefer@Illinois.gov](mailto:Amy.Liefer@Illinois.gov) or call the IDPH Carbondale Laboratory at 618-457-5131. You may also contact Lesli Choat, STD Counseling and Testing Coordinator, at [Lesli.Choat@Illinois.gov](mailto:Lesli.Choat@Illinois.gov)truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667285?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-07-15T19:57:3746667395STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowDoxycycline Prophylaxis: A Novel approach for STI prevention<p><strong>Webinar scheduled for July 21, 2021 From 9:00 am to 10:00 am.</strong></p> <p><strong>Learning Objectives:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Identify need and rationale for new methods to prevent STIs</li> <li>Explain the use of doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis</li> <li>Review plans for testing and implementation of doxy PrEP</li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Continuing Education Credits</strong><br /> Continuing Education Credits for Nurses and Social Work are provided by Oakton Community College/Alliance for Lifelong Learning/Continuing Education for Health Professionals. Oakton Community College is an approved sponsor of continuing education through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Continuing education credit provided for nurses and social workers.<br /> <br /> To receive credit participants must attend the entire activity and complete an evaluation form.</p> <p>Register&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.matec.info/participant-dashboard/event-details/event-registration?ER_ID=37579">Here</a></strong></p> <p> </p>**Webinar scheduled for July 21, 2021 From 9:00 am to 10:00 am.** **Learning Objectives:** * Identify need and rationale for new methods to prevent STIs * Explain the use of doxycycline for the prevention of syphilis * Review plans for testing and implementation of doxy PrEP <br /> **Continuing Education Credits** Continuing Education Credits for Nurses and Social Work are provided by Oakton Community College/Alliance for Lifelong Learning/Continuing Education for Health Professionals. Oakton Community College is an approved sponsor of continuing education through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Continuing education credit provided for nurses and social workers. <br /> To receive credit participants must attend the entire activity and complete an evaluation form. Register **[Here](https://www.matec.info/participant-dashboard/event-details/event-registration?ER_ID=37579)**falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667395?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-07-14T14:27:4346667391ViralDiseases & ConditionsLowNeisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae clinical materials submission to IDPH<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae are both bacterial pathogens that can cause invasive disease. In Illinois, all cases of invasive disease caused by these organisms are reportable within 24 hours to your local health department. This memo is to serve as a reminder that all laboratories must submit their isolatesfor these pathogens that are identified from a sterile body site (blood, CSF, and other internal sterile body sites).</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Reporting information</strong>: If you have questions regarding the collection, shipments, or other laboratory aspects of isolate submission, please contact the IDPH Chicago laboratory at 312-793-4760. If you have questions regarding surveillance or reporting of these conditions, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Section at 217-782-2016.</p> <p> </p>**Summary** Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae are both bacterial pathogens that can cause invasive disease. In Illinois, all cases of invasive disease caused by these organisms are reportable within 24 hours to your local health department. This memo is to serve as a reminder that all laboratories must submit their isolatesfor these pathogens that are identified from a sterile body site (blood, CSF, and other internal sterile body sites). Please see attachment for full details **Reporting information**: If you have questions regarding the collection, shipments, or other laboratory aspects of isolate submission, please contact the IDPH Chicago laboratory at 312-793-4760. If you have questions regarding surveillance or reporting of these conditions, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Section at 217-782-2016.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667391?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-07-13T20:11:2646667283COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 13, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have mildly increased in Chicago; Chicago is averaging 53 new cases per day.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p> <p> </p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have mildly increased in Chicago; Chicago is averaging 53 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. * **Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667283?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-07-12T14:23:2246667390West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report July 12, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 12, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 12, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were four (4) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667390?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-09T13:21:2846667383Infectious DiseaseLegionellosisHighIncrease in Legionella Laboratory Reports from Chicago Residents Since July 1, 2021<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="color:black">Key Messages and Action Steps</span></span></strong></span></span><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">16 <em>Legionella </em>laboratory reports from Chicago residents have been received by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 1, 2021 and are currently under investigation.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Providers should consider Legionnaire’s disease when evaluating patients presenting with signs of pneumonia. Risk factors include persons &gt; 50 years old, persons with smoking history, and persons with chronic lung disease or immunocompromising conditions. </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Culturing <em>Legionella</em> from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage specimens is the preferred method of diagnosis.&nbsp; Notify your lab to ensure that they use the appropriate culture media to test for <em>Legionella</em>.&nbsp; Urinary antigen testing is also recommended but should be accompanied by an attempt to isolate <em>Legionella</em> by culture. </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Report cases promptly to public health and submit all <em>Legionella</em> isolates to the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory for forwarding to CDC for serogrouping and molecular characterization. </span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="color:black">REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>Legionella</em> cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-743-9000 or via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * 16 *Legionella*laboratory reports from Chicago residents have been received by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 1, 2021 and are currently under investigation. * Providers should consider Legionnaire's disease when evaluating patients presenting with signs of pneumonia. Risk factors include persons \> 50 years old, persons with smoking history, and persons with chronic lung disease or immunocompromising conditions. * Culturing *Legionella* from sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage specimens is the preferred method of diagnosis. Notify your lab to ensure that they use the appropriate culture media to test for *Legionella* . Urinary antigen testing is also recommended but should be accompanied by an attempt to isolate *Legionella* by culture. * Report cases promptly to public health and submit all *Legionella* isolates to the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory for forwarding to CDC for serogrouping and molecular characterization. **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: *Legionella* cases should be reported to Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-743-9000 or via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS).**truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667383?p_r_p_categoryId=4379342022-06-14T14:14:3246673286MonkeypoxMonkeypoxHighMonkeypox: Basic Checklist and Infection Control for Clinics / Hospitals<p>Human-to-human transmission of the monkeypox virus occurs by direct contact with lesion material or from respiratory secretions. Please see the attached documents outlining procedures for outpatient clinics, provider clinics, hospitals, urgent care facilities and alike regarding basic infection control and prevention of monkeypox virus.&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><strong>Clinicians should promptly report any suspect cases to Chicago Department of Public Health to obtain appropriate and timely testing during business hours to <a href="mailto:janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org">janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org</a> or <a href="mailto:stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org">stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org</a>; after business hours, contact the CDPH physician on call at 311 (or 312-744-5000, if outside the city but regarding a Chicago resident).</strong></li> <li>More information on infection control and specimen collection guidance can be found on the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/sr/monkeypox" target="_blank">CDPH Monkeypox HAN page</a>.</li> </ul>Human-to-human transmission of the monkeypox virus occurs by direct contact with lesion material or from respiratory secretions. Please see the attached documents outlining procedures for outpatient clinics, provider clinics, hospitals, urgent care facilities and alike regarding basic infection control and prevention of monkeypox virus. * **Clinicians should promptly report any suspect cases to Chicago Department of Public Health to obtain appropriate and timely testing during business hours to [janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org](mailto:janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org) or [stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org](mailto:stephanie.black@cityofchicago.org); after business hours, contact the CDPH physician on call at 311 (or 312-744-5000, if outside the city but regarding a Chicago resident).** * More information on infection control and specimen collection guidance can be found on the [CDPH Monkeypox HAN page](https://www.chicagohan.org/sr/monkeypox).truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673286?p_r_p_categoryId=20482392021-07-07T14:47:4646667382STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowNeisseria Gonorrhoeae Gradient Strip AST Service<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>Through CDC’s AR Lab Network, the Maryland Public Health Laboratory is offering&nbsp;<em>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</em>&nbsp;gradient strip antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) —at no cost—to providers and affiliated laboratories nationwide.</p> <p>The purpose of this<strong>&nbsp;</strong>pilot project is to expand capacity for streamlined laboratory identification of antibiotic resistant&nbsp;<em>N. gonorrhoeae</em>.</p> <p><strong>Action Items</strong></p> <p>If patients persistently test positive for&nbsp;<em>N. gonorrhoeae</em>&nbsp;(gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing. Data from this testing helps CDC monitor for new types of resistance and can provide information for treatment decisions.</p> <p><strong>What are the actions to participate in N. gonorrhoeae gradient strip AST service?</strong></p> <p>Do one of the following:</p> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li><strong>Submit a fresh clinical specimen</strong>&nbsp;to your local laboratory that performs GC culture, and&nbsp;<strong>ask them to save an isolate</strong>&nbsp;for shipment to Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL).</li> <li><strong>Ask the laboratory</strong>&nbsp;that has already isolated GC from your patient&nbsp;<strong>to ship the isolate to MDPHL</strong>&nbsp;for further testing.</li> <li>If a local laboratory is&nbsp;<strong>not available</strong>&nbsp;to perform GC culture,&nbsp;<strong>please email</strong>&nbsp;MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov to plan specimen collection and shipment for GC culture.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Please see the attachments for full details.</p> <p> </p>**Summary** Through CDC's AR Lab Network, the Maryland Public Health Laboratory is offering *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* gradient strip antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) ---at no cost---to providers and affiliated laboratories nationwide. The purpose of thispilot project is to expand capacity for streamlined laboratory identification of antibiotic resistant *N. gonorrhoeae*. **Action Items** If patients persistently test positive for *N. gonorrhoeae* (gonococcus or GC) after treatment (with or without symptoms) and reinfection has been ruled out, please consider sending their specimen or isolate for susceptibility testing. Data from this testing helps CDC monitor for new types of resistance and can provide information for treatment decisions. **What are the actions to participate in N. gonorrhoeae gradient strip AST service?** Do one of the following: * **Submit a fresh clinical specimen** to your local laboratory that performs GC culture, and **ask them to save an isolate** for shipment to Maryland Public Health Laboratory (MDPHL). * **Ask the laboratory** that has already isolated GC from your patient **to ship the isolate to MDPHL** for further testing. * If a local laboratory is **not available** to perform GC culture, **please email** MDPHL.arln@maryland.gov to plan specimen collection and shipment for GC culture. Please see the attachments for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667382?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-07-07T14:19:1546667380COVID19COVID-19LowMyocarditis and Pericarditis Following mRNA Vaccination July 7, 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>On June 23, 2021 the ACIP reviewed more than a thousand cases of myocarditis and pericarditis that occurred following COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna).</li> <li>Cases were most often seen in young males, aged 12-29, within several days after the second dose of mRNA vaccination. Most cases have required hospitalization with resolution of symptoms and return to normal activities.</li> <li><strong>CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications.</strong></li> <li><strong>Individuals who develop myocarditis or pericarditis following a first dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination should defer the second dose at this time, with some exceptions.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * On June 23, 2021 the ACIP reviewed more than a thousand cases of myocarditis and pericarditis that occurred following COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna). * Cases were most often seen in young males, aged 12-29, within several days after the second dose of mRNA vaccination. Most cases have required hospitalization with resolution of symptoms and return to normal activities. * **CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, possibly severe complications.** * **Individuals who develop myocarditis or pericarditis following a first dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination should defer the second dose at this time, with some exceptions.** Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667380?p_r_p_categoryId=4345552020-01-14T23:04:0946659386VFCLowVFC News Bulletin January 14, 2020<p><strong>VFC News Bulletin January 14, 2020</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In This Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>Cervical Health Awareness Month</li> <li>Single-Dose Ordering Options</li> <li>I-CARE 3 Webinar</li> <li>Pediatric flu deaths</li> <li>VFC Regional Meetings</li> <li>Re-Enrollment</li> <li>CHIP Vaccine</li> <li>Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachments for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin January 14, 2020** In This Issue: * Cervical Health Awareness Month * Single-Dose Ordering Options * I-CARE 3 Webinar * Pediatric flu deaths * VFC Regional Meetings * Re-Enrollment * CHIP Vaccine * Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy See attachments for full details.true2021-07-06T18:59:5246667279Laboratory InformationDiseases & ConditionsLowCDC HAN: Recall of LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests Due to Risk of Falsely Low Results July 6, 2021<p><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a recall notice concerning the use of some LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests (certain LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra test kit lots). These lots were distributed between October 27, 2020, and June 15, 2021. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall.</p> <p>The purpose of this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about this recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p> <p> </p>**Summary** Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a recall notice concerning the use of some LeadCare® Blood Lead Tests (certain LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra test kit lots). These lots were distributed between October 27, 2020, and June 15, 2021. The use of these devices may cause serious injuries because they might underestimate blood lead levels. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. The purpose of this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to notify healthcare providers and state and local health departments about this recall notice and to recommend appropriate follow-up actions Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667279?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-06-30T00:03:3146667079Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationLowIncreased Opioid Overdose Activity<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">An increased number of opioid overdoses occurred in the Chicago area on June 28th and June 29th.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Increase the amount of <a href="https://www.prevention.org/naloxone-now" target="_blank">naloxone</a> available on hand and distribute widely.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Counsel patients and clients who report any drug use to use caution and expect that any drug could contain fentanyl.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare providers should test specifically for fentanyl in patients presenting with symptoms of opioid overdose.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The use of fentayl test strips on drug samples prior to consumption may help minimize the risk of overdose.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;t=4s" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips </a>for people who use drugs.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more details.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * An increased number of opioid overdoses occurred in the Chicago area on June 28th and June 29th. * Increase the amount of [naloxone](https://www.prevention.org/naloxone-now) available on hand and distribute widely. * Counsel patients and clients who report any drug use to use caution and expect that any drug could contain fentanyl. * Healthcare providers should test specifically for fentanyl in patients presenting with symptoms of opioid overdose. * The use of fentayl test strips on drug samples prior to consumption may help minimize the risk of overdose. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&t=4s). * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/)for people who use drugs. Please see the attachment for more details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667079?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942021-07-06T18:43:2946667278COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 29 , 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity has increased slightly and COVID-19 case incidence has stabilized in Chicago. Average new cases remain &lt;50 daily, averaging 36 new cases per day.</strong></li> <li>Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage.</li> <li><strong>Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity has increased slightly and COVID-19 case incidence has stabilized in Chicago. Average new cases remain \<50 daily, averaging 36 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. * **Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667278?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-07-06T14:13:1846667379West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report July 6, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July&nbsp;6, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 26&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued July 6, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667379?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-07-02T22:48:4946667378Opioid ConcernsOpioid InformationLowIDPH: Opioid Overdose Increase in West Chicago<p>Since June 28, 2021, there has been a significant increase in the number of opioid overdoses in West Chicago.</p> <p><strong><u>Action Items:</u></strong></p> <ol> <li>Encourage wide distribution and use of naloxone and fentanyl test strips.</li> <li>Encourage patients to use fentanyl test strips before consumption and avoid using drugs alone.</li> <li>Inform patients who report any type of illicit drug use that any drug can contain fentanyl.&nbsp;</li> <li>Have information on Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) and treatment programs available.</li> </ol> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>Since June 28, 2021, there has been a significant increase in the number of opioid overdoses in West Chicago. **++Action Items:++** 1. Encourage wide distribution and use of naloxone and fentanyl test strips. 2. Encourage patients to use fentanyl test strips before consumption and avoid using drugs alone. 3. Inform patients who report any type of illicit drug use that any drug can contain fentanyl. 4. Have information on Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) and treatment programs available. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667378?p_r_p_categoryId=4403942024-11-08T18:16:3546687781VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter- November 2024<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D" target="_blank">VFC Satisfaction Survey</a> - Please Complete!</li> <li>Call to Increase Vaccination</li> <li>Meet New CDPH Staff</li> <li>I-CARE Updates</li> <li>Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * [VFC Satisfaction Survey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TVFB79D) - Please Complete! * Call to Increase Vaccination * Meet New CDPH Staff * I-CARE Updates * Support for Newly Arrived Individuals in Chicago and More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46687781?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-07-01T16:18:2846667178AnnouncementAntimicrobial Stewardship ProgramLowIL Antimicrobial Stewardship Summit July 13, 2021<p>Register for the Illinois Summit on Antimicrobial Stewardship Today! Virtual Event on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 8:30am-5:00pm CST</p> <p><strong>Registration:&nbsp;</strong>Cost is $10. To register, visit: <a href="https://attendify.co/illinois-summit-on-antimicrobial-stewardship-aWzjvdU">https://attendify.co/illinois-summit-on-antimicrobial-stewardship-aWzjvdU</a></p> <p><strong>Purpose</strong></p> <ul> <li>Summarize the regulatory and national landscape for antimicrobial stewardship.</li> <li>Apply national guidelines and best practices for implementing and evaluating facility antimicrobial stewardship programs.</li> <li>Review past successful antimicrobial stewardship programs and lessons learned.</li> <li>Identify tools and resources for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs.</li> <li>Discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship programs and activities.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>Register for the Illinois Summit on Antimicrobial Stewardship Today! Virtual Event on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 8:30am-5:00pm CST **Registration:** Cost is $10. To register, visit: <https://attendify.co/illinois-summit-on-antimicrobial-stewardship-aWzjvdU> **Purpose** * Summarize the regulatory and national landscape for antimicrobial stewardship. * Apply national guidelines and best practices for implementing and evaluating facility antimicrobial stewardship programs. * Review past successful antimicrobial stewardship programs and lessons learned. * Identify tools and resources for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs. * Discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship programs and activities. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667178?p_r_p_categoryId=4402662021-07-01T14:25:5046667177West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report June 30, 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 30, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance&nbsp;</strong>This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 30, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667177?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982022-07-01T18:14:0946673879InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 1, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/19/2022-6/25/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases increased since last week and&nbsp;remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from&nbsp;3.5 to 6.9.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits&nbsp;for influenza-like illness (ILI) is&nbsp;below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/19/2022-6/25/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases increased since last week and remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has increased from 3.5 to 6.9. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.7%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should consider influenza testing in addition to SARS-CoV-2 testing and [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673879?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-06-29T20:47:2446667078COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 29 , 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity has stabilized and case incidence continues to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now &lt;50 daily, averaging 36 new cases per day.</strong></li> <li>Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage.</li> <li><strong>Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity has stabilized and case incidence continues to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now \<50 daily, averaging 36 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. * **Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46667078?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-06-29T18:46:5246666980NotificationAnnouncementUrgentURGENT: Medical Device Recall Philips Respironics<p>PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENT FOR RECALL INFORMATION FOR MULTIPLE MEDICAL DEVICES FROM PHILIPS RESPIRONICS.</p>PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENT FOR RECALL INFORMATION FOR MULTIPLE MEDICAL DEVICES FROM PHILIPS RESPIRONICS.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666980?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972021-06-25T21:12:0346666978AnnouncementAnnouncementLowIDPH: CMMS targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff and Management<p>From the Illinois Department of Public Health:</p> <p>In accordance with the applicable sections of the Illinois Administrative Code listed below, facilities must certify compliance with the emergency rule requiring all frontline clinical staff, management staff, and newly hired staff to complete the CMMS Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff and Management. &nbsp;Section 300.675 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 300 for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, Section 295.4046 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 for assisted living and shared housing establishments, Section 330.800 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 330 for sheltered care facilities, Section 340.1390 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 340 for veterans’ homes, Section 350.770 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 350 for intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, Section 370.3 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 370 for community living facilities, Section 380.642 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 380 for specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities, and Section 390.761 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 390 for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities.</p> <p><strong>Please read the attached letter, complete the appropriate forms provided, and return to IDPH as instructed.</strong></p>From the Illinois Department of Public Health: In accordance with the applicable sections of the Illinois Administrative Code listed below, facilities must certify compliance with the emergency rule requiring all frontline clinical staff, management staff, and newly hired staff to complete the CMMS Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff and Management. Section 300.675 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 300 for skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, Section 295.4046 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 295 for assisted living and shared housing establishments, Section 330.800 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 330 for sheltered care facilities, Section 340.1390 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 340 for veterans' homes, Section 350.770 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 350 for intermediate care for the developmentally disabled facilities, Section 370.3 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 370 for community living facilities, Section 380.642 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 380 for specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities, and Section 390.761 of 77 Ill. Adm. Code 390 for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities. **Please read the attached letter, complete the appropriate forms provided, and return to IDPH as instructed.**truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666978?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972026-02-27T18:38:4746692578InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - February 27, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> RSV activity is Moderate and is higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html" target="_blank">RSV immunization products</a> to all infants &lt; 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8–19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low however influenza B activity has been increasing for the past several weeks.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> remained similar to the previous week, and among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> remain elevated and similar to the previous week; however the cumulative ICU admission rate remains lower compared to last season.</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.</li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza</strong> decreased from 6.6% to 5.8% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 7.7% to 8.5%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 3.9% to 5.2%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons.</li> <li>Almost half (47%) of the <strong>influenza specimens typed</strong> this week are influenza B, and the percentage of positive influenza B specimens has nearly doubled over the past three weeks. All influenza A specimens that have been subtyped this week are H3N2.</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations for RSV</strong> are Moderate, influenza A concentrations remain Low, influenza B concentrations remain Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations have increased from Moderate to Very High.</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG and XFG.1 continues to be detected in wastewater samples but not clinical samples as of yet.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. &nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.  &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** RSV activity is Moderate and is higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer [RSV immunization products](https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html) to all infants \< 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8--19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low however influenza B activity has been increasing for the past several weeks. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** remained similar to the previous week, and among children 0-17 years, ED visits remain elevated. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 and 2022-23 seasons. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** remain elevated and similar to the previous week; however the cumulative ICU admission rate remains lower compared to last season. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** remained similar to the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age. * **Test positivity for influenza** decreased from 6.6% to 5.8% this week. RSV test positivity increased from 7.7% to 8.5%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 3.9% to 5.2%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons. * Almost half (47%) of the **influenza specimens typed** this week are influenza B, and the percentage of positive influenza B specimens has nearly doubled over the past three weeks. All influenza A specimens that have been subtyped this week are H3N2. * **Wastewater concentrations for RSV** are Moderate, influenza A concentrations remain Low, influenza B concentrations remain Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations have increased from Moderate to Very High. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG and XFG.1 continues to be detected in wastewater samples but not clinical samples as of yet. * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html).   Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46692578?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-06-24T15:44:4346666720Situational AwarenessAnnouncementLowIDPH - Expiration of Executive Order 2020-12 - Inactive CNAs<p>IDPH has issued a Notification regarding Executive Order 2020-12&nbsp; Inactive CNAs</p> <p>Section 1 of the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-12 suspended the provisions in the Healthcare Worker Background Check Act, 225 ILCS 46/33(g), that prohibit an individual from being hired to work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) if they have been inactive on the Health Care Worker Registry if the individual (1) has been in inactive status for a period of no more than 5 years, (2) was in good standing at the time they became inactive, and (3) completes and submits any forms required by the Department of Public Health. As a result, CNAs who met these qualifications could be reinstated without taking the CNA exam again. &nbsp;Section 1 of EO 2020-12 will expire on June 26, 2021. The Department will continue to process applications for reinstatement of CNAs until June 26, 2021. After June 26, 2021, CNAs whose certifications are inactive will be required to go through the normal recertification process, which involves undergoing a manual skills assessment and taking the CNA exam. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.173; 42 CFR 483.156(c)(2).</p> <p>The Department has reinstated certifications for over 1,000 CNAs under the provisions of this Executive Order since March 2020. &nbsp;For the CNAs who were reinstated under the Executive Order, their certifications will remain active until the CNA has an employment gap of more than 24 months. &nbsp;As long as a CNA continues to work at least once every 24 months, the certification will remain active.</p> <p>Please direct any further questions to <a href="mailto:dph.hcwr@illinois.gov">dph.hcwr@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>IDPH has issued a Notification regarding Executive Order 2020-12 Inactive CNAs Section 1 of the Governor's Executive Order 2020-12 suspended the provisions in the Healthcare Worker Background Check Act, 225 ILCS 46/33(g), that prohibit an individual from being hired to work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) if they have been inactive on the Health Care Worker Registry if the individual (1) has been in inactive status for a period of no more than 5 years, (2) was in good standing at the time they became inactive, and (3) completes and submits any forms required by the Department of Public Health. As a result, CNAs who met these qualifications could be reinstated without taking the CNA exam again. Section 1 of EO 2020-12 will expire on June 26, 2021. The Department will continue to process applications for reinstatement of CNAs until June 26, 2021. After June 26, 2021, CNAs whose certifications are inactive will be required to go through the normal recertification process, which involves undergoing a manual skills assessment and taking the CNA exam. 77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.173; 42 CFR 483.156(c)(2). The Department has reinstated certifications for over 1,000 CNAs under the provisions of this Executive Order since March 2020. For the CNAs who were reinstated under the Executive Order, their certifications will remain active until the CNA has an employment gap of more than 24 months. As long as a CNA continues to work at least once every 24 months, the certification will remain active. Please direct any further questions to [dph.hcwr@illinois.gov](mailto:dph.hcwr@illinois.gov). Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666720?p_r_p_categoryId=4573972021-06-22T18:55:2546666719COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates June 22, 2021<p> </p> <p>• <strong>Thank you to those providers who completed the acknowledgement last week. Our liaisons will be following up with you shortly to discuss unreported doses.</strong> Remember, all COVID-19 vaccine providers must document vaccine administration in your medical record system within 24 hours of administration and use your best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE no later than 72 hours after administration. Corrective action plans will begin for providers with excess unreported/unaccounted for doses.</p> <p>•<strong> No orders will be delivered Independence Day MONDAY, July 5 (federal holiday)</strong>. </p> <p>• <strong>Grant Park Music Festival's Independence Day Salute </strong>is honoring healthcare workers in Millennium Park on Friday, July 2 at 6:30 PM. The concert is free and healthcare workers are invited to reserve a pair of passes in advance<span style="background-color:#f1c40f">. </span><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">Visit</span><a href="https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/"><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> www.gpmf.org</span></a><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> between June 23-27</span></strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> (this Wednesday-Sunday) and use the promo code</span><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> "OURTHANKS"</span></strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> for your reserved seat.</span></p> <p><strong>• UPDATED </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html">CDC Vaccine FAQs</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html">CDC Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines</a></p> <p>• Check out the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccinate-with-confidence.html"> CDC Vaccinate with Confidence</a> webpage for insights reports and framework toolkit.</p> <p>•<strong> TOMORROW</strong> Wednesday <a href="https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">June 23rd ACIP meeting</a>: data on myocarditis/pericarditis after mRNA vaccines will be reviewed from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM CT.</p> <p>• Register<a href="https://nfid.z2systems.com/np/clients/nfid/eventRegistration.jsp?event=334&amp;"> here </a>for <strong>COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination:</strong> Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM CT/ 12:00 PM ET. Hosted by National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).</p> <p>See attachment for futher details.</p>• **Thank you to those providers who completed the acknowledgement last week. Our liaisons will be following up with you shortly to discuss unreported doses.** Remember, all COVID-19 vaccine providers must document vaccine administration in your medical record system within 24 hours of administration and use your best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE no later than 72 hours after administration. Corrective action plans will begin for providers with excess unreported/unaccounted for doses. •**No orders will be delivered Independence Day MONDAY, July 5 (federal holiday)**.  • **Grant Park Music Festival's Independence Day Salute** is honoring healthcare workers in Millennium Park on Friday, July 2 at 6:30 PM. The concert is free and healthcare workers are invited to reserve a pair of passes in advance. **Visit[www.gpmf.org](https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/) between June 23-27** (this Wednesday-Sunday) and use the promo code**"OURTHANKS"** for your reserved seat. **• UPDATED** [CDC Vaccine FAQs](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html) and [CDC Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html) • Check out the[CDC Vaccinate with Confidence](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccinate-with-confidence.html) webpage for insights reports and framework toolkit. •**TOMORROW** Wednesday [June 23rd ACIP meeting](https://video.ibm.com/channel/VWBXKBR8af4): data on myocarditis/pericarditis after mRNA vaccines will be reviewed from 10:30 AM -- 3:00 PM CT. • Register[here](https://nfid.z2systems.com/np/clients/nfid/eventRegistration.jsp?event=334&)for **COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Adolescent Vaccination:** Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM CT/ 12:00 PM ET. Hosted by National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). See attachment for futher details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666719?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442022-07-08T20:58:3546673885InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 8, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/25/2022-7/2/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is Medium.</li> <li>The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days decreased from 6.9 to 5.5.</li> <li>he 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.7%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing&nbsp;influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 6/25/2022-7/2/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is Medium. * The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days decreased from 6.9 to 5.5. * he 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains unchanged at 3.7%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673885?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-06-22T17:13:3746666811COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 22 , 2021<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;<strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now &lt;50 daily, averaging 44 new cases per day.</strong></li> <li>Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage.</li> <li><strong>Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></li> </ul> <p>See attachment for further details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now \<50 daily, averaging 44 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. * **Continue to advise vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666811?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-06-22T14:20:0346666808West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report June 15th , 2021<p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 22, 2021 is now availible.</p> <p><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</p> <p><strong>Surveillance</strong>This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</p> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 22, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance**This report provides data on Week 24 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week forthe duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666808?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-06-09T18:33:3346666701Situational AwarenessSexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)Low2021 National Sexual Health Conference, October 6-8, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">The 2021 NATIONAL SEXUAL HEALTH CONFERENCE — held virtually this year due to ongoing safety concerns and uncertainty around travel, crowds, and COVID variants — will bring together clinicians, researchers, educators, social workers and healthcare administrators from across the United States and around the world to share information, efforts, and best practices around sexual health across the lifespan. The National Sexual Health Conference bridges the varied disciplines of education, advocacy, clinical care, and public health, among others, in order to increase knowledge and skills, foster collaborations, align efforts, and build networks among peers delivering similar services.<br /> <br /> The 2021 National Sexual Health Conference will have a focus on sexual health and sexual health services during, and emerging from, the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on sharing/diffusion of information, innovation, and lessons learned.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For more information please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sexualhealth2021.org/">https://www.sexualhealth2021.org/</a></span></p> <p> </p>The 2021 NATIONAL SEXUAL HEALTH CONFERENCE --- held virtually this year due to ongoing safety concerns and uncertainty around travel, crowds, and COVID variants --- will bring together clinicians, researchers, educators, social workers and healthcare administrators from across the United States and around the world to share information, efforts, and best practices around sexual health across the lifespan. The National Sexual Health Conference bridges the varied disciplines of education, advocacy, clinical care, and public health, among others, in order to increase knowledge and skills, foster collaborations, align efforts, and build networks among peers delivering similar services. The 2021 National Sexual Health Conference will have a focus on sexual health and sexual health services during, and emerging from, the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on sharing/diffusion of information, innovation, and lessons learned. For more information please visit: <https://www.sexualhealth2021.org/>falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666701?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-06-16T22:15:0346666803COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowSituational Awareness Call for Chicago COVID-19 Vaccine Providers - June 18, 2021<p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health and Ricardo Cifuentes, VP of External Affairs from Esperanza Health Center. Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!</p> <p>Friday, June 18 - 12:00 PM CST</p> <p>Webinar link:<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success</a><br /> or Dial:&nbsp;312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione, Medical Director from the Chicago Department of Public Health and Ricardo Cifuentes, VP of External Affairs from Esperanza Health Center. Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Friday, June 18 - 12:00 PM CST Webinar link:<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success> or Dial: 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666803?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-06-16T21:48:3446666802VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - June 16, 2022 includes NEW TRAINING LINK<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>LINK CORRECTED: Reg. Mtg. training due 6/30/21</li> <li>New VFC HAN website</li> <li>Up Next: VFC Re-Enrollment</li> <li>Flu Pre-Book open 6/14-7/30</li> <li>Vaxelis vaccine available this month</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * LINK CORRECTED: Reg. Mtg. training due 6/30/21 * New VFC HAN website * Up Next: VFC Re-Enrollment * Flu Pre-Book open 6/14-7/30 * Vaxelis vaccine available this month Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666802?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-06-16T16:52:2446666711STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowSexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men<p><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Virtual Webinar:&nbsp;Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">June 24, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30am</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Webinar Learning Objectives:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Describe burden of bacterial STDs among MSM populations</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Discuss disparities that impact MSM population</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Identify possible explanations for increasing rates of STDs</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Register <a href="https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37413" target="_blank">here</a><a href="https://www.matec.info/event">.</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">See attachment for full details, including information on Continuing Education Credits.</span></p>**Virtual Webinar: Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men** June 24, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30am Webinar Learning Objectives: * Describe burden of bacterial STDs among MSM populations * Discuss disparities that impact MSM population * Identify possible explanations for increasing rates of STDs Register [here](https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37413)[.](https://www.matec.info/event) See attachment for full details, including information on Continuing Education Credits.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666711?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392022-07-13T00:52:5646673789ViralDiseases & ConditionsHighCDC: Recent Reports of Human Parechovirus (PeV) in the United States—2022<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments that parechovirus (PeV) is currently circulating in the United States. Since May 2022, CDC has received reports from healthcare providers in multiple states of PeV infections in neonates and young infants. Parechoviruses are a group of viruses known to cause a spectrum of disease in humans. Clinicians are encouraged to include PeV in the differential diagnoses of infants presenting with fever, sepsis-like syndrome, or neurologic illness (seizures, meningitis) without another known cause and to test for PeV in children with signs and symptoms compatible with PeV infection (see below). Commercial laboratory assays, multiplex platforms for meningitis and encephalitis, and testing through state public health laboratories (SPHLs) are available to test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for PeV to confirm a diagnosis. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/hcp.html" target="_blank">CDC laboratory support</a> is also available for testing and typing patient specimens.</p> <p>To date, all PeV positive specimens tested and typed at CDC were type PeV-A3. Because there is presently no systematic surveillance for PeVs in the United States, it is not clear how the number of PeV cases reported in 2022 compares to previous seasons. PeV laboratory testing has become more widely available in recent years, and it is possible that increased testing has led to a higher number of PeV diagnoses compared with previous years.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians</strong></p> <ul> <li>Be aware that PeVs circulate in the summer and fall. In the absence of an identified pathogen, consider PeV infection in a neonate or infant presenting with fever, sepsis-like syndrome, or signs of neurologic involvement.</li> <li>Become familiar with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/lab-testing/specimen-collection.html" target="_blank">specimen collection, storage, and shipping procedures</a>. Testing for PeV is available at commercial clinical laboratories and SPHLs, and hospitals may use multiplex meningitis and encephalitis panels for CSF testing that include PeV. Testing and typing for PeV are also available at CDC when other options are unavailable; clinicians should still work with their state public health department to send specimens to CDC. Please contact <a href="mailto:PicornaLab@cdc.gov">PicornaLab@cdc.gov</a> before submitting specimens. Accepted specimens include CSF, throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, blood, and stool.</li> <li>Consider cohorting an infant hospitalized with detected PeV infection with other affected infant(s) to avoid healthcare-associated transmission in nurseries or neonatal intensive care units.</li> <li>Use <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/transmission-based-precautions.html" target="_blank">Contact, Droplet, and Standard Precautions</a>. In most clinical situations, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is preferred for cleaning hands with an alcohol content of at least 60%. However, soap and water is the preferred method after patient care involving diapering or toileting, before eating or feeding, and if hands are visibly soiled (e.g., dirt, blood, body fluids). Although non-enveloped viruses may be less susceptible to alcohol than enveloped viruses, ABHS offers benefits in skin tolerance, compliance, and overall effectiveness, especially when combined with glove use. See <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/recommendations/core-practices.html" target="_blank">Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings –Recommendations of the HICPAC</a> for more information.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments that parechovirus (PeV) is currently circulating in the United States. Since May 2022, CDC has received reports from healthcare providers in multiple states of PeV infections in neonates and young infants. Parechoviruses are a group of viruses known to cause a spectrum of disease in humans. Clinicians are encouraged to include PeV in the differential diagnoses of infants presenting with fever, sepsis-like syndrome, or neurologic illness (seizures, meningitis) without another known cause and to test for PeV in children with signs and symptoms compatible with PeV infection (see below). Commercial laboratory assays, multiplex platforms for meningitis and encephalitis, and testing through state public health laboratories (SPHLs) are available to test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for PeV to confirm a diagnosis. [CDC laboratory support](https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/hcp.html) is also available for testing and typing patient specimens. To date, all PeV positive specimens tested and typed at CDC were type PeV-A3. Because there is presently no systematic surveillance for PeVs in the United States, it is not clear how the number of PeV cases reported in 2022 compares to previous seasons. PeV laboratory testing has become more widely available in recent years, and it is possible that increased testing has led to a higher number of PeV diagnoses compared with previous years. **Recommendations for Clinicians** * Be aware that PeVs circulate in the summer and fall. In the absence of an identified pathogen, consider PeV infection in a neonate or infant presenting with fever, sepsis-like syndrome, or signs of neurologic involvement. * Become familiar with [specimen collection, storage, and shipping procedures](https://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/lab-testing/specimen-collection.html). Testing for PeV is available at commercial clinical laboratories and SPHLs, and hospitals may use multiplex meningitis and encephalitis panels for CSF testing that include PeV. Testing and typing for PeV are also available at CDC when other options are unavailable; clinicians should still work with their state public health department to send specimens to CDC. Please contact [PicornaLab@cdc.gov](mailto:PicornaLab@cdc.gov) before submitting specimens. Accepted specimens include CSF, throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, blood, and stool. * Consider cohorting an infant hospitalized with detected PeV infection with other affected infant(s) to avoid healthcare-associated transmission in nurseries or neonatal intensive care units. * Use [Contact, Droplet, and Standard Precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/transmission-based-precautions.html). In most clinical situations, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is preferred for cleaning hands with an alcohol content of at least 60%. However, soap and water is the preferred method after patient care involving diapering or toileting, before eating or feeding, and if hands are visibly soiled (e.g., dirt, blood, body fluids). Although non-enveloped viruses may be less susceptible to alcohol than enveloped viruses, ABHS offers benefits in skin tolerance, compliance, and overall effectiveness, especially when combined with glove use. See [Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings --Recommendations of the HICPAC](https://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/recommendations/core-practices.html) for more information. Please see the attached for more information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673789?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542021-06-15T21:33:2646666710COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 15, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now &lt;100 daily, averaging 75 new cases per day.</strong></li> <li>Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Continue to encourage vaccination of everyone age 12 and older.</li> <li><strong>The “Delta” variant (B.1.617.2), first identified in India, has now been designated as a variant of concern by the CDC. Continue to advise vaccination to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">See attachment for further details.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now \<100 daily, averaging 75 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Continue to encourage vaccination of everyone age 12 and older. * **The "Delta" variant (B.1.617.2), first identified in India, has now been designated as a variant of concern by the CDC. Continue to advise vaccination to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.** See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666710?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-06-15T19:41:3046666801COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update; J&J Shelf life extension and LAST CHANCE to complete compliance statement<ul> <li><strong>You must complete the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RF8AJK3MND" target="_blank">REQUIRED COVID-19 Provider Acknowledgement</a> by 5:00pm CT, TODAY to maintain compliance with your provider agreement.</strong> CDPH COVID-19 vaccine providers are required to enter or transmit all COVID-19 doses administered through 6/16/21 into I-CARE prior to 6/19/21, EVEN if you no longer receive vaccine through the program or do not intend to order additional doses. Notification sent to primary and secondary contacts 6/11/21, due 6/14/21.</li> <li><strong><span style="color:#f39c12">CONGRATS to University of Chicago Medicine</span></strong> for administering &gt;120,000 doses with 97% utilization!</li> <li><strong><span style="color:#f39c12">CONGRATS to Mile Square Health</span></strong> Center for reducing their number of unaccounted doses by 50% over the last 2 weeks! Thank you for all your hard work!</li> <li>As of June 10, 2021, Janssen/J&amp;J vaccine stored at 2-8°C has been granted a shelf life extension from 3 months to 4.5 months by FDA. See the <a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-statement-on-fda-approval-of-shelf-life-extension-for-companys-covid-19-vaccine">company’s press release</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/150064/download">FDA concurrence letter</a> for more information. If J&amp;J vaccine has been stored correctly and is set to expire, please recheck the expiration date at <a href="http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/">http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/</a> and relabel the vials as soon as possible to prevent wastage of vaccine. <ul> <li>NEXT CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers is Friday 6/18 at 12pm CT</li> <li>Click <a href="http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</li> </ul> </li> <li>Recording of last (6/4/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL">here</a>.</li> <li>Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations? Check out the <a href="https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/">MXC Vaccine Ambassador course</a>. Get a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for details and other COVID-19 Vaccine Information.</p>* **You must complete the [REQUIRED COVID-19 Provider Acknowledgement](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RF8AJK3MND) by 5:00pm CT, TODAY to maintain compliance with your provider agreement.** CDPH COVID-19 vaccine providers are required to enter or transmit all COVID-19 doses administered through 6/16/21 into I-CARE prior to 6/19/21, EVEN if you no longer receive vaccine through the program or do not intend to order additional doses. Notification sent to primary and secondary contacts 6/11/21, due 6/14/21. * **CONGRATS to University of Chicago Medicine** for administering \>120,000 doses with 97% utilization! * **CONGRATS to Mile Square Health** Center for reducing their number of unaccounted doses by 50% over the last 2 weeks! Thank you for all your hard work! * As of June 10, 2021, Janssen/J\&J vaccine stored at 2-8°C has been granted a shelf life extension from 3 months to 4.5 months by FDA. See the [company's press release](https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-statement-on-fda-approval-of-shelf-life-extension-for-companys-covid-19-vaccine) and [FDA concurrence letter](https://www.fda.gov/media/150064/download) for more information. If J\&J vaccine has been stored correctly and is set to expire, please recheck the expiration date at <http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/> and relabel the vials as soon as possible to prevent wastage of vaccine. * NEXT CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers is Friday 6/18 at 12pm CT * Click <http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) * Recording of last (6/4/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL). * Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations? Check out the [MXC Vaccine Ambassador course](https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/). Get a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community. Please see the attachment for details and other COVID-19 Vaccine Information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666801?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292025-04-10T15:10:2946689877VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - April 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Measles News</li> <li>Flu Season Update</li> <li>Health &amp; Economic benefits of Childhood Immunizations</li> <li>VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars</li> <li>And More!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Measles News * Flu Season Update * Health \& Economic benefits of Childhood Immunizations * VFC Trainings and Upcoming Webinars * And More! Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689877?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-06-15T17:06:3446666800West Nile VirusWest Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report June 15th , 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 15, 2021 is now availible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Risk Assessment</strong><br /> &nbsp;The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Surveillance</strong><br /> This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. O’Hare traps set during Weeks 19 through 22 are included as well. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the&nbsp;attachment for further details.</span></p>The Arboviral Surveillance Report issued June 15, 2021 is now availible. **Risk Assessment** The risk of human West Nile virus in the City of Chicago is low. **Surveillance** This report provides data on Week 23 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. O'Hare traps set during Weeks 19 through 22 are included as well. Gravid traps are placed throughout the City of Chicago and monitored twice a week for the duration of the mosquito-breeding season. For this reporting period, there were zero (0) WNV positive mosquito pools. Please see the attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666800?p_r_p_categoryId=4552982021-06-14T14:51:3646666707VFCVaccines for ChildrenLowChicago VFC News Bulletin - June 14, 2021<p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p><u><strong>In This Issue:</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Reg. Mtg. training due 6/30/21</li> <li>Medicaid vaccine reimbursement increases</li> <li>New VFC HAN website</li> <li>VFC Re-Enrollment upcoming</li> <li>Flu Pre-Book open 6/14-7/30</li> <li>Vaxelis vaccine available</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>The news bulletin serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. ++**In This Issue:**++ * Reg. Mtg. training due 6/30/21 * Medicaid vaccine reimbursement increases * New VFC HAN website * VFC Re-Enrollment upcoming * Flu Pre-Book open 6/14-7/30 * Vaxelis vaccine available Please see attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666707?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722021-06-11T19:30:0346666798COVID19COVID-19 VaccineHighREQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMPLIANCE with the COVID-19 vaccine provider agreement<p>The Responsible Officers who signed a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Agreement with CDPH are accountable for compliance with the conditions specified in the agreement: <a href="https://icare.dph.illinois.gov/pdf/CDC_COVID19_Provider_Agreement.pdf" target="_blank">https://icare.dph.illinois.gov/pdf/CDC_COVID19_Provider_Agreement.pdf</a>.</p> <p>Facilities must document COVID-19 vaccine administration in a medical record system within 24 hours of administration and use best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE no later than 72 hours after administration. <strong>CDPH is requiring all providers to enter or transmit all COVID-19 doses administered through 6/16/21 into I-CARE prior to 6/19/21, EVEN if you are no longer receiving vaccine through the program or do not intend to order additional doses</strong>.</p> <p>Please have your facility’s responsible officer or representative fill out an acknowledgement statement:&nbsp;<a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RF8AJK3MND" target="_blank">REQUIRED COVID-19 Provider Acknowledgement </a>by 5:00pm CT, Monday June 4, 2021 to maintain compliance with your provider agreement.</p>The Responsible Officers who signed a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Agreement with CDPH are accountable for compliance with the conditions specified in the agreement: <https://icare.dph.illinois.gov/pdf/CDC_COVID19_Provider_Agreement.pdf>. Facilities must document COVID-19 vaccine administration in a medical record system within 24 hours of administration and use best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE no later than 72 hours after administration. **CDPH is requiring all providers to enter or transmit all COVID-19 doses administered through 6/16/21 into I-CARE prior to 6/19/21, EVEN if you are no longer receiving vaccine through the program or do not intend to order additional doses**. Please have your facility's responsible officer or representative fill out an acknowledgement statement: [REQUIRED COVID-19 Provider Acknowledgement](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RF8AJK3MND)by 5:00pm CT, Monday June 4, 2021 to maintain compliance with your provider agreement.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666798?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-06-11T17:06:0946666706COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowURGENT: J&J Shelf Life Extension<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>As of June 10, 2021, Janssen/J&amp;J vaccine stored at <span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">2-8</span> <span style="font-family:&quot;Cambria Math&quot;,serif">°</span><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">C </span>&nbsp;has been granted a shelf life extension from 3 months to 4.5 months by FDA</strong>. <strong>See the <a href="https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-statement-on-fda-approval-of-shelf-life-extension-for-companys-covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">company’s press release</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/150064/download" target="_blank">FDA concurrence letter</a> for more information. If J&amp;J vaccine has been stored correctly and is set to expire, please recheck the expiration date at <a href="http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/" target="_blank">http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/ </a>and relabel the vials as soon as possible to prevent wastage of vaccine.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for details and other COVID-19 Vaccine Information.</span></p>**As of June 10, 2021, Janssen/J\&J vaccine stored at 2-8 °C has been granted a shelf life extension from 3 months to 4.5 months by FDA** . **See the [company's press release](https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-statement-on-fda-approval-of-shelf-life-extension-for-companys-covid-19-vaccine) and [FDA concurrence letter](https://www.fda.gov/media/150064/download) for more information. If J\&J vaccine has been stored correctly and is set to expire, please recheck the expiration date at <http://www.vaxcheck.jnj/>and relabel the vials as soon as possible to prevent wastage of vaccine.** Please see the attachment for details and other COVID-19 Vaccine Information.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666706?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-06-10T19:05:5646666705COVID19Diseases & ConditionsLowCDC Health Advisory: Increased Interseasonal Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Parts of the Southern United States June 10, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health advisory intended to notify clinicians and caregivers about increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across parts of the Southern United States. Due to this increased activity, CDC encourages broader testing for RSV among patients presenting with acute respiratory illness who test negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. RSV can be associated with severe disease in young children and older adults. This health advisory also serves as a reminder to healthcare personnel, childcare providers, and staff of long-term care facilities to avoid reporting to work while acutely ill – even if they test negative for SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>As always, please report unusual clusters of severe respiratory viral illness to CDPH by calling the provider reporting hotline: 312-743-9000 or 311 after business hours and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>Please read the attached Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health advisory intended to notify clinicians and caregivers about increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across parts of the Southern United States. Due to this increased activity, CDC encourages broader testing for RSV among patients presenting with acute respiratory illness who test negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. RSV can be associated with severe disease in young children and older adults. This health advisory also serves as a reminder to healthcare personnel, childcare providers, and staff of long-term care facilities to avoid reporting to work while acutely ill -- even if they test negative for SARS-CoV-2. **As always, please report unusual clusters of severe respiratory viral illness to CDPH by calling the provider reporting hotline: 312-743-9000 or 311 after business hours and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.** Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666705?p_r_p_categoryId=4345542026-03-06T20:03:2646692478InfluenzaDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Influenza,Congregate SettingsHighChicago Influenza and Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report - March 6, 2026<p><strong>Weekly Key Points</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.</strong> RSV activity is Moderate and remains higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer RSV immunization products to all infants &lt; 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8–19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low, however influenza B activity has been increasing for the past several weeks.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV</strong> remain elevated, particularly among children 0–4 years, and similar to the previous week. The cumulative ICU admission rate remains lower compared to last season, but may continue to increase given the prolonged RSV activity this season.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza</strong> remained similar to the previous week, and ED visits among children 0-17 years remain elevated. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19</strong> decreased from the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Test positivity for influenza</strong> increased from 6.5% to 6.6% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 8.7% to 7.3%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 5.4% to 3.1%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons.&nbsp;</li> <li>More than half (56%) of the <strong>influenza specimens typed</strong> this week are influenza B, marking the first week of more influenza B than influenza A typed specimens for the season. All influenza A specimens that have been subtyped this week are H3N2.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Wastewater concentrations</strong> for RSV are Moderate, influenza A concentrations remain Low, influenza B concentrations remain Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations have decreased from Very High to High.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>The predominant COVID-19 variant</strong> currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG followed by XFG.1.1.</li> <li><strong>It’s not too late to get vaccinated!</strong> <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">Vaccines</a> are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness. &nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics</a>.  &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> **Weekly Key Points** * **Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low.** RSV activity is Moderate and remains higher at this time of the year compared to prior seasons. Healthcare providers should continue to administer RSV immunization products to all infants \< 8 months of age and high-risk infants ages 8--19 months. Influenza and COVID-19 activity remain Low, however influenza B activity has been increasing for the past several weeks. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV** remain elevated, particularly among children 0--4 years, and similar to the previous week. The cumulative ICU admission rate remains lower compared to last season, but may continue to increase given the prolonged RSV activity this season. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for influenza** remained similar to the previous week, and ED visits among children 0-17 years remain elevated. The overall cumulative influenza ICU admission rate is lower at this point in the year compared to last year but similar to the 2023-24 season. * **ED visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19** decreased from the previous week. Cumulative ICU admission rates for COVID-19 are highest among adults ≥65 years of age. * **Test positivity for influenza** increased from 6.5% to 6.6% this week. RSV test positivity decreased from 8.7% to 7.3%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased from 5.4% to 3.1%. The weekly percent of specimens testing positive for RSV remains higher this year compared to the same time during previous seasons. * More than half (56%) of the **influenza specimens typed** this week are influenza B, marking the first week of more influenza B than influenza A typed specimens for the season. All influenza A specimens that have been subtyped this week are H3N2. * **Wastewater concentrations** for RSV are Moderate, influenza A concentrations remain Low, influenza B concentrations remain Minimal, SARS-CoV-2 concentrations have decreased from Very High to High. * **The predominant COVID-19 variant** currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG followed by XFG.1.1. * **It's not too late to get vaccinated!**  [Vaccines](https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/documents/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/2025-26-respiratory-immunization-recommendations.pdf) are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.  * Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the [CDPH's standing Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/clinical_health/immunization_clinics.html).   Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46692478?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,437835,133213092021-06-09T15:24:5646666797COVID19COVIDLowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates; Dose Documentation Review June 9, 2021<ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>KEEP VACCINATING!</strong> Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week; include all patients over 12 in the order. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and need an order form link or want to transfer vaccine this week, email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org"><u>covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org.</u></a></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:#e74c3c"><strong>NEW</strong></span> <strong>Corrective Action Plans Begin for COVID-19 Dose Documentation</strong>: CDPH COVID-19 vaccination providers must document vaccine administration in their medical record systems within 24 hours of administration and use their best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE soon as practicable and no later than 72 hours after administration.<span style="background-color:#f1c40f"> </span><strong><span style="background-color:#f1c40f">If you have excess unreported doses on your next report card (data through 6/19 or 6/26), you will hear from our liaisons to initiate corrective action plans.</span></strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>NEXT CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers – Friday 6/18 at 12pm CT</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">• Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">• Recording of last Friday’s<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL"> (6/4/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call here.</a></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations?</strong> Check out the <a href="https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/">MXC Vaccine Ambassador course</a>. You get a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">See attachment for futher details.</span></p>* **KEEP VACCINATING!** Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week; include all patients over 12 in the order. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and need an order form link or want to transfer vaccine this week, email [++covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org.++](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) * **NEW** **Corrective Action Plans Begin for COVID-19 Dose Documentation** : CDPH COVID-19 vaccination providers must document vaccine administration in their medical record systems within 24 hours of administration and use their best efforts to report administration data to I-CARE soon as practicable and no later than 72 hours after administration. **If you have excess unreported doses on your next report card (data through 6/19 or 6/26), you will hear from our liaisons to initiate corrective action plans.** * **NEXT CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers -- Friday 6/18 at 12pm CT** * • Click [http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) * • Recording of last Friday's[(6/4/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call here.](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GnR4eE-MWdasxDIIjL2LCeE5h2vYOlWL) * **Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations?** Check out the [MXC Vaccine Ambassador course](https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/). You get a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community. See attachment for futher details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666797?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-06-08T19:00:3146666697COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report June 8, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">&nbsp;<strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now &lt;100 daily, averaging 91 new cases per day.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">&nbsp;Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Continue to encourage vaccination of everyone age 12 and older.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">See attachment for further details.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now \<100 daily, averaging 91 new cases per day.** * Though COVID-19 cases are low, cases continue to be disproportionately high in areas of Chicago with lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Continue to encourage vaccination of everyone age 12 and older. See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666697?p_r_p_categoryId=4369302021-06-08T17:08:4746666696Laboratory InformationLabLowUpdates to Packaging and Shipping Guidelines for Clinical Laboratories<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories, would like to share updated packaging and shipping guidelines from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). ASM, in partnership with the Association of Publich Health Laboratories (APHL), has updated the Packaging and Shipping Infectious Substances Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases. The revised version includes general updates and clarifying regulatory interpretations for common packaging and shipping regulations and requirements applicable to clinical laboratories.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please find the updated guidelines here.<a href="https://asm.org/ASM/media/Policy-and-Advocacy/images/CPHMC_PackAndShip_Guideline.pdf?ext=.pdf"> https://asm.org/ASM/media/Policy-andAdvocacy/images/CPHMC_PackAndShip_Guideline.pdf?ext=.pdf</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for further details.&nbsp;</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Laboratories, would like to share updated packaging and shipping guidelines from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). ASM, in partnership with the Association of Publich Health Laboratories (APHL), has updated the Packaging and Shipping Infectious Substances Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases. The revised version includes general updates and clarifying regulatory interpretations for common packaging and shipping regulations and requirements applicable to clinical laboratories. Please find the updated guidelines here.[https://asm.org/ASM/media/Policy-andAdvocacy/images/CPHMC_PackAndShip_Guideline.pdf?ext=.pdf](https://asm.org/ASM/media/Policy-and-Advocacy/images/CPHMC_PackAndShip_Guideline.pdf?ext=.pdf) See attachment for further details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666696?p_r_p_categoryId=4414682021-06-07T20:19:4846666794Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsCOVIDLowUpdate: FDA Recommends Transition from Use of Non-NIOSH-Approved and Decontaminated Disposable Respirators<p><span style="font-size:16px">The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a&nbsp;Letter to Health Care Personnel and Facilities on May 27, 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The FDA is recommending health care personnel and facilities transition away from crisis capacity conservation strategies, such as using non-NIOSH-approved disposable respirators, including non-NIOSH-approved imported respirators such as KN95s. This recommendation is in follow-up to the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/fda-recommends-transition-use-decontaminated-disposable-respirators-letter-health-care-personnel-and" target="_blank">April 9, 2021, letter</a> in which the FDA recommended a transition away from decontamination or bioburden-reduction systems for cleaning and disinfecting disposable respirators, which were being reused by health care personnel.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Based on the increased domestic supply of new respirators approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and consistent with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html" target="_blank">CDC’s updated recommendations</a>, the FDA believes health care personnel and facilities can transition away from using non-NIOSH-approved respirators and from utilizing decontamination and bioburden reduction systems. These crisis capacity conservation strategies have been used to address respirator shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Letter to Health Care Personnel and Facilities on May 27, 2021. The FDA is recommending health care personnel and facilities transition away from crisis capacity conservation strategies, such as using non-NIOSH-approved disposable respirators, including non-NIOSH-approved imported respirators such as KN95s. This recommendation is in follow-up to the [April 9, 2021, letter](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/fda-recommends-transition-use-decontaminated-disposable-respirators-letter-health-care-personnel-and) in which the FDA recommended a transition away from decontamination or bioburden-reduction systems for cleaning and disinfecting disposable respirators, which were being reused by health care personnel. Based on the increased domestic supply of new respirators approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and consistent with [CDC's updated recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html), the FDA believes health care personnel and facilities can transition away from using non-NIOSH-approved respirators and from utilizing decontamination and bioburden reduction systems. These crisis capacity conservation strategies have been used to address respirator shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666794?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-04-24T03:51:4346666081COVID19LowFDA and CDC recommend resuming use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for individuals age 18 and over<p style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px">CDC and FDA paused use of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on April 13 in order to investigate 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals receiving the vaccine.</span></li> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px">After a CDC and FDA data review during the pause, a total of 15 cases of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were confirmed out of 7.98 million administered doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.</span></li> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>After review of all cases, ACIP recommended the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for individuals age 18 years of age and older in the US population under FDA Emergency Use.</strong></span></li> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine&rsquo;s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.</strong></span></li> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>CDPH recommends that providers can immediately resume use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.</strong></span></li> <li style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px">TTS is a rare but clinically serious and potentially life-threatening adverse event that has been observed in association with the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine. It is important to recognize TTS early and initiate appropriate treatment. Do not treat with heparin unless HIT testing is negative.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align:start"><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * CDC and FDA paused use of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on April 13 in order to investigate 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals receiving the vaccine. * After a CDC and FDA data review during the pause, a total of 15 cases of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were confirmed out of 7.98 million administered doses of the Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. * **After review of all cases, ACIP recommended the use of Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for individuals age 18 years of age and older in the US population under FDA Emergency Use.** * **The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine's known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.** * **CDPH recommends that providers can immediately resume use of the Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.** * TTS is a rare but clinically serious and potentially life-threatening adverse event that has been observed in association with the Johnson \& Johnson vaccine. It is important to recognize TTS early and initiate appropriate treatment. Do not treat with heparin unless HIT testing is negative. Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-06-04T14:37:5046666792STISexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)LowSexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men<p><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Virtual Webinar:&nbsp;Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">June 24, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30am</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Webinar Learning Objectives:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Describe burden of bacterial STDs among MSM populations</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Discuss disparities that impact MSM population</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Identify possible explanations for increasing rates of STDs</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Register <a href="https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37413" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">See attachment for full details, including information on Continuing Education Credits.</span></p>**Virtual Webinar: Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Men Who Have Sex with Men** June 24, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30am Webinar Learning Objectives: * Describe burden of bacterial STDs among MSM populations * Discuss disparities that impact MSM population * Identify possible explanations for increasing rates of STDs Register [here](https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37413). See attachment for full details, including information on Continuing Education Credits.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666792?p_r_p_categoryId=4387392021-06-02T16:10:4646666787COVID19COVID-19 VaccineLowCOVID19 Vaccine Provider Update for June 2, 2021<p><strong>**ORDER IF YOU NEED IT*</strong>* Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week – include all patients over 12 in the order. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email<span style="color:#2980b9"><u> covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</u></span> right away.</p> <p>o <span style="color:#e74c3c">UPDATED<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf"> </a></span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf">Summary Document for Interim Clinical Considerations</a> (both standard + poster size) and May 26, 2021 version of Product Information Guide for COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Products attached.</p> <p>• <span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW </span><strong>COVID-19 Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date Service:</strong> COVID-19 vaccines have no preservative. Frozen vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) expire after roughly six months; refrigerated vaccines expire after 90 days (J&amp;J/Janssen). CDC asks that providers regularly check vaccine expiration dates and rotate stock to avoid waste. <a href="https://vaccinecodeset.cdc.gov/LotNumber/?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2019-DM58459&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=IIS%20Information%20Brief%20%E2%80%93%205%2F28%2F2021&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_2019-DM58459">Visit CDC's Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date </a>webpage and complete the registration form to request access.</p> <p>•<strong> IAFP/ISMS/IDPH Webinar: Administering COVID-19 Vaccine in the Primary Care Setting</strong> – Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 12-1 pm, register<strong><a href="https://app.livestorm.co/isms/administering-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-primary-care-setting?type=detailed"> HERE</a></strong></p> <p>• <strong>JUNE CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers – Fridays 6/4 and 6/18 at 12pm CT </strong></p> <p>• Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p>• <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oge2DX8T-sCw0gpUqKQm_DG_oRqSlMqc/view">Recording of last Friday’s (5/28/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call here</a>.</p> <p>• <strong>Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations? </strong>CDPH, City Colleges of Chicago and Partners in Health (PIH) teamed up to create the<a href="https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/"> MXC Vaccine Ambassador course. </a>When complete, you receive a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community.</p> <p>See attachment for full details</p>**\*\*ORDER IF YOU NEED IT\*** \* Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week -- include all patients over 12 in the order. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email++covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org++ right away. o UPDATED[](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf)[Summary Document for Interim Clinical Considerations](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf) (both standard + poster size) and May 26, 2021 version of Product Information Guide for COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Products attached. • NEW **COVID-19 Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date Service:** COVID-19 vaccines have no preservative. Frozen vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) expire after roughly six months; refrigerated vaccines expire after 90 days (J\&J/Janssen). CDC asks that providers regularly check vaccine expiration dates and rotate stock to avoid waste. [Visit CDC's Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date](https://vaccinecodeset.cdc.gov/LotNumber/?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2019-DM58459&ACSTrackingLabel=IIS%20Information%20Brief%20%E2%80%93%205%2F28%2F2021&deliveryName=USCDC_2019-DM58459)webpage and complete the registration form to request access. •**IAFP/ISMS/IDPH Webinar: Administering COVID-19 Vaccine in the Primary Care Setting** -- Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 12-1 pm, register**[HERE](https://app.livestorm.co/isms/administering-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-primary-care-setting?type=detailed)** • **JUNE CDPH Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers -- Fridays 6/4 and 6/18 at 12pm CT** • Click [http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) • [Recording of last Friday's (5/28/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oge2DX8T-sCw0gpUqKQm_DG_oRqSlMqc/view). • **Need more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations?** CDPH, City Colleges of Chicago and Partners in Health (PIH) teamed up to create the[MXC Vaccine Ambassador course.](https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/)When complete, you receive a certificate of completion and access to a PIH-led online learning community. See attachment for full detailstruehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666787?p_r_p_categoryId=4369292021-06-02T14:22:2246666785COVID19COVIDLowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - June 1, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now &lt;200 daily, averaging 157 new cases per day.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">All CDC-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all patients age 12 and older.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago. Average new cases are now \<200 daily, averaging 157 new cases per day.** * All CDC-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. * **Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all patients age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for full details.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666785?p_r_p_categoryId=4414442021-05-30T17:38:5346666687InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 20<p>This will be the last Chicago Flu Update issued for the 2020-2021 influenza season. The next update will be issued in October 2021. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of May 16-22, 2021 there were&nbsp;no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>This will be the last Chicago Flu Update issued for the 2020-2021 influenza season. The next update will be issued in October 2021. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of May 16-22, 2021 there were no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46666687?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-04-27T23:02:5746666085COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - April 27, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>Each of the five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and are increasing as a proportion of cases.</li> <li><strong>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to encourage patients age 16+ to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death. </strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.** * Each of the five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and are increasing as a proportion of cases. * **Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.** * **Continue to encourage patients age 16+ to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-26T16:00:1946665093COVID19LowEight New Cases of COVID-19 Variant Reported in Illinois<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced eight additional Illinois cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7, first identified in the United Kingdom. Health officials previously announced a single case of the variant in Chicago on January 15, for a total of nine cases that have now been reported in Illinois. The nine cases range in age from 12 to 63 years and live in Cook County, including Chicago. Specimens testing positive for the variant through genomic sequencing were collected between December 29, 2020 &ndash; January 15, 2021.</p> <p>Public health experts are working to better understand the potential impact of this variant, including how the variant spreads and how it affects people who are infected. The same measures that have helped protect Illinoisans from COVID-19 will also help protect residents from the variant. Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces, and washing hands frequently remain the best tools for preventing the spread of this virus, no matter the strain.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p> <p>COVID-19 vaccine information and data can be found on the IDPH website at <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq" target="_blank">https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq</a>.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced eight additional Illinois cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7, first identified in the United Kingdom. Health officials previously announced a single case of the variant in Chicago on January 15, for a total of nine cases that have now been reported in Illinois. The nine cases range in age from 12 to 63 years and live in Cook County, including Chicago. Specimens testing positive for the variant through genomic sequencing were collected between December 29, 2020 -- January 15, 2021. Public health experts are working to better understand the potential impact of this variant, including how the variant spreads and how it affects people who are infected. The same measures that have helped protect Illinoisans from COVID-19 will also help protect residents from the variant. Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces, and washing hands frequently remain the best tools for preventing the spread of this virus, no matter the strain. Please see attachment for full details. COVID-19 vaccine information and data can be found on the IDPH website at <https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq>.true2021-05-27T21:30:4246666392COVID19LowNew LTCF NHSN Vaccination Reporting Requirements<p><span style="font-size:14px">In the past week there has been an abundance of new guidance and requirements. We appreciate you for working with our department to ensure all guidelines are incorporated at your facility.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Among the current guidance there is a new CMS reporting requirement. On 5/11/21 CMS released a memo (<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-21-19-nh.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">QSO-21-19-NH</a>) detailing a new interim final rule (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/13/2021-10122/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-covid-19-vaccine-requirements-for-long-term-care-ltc-facilities-and" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CMS-3414-IFC</a>), requiring all LTC facilities to report vaccine data into NHSN on a weekly basis. Per the CMS memo:&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>F884: Reporting &ndash;&nbsp;National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)</strong>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">42 CFR 483.80(g)(1)(viii)-(ix) requires LTC facilities report, on a weekly basis, the COVID-19 vaccination status of residents and staff, total numbers of residents and staff vaccinated, each dose of vaccine received, COVID-19 vaccination adverse events, and therapeutics administered to residents for treatment of COVID-19 through NHSN&#39;s LTCF COVID-19 Module.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Facilities must begin including vaccination and therapeutic data reporting in facility NHSN submissions by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2021. To be compliant with the new reporting requirements, facilities must submit the data through the NHSN reporting system at least once every seven days.&nbsp;To avoid enforcement, ensure you have entered the required information by this date. CMS will be reviewing for compliance on June 14th, 2021. The document is attached.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Below are links to information on entering vaccination data into NHSN.&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Overview- NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting&nbsp;</u></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/ltc-weekly-covid-guidance-508.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/ltc-weekly-covid-guidance-508.pdf</a>&nbsp;</u></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Detailed Slides- NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting &nbsp;</u></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/weekly-covid-reporting-508.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/weekly-covid-reporting-508.pdf</a>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Instructions for completing weekly vaccination form &nbsp;</u></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Residents-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.218-toi-508.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.218-toi-508.pdf</a>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare Personnel-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.219-toi-508.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.219-toi-508.pdf</a>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>We highly recommend using this excel template to keep track of your facility vaccine information.&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/track-res-covidvax.xlsm" target="_blank">Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination among Residents &ndash; December 2020 [XLS &ndash; 600 KB]</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/track-hcp-covidvax.xlsm" target="_blank">Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel &ndash; December 2020 [XLS &ndash; 600 KB]</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">More information on NHSN can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/index.html</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>In the past week there has been an abundance of new guidance and requirements. We appreciate you for working with our department to ensure all guidelines are incorporated at your facility. Among the current guidance there is a new CMS reporting requirement. On 5/11/21 CMS released a memo ([QSO-21-19-NH](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-21-19-nh.pdf)) detailing a new interim final rule ([CMS-3414-IFC](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/13/2021-10122/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-covid-19-vaccine-requirements-for-long-term-care-ltc-facilities-and)), requiring all LTC facilities to report vaccine data into NHSN on a weekly basis. Per the CMS memo: **F884: Reporting -- National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)** 42 CFR 483.80(g)(1)(viii)-(ix) requires LTC facilities report, on a weekly basis, the COVID-19 vaccination status of residents and staff, total numbers of residents and staff vaccinated, each dose of vaccine received, COVID-19 vaccination adverse events, and therapeutics administered to residents for treatment of COVID-19 through NHSN's LTCF COVID-19 Module. Facilities must begin including vaccination and therapeutic data reporting in facility NHSN submissions by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2021. To be compliant with the new reporting requirements, facilities must submit the data through the NHSN reporting system at least once every seven days. To avoid enforcement, ensure you have entered the required information by this date. CMS will be reviewing for compliance on June 14th, 2021. The document is attached. **Below are links to information on entering vaccination data into NHSN.** ++Overview- NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting++ ++<https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/ltc-weekly-covid-guidance-508.pdf>++ ++Detailed Slides- NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting++ <https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/weekly-covid-reporting-508.pdf> ++Instructions for completing weekly vaccination form++ Residents- <https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.218-toi-508.pdf> Healthcare Personnel- <https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/forms/instr/57.219-toi-508.pdf> **We highly recommend using this excel template to keep track of your facility vaccine information.** [Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination among Residents -- December 2020 \[XLS -- 600 KB\]](https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/track-res-covidvax.xlsm) [Data Tracking Worksheet for COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel -- December 2020 \[XLS -- 600 KB\]](https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/track-hcp-covidvax.xlsm) More information on NHSN can be found at <https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/index.html>.false2021-05-26T20:54:1346666301VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin April 27, 2021<p>In This Issue:</p> <ul> <li>Welcome to Jackie Tiema</li> <li>Updates to Pfizer vaccine</li> <li>VFC Re-enrollment upcoming</li> <li>&nbsp;Regional Meeting req. due 6/30</li> <li>&nbsp;Enroll as COVID-19 vaccine provider</li> <li>&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine orders due Tues.</li> <li>Prepare for summer COVID-19 vaccination clinics</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachements for further details.</p>In This Issue: * Welcome to Jackie Tiema * Updates to Pfizer vaccine * VFC Re-enrollment upcoming * Regional Meeting req. due 6/30 * Enroll as COVID-19 vaccine provider * COVID-19 vaccine orders due Tues. * Prepare for summer COVID-19 vaccination clinics Please see attachements for further details.true2021-05-26T20:47:4846666300COVID19LowSITUATIONAL AWARENESS CALL FOR CHICAGO COVID-19 VACCINE PROVIDERS<p><span style="font-size:12px">Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago&#39;s COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12px">May 28, June 4, June 18 12:00 PM CST</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12px">Webinar link:<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">&nbsp;us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a><br /> or Dial:&nbsp;</span>312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p><span style="font-size:12px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! May 28, June 4, June 18 12:00 PM CST Webinar link:[us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) or Dial: 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-05-26T18:30:0946666386COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - May 26, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>All CDC-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>&nbsp;Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all patients age 12 and older.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.** * All CDC-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern. * **Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all patients age 12 and older.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-25T13:43:5046666291COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates; Pfizer EUA Update<ul> <li><strong>**ORDER TODAY**</strong> We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled<br /> according to availability for delivery the following week &ndash; include all patients over 12 in the order. Order<br /> forms due TODAY at 5pm. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received<br /> the order form link this week, email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> right away.</li> <li>Last week&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download" target="_blank">EUA amendment</a> allows Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine vials to be stored undiluted in the REFRIGERATOR (2&deg;C and 8&deg;C) for up to 1 month! See updated EUA fact sheet <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t miss any opportunities to vaccinate, you will not be penalized for excess vaccine wastage.</li> <li>Memorial Day Shipping: No vaccine deliveries will occur on Monday, May 31.</li> <li>Friday 5/21 at 12pm CT &ndash; Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers <ul> <li>Click <a href="http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993" target="_blank">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</li> <li>Slides from last Friday&rsquo;s (5/21/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call <strong>ATTACHED</strong>.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>* **\*\*ORDER TODAY\*\*** We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week -- include all patients over 12 in the order. Order forms due TODAY at 5pm. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) right away. * Last week's [EUA amendment](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download) allows Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine vials to be stored undiluted in the REFRIGERATOR (2°C and 8°C) for up to 1 month! See updated EUA fact sheet [here](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download). * Don't miss any opportunities to vaccinate, you will not be penalized for excess vaccine wastage. * Memorial Day Shipping: No vaccine deliveries will occur on Monday, May 31. * Friday 5/21 at 12pm CT -- Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers * Click <http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) * Slides from last Friday's (5/21/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call **ATTACHED**. Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-24T16:50:1846666289COVID19LowReports of Myocarditis/Pericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccination May 24, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <p>&bull; Multiple cases of myocarditis/pericarditis in teenagers and young adults in the United States have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of ongoing COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring efforts. This has also been reported from European Medicines Agency (EMA) who has <a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-3-6-may-2021">requested data from Pfizer and Moderna on reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination.</a></p> <p>&bull; According to CDC, at this time, the number of cases of myocarditis reported after vaccination does not appear to be greater than would normally be seen in young people.</p> <p>&bull; Healthcare providers are urged to consider myocarditis in an evaluation of chest pain after vaccination, report all<span style="color:#0000FF"> cases to VAERS </span>and make CDPH aware by emailing <span style="color:#0000FF">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org.</span></p> <p>&bull; <strong>CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people 12 years and older.</strong></p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** • Multiple cases of myocarditis/pericarditis in teenagers and young adults in the United States have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of ongoing COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring efforts. This has also been reported from European Medicines Agency (EMA) who has [requested data from Pfizer and Moderna on reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination.](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-3-6-may-2021) • According to CDC, at this time, the number of cases of myocarditis reported after vaccination does not appear to be greater than would normally be seen in young people. • Healthcare providers are urged to consider myocarditis in an evaluation of chest pain after vaccination, report all cases to VAERS and make CDPH aware by emailing covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org. • **CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people 12 years and older.** Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-21T19:57:0546666286InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 19<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of May 9-15, 2021, no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of May 9-15, 2021, no influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-18T23:34:1846666026COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates; Letter from CDC VaccineTaskforce and MXC Vaccine Ambassador Course Launch<ul> <li><strong>**ORDER TODAY**</strong> We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week &ndash; include all patients over 12 in the order. <strong>Order forms due TODAY</strong>. If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email <span style="color:#0000CD">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</span> right away.</li> <li><strong>Don&rsquo;t miss any opportunities to vaccinate</strong>: Read a letter from the CDC Vaccine Task Force below</li> <li><strong>Memorial Day Shipping:</strong> No vaccine deliveries will occur on Monday, May 31</li> <li><strong>Have your patient volumes decreased?</strong> Call or text your adolescent patient reminder/recall list, consider taking walk-ups and overbook appointments by at least 5% to account for no shows</li> <li><strong>Know anyone who would like more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations? </strong>CDPH, City Colleges of Chicago and Partners in Health teamed up to create the <a href="https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/">MXC Vaccine Ambassador course.</a> When complete, you receive a certificate of completion and access to an online learning community, led by Partners in Health, where they will have opportunities to connect with other Vaccine Ambassadors and receive support through additional training, and stay involved in community health activities.</li> <li><strong>&nbsp;Friday 5/21 at 12pm CT &ndash; Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers </strong></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">&bull; Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993 </a>or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">&bull; Recording of last Friday&rsquo;s (5/7/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call <a href="https://wetransfer.com/downloads/ce6df52d6251b0ec677bc2852e61eb6e20210517152029/0073eb">here</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>* **\*\*ORDER TODAY\*\*** We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week -- include all patients over 12 in the order. **Order forms due TODAY** . If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org right away. * **Don't miss any opportunities to vaccinate**: Read a letter from the CDC Vaccine Task Force below * **Memorial Day Shipping:** No vaccine deliveries will occur on Monday, May 31 * **Have your patient volumes decreased?** Call or text your adolescent patient reminder/recall list, consider taking walk-ups and overbook appointments by at least 5% to account for no shows * **Know anyone who would like more training on how to have tough vaccine conversations?** CDPH, City Colleges of Chicago and Partners in Health teamed up to create the [MXC Vaccine Ambassador course.](https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/) When complete, you receive a certificate of completion and access to an online learning community, led by Partners in Health, where they will have opportunities to connect with other Vaccine Ambassadors and receive support through additional training, and stay involved in community health activities. * **Friday 5/21 at 12pm CT -- Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers** • Click [http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success)or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) • Recording of last Friday's (5/7/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call [here](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/ce6df52d6251b0ec677bc2852e61eb6e20210517152029/0073eb) Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-14T21:08:2046666022InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 18<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of&nbsp;May 2-8, 2021, 0 of the 452&nbsp;reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of May 2-8, 2021, 0 of the 452 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-14T17:00:4746666118Opioid ConcernsLowChicago Opioid Update issued May 14, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>There were 793 opioid-related EMS responses¹&nbsp;and at least 100 opioid-related deaths^2&nbsp;in Chicago in November 2020. &nbsp;</li> <li>This is a 1.7% decrease in opioid-related EMS responses and a 28.2%&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in deaths compared to 2019.&nbsp;</li> <li>For the total number of opioid related deaths in November,&nbsp;<strong>91% involved fentanyl</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, about&nbsp;<strong>37% involved cocaine</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Consider&nbsp;<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a>&nbsp;in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&amp;v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;feature=emb_logo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>. Increase availability of Naloxone and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">increase signage</a>&nbsp;in your facility to increase awareness.&nbsp;</li> <li>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-higher-dosage-naloxone-nasal-spray-treat-opioid-overdose" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for Kloxxado^TM</a>&nbsp;(naloxone hydrochloride) nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Kloxxado a formulation of naloxone that delivers&nbsp;<strong>8mg</strong>&nbsp;of naloxone per spray into the nasal cavity compared with the&nbsp;<a href="https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20180125101447/https:/www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473505.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">previously approved Narcan&reg;</a>, the formulation of naloxone that delivers 4mg of naloxone per spray into the nasal cavity. &nbsp;</li> <li>Share these&nbsp;<a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a>&nbsp;for people who use drugs.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 793 opioid-related EMS responses^1^ and at least 100 opioid-related deaths^2^in Chicago in November 2020. * This is a 1.7% decrease in opioid-related EMS responses and a 28.2% increase in deaths compared to 2019. * For the total number of opioid related deaths in November, **91% involved fentanyl**. * For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, about **37% involved cocaine**. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=-xTKsHFBXlI&feature=emb_logo). Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has [approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for Kloxxado^TM^](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-higher-dosage-naloxone-nasal-spray-treat-opioid-overdose) (naloxone hydrochloride) nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Kloxxado a formulation of naloxone that delivers **8mg** of naloxone per spray into the nasal cavity compared with the [previously approved Narcan®](https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20180125101447/https:/www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473505.htm), the formulation of naloxone that delivers 4mg of naloxone per spray into the nasal cavity. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-14T14:31:4446666116COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Update: Adolescent Vaccination Expanded<ul> <li><strong>On May 12, 2021, ACIP voted to recommend Pfizer vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds.</strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o ACIP also revised guidance on the coadministration of routine vaccines with COVID-19 vaccine, removing the 14-day minimum interval for administration of any other vaccine before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.<strong> This means you can give all teens their routine/catch-up shots at the same time!</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o An MMWR will be published today; the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html.">Interim Clinical Considerations webpage</a> will be updated.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Remind parents/guardians that they should complete V-safe surveys on behalf of their adolescent children, even if there are no side effects.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups.html"> COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups </a>has been updated.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <span style="color:#A52A2A">New </span>web page: COVID-19<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html"> Vaccines for Children and Teens </a><span style="color:#A52A2A">New</span> fact sheet: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/vaccines/toolkits/COVID-19-Vaccine-for-Preteens_Teens-508.pdf">COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <span style="color:#A52A2A">New</span> frequently asked questions: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html">Two new FAQs</a> - safety and benefits of vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o <span style="color:#A52A2A">New</span> myth-buster about menstrual cycles: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html">question and answer </a>Myth-buster about infertility: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html">question and answer</a></p> <p><strong>&bull; Avoid all missed opportunities (even if you puncture an extra vial for 1 person!) and don&rsquo;t turn anyone away.</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Watch the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkyW4PcNtU"> <em>Ensuring every patient who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine</em></a><em> </em>video for more details.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Vaccinate all unvaccinated family members as you start vaccinating kids.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Don&rsquo;t let transportation be a barrier! <strong>Free Uber and Lyft rides to vax clinics available through July 4th .</strong></p> <p>&bull; <strong>Friday Update calls:</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o 12pm CT &ndash; Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers</p> <p style="margin-left:80px">&bull; Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o 1-2pm CT &ndash; CDC COCA call: What Physicians need to know What Clinicians Need to Know About PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_051421.asp">https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_051421.asp</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>* **On May 12, 2021, ACIP voted to recommend Pfizer vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds.** o ACIP also revised guidance on the coadministration of routine vaccines with COVID-19 vaccine, removing the 14-day minimum interval for administration of any other vaccine before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.**This means you can give all teens their routine/catch-up shots at the same time!** o An MMWR will be published today; the [Interim Clinical Considerations webpage](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html.) will be updated. o Remind parents/guardians that they should complete V-safe surveys on behalf of their adolescent children, even if there are no side effects.[COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups.html)has been updated. o New web page: COVID-19[Vaccines for Children and Teens](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html)New fact sheet: [COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/vaccines/toolkits/COVID-19-Vaccine-for-Preteens_Teens-508.pdf) o New frequently asked questions: [Two new FAQs](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html) - safety and benefits of vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older. o New myth-buster about menstrual cycles: [question and answer](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html)Myth-buster about infertility: [question and answer](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html) **• Avoid all missed opportunities (even if you puncture an extra vial for 1 person!) and don't turn anyone away.** o Watch the[*Ensuring every patient who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkyW4PcNtU)video for more details. o Vaccinate all unvaccinated family members as you start vaccinating kids. o Don't let transportation be a barrier! **Free Uber and Lyft rides to vax clinics available through July 4th .** • **Friday Update calls:** o 12pm CT -- Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers • Click [http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) o 1-2pm CT -- CDC COCA call: What Physicians need to know What Clinicians Need to Know About PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination of Adolescents <https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_051421.asp> Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-14T01:26:0346666114COVID19LowUpdates on CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccinated Individuals<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>CDC updated its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html" target="_blank">Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People</a> guidance today to describe what you and your patients can do<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html" target="_blank"> When You&rsquo;ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC</a></strong> based on the continuing downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases, the scientific data on the performance of vaccines, and our understanding of how the virus spreads. <strong>Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing indoors and outdoors</strong>, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. IDPH and CDPH will be working on adjusting existing guidance documents in response.</li> <li>An exception to this change applies to certain crowded indoor spaces, such as buses, and planes, and in congregate settings, such as hospitals, homeless shelters and jails, where masking is still required for vaccinated individuals. See CDC patient education graphic below on &ldquo;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/participate-in-activities.html" target="_blank">Choosing Safer Activities</a>&rdquo;.</li> <li>Recommendations for vaccinated individuals: <ul> <li>You still need to follow guidance at your workplace and local businesses.</li> <li>If you <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">travel</a>, you should still take steps to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html" target="_blank">protect yourself and others</a>. You will still be <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html" target="_blank">required to wear a mask</a> on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.&nbsp;</li> <li>Fully vaccinated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html" target="_blank">international travelers</a> arriving in the United States are still <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html" target="_blank">required to get tested</a> within 3 days of their flight (or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months) and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip.</li> <li>You should still watch out for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank">symptoms of COVID-19</a>, especially if you&rsquo;ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/diagnostic-testing.html" target="_blank">tested</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html" target="_blank">stay home</a> and away from others.</li> <li>People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html" target="_blank">precautions</a> to prevent COVID-19.</li> <li>Guidance for healthcare settings remains unchanged and can be found at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-after-vaccination.html" target="_blank">Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination</a>.</li> <li>Similarly, schools should continue to follow the CDC&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fschools-childcare%2Fschools.html" target="_blank">Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention | CDC</a> until more teachers and children are vaccinated.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **CDC updated its [Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html) guidance today to describe what you and your patients can do[When You've Been Fully Vaccinated \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html)** based on the continuing downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases, the scientific data on the performance of vaccines, and our understanding of how the virus spreads. **Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing indoors and outdoors**, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. IDPH and CDPH will be working on adjusting existing guidance documents in response. * An exception to this change applies to certain crowded indoor spaces, such as buses, and planes, and in congregate settings, such as hospitals, homeless shelters and jails, where masking is still required for vaccinated individuals. See CDC patient education graphic below on "[Choosing Safer Activities](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/participate-in-activities.html)". * Recommendations for vaccinated individuals: * You still need to follow guidance at your workplace and local businesses. * If you [travel](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html), you should still take steps to [protect yourself and others](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html). You will still be [required to wear a mask](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html) on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. * Fully vaccinated [international travelers](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html) arriving in the United States are still [required to get tested](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html) within 3 days of their flight (or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months) and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip. * You should still watch out for [symptoms of COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html), especially if you've been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get [tested](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/diagnostic-testing.html) and [stay home](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html) and away from others. * People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all [precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html) to prevent COVID-19. * Guidance for healthcare settings remains unchanged and can be found at [Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-after-vaccination.html). * Similarly, schools should continue to follow the CDC's [Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fschools-childcare%2Fschools.html) until more teachers and children are vaccinated. Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-13T00:40:4846666111COVID19LowACIP expands Pfizer EUA to include individuals age 12-15<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>On Monday, FDA extended the Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer BioNTech&rsquo;s COVID-19 vaccine to ages 12 and older. The ACIP voted today to expand the EUA to include individuals age 12 to 15.</li> <li>Providers can vaccinate individuals 12 and older with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine &ndash; effective immediately. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for individuals &lt;age 18.</li> <li>The ACIP also removed guidance recommending a 14-day interval between a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** * On Monday, FDA extended the Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to ages 12 and older. The ACIP voted today to expand the EUA to include individuals age 12 to 15. * Providers can vaccinate individuals 12 and older with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine -- effective immediately. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for individuals \<age 18. * The ACIP also removed guidance recommending a 14-day interval between a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. Please see attachment for full details.true2021-05-12T22:20:3446666020STILowChicago Department of Health Lymphogranuloma Venereum Survey<p><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is asking providers to report all Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) suspect cases to CDPH HIV/STI Surveillance Unit via fax (312) 747 0699. LGV typically presents as a lymphadenopathy syndrome consisting of genital ulcers which are commonly self-limited, inguinal and/or femoral lymphadenopathy which is commonly tender and unilateral and may suppurate. It can also manifest as proctocolitis syndrome presenting with rectal bleeding, discharge, pain, tenesmus, and constipation with mucosal inflammation, granulomas and/or ulcerations on anoscopy. Please complete this survey to provide information about any cases of LGV. Thank you!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The Survey can be accessed via <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=E7EKJN4CX9" target="_blank">this link</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;A copy of the Survey is attached for your review.</span></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is asking providers to report all Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) suspect cases to CDPH HIV/STI Surveillance Unit via fax (312) 747 0699. LGV typically presents as a lymphadenopathy syndrome consisting of genital ulcers which are commonly self-limited, inguinal and/or femoral lymphadenopathy which is commonly tender and unilateral and may suppurate. It can also manifest as proctocolitis syndrome presenting with rectal bleeding, discharge, pain, tenesmus, and constipation with mucosal inflammation, granulomas and/or ulcerations on anoscopy. Please complete this survey to provide information about any cases of LGV. Thank you! The Survey can be accessed via [this link](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=E7EKJN4CX9). A copy of the Survey is attached for your review.true2021-05-12T01:03:4246666017COVID19LowIDPH Memo: Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic ASPR/FDA Update May 7, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">IDPH has issued a memorandum regarding&nbsp;Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic ASPR/FDA Update:&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are committed to ensuring all stakeholders receive timely and transparent communication regarding COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments currently authorized for emergency use in certain patients for the treatment of COVID-19.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">As of May 4, 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified that the P.1 variant (originally identified in Brazil) is circulating with increasing prevalence in the state of Illinois (<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fvariant-proportions.html#variant-proportions" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-proportions.html</a>). Data from pseudotyped virus-like particle assays suggests that bamlanivimab and etesevimab are not active against the P.1 variant. Other authorized monoclonal antibody therapies remain available and are expected to retain activity against this variant. <strong>The FDA recommends that health care providers in the State of Illinois use alternative authorized monoclonal antibody therapies until further notice</strong>. ASPR will pause distribution of the bamlanivimab and etesevimab product as well as etesevimab alone to Illinois.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">All health care providers should monitor information from the CDC and state and local health authorities regarding the frequency of the P.1 variant in their region.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/145610/download" target="_blank">REGEN-COV</a> is an alternative monoclonal antibody therapy that is currently authorized for the same use as <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/145801/download" target="_blank">bamlanivimab and etesevimab</a> and, based on scientific information currently available, the REGENCOV product is likely to retain activity against the P.1 variant. All treatment delivery sites can continue ordering REGEN-COV from the authorized distributer by following the existing ordering and reporting procedures.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Health care providers should review the Antiviral Resistance information in Section 15 of the authorized Fact Sheets for each monoclonal antibody therapy available under an EUA for details regarding specific variants and resistance. Health care providers should also refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fvariant-proportions.html#variant-proportions" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variantproportions.html</a>) and information from state and local health authorities regarding reports of viral variants of importance in their region to guide treatment decisions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Monoclonal antibody therapies available under an EUA must be used in accordance with the terms and conditions for the respective authorization, including the authorized labeling. The Letters of Authorization may be accessed at: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization" target="_blank">https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcmlegal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">ASPR and FDA will continue to work with the CDC and the National Institutes of Health on surveillance of variants that may impact the use of the monoclonal antibody therapies authorized for emergency use.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attached.</span></p>IDPH has issued a memorandum regarding Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic ASPR/FDA Update: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are committed to ensuring all stakeholders receive timely and transparent communication regarding COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments currently authorized for emergency use in certain patients for the treatment of COVID-19. As of May 4, 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified that the P.1 variant (originally identified in Brazil) is circulating with increasing prevalence in the state of Illinois ([https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-proportions.html](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fvariant-proportions.html#variant-proportions)). Data from pseudotyped virus-like particle assays suggests that bamlanivimab and etesevimab are not active against the P.1 variant. Other authorized monoclonal antibody therapies remain available and are expected to retain activity against this variant. **The FDA recommends that health care providers in the State of Illinois use alternative authorized monoclonal antibody therapies until further notice**. ASPR will pause distribution of the bamlanivimab and etesevimab product as well as etesevimab alone to Illinois. All health care providers should monitor information from the CDC and state and local health authorities regarding the frequency of the P.1 variant in their region. [REGEN-COV](https://www.fda.gov/media/145610/download) is an alternative monoclonal antibody therapy that is currently authorized for the same use as [bamlanivimab and etesevimab](https://www.fda.gov/media/145801/download) and, based on scientific information currently available, the REGENCOV product is likely to retain activity against the P.1 variant. All treatment delivery sites can continue ordering REGEN-COV from the authorized distributer by following the existing ordering and reporting procedures. Health care providers should review the Antiviral Resistance information in Section 15 of the authorized Fact Sheets for each monoclonal antibody therapy available under an EUA for details regarding specific variants and resistance. Health care providers should also refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website ([https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variantproportions.html](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fvariant-proportions.html#variant-proportions)) and information from state and local health authorities regarding reports of viral variants of importance in their region to guide treatment decisions. Monoclonal antibody therapies available under an EUA must be used in accordance with the terms and conditions for the respective authorization, including the authorized labeling. The Letters of Authorization may be accessed at: [https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcmlegal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization](https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization). ASPR and FDA will continue to work with the CDC and the National Institutes of Health on surveillance of variants that may impact the use of the monoclonal antibody therapies authorized for emergency use. Please see the attached.true2021-05-11T21:47:3746666015COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - May 11, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.</strong><strong> </strong></li> <li>All currently-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern.</li> <li><strong>&nbsp;Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible patients. The FDA expanded eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine for individuals age 12 and older. CDPH expects vaccination of people age 12-15 to start as soon as Thursday, May 13 after ACIP completes their review on Wednesday, May 12.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.** * All currently-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern. * **Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible patients. The FDA expanded eligibility for the Pfizer vaccine for individuals age 12 and older. CDPH expects vaccination of people age 12-15 to start as soon as Thursday, May 13 after ACIP completes their review on Wednesday, May 12.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-11T16:49:0746666107COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates; Pfizer EUA extended<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>**ORDER TODAY** </strong>We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week &ndash; include your 12-15 year-old patients in the order. <strong>Order forms due TODAY by 5pm</strong>. &nbsp;If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> right away.</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>ADOLESCENT VACCINATION CLOSER!</strong> Yesterday, FDA extended its EUA for <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use" target="_blank">Pfizer-BioNTech&rsquo;s COVID-19 Vaccine to ages 12 and older</a>. Updated fact sheets for <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download">providers</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download" target="_blank">recipient and caregivers</a>.</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDC&rsquo;s independent <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html" target="_blank">Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets on Wednesday, May 12th from 10am&ndash;4pm CT</a>. ACIP will review data on the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as well as clinical considerations for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents under the EUA. The vote regarding adolescent vaccination ~2pm CT.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Tell Non-VFC Pediatricians To Enroll Now</strong>: Distribute <a href="https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/icaap/Non-VFCProviders.pdf">How to Enroll and Tips from ICAAP</a> &nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Save the date</strong> for other planned informational opportunities:&nbsp;</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Thursday: Pediatrician toolkit to be posted</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">12pm CT Vaccine Hesitancy webinar <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8406705791483707149" target="_blank">Registration</a> sponsored by ICAAP</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Friday: 10am CT &ndash; ACIP&rsquo;s recommendation published in MMWR</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">12pm CT &ndash; Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers&nbsp;</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Click <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993" target="_blank">http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Recording of last Friday&rsquo;s (5/7/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call <a href="https://wetransfer.com/downloads/1bd65245e742b736852a1bef9b11fbd020210510132300/cf14c5">here</a>.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">1-2pm CT &ndash; COCA call (link TBD)</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Updated vaccine clinical information</strong> including FAQs, Updated contraindications and precautions:&nbsp; &nbsp;Pleae see attachment for list and links.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Standing Orders for all three COVID-19 vaccines have&nbsp;been updated</strong> to reflect thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) information as related to the Janssen (Johnson &amp; Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine. &nbsp;The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf" target="_blank">Prevaccination Checklist</a> has also been edited to include TTS information.&nbsp;</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/standing-orders.pdf">Pfizer</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/downloads/standing-orders.pdf">Moderna</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/downloads/Janssen-Standing-Orders.pdf">Janssen/J&amp;J</a>&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**\*\*ORDER TODAY\*\*** We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week -- include your 12-15 year-old patients in the order. **Order forms due TODAY by 5pm** . If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) right away. * **ADOLESCENT VACCINATION CLOSER!** Yesterday, FDA extended its EUA for [Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 Vaccine to ages 12 and older](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use). Updated fact sheets for [providers](https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download) and [recipient and caregivers](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download). * CDC's independent [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets on Wednesday, May 12th from 10am--4pm CT](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html). ACIP will review data on the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as well as clinical considerations for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents under the EUA. The vote regarding adolescent vaccination \~2pm CT. * **Tell Non-VFC Pediatricians To Enroll Now** : Distribute [How to Enroll and Tips from ICAAP](https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/icaap/Non-VFCProviders.pdf) * **Save the date** for other planned informational opportunities: * Thursday: Pediatrician toolkit to be posted * 12pm CT Vaccine Hesitancy webinar [Registration](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8406705791483707149) sponsored by ICAAP * Friday: 10am CT -- ACIP's recommendation published in MMWR * 12pm CT -- Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers * Click [http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993) or 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) * Recording of last Friday's (5/7/21) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call [here](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/1bd65245e742b736852a1bef9b11fbd020210510132300/cf14c5). * 1-2pm CT -- COCA call (link TBD) * **Updated vaccine clinical information** including FAQs, Updated contraindications and precautions: Pleae see attachment for list and links. * **Standing Orders for all three COVID-19 vaccines have been updated** to reflect thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) information as related to the Janssen (Johnson \& Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine. The [Prevaccination Checklist](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf) has also been edited to include TTS information. * [Pfizer](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/standing-orders.pdf) [Moderna](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/downloads/standing-orders.pdf) [Janssen/J\&J](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/downloads/Janssen-Standing-Orders.pdf) Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-05-07T19:44:0046666106InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 17<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of April 25- May 1, 2021, 0 of the 534 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of April 25- May 1, 2021, 0 of the 534 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-06T14:23:5746666100STILowRacial and Regional Variance and Association with Syphilis in Women and MSM in the US<p><strong>Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in the United States:<br /> Racial and Regional Variance and Association with Syphilis in Women Webinar</strong></p> <p><strong>Guest Speaker:</strong><br /> Chase Cannon, MD, MPH<br /> Division of Infectious Diseases<br /> University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals</p> <p><strong>Learning Objectives:</strong><br /> Examine racial and regional disparities for syphilis among men who have sex with men in the United States.<br /> Describe the possible contribution of syphilis in men who have sex with men and women to the syphilis epidemic in women.</p> <p><strong>When:</strong><br /> Thursday, May 20, 2021<br /> 11:00 A.M.&mdash;1200 P.M. CST</p> <p><strong>Where:</strong><br /> Virtual, via Zoom webinar<br /> <a href="https://www.matec.info/event/?ER_ID=37335" target="_blank">Click here to register</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p>**Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in the United States: Racial and Regional Variance and Association with Syphilis in Women Webinar** **Guest Speaker:** Chase Cannon, MD, MPH Division of Infectious Diseases University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals **Learning Objectives:** Examine racial and regional disparities for syphilis among men who have sex with men in the United States. Describe the possible contribution of syphilis in men who have sex with men and women to the syphilis epidemic in women. **When:** Thursday, May 20, 2021 11:00 A.M.---1200 P.M. CST **Where:** Virtual, via Zoom webinar [Click here to register](https://www.matec.info/event/?ER_ID=37335) Please see attachment for more details.true2021-05-05T18:25:3146666099COVID19LowPhase 2 COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates: Time to get creative May 5, 2021<p><strong>LET&rsquo;S KEEP UP THE PACE!</strong> We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week. <strong>Order forms due TUES by 5pm</strong>.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email <span style="color:#0000CD">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org </span>right away.</p> <p>&bull;<strong> Increase vaccination opportunities and get CREATIVE</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Implement standing orders in your outpatient clinic or Emergency Department and Hospital Discharge order set. Visit <a href="https://www.immunize.org/vax-and-covid-19/">Immunization Action Coalition&rsquo;s COVID-19 </a>website for information on <a href="https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3066.pdf">standing orders.</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Open clinics for walk-in vaccination and start EHR reminders to vaccinate at routine visits.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Use non-traditional hours and locations trusted by your community with high traffic.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Open clinics at non-traditional hours. o Theme days. (e.g., Donuts and Shots: Chew your way to protection and go on that vacation already)</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Text and social media reminders for vaccine.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Create incentives to get parents/guardians in the office for routine pediatric vaccination by offering vaccine to them too or a Reach Out and Read book if they come to the visit.</p> <p><strong>&bull; FDA EUA of Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year-olds is expected soon! </strong>Get ready by pulling patient lists, prep to store and distribute more vaccine, and start notifying families with what to expect when appointments open up.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Also please TELL NON-VFC PEDIATRICIANS TO ENROLL NOW! Read or distribute<a href="https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/icaap/Non-VFCProviders.pdf"> How to Enroll and Tips from ICAAP</a> and<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccine-providers-faq.html"> CDC FAQs</a> to help our immunization neighborhood get larger.</p> <p>&bull; <strong>Tune-in to May Immunization Webinars </strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o CDPH Fridays at Noon Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers (through 5/28)</p> <p style="margin-left:80px">▪<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success"> Click http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> or Dial: 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993)</p> <p style="margin-left:80px">▪ Recording of last Friday&rsquo;s (4/30/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available <a href="https://wetransfer.com/downloads/85b1739e4565ed0161443fb42ec253f320210504150220/4c261d">here.</a></p> <p>o Sponsored by Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP):<strong> </strong></p> <p><em><strong>**Social Media and Immunizations: How to be a Vaccine Ambassador</strong> </em>May 6, 2021/12 - 1 PM CT <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1812255061458377999">Registration</a></p> <p><strong><em>**Vaccine Hesitancy</em> </strong>May 13, 2021/12 - 1 PM CT <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8406705791483707149">Registration</a></p> <p>o Janssen/J&amp;J COVID-19 Webinar: Info for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccines<a href="https://www.janssencovid19vaccinewebinar.com/DirectConnect/MeetingSelectionCenter/Index?code=nocode&amp;userName=hcp"> Registration</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">▪ Thursday - 5/6 - 3:00-4:00, Friday - 5/7 - 1:00-2:00</p> <p>See attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p>**LET'S KEEP UP THE PACE!** We have enough vaccine so order according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week. **Order forms due TUES by 5pm**. o If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org right away. •**Increase vaccination opportunities and get CREATIVE** o Implement standing orders in your outpatient clinic or Emergency Department and Hospital Discharge order set. Visit [Immunization Action Coalition's COVID-19](https://www.immunize.org/vax-and-covid-19/)website for information on [standing orders.](https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3066.pdf) o Open clinics for walk-in vaccination and start EHR reminders to vaccinate at routine visits. o Use non-traditional hours and locations trusted by your community with high traffic. o Open clinics at non-traditional hours. o Theme days. (e.g., Donuts and Shots: Chew your way to protection and go on that vacation already) o Text and social media reminders for vaccine. o Create incentives to get parents/guardians in the office for routine pediatric vaccination by offering vaccine to them too or a Reach Out and Read book if they come to the visit. **• FDA EUA of Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year-olds is expected soon!**Get ready by pulling patient lists, prep to store and distribute more vaccine, and start notifying families with what to expect when appointments open up. o Also please TELL NON-VFC PEDIATRICIANS TO ENROLL NOW! Read or distribute[How to Enroll and Tips from ICAAP](https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/icaap/Non-VFCProviders.pdf) and[CDC FAQs](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/vaccine-providers-faq.html) to help our immunization neighborhood get larger. • **Tune-in to May Immunization Webinars** o CDPH Fridays at Noon Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers (through 5/28) ▪[Click http://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) or Dial: 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) ▪ Recording of last Friday's (4/30/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available [here.](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/85b1739e4565ed0161443fb42ec253f320210504150220/4c261d) o Sponsored by Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP): ***\*\*Social Media and Immunizations: How to be a Vaccine Ambassador*** May 6, 2021/12 - 1 PM CT [Registration](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1812255061458377999) ***\*\*Vaccine Hesitancy*** May 13, 2021/12 - 1 PM CT [Registration](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8406705791483707149) o Janssen/J\&J COVID-19 Webinar: Info for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccines[Registration](https://www.janssencovid19vaccinewebinar.com/DirectConnect/MeetingSelectionCenter/Index?code=nocode&userName=hcp) ▪ Thursday - 5/6 - 3:00-4:00, Friday - 5/7 - 1:00-2:00 See attachment for full details.true2021-05-04T22:30:0046665999COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - May 4, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.</strong><strong> </strong></li> <li>All currently-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern.</li> <li><strong>Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible patients. All 3 vaccines currently approved in the USA are effective against COVID-19 variants and prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to decrease in Chicago.** * All currently-designated variants of concern have been detected in Chicago. Like much of the US, the majority of new infections in Chicago are now likely due to variants of concern. * **Actively encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible patients. All 3 vaccines currently approved in the USA are effective against COVID-19 variants and prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-05-04T21:28:2246665998COVID19LowSITUATIONAL AWARENESS CALL FOR CHICAGO COVID-19 VACCINE PROVIDERS<p><span style="font-size:16px">Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago&#39;s COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions!&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Every Friday through May 28 at&nbsp;12:00 PM CST</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Webinar link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993" target="_blank">us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> or Dial: 312-626-6799 &nbsp;(ID: 850 9495 9993)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>Join Dr. Marielle Fricchione from the Chicago Department of Public Health Learn more about the City of Chicago's COVID-19 vaccine updates. Get the latest info about the vaccine to share with your colleagues and patients. Bring your questions! Every Friday through May 28 at 12:00 PM CST Webinar link: [us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993) or Dial: 312-626-6799 (ID: 850 9495 9993) Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-08-25T19:45:3546663816CCN AnnouncementLowCity to Spray Insecticide Thursday to Kill Mosquitoes<p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in Edison Park this Thursday, August 27, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:12px">This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. &nbsp;For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></em></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in Edison Park this Thursday, August 27, 2020. Please see the attached for more information. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).*true2021-04-30T19:52:2046665991InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 16<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of April 18-24, 2021, 0 of the 534 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of April 18-24, 2021, 0 of the 534 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-30T18:06:0046666093Laboratory InformationLowIDPH: Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network - Clinical Laboratory Engagement Survey<p>CDC&rsquo;s Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Lab Network is a public health network that was established in 2016 to<br /> detect, respond to, and prevent antimicrobial resistant infections. Clinical laboratory participation,<br /> through the submission of isolates, is essential to the AR Lab Network. To learn more about the<br /> relationship between public health and clinical sectors as it relates to this network, we would like clinical<br /> labs to complete a survey being conducted by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).<br /> Results from the survey will allow the AR Lab Network to develop a data-driven strategy for improved<br /> engagement between our sectors.</p> <p>Please use this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSJSS2T" target="_blank">link</a> to complete the survey; it should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. We<br /> would appreciate if the surveys are completed by May 19. Any questions can be directed to Nikki<br /> Marchan at APHL at <a href="mailto:Nikki.marchan@aphl.org">Nikki.marchan@aphl.org</a>.</p> <p>Thank you for your continued participation in public health surveillance programs. The partnership<br /> between our sectors is essential to address numerous health concerns and we appreciate your<br /> assistance in these endeavors.</p> <p>Attachment included</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>CDC's Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Lab Network is a public health network that was established in 2016 to detect, respond to, and prevent antimicrobial resistant infections. Clinical laboratory participation, through the submission of isolates, is essential to the AR Lab Network. To learn more about the relationship between public health and clinical sectors as it relates to this network, we would like clinical labs to complete a survey being conducted by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). Results from the survey will allow the AR Lab Network to develop a data-driven strategy for improved engagement between our sectors. Please use this [link](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSJSS2T) to complete the survey; it should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. We would appreciate if the surveys are completed by May 19. Any questions can be directed to Nikki Marchan at APHL at [Nikki.marchan@aphl.org](mailto:Nikki.marchan@aphl.org). Thank you for your continued participation in public health surveillance programs. The partnership between our sectors is essential to address numerous health concerns and we appreciate your assistance in these endeavors. Attachment includedtrue2021-04-29T21:41:5946665987COVID19LowGetting Chicagoans Vaccinated Against COVID-19<p>Help the Department of Public get Chicagoans vaccinated against COVID-19.&nbsp; Please share the attached fliers with your clients and patients.</p> <p>Reminders:</p> <ul> <li>Anyone 16+ can get vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of insurance and immigration status</li> <li>Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for people age 16 and 17</li> <li>All vaccines are safe, effective, and offered at no cost</li> <li>Under the City of Chicago Anti-Retaliation Ordinance, anyone who works in Chicago can use accrued paid sick leave or paid time off to get their COVID-19 vaccine</li> </ul>Help the Department of Public get Chicagoans vaccinated against COVID-19. Please share the attached fliers with your clients and patients. Reminders: * Anyone 16+ can get vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of insurance and immigration status * Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for people age 16 and 17 * All vaccines are safe, effective, and offered at no cost * Under the City of Chicago Anti-Retaliation Ordinance, anyone who works in Chicago can use accrued paid sick leave or paid time off to get their COVID-19 vaccinetrue2021-04-28T22:32:3046666087COVID19LowUpdated Product Information Guide - April 28,2021<p>A<span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:calibri,sans-serif; font-size:14.6667px">ttached please find&nbsp; an updated Product Information Guide. Updates to the guide include specifications for the new presentation of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (13-15 dose / maximum 15-dose vials) and its associated ancillary supply kit configuration, which will be available May 2021.</span></p>Attached please find an updated Product Information Guide. Updates to the guide include specifications for the new presentation of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (13-15 dose / maximum 15-dose vials) and its associated ancillary supply kit configuration, which will be available May 2021.true2021-04-28T22:09:3546665986COVID19LowUpdates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers: Resuming J&J<p>MPORTANT NATIONAL UPDATES:</p> <ul> <li>CDC released an <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7017e4.htm?s_cid=mm7017e4_w">MMWR</a> on 4/27 detailing updated recommendations from ACIP regarding the use of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines following reports of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).</li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o ACIP recommendation: The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 18 years of age and older in the U.S. population under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o FDA has issued updated J&amp;J fact sheets for <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download">providers </a>and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download">recipients/caregivers</a> including a warning regarding these rare clotting events.</p> <ul> <li>CDC hosted a COCA call regarding updated guidance for administration of the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Slides and recording can be found<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_042721.asp"> here</a>:&nbsp; &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Women aged &lt;50 can receive any FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, they should be aware of the rare risk of TTS after receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, and the availability of other FDAauthorized COVID-19 vaccines.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Until more information becomes available, experts advise that a person with a history of an episode of an immune-mediated syndrome characterized by thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (such as HIT) should be offered another FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine for at least 90-180 days after resolution of their illness.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives, and history of thrombosis without thrombocytopenia are NOT believed to be risk factors for TTS.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Evaluate suspect cases of TTS with a screening PF4 ELISA assay as would be performed for autoimmune HIT. Consultation with a hematologist is strongly recommended. Do not treat with heparin, unless HIT testing is negative.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p>MPORTANT NATIONAL UPDATES: * CDC released an [MMWR](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7017e4.htm?s_cid=mm7017e4_w) on 4/27 detailing updated recommendations from ACIP regarding the use of Johnson \& Johnson vaccines following reports of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). o ACIP recommendation: The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 18 years of age and older in the U.S. population under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization. o FDA has issued updated J\&J fact sheets for [providers](https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download)and [recipients/caregivers](https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download) including a warning regarding these rare clotting events. * CDC hosted a COCA call regarding updated guidance for administration of the Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Slides and recording can be found[here](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_042721.asp): o Women aged \<50 can receive any FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, they should be aware of the rare risk of TTS after receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, and the availability of other FDAauthorized COVID-19 vaccines. o Until more information becomes available, experts advise that a person with a history of an episode of an immune-mediated syndrome characterized by thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (such as HIT) should be offered another FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine for at least 90-180 days after resolution of their illness. o Pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives, and history of thrombosis without thrombocytopenia are NOT believed to be risk factors for TTS. o Evaluate suspect cases of TTS with a screening PF4 ELISA assay as would be performed for autoimmune HIT. Consultation with a hematologist is strongly recommended. Do not treat with heparin, unless HIT testing is negative. Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-08-25T14:49:3146663896West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 34<p>This report provides data on week 34&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 34 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2022-07-18T13:46:0846673793InfluenzaInfluenzaLowChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - July 15, 2022<p><strong><span style="color:#e74c3c">NEW!</span></strong> &nbsp;During the summer months, &nbsp;CDPH will issue the <em>Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report</em>, which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. &nbsp;The online <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health’s respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/3/2022-7/9/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> <p><strong>Key points for the week:</strong></p> <p><strong>COVID-19:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html" target="_blank">local COVID-19 Community Level</a> is High.</li> <li>The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated.</li> <li>New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from 5.5 to 4.3.</li> <li>The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.7% to 3.9%.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Influenza:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent.</li> <li>The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds.</li> <li>Clinicians&nbsp;should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192" target="_blank">review guidelines</a> for prescribing&nbsp;influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Respiratory Viruses:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low.</li> <li>The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About this report:</strong> This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from &nbsp;laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">influenza</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. &nbsp;This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.</p>**NEW!** During the summer months, CDPH will issue the *Chicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report* , which summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. The online [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) dashboard, which summarizes influenza-specific surveillance indicators, will continue to be updated. Chicago Department of Public Health's respiratory surveillance report for the week of 7/3/2022-7/9/2022 has been published. Please see the attachment for the full report. **Key points for the week:** **COVID-19:** * Chicago's [local COVID-19 Community Level](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/community-transmission-and-risk.html) is High. * The number of new cases is similar to last week and remains elevated. * New hospitalizations per 100,000 population in the last 7 days has decreased from 5.5 to 4.3. * The 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has increased from 3.7% to 3.9%. **Influenza:** * The risk of influenza infection remains low; the percent of specimens testing positive for influenza is below one percent. * The proportion of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) is below local thresholds. * Clinicians should [review guidelines](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45691699&_hanalertdetailsweb_alertId=46669192) for prescribing influenza anti-viral medications as prophylaxis or empiric treatment. **Other Respiratory Viruses:** * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low. * The percent of specimens testing positive for parainfluenza remains elevated, mainly being driven by parainfluenza type 3 infections which usually occur in the spring and early summer months. **About this report:** This report summarizes key respiratory virus surveillance indicators. The indicators are compiled from laboratory-based data as well emergency department visit data. This report is meant to provide more context for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as co-circulation of respiratory viruses increases. More detailed information on [influenza](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html) and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) activity can be found on their respective online dashboards. This report is updated on Fridays for the previous Saturday through Sunday. On all graphs, the week ending date is displayed. Ending dates are accurate for the current season but are approximations for all other years. All data presented here are preliminary and may change as more reports are received. Reported percentages for previous seasons represent final, end of season data and may differ from previously published reports.truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46673793?p_r_p_categoryId=4378352021-04-23T20:06:3646666079STILowWebinar: Innovative STI clinic models: Express Visits, Self-collection of STI tests<p style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#FF0000"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center&nbsp;</strong></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Presents<br /> STI Update Course Webinar</strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>&quot;Innovative STI clinic models: Express Visits, Self-collection of STI tests&quot;</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Thursday, May 27th, 2021<br /> 8:00am - 12:00pm (CST)<br /> Live, on-line Webinar format</strong></p> <p><strong>Course Objectives:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Describe Express Visits and how they can be helpful for STI clinic settings.</li> <li>Detail how to implement self-collected STI testing.</li> <li>Discuss the utility of at-home testing and the impact of COVID pandemic on STI/Sexula Health care.</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3005" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p>**SAVE THE DATE** **St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center** **Presents STI Update Course Webinar** **"Innovative STI clinic models: Express Visits, Self-collection of STI tests"** **Thursday, May 27th, 2021 8:00am - 12:00pm (CST) Live, on-line Webinar format** **Course Objectives:** * Describe Express Visits and how they can be helpful for STI clinic settings. * Detail how to implement self-collected STI testing. * Discuss the utility of at-home testing and the impact of COVID pandemic on STI/Sexula Health care. [Click here to register.](https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=3005) Please see attachment for more details.true2021-04-23T20:07:1146666080InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 15<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of April 11-17, 2021, 0 of the 688 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of April 11-17, 2021, 0 of the 688 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-22T21:41:1346665815COVID19Low4/23 Situational Awareness call for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers CANCELLED due to ACIP meeting; I-CARE outage delayed<p><strong>Tomorrow&rsquo;s 4/23 Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers is CANCELLED due to the ACIP meeting (details below).</strong> Calls will resume 4/30, each Friday through May 7, 2021.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o For 4/30: use universal webinar link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Telephone: 312 626 6799, ID: 850 9495 9993 o One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85094959993# or +13462487799, 85094959993#</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Recording of last Friday&rsquo;s (4/16/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available<a href="https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a21777bcc9374af93c42edc0a032d8f420210419151602/d81bbe"> here</a>.</p> <p>&bull; <strong>CDC ACIP Emergency Meeting</strong><a href="https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4"> [Link]</a></p> <p>o CDC&rsquo;s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will hold another virtual emergency meetin<strong>g Friday, April 23 </strong>from <strong>11:00 am&ndash;5:00 pm EDT / 10:00 am-4:00 pm</strong> Central regarding safety in the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.</p> <p>o Registration is not required. The meeting will be broadcast on uStream <a href="https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4">here</a>.</p> <p>&bull;<strong> The I-CARE upgrade </strong>and outage scheduled for this Saturday, April 24 will be postponed until next Saturday, May 1.</p> <p>&bull; Remember that currently, adolescents aged 18 years and older are eligible for all COVID-19 vaccines but <strong>adolescents aged 16-17 are ONLY eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Review Pfizer updated storage and handling guidance allowing storage <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/storage-summary.pdf">here </a>which allows unmixed vaccine to be stored in the freezer between -25&deg;C and -15&deg;C (-13&deg;F to 5&deg;F) for up to 2 weeks.</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o&nbsp;Watch quick video o<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBDDsjobQZo">n Best Practices for Transporting Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Watch quick video on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ed6QLc59I"> Changes to Moderna EUA</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Tomorrow's 4/23 Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers is CANCELLED due to the ACIP meeting (details below).** Calls will resume 4/30, each Friday through May 7, 2021. o For 4/30: use universal webinar link: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993#success) o Telephone: 312 626 6799, ID: 850 9495 9993 o One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85094959993# or +13462487799, 85094959993# o Recording of last Friday's (4/16/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available[here](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a21777bcc9374af93c42edc0a032d8f420210419151602/d81bbe). • **CDC ACIP Emergency Meeting** [\[Link\]](https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4) o CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will hold another virtual emergency meetin**g Friday, April 23** from **11:00 am--5:00 pm EDT / 10:00 am-4:00 pm** Central regarding safety in the use of the Johnson \& Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. o Registration is not required. The meeting will be broadcast on uStream [here](https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4). •**The I-CARE upgrade**and outage scheduled for this Saturday, April 24 will be postponed until next Saturday, May 1. • Remember that currently, adolescents aged 18 years and older are eligible for all COVID-19 vaccines but **adolescents aged 16-17 are ONLY eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.** o Review Pfizer updated storage and handling guidance allowing storage [here](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/storage-summary.pdf)which allows unmixed vaccine to be stored in the freezer between -25°C and -15°C (-13°F to 5°F) for up to 2 weeks. o Watch quick video o[n Best Practices for Transporting Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBDDsjobQZo) o Watch quick video on[Changes to Moderna EUA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ed6QLc59I). Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-04-20T21:42:4646665809COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - April 20, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are slightly decreasing in Chicago.</li> <li>Each of the five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and are increasing as a proportion of cases.</li> <li>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.</li> <li>Continue to encourage patients to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are slightly decreasing in Chicago. * Each of the five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and are increasing as a proportion of cases. * Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated. * Continue to encourage patients to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-19T20:04:0446665807COVID19LowPhase 2 COVID-19 Vaccination Begins TODAY in Chicago; Vaccine Supply Up; Order Vaccine for Next Week<p><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Summary and Updates</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>VACCINE SUPPLY HAS INCREASED. Please complete the order form this week with how many vaccines you can use within 7 days according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week. <strong>REMEMBER: Order forms due by Tuesdays at 5pm.</strong></li> <li>If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> right away.</li> <li><strong>CDPH Friday at Noon Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers NEW universal webinar link:</strong> <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993</a> for each Friday through May 7, 2021. <ul> <li>Telephone: 312 626 6799, ID: 850 9495 9993</li> <li>One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85094959993# or +13462487799, 85094959993#</li> <li>Recording of last Friday&rsquo;s (4/16/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available <a href="https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a21777bcc9374af93c42edc0a032d8f420210419151602/d81bbe" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccination begins today, April 19, 2021. This means all Chicagoans age 16 or older are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To date, more than 1 million Chicago residents have received at least one dose of vaccine&mdash;nearly half of the City&rsquo;s adult population. Watch Provider <a href="https://youtu.be/OvtbS0Y4Xcw" target="_blank">Tips for Phase 2</a>. <ul> <li>As vaccine eligibility opens up it is even more important to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaccinefinder/vaccinefinder-checklist-providers.html" target="_blank">make yourself visible in Vaccine Finder.</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Remember that currently, adolescents aged 18 years and older are eligible for all COVID-19 vaccines but adolescents aged 16-17 are ONLY eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. <ul> <li>Review Pfizer updated storage and handling guidance allowing storage <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/storage-summary.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> which allows unmixed vaccine to be stored in the freezer between -25&deg;C and -15&deg;C (-13&deg;F to 5&deg;F) for up to 2 weeks.</li> <li>Watch quick video on <a href="https://youtu.be/QBDDsjobQZo" target="_blank">Best Practices for Transporting Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.</a></li> <li>Watch quick video on <a href="https://youtu.be/d6ed6QLc59I" target="_blank">Changes to Moderna EUA.</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p>**Summary and Updates** * VACCINE SUPPLY HAS INCREASED. Please complete the order form this week with how many vaccines you can use within 7 days according to your capacity. Orders will be filled according to availability for delivery the following week. **REMEMBER: Order forms due by Tuesdays at 5pm.** * If you are an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine provider and have not received the order form link this week, email [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) right away. * **CDPH Friday at Noon Situational Awareness for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers NEW universal webinar link:** <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85094959993> for each Friday through May 7, 2021. * Telephone: 312 626 6799, ID: 850 9495 9993 * One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85094959993# or +13462487799, 85094959993# * Recording of last Friday's (4/16/19) COVID-19 Situational Awareness call is available [here](https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a21777bcc9374af93c42edc0a032d8f420210419151602/d81bbe). * Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccination begins today, April 19, 2021. This means all Chicagoans age 16 or older are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To date, more than 1 million Chicago residents have received at least one dose of vaccine---nearly half of the City's adult population. Watch Provider [Tips for Phase 2](https://youtu.be/OvtbS0Y4Xcw). * As vaccine eligibility opens up it is even more important to [make yourself visible in Vaccine Finder.](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaccinefinder/vaccinefinder-checklist-providers.html) * Remember that currently, adolescents aged 18 years and older are eligible for all COVID-19 vaccines but adolescents aged 16-17 are ONLY eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. * Review Pfizer updated storage and handling guidance allowing storage [here](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/downloads/storage-summary.pdf) which allows unmixed vaccine to be stored in the freezer between -25°C and -15°C (-13°F to 5°F) for up to 2 weeks. * Watch quick video on [Best Practices for Transporting Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.](https://youtu.be/QBDDsjobQZo) * Watch quick video on [Changes to Moderna EUA.](https://youtu.be/d6ed6QLc59I) Please see the attachment for more information.true2021-04-19T17:25:0446665916AnnouncementLowIDPH Notice: Upcoming I-CARE Outage Scheduled for April 24, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE) will be upgraded for improved performance and redundancy on Saturday, April 24, 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">At 5pm, the I-CARE web application and all import processes will be stopped. &nbsp;The outage is expected to take several hours, estimated 5pm-midnight. &nbsp;I-CARE should be back on-line Sunday morning.</span></p>The Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE) will be upgraded for improved performance and redundancy on Saturday, April 24, 2021. At 5pm, the I-CARE web application and all import processes will be stopped. The outage is expected to take several hours, estimated 5pm-midnight. I-CARE should be back on-line Sunday morning.false2021-04-16T20:05:2246665806InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 14<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a>&nbsp;to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/"> www.chicagoflushots.org.</a> Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of April 4-10, 2021, 0 of the 669 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to[www.chicagoflushots.org.](https://chicagoflushots.org/) Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of April 4-10, 2021, 0 of the 669 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-15T01:40:3846665801COVID19LowACIP Meeting UPDATE on Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">At today&rsquo;s emergency meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended to continue the pause of J&amp;J vaccine while more data is collected, and they will reconvene when sufficient data becomes available, likely 7-10 days from now.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">As of April 14, more than 7.2 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. Today, ACIP reviewed FDA and CDC data on 6 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All 6 cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred at a median of 8 days (range: 6 to 13 days) after vaccination.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Stay vigilant for presentations of thrombosis after vaccination</strong> and report adverse events to VAERS as soon as possible after the event is identified at <a href="https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>, including serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths in patients following receipt of COVID19 vaccines as required under the Emergency Use Authorizations.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * At today's emergency meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended to continue the pause of J\&J vaccine while more data is collected, and they will reconvene when sufficient data becomes available, likely 7-10 days from now. * As of April 14, more than 7.2 million doses of the Johnson \& Johnson (J\&J) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. Today, ACIP reviewed FDA and CDC data on 6 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All 6 cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred at a median of 8 days (range: 6 to 13 days) after vaccination. * **Stay vigilant for presentations of thrombosis after vaccination** and report adverse events to VAERS as soon as possible after the event is identified at <https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html>, including serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths in patients following receipt of COVID19 vaccines as required under the Emergency Use Authorizations. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-13T21:17:5846665800COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - April 13, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to increase in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>All five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and many are increasing in incidence.</li> <li><strong>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to encourage patients to avoid gatherings and crowded spaces, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients</strong>.</li> <li> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence continue to increase in Chicago.** * All five variants of concern have been detected in Chicago and many are increasing in incidence. * **Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.** * **Continue to encourage patients to avoid gatherings and crowded spaces, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients**. * Please see the attachment for the full report. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-13T23:53:3046665797STILowWebinar: Expansion of HIV screening in an Urban ED During the COVID Pandemic<p><span style="color:#FF0000"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>&ldquo;Expansion of HIV screening in an Urban ED During the COVID Pandemic</strong><strong>&rdquo;</strong></p> <p><strong>Chicago Department of Public Health -&nbsp;Bureau HIV/STI webinar</strong></p> <p><strong>Date:&nbsp;April 22, 2021&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 9: 00 am &ndash; 10:30&nbsp;am C.T.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37246"><strong>Click Here to register for the event</strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Speakers</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Kimberly Stanford, MD, MPH, FACEP</strong><br /> Assistant Professor of Medicine<br /> Section of Emergency Medicine<br /> University of Chicago Medicine</p> <p><strong>David Pitrak, MD, FIDSA</strong><br /> Chief<br /> Infectious Diseases and Global Health<br /> University of Chicago Medicine</p> <p><strong>Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.</strong></p>**SAVE THE DATE** **"Expansion of HIV screening in an Urban ED During the COVID Pandemic** **"** **Chicago Department of Public Health - Bureau HIV/STI webinar** **Date: April 22, 2021** **Time: 9: 00 am -- 10:30 am C.T.** [**Click Here to register for the event**](https://www.matec.info/event?ER_ID=37246) **++Speakers++** **Kimberly Stanford, MD, MPH, FACEP** Assistant Professor of Medicine Section of Emergency Medicine University of Chicago Medicine **David Pitrak, MD, FIDSA** Chief Infectious Diseases and Global Health University of Chicago Medicine **Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.**true2021-04-13T19:53:4246665799COVID19LowPhase 1C Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Summary and Updates</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">A CDC Health Alert was released at noon, please read here: <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00442.asp" target="_blank">Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Recording of the FDA Media Briefing on the CDC and FDA recommendation to pause the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine due to six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in people who have received the J&amp;J vaccine, is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ELXnGYgsJY" target="_blank">here</a>.</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The purpose of the announcement reflects the federal commitment to COVID-19 vaccine safety and how they take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The announcement aims to prepare the health care system to recognize and treat patients appropriately and to report severe events they may be seeing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The above events have not been noted with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. People who have vaccine appointments with the other two vaccines should continue with their appointment.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Notes for clinicians below including the importance of <strong>reporting adverse events to the</strong> <strong>Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System</strong> at <a href="https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html" target="_blank">https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDC will convene an emergency meeting of the<a href="https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4" target="_blank"> Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Livestream</a> on Wednesday 4/14 from 1:30-4:30pm ET/12:30-3:30pm CT to further review these cases.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p>**Summary and Updates** * A CDC Health Alert was released at noon, please read here: [Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson \& Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00442.asp). * Recording of the FDA Media Briefing on the CDC and FDA recommendation to pause the use of the Johnson \& Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine due to six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in people who have received the J\&J vaccine, is available [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ELXnGYgsJY). * The purpose of the announcement reflects the federal commitment to COVID-19 vaccine safety and how they take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. * The announcement aims to prepare the health care system to recognize and treat patients appropriately and to report severe events they may be seeing. * The above events have not been noted with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. People who have vaccine appointments with the other two vaccines should continue with their appointment. * Notes for clinicians below including the importance of **reporting adverse events to the** **Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System** at <https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html>. * CDC will convene an emergency meeting of the[Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Livestream](https://www.ustream.tv/channel/VWBXKBR8af4) on Wednesday 4/14 from 1:30-4:30pm ET/12:30-3:30pm CT to further review these cases. Please see the attachment for more information.true2021-04-13T14:29:3746665796COVID19LowURGENT: CDC and FDA pause use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine April 13, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC and FDA are investigating 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals receiving the Johnson and Johnson (J&amp;J) vaccine. These 6 cases were identified out of more than 6.8 million doses of J&amp;J that have been administered in the U.S. as of April 12.</li> <li><strong>While CDC and FDA complete their review, all use of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine should be paused.</strong></li> <li>These events appear to be extremely rare and occurred within 2 weeks of receiving the vaccine.</li> <li><strong>People who have received the J&amp;J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within 3 weeks after vaccination should contact their health provider.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * CDC and FDA are investigating 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot that occurred in individuals receiving the Johnson and Johnson (J\&J) vaccine. These 6 cases were identified out of more than 6.8 million doses of J\&J that have been administered in the U.S. as of April 12. * **While CDC and FDA complete their review, all use of Johnson \& Johnson vaccine should be paused.** * These events appear to be extremely rare and occurred within 2 weeks of receiving the vaccine. * **People who have received the J\&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within 3 weeks after vaccination should contact their health provider.** Please see attachment for further detail.true2021-04-09T20:17:0146665794InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 13<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance&nbsp;</a>which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></p> <p>For the week of March 28-April 3, 2021, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 27, 2020, one influenzaassociated ICU hospitalization has been reported.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></p> <p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a>&nbsp;report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance">Illinois</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County&nbsp;</a>are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation in Chicago</a></p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf)which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently, two CDPH walk-in clinics have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). Visit https://www.chicago.gov/flu for more information on influenza. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** For the week of March 28-April 3, 2021, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 27, 2020, one influenzaassociated ICU hospitalization has been reported. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/)are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation in Chicago](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-09T19:57:0046665908COVID19LowCMS Testing Requirement for Nursing Homes - April 9, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">Based on the interim final rule outlined in the CMS memo <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh.pdf" target="_blank">QSO-20-38-NH</a>, all nursing homes as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) within a county experiencing a test positivity rate greater than 5% but less than 10% are required to test their facility staff once a week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the City of Chicago and Cook County have test positivity rates above 5%, but less than 10%, with the City of Chicago rates entering the 5-10% range on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. This increase will be reflected in the next update of the CMS data. As a result, nursing homes within the City of Chicago are required to test facility staff once a week starting no later than the week of April 12, 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Lab-based RT-PCR testing is the gold standard for diagnostic accuracy and is preferred. However, nursing homes may use antigen testing to supplement their testing capacity. Please note, all point of care test results (i.e. positive, negative, inconclusive) must be reported within 24 hours and in accordance with CLIA requirements. For more information on antigen reporting requirements, please see CMS memo <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-37-clianh.pdf" target="_blank">QSO-20-37-CLIA,NH</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">All facility staff must be tested each round of serial testing, excluding those who previously tested positive by PCR or antigen within the prior 90 days. CMS defines facility staff as:</span></p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:16px">&ldquo;<strong>&rsquo;Facility staff&rsquo; </strong>includes employees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, and caregivers who provide care and services to residents on behalf of the facility, and students in the facility&rsquo;s nurse aide training programs or from affiliated academic institutions. For the purpose of testing &lsquo;individuals providing services under arrangement and volunteers,&rsquo; facilities should prioritize those individuals who are regularly in the facility (e.g., weekly) and have contact with residents or staff. We note that the facility may have a provision under its arrangement with a vendor or volunteer that requires them to be tested from another source (e.g., their employer or on their own). However, the facility is still required to obtain documentation that the required testing was completed during the timeframe that corresponds to the facility&rsquo;s testing frequency.&rdquo;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The once weekly testing requirement does not apply to nursing home residents. Facilities should continue to test their residents based on their current testing plan and outbreak status.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The guidance above represents the minimum testing expected. Facilities may consider other factors, such as the positivity rate in an adjacent (i.e., neighboring) county to test at a frequency that is higher than required. Continued once a week testing of facility staff may be extended for Chicago facilities based on key metrics (i.e. Chicago daily case rates, ICU bed availability, etc.).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please visit the <a href="https://data.cms.gov/stories/s/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Data/bkwz-xpvg" target="_blank">CMS Nursing Home Data</a> website for county positivity rates (archived data available <a href="https://data.cms.gov/stories/s/q5r5-gjyu" target="_blank">here</a>).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For more information on COVID-19 infection prevention and response guidance for nursing homes in Chicago, please refer to: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF</a>.</span></p>Based on the interim final rule outlined in the CMS memo [QSO-20-38-NH](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh.pdf), all nursing homes as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) within a county experiencing a test positivity rate greater than 5% but less than 10% are required to test their facility staff once a week. Currently, the City of Chicago and Cook County have test positivity rates above 5%, but less than 10%, with the City of Chicago rates entering the 5-10% range on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. This increase will be reflected in the next update of the CMS data. As a result, nursing homes within the City of Chicago are required to test facility staff once a week starting no later than the week of April 12, 2021. Lab-based RT-PCR testing is the gold standard for diagnostic accuracy and is preferred. However, nursing homes may use antigen testing to supplement their testing capacity. Please note, all point of care test results (i.e. positive, negative, inconclusive) must be reported within 24 hours and in accordance with CLIA requirements. For more information on antigen reporting requirements, please see CMS memo [QSO-20-37-CLIA,NH](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-37-clianh.pdf). All facility staff must be tested each round of serial testing, excluding those who previously tested positive by PCR or antigen within the prior 90 days. CMS defines facility staff as: "**'Facility staff'**includes employees, consultants, contractors, volunteers, and caregivers who provide care and services to residents on behalf of the facility, and students in the facility's nurse aide training programs or from affiliated academic institutions. For the purpose of testing 'individuals providing services under arrangement and volunteers,' facilities should prioritize those individuals who are regularly in the facility (e.g., weekly) and have contact with residents or staff. We note that the facility may have a provision under its arrangement with a vendor or volunteer that requires them to be tested from another source (e.g., their employer or on their own). However, the facility is still required to obtain documentation that the required testing was completed during the timeframe that corresponds to the facility's testing frequency." The once weekly testing requirement does not apply to nursing home residents. Facilities should continue to test their residents based on their current testing plan and outbreak status. The guidance above represents the minimum testing expected. Facilities may consider other factors, such as the positivity rate in an adjacent (i.e., neighboring) county to test at a frequency that is higher than required. Continued once a week testing of facility staff may be extended for Chicago facilities based on key metrics (i.e. Chicago daily case rates, ICU bed availability, etc.). Please visit the [CMS Nursing Home Data](https://data.cms.gov/stories/s/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Data/bkwz-xpvg) website for county positivity rates (archived data available [here](https://data.cms.gov/stories/s/q5r5-gjyu)). For more information on COVID-19 infection prevention and response guidance for nursing homes in Chicago, please refer to: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF>.false2021-04-09T16:41:3846665793COVID19LowAllocation and Phase Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers: Situational Awareness call at noon TODAY<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>IMPORTANT UPDATES:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDPH was notified this week there would be no increase expected in Pfizer and Moderna vaccine allocation for 3 weeks. Federal J+J allocation was also affected by supply issues but we will continue to receive small shipments weekly. Dialysis centers, FQHCs and pharmacies will continue to receive doses from the federal supply.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Join TODAY at noon: Provider Friday Situational Awareness call (new link) for more information:</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m1547a015f0be7a52c9c1905e5f3758bd" target="_blank">https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m1547a015f0be7a52c9c1905e5f3758bd</a></span></li> </ul> <ol style="margin-left:40px"> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Meeting number: 187 081 1649 / Password: 3AJnsvHS6U5</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 / Access code: 187 081 1649</span></li> </ol> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Following President Biden&rsquo;s announcement, <strong>Chicago will officially move into Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, April 19th.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Since, despite multiple attempts to increase allocation, Chicago is still not receiving enough vaccine for its population, Chicago residents who can find vaccine outside of the city (including suburban Cook County and elsewhere in Illinois, as well as Indiana) are encouraged to do so.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Chicago providers should prioritize Chicago residents, seniors 65+, and patients with underlying conditions ahead of the transition to Phase 2. This includes additional recruitment efforts.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">We continue to receive reports of providers who are not following <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FidtTQXA3ro" target="_blank">Important Billing Requirements</a>. Please review the linked video to ensure compliance with CDC COVID-19 Provider agreements</strong>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Register for an April 15th webinar: <a href="https://vitalstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zdjSQ2S5R1G7HPB4kARAZA" target="_blank"><em>Cities Hold the Key: Prioritizing Equity in the COVID-19 Recovery</em></a> sponsored by The Partnership for Healthy Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies - Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021, Time: 9:00-10:00am CT / 10:00-11:00 am EDT including a moderated discussion with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Review <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-makes-two-revisions-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use" target="_blank">FDA revisions</a> to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">Moderna EUA</a> including a MAX 11-dose vial for current presentation and new MAX 15-dose vial presentation with ranges. NEW 3/31/21 HCP fact sheet <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**IMPORTANT UPDATES:** * CDPH was notified this week there would be no increase expected in Pfizer and Moderna vaccine allocation for 3 weeks. Federal J+J allocation was also affected by supply issues but we will continue to receive small shipments weekly. Dialysis centers, FQHCs and pharmacies will continue to receive doses from the federal supply. * **Join TODAY at noon: Provider Friday Situational Awareness call (new link) for more information:** * <https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m1547a015f0be7a52c9c1905e5f3758bd> 1. Meeting number: 187 081 1649 / Password: 3AJnsvHS6U5 2. Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 / Access code: 187 081 1649 * Following President Biden's announcement, **Chicago will officially move into Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, April 19th.** * Since, despite multiple attempts to increase allocation, Chicago is still not receiving enough vaccine for its population, Chicago residents who can find vaccine outside of the city (including suburban Cook County and elsewhere in Illinois, as well as Indiana) are encouraged to do so. * Chicago providers should prioritize Chicago residents, seniors 65+, and patients with underlying conditions ahead of the transition to Phase 2. This includes additional recruitment efforts. * We continue to receive reports of providers who are not following **[Important Billing Requirements](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FidtTQXA3ro). Please review the linked video to ensure compliance with CDC COVID-19 Provider agreements**. * Register for an April 15th webinar: [*Cities Hold the Key: Prioritizing Equity in the COVID-19 Recovery*](https://vitalstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zdjSQ2S5R1G7HPB4kARAZA) sponsored by The Partnership for Healthy Cities, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies - Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021, Time: 9:00-10:00am CT / 10:00-11:00 am EDT including a moderated discussion with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. * Review [FDA revisions](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-makes-two-revisions-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use) to [Moderna EUA](https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine) including a MAX 11-dose vial for current presentation and new MAX 15-dose vial presentation with ranges. NEW 3/31/21 HCP fact sheet [here](https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download). Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-04-07T13:12:4346665899COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - April 6, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have been increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>Several variants of concern have been identified in Chicago: B.1.1.7, P.1, B.1.427. and B.1.429.</li> <li><strong>The highest case rates for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago are among people age 18-39.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have been increasing in Chicago.** * Several variants of concern have been identified in Chicago: B.1.1.7, P.1, B.1.427. and B.1.429. * **The highest case rates for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago are among people age 18-39.** * **Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.** * **Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-06T21:41:2546665898VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin April 6, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>Vaccine Eligibility Expands to 1C</li> <li>VFC Re-Enrollment Coming Soon</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Order Requests due Tues by 5pm</li> <li>DDL Flexibilities from CDC</li> <li>&nbsp;Regional Meetings: Virtual in June</li> <li>Upcoming Webinars</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachements for further details.</p>In this Issue: * Vaccine Eligibility Expands to 1C * VFC Re-Enrollment Coming Soon * COVID-19 Vaccine Order Requests due Tues by 5pm * DDL Flexibilities from CDC * Regional Meetings: Virtual in June * Upcoming Webinars Please see attachements for further details.true2021-04-05T22:49:0246665893COVID19LowPhase 1C Week 2 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:18px">We surpassed <u>1 million</u> COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to Chicago residents this past week! Thanks to all vaccine providers who continue to focus on 65+, Chicago residents, and essential workers.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Congratulations to FQHC</strong>s for having their highest volume vaccination week yet last week!</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Congratulations to the Office of Dr. Shirley Wong</strong>, who among small outpatient COVID-19 vaccine providers, is leading senior vaccination in their community with &gt;75% of vaccines given to 65+ and nearly 95% of first doses given to Chicago residents!</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px"><strong><span style="color:#FF0000">NEW</span></strong> <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-makes-two-revisions-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use" target="_blank">FDA revisions</a> to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">Moderna EUA</a> including a MAX 11-dose vial for current presentation and new MAX 15-dose vial presentation with ranges. NEW 3/31/21 HCP fact sheet <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px"><a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3592165374813610510" target="_blank">Register here</a> for <em><strong>Updates on COVID-19: Billing and Coding</strong></em> on April 7, 2021 from 12 - 1 PM CT.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">We are already seeing <strong>DECREASES IN VACCINE EQUITY</strong> since <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Phase 1C </a>officially began March 29th:</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Last week, 32% of doses given in Chicago were given to non-Chicagoans;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Last week, only 45% of first doses went to Black and Latinx Chicagoans;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">The West, Southwest and South sides of the city are seeing lower 65+ coverage (35-55%) than other neighborhoods and we are still lagging behind the national average as a city overall (75%);</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Missed second doses are starting to climb especially in Outpatient (13.8%) and Pharmacy (8.0%) settings. Black, non-Latinx Chicagoans have highest rate of missed second doses at 7.6%.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * We surpassed ++1 million++ COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to Chicago residents this past week! Thanks to all vaccine providers who continue to focus on 65+, Chicago residents, and essential workers. * **Congratulations to FQHC**s for having their highest volume vaccination week yet last week! * **Congratulations to the Office of Dr. Shirley Wong**, who among small outpatient COVID-19 vaccine providers, is leading senior vaccination in their community with \>75% of vaccines given to 65+ and nearly 95% of first doses given to Chicago residents! * **NEW** [FDA revisions](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-makes-two-revisions-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use) to [Moderna EUA](https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine) including a MAX 11-dose vial for current presentation and new MAX 15-dose vial presentation with ranges. NEW 3/31/21 HCP fact sheet [here](https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download). * [Register here](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3592165374813610510) for ***Updates on COVID-19: Billing and Coding*** on April 7, 2021 from 12 - 1 PM CT. * We are already seeing **DECREASES IN VACCINE EQUITY** since [Phase 1C](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html)officially began March 29th: * Last week, 32% of doses given in Chicago were given to non-Chicagoans; * Last week, only 45% of first doses went to Black and Latinx Chicagoans; * The West, Southwest and South sides of the city are seeing lower 65+ coverage (35-55%) than other neighborhoods and we are still lagging behind the national average as a city overall (75%); * Missed second doses are starting to climb especially in Outpatient (13.8%) and Pharmacy (8.0%) settings. Black, non-Latinx Chicagoans have highest rate of missed second doses at 7.6%. Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-04-05T21:08:2646665788COVID19LowGenomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Chicago<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">There is an urgent need to increase genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Chicago has been and will continue to participate in genomic surveillance at the state and national level.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">In addition, CDPH has established independent capacity for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens through its new Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL).</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">RIPHL is a CDPH-led effort, leveraging sequencing capacity at Rush University Medical Center</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">All Chicago hospitals are invited to submit a convenience sample of 15 surveillance specimens weekly to RIPHL.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Specimens should:</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Be respiratory specimens (e.g. anterior nasal or nasopharyngeal)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Be positive for SARS-CoV-2</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Have a Ct value of &le;30</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Contact <a href="mailto:hyeree.choi@cityofchicago.org">hyeree.choi@cityofchicago.org</a> and <a href="mailto:riphl@rush.edu">riphl@rush.edu</a> for support and to be registered as a submitter.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Facilities regularly submitting to RIPHL do not need to submit separately to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachments for more information on the CDPH/RIPHL&nbsp;and IDPH surveillance programs.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * There is an urgent need to increase genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Chicago. * Chicago has been and will continue to participate in genomic surveillance at the state and national level. * In addition, CDPH has established independent capacity for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens through its new Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory (RIPHL). * RIPHL is a CDPH-led effort, leveraging sequencing capacity at Rush University Medical Center * All Chicago hospitals are invited to submit a convenience sample of 15 surveillance specimens weekly to RIPHL. * Specimens should: * Be respiratory specimens (e.g. anterior nasal or nasopharyngeal) * Be positive for SARS-CoV-2 * Have a Ct value of ≤30 * Contact [hyeree.choi@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hyeree.choi@cityofchicago.org) and [riphl@rush.edu](mailto:riphl@rush.edu) for support and to be registered as a submitter. * Facilities regularly submitting to RIPHL do not need to submit separately to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Please see the attachments for more information on the CDPH/RIPHL and IDPH surveillance programs.true2021-04-03T19:03:0946665885Opioid ConcernsLowChicago Opioid Update issued April 2, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>There were 916 opioid-related EMS responses&nbsp;and at least 89 opioid-related deaths&nbsp;in Chicago in October 2020.</li> <li>This is a 2.7% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 15.6% increase in deaths compared to 2019.</li> <li>For the total number of opioid related deaths in September, <strong>83% involved fentanyl</strong>.</li> <li>For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, about <strong>45% involved cocaine</strong>.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;t=4s" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>. Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</li> <li>Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li>Fulfill your state-mandated CME credits and ensure you know the latest guidelines and best practices for managing your patients&#39; pain with a free NEJM Knowledge+ <a href="https://knowledgeplusoffers.nejm.org/special64a/?utm_source=nejm&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=pmm2&amp;cid=DM113515_Worldwide_Not_FM-GP-MPD-OS-PA&amp;bid=421791305">Pain Management and Opioids</a> module.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 916 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 89 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in October 2020. * This is a 2.7% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 15.6% increase in deaths compared to 2019. * For the total number of opioid related deaths in September, **83% involved fentanyl**. * For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, about **45% involved cocaine**. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&t=4s). Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * Fulfill your state-mandated CME credits and ensure you know the latest guidelines and best practices for managing your patients' pain with a free NEJM Knowledge+ [Pain Management and Opioids](https://knowledgeplusoffers.nejm.org/special64a/?utm_source=nejm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pmm2&cid=DM113515_Worldwide_Not_FM-GP-MPD-OS-PA&bid=421791305) module. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-02T19:36:3346665787InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 12<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 21-27, 2021, 1 of the 603 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 21-27, 2021, 1 of the 603 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-04-01T16:19:0546665785Food BorneLowAcute Non-Viral Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology Potentially Associated with an Alkaline Water Product<p><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology in children were reported to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) between November and December 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting the SNHD in investigating a potential link between these illnesses and the consumption of an alkaline water product called &ldquo;Real Water&rdquo; and other possible etiologies. The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory is to advise clinicians and health departments to have a high index of suspicion for cases of acute non-viral hepatitis and to report any cases to their local health authority.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were notified of five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology in children by the SNHD in Nevada on March 13, 2021. The cases occurred in children ranging in ages from seven months to five years who presented to a hospital between November 10, 2020, and December 3, 2020, with signs and symptoms of vomiting, poor intake, and fatigue. Laboratory testing on the patients showed elevated hepatic transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and a negative viral hepatitis serology panel. All patients required transfers to a pediatric tertiary-care specialty liver unit because of concerns for acute liver failure and the possible need for liver transplantations. All children recovered and were discharged home. In addition to these cases, several adults and other children living in the cases&rsquo; households reported similar but mostly less severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations&nbsp;</strong><strong>For Clinicians&nbsp;</strong></p> <ol> <li>Counsel your patients (or their caregivers and guardians) to stop drinking, cooking with, or using Real Water until more is known about the cause of the illnesses per FDA recommendations.&nbsp;</li> <li>Educate your patients on the signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis due to any cause, which may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and yellow skin or eyes; and the importance of seeking medical care.&nbsp;</li> <li>Maintain a high index of suspicion for non-viral hepatitis in your differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis in adults and children presenting with compatible clinical findings.</li> <li>Obtain a more detailed exposure history in patients when you suspect acute non-viral hepatitis. Possible etiologies associated with acute non-viral hepatitis include exposure to medications, contaminated water or food, dietary and herbal supplements, traditional or home remedies, wild-growing mushrooms and plants, and chemicals such as metals, solvents, paint thinners, or pesticides.&nbsp;</li> <li>Obtain early consultation with and/or referral to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist for medical workup and management of patients with signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis.</li> <li>Contact your local health authority to report cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology.</li> <li>Contact your local poison center&nbsp;for information on chemical or drug-induced liver toxicity and report any cases.</li> </ol> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>**Summary** Five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology in children were reported to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) between November and December 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting the SNHD in investigating a potential link between these illnesses and the consumption of an alkaline water product called "Real Water" and other possible etiologies. The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory is to advise clinicians and health departments to have a high index of suspicion for cases of acute non-viral hepatitis and to report any cases to their local health authority. **Background** CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were notified of five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology in children by the SNHD in Nevada on March 13, 2021. The cases occurred in children ranging in ages from seven months to five years who presented to a hospital between November 10, 2020, and December 3, 2020, with signs and symptoms of vomiting, poor intake, and fatigue. Laboratory testing on the patients showed elevated hepatic transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and a negative viral hepatitis serology panel. All patients required transfers to a pediatric tertiary-care specialty liver unit because of concerns for acute liver failure and the possible need for liver transplantations. All children recovered and were discharged home. In addition to these cases, several adults and other children living in the cases' households reported similar but mostly less severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue. **Recommendations** **For Clinicians** 1. Counsel your patients (or their caregivers and guardians) to stop drinking, cooking with, or using Real Water until more is known about the cause of the illnesses per FDA recommendations. 2. Educate your patients on the signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis due to any cause, which may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and yellow skin or eyes; and the importance of seeking medical care. 3. Maintain a high index of suspicion for non-viral hepatitis in your differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis in adults and children presenting with compatible clinical findings. 4. Obtain a more detailed exposure history in patients when you suspect acute non-viral hepatitis. Possible etiologies associated with acute non-viral hepatitis include exposure to medications, contaminated water or food, dietary and herbal supplements, traditional or home remedies, wild-growing mushrooms and plants, and chemicals such as metals, solvents, paint thinners, or pesticides. 5. Obtain early consultation with and/or referral to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist for medical workup and management of patients with signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis. 6. Contact your local health authority to report cases of acute non-viral hepatitis of unknown etiology. 7. Contact your local poison center for information on chemical or drug-induced liver toxicity and report any cases. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-03-30T23:22:0846665782COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - March 30, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have been increasing in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Several variants of concern have been identified in Chicago: B.1.1.7, P.1, B.1.427. and B.1.429.</li> <li><strong>The highest case rates for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago are among people age 18-39.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have been increasing in Chicago.** * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Several variants of concern have been identified in Chicago: B.1.1.7, P.1, B.1.427. and B.1.429. * **The highest case rates for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago are among people age 18-39.** * **Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated.** * **Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able, especially for young patients.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-29T22:24:0446665880COVID19LowPhase 1C Launches TODAY and Other COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Updates<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Phase 1C officially begins today March 29, 2021. For details on eligibility, see <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Vaccine Distribution Phases (chicago.gov)</a>.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>In addition to Phase 1A (long-term care and other residential facilities, healthcare workers) and 1B individuals (frontline essential workers, individuals over 65) continuing to be eligible and prioritized, Phase 1C eligible Chicagoans now include individuals aged 16-64 years with underlying medical conditions and all other essential workers listed in the attachment.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Within Phase 1C, healthcare providers who have established patients for primary or specialty care may vaccinate established patients who are Chicago or non-Chicago residents. Pharmacies and Urgent Cares may only vaccinate Chicago residents, unless providing a vaccine through an employer-sponsored event.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Moving forward, essential workers who work in the City of Chicago but are not Chicago residents may only be vaccinated in Chicago if offered through an employer-sponsored event (or if their PCP is in Chicago). </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Additionally, beginning on Monday, City of Chicago-run vaccination sites will only schedule appointments for Chicago residents, and no children under age 18 will be allowed on site. While government-issued ID is not required, these sites will also require proof of residency &ndash; <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/Residency-Documents.pdf" target="_blank">more than 30 different documents are accepted</a>.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * **Phase 1C officially begins today March 29, 2021. For details on eligibility, see [Vaccine Distribution Phases (chicago.gov)](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html).** * **In addition to Phase 1A (long-term care and other residential facilities, healthcare workers) and 1B individuals (frontline essential workers, individuals over 65) continuing to be eligible and prioritized, Phase 1C eligible Chicagoans now include individuals aged 16-64 years with underlying medical conditions and all other essential workers listed in the attachment.** * Within Phase 1C, healthcare providers who have established patients for primary or specialty care may vaccinate established patients who are Chicago or non-Chicago residents. Pharmacies and Urgent Cares may only vaccinate Chicago residents, unless providing a vaccine through an employer-sponsored event. * Moving forward, essential workers who work in the City of Chicago but are not Chicago residents may only be vaccinated in Chicago if offered through an employer-sponsored event (or if their PCP is in Chicago). * Additionally, beginning on Monday, City of Chicago-run vaccination sites will only schedule appointments for Chicago residents, and no children under age 18 will be allowed on site. While government-issued ID is not required, these sites will also require proof of residency -- [more than 30 different documents are accepted](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/sites/covid-19-vaccine/Documents/Residency-Documents.pdf). Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-10-23T23:32:3446664584Opioid ConcernsLowChicago Opioid Update - October 2020<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>There were 1,402 opioid-related EMS responses^1&nbsp;and at least 60 opioid-related deaths² in Chicago in July 2020.</li> <li>This is a 30% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 6% decrease in deaths compared to 2019.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&amp;v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>.</li> <li>Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</li> <li>Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li>Special population considerations can be helpful in developing a long-term treatment plan.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 1,402 opioid-related EMS responses^1^and at least 60 opioid-related deaths^2^ in Chicago in July 2020. * This is a 30% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 6% decrease in deaths compared to 2019. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=-xTKsHFBXlI&feature=emb_logo). * Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * Special population considerations can be helpful in developing a long-term treatment plan. Please see attachment for full details.true2021-01-25T17:02:1346664997COVID19LowUpdates to CDC mRNA Vaccine Guidance and Reminder: Phase 1B starts TODAY<p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="color:#FF0000">As a REMINDER, Phase 1B of Chicago&rsquo;s COVID-19 Vaccination Program starts TODAY and all sites receiving doses are expected to scale up operations to give ALL allocated doses each week.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDC has revised its guidance for use of currently authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, to include:</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Updated recommendations on intervals between the first and second dose</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Updated recommendations on interchangeability of vaccine products</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Updated language on vaccination of persons with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">New vaccination recommendations in persons with a history of dermal fillers</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Additional resources on vaccine excipients (Appendix B)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDC is developing updated clinic-related documents including standing orders, and the pre-vaccination screening form, and vaccine administration guidance. These materials will be posted online the week of January 25, 2021. Please update your mRNA COVID-19 protocols, screening instruments, etc. as needed to reflect updated CDC guidance.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>As a REMINDER, Phase 1B of Chicago's COVID-19 Vaccination Program starts TODAY and all sites receiving doses are expected to scale up operations to give ALL allocated doses each week. ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * CDC has revised its guidance for use of currently authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, to include: * Updated recommendations on intervals between the first and second dose * Updated recommendations on interchangeability of vaccine products * Updated language on vaccination of persons with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection * New vaccination recommendations in persons with a history of dermal fillers * Additional resources on vaccine excipients (Appendix B) * CDC is developing updated clinic-related documents including standing orders, and the pre-vaccination screening form, and vaccine administration guidance. These materials will be posted online the week of January 25, 2021. Please update your mRNA COVID-19 protocols, screening instruments, etc. as needed to reflect updated CDC guidance. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-26T20:04:5346665878InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 11<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 644 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 644 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-25T14:29:2946665578Laboratory InformationLowReminder - 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey<p>We invite you to complete the 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey.</p> <p>This survey is intended for all laboratories located within the City of Chicago that perform HIV-related lab tests and/or send labs for testing at one or more reference laboratories. This is NOT a survey for healthcare providers. Only laboratory staff members should take this survey. ONLY ONE SURVEY PER LABORATORY.</p> <p>The survey will take 5 - 10 minutes.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to understand and enhance the laboratory&rsquo;s capacity to perform HIV genotypic testing within Chicago. Your participation will help guide public health interventions and strengthen HIV surveillance to end the HIV epidemic.</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!HIVGenotypeLab" target="_blank">Click Here to start the survey.</a></p>We invite you to complete the 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey. This survey is intended for all laboratories located within the City of Chicago that perform HIV-related lab tests and/or send labs for testing at one or more reference laboratories. This is NOT a survey for healthcare providers. Only laboratory staff members should take this survey. ONLY ONE SURVEY PER LABORATORY. The survey will take 5 - 10 minutes. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to understand and enhance the laboratory's capacity to perform HIV genotypic testing within Chicago. Your participation will help guide public health interventions and strengthen HIV surveillance to end the HIV epidemic. [Click Here to start the survey.](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!HIVGenotypeLab)false2021-03-24T13:20:1546665406COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - March 24, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have both increased this week.</strong></li> <li>The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases.</li> <li><strong>The highest case rate for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago is among people age 18-29, followed by people age 30-39.</strong></li> <li><strong>Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated. Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have both increased this week.** * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. * **The highest case rate for new COVID-19 cases in Chicago is among people age 18-29, followed by people age 30-39.** * **Continue to offer testing to anyone with any possible COVID-19 symptoms and anyone with possible or confirmed exposure to someone with COVID-19 who has not been fully vaccinated. Continue to encourage patients to avoid large gatherings and crowds, wear masks in public spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as they are able.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-23T15:56:1346665404VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin March 23, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>Encourage parents to bring kids in now for back-to-school vaccines</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ&rsquo;s</li> <li>&nbsp;Autism Behavior and Complex Needs Conference</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachements for further details.</p>In this Issue: * Encourage parents to bring kids in now for back-to-school vaccines * COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ's * Autism Behavior and Complex Needs Conference Please see attachements for further details.true2021-03-22T19:56:1446665486COVID19LowPhase 1B to 1C Transition Week 2 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p><span style="font-size:14px">As an enrolled <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html"><span style="color:#0000FF"><u>COVID-19 Vaccine Provider,</u></span></a> you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. <strong>Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color:#FF8C00">***Equity is our vaccination strategy in Chicago and doses will no longer be allocated to practices that are found to mishandle or misuse Chicago vaccine stock. Site visits will begin for select provider sites in the next few weeks. Practices that are not reporting doses administered into I-CARE and inventory in VaccineFinder will not be allocated doses moving forward</span>.</p> <p>&bull; <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period continues until the official start of Phase 1C on March 29, 2021. </strong>For details, watch:<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA"><u><span style="color:#0000FF">Bridging phase 1b and 1c</span></u></a> </strong>but remember, Chicago is still nearly 20% behind the rest of the country in first-dose 65+ coverage. <strong>So ONLY after exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+</strong>, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with eligible underlying conditions. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of past medical history.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&bull; For <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqIJthDIG00"><u><span style="color:#0000FF"><strong>data reported through 3/17</strong></span></u></a>, 1/3 of the nearly million doses given in Chicago so far have gone to nonChicagoans, while only 21% of Chicagoans are getting vaccinated outside the city. Chicago doses must be given to Chicago residents unless they show proof of employment in essential industries in Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&bull; <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-and-covid-19-a-fireside-chat-with-dr-marcella-nunez-smith-tickets-144510660275"><span style="color:#0000FF"><u><strong>Register here</strong></u></span></a> <strong>to <u>Meet President Biden&rsquo;s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Chair: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith on March 23rd 10:30-11:30am Central / 11:30-12:30pm EDT.</u></strong><u> </u>As the Chair of the Biden-Harris Health Equity Task Force, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith is leading the Administration&rsquo;s important work to ensure that response, care, and treatment for COVID-19 is distributed equally. Dr. NunezSmith will discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead on health equity&mdash;from vaccine distribution to school reopening to treatments</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see attachment for further details</span></p>As an enrolled [++COVID-19 Vaccine Provider,++](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html) you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. **Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM.** \*\*\*Equity is our vaccination strategy in Chicago and doses will no longer be allocated to practices that are found to mishandle or misuse Chicago vaccine stock. Site visits will begin for select provider sites in the next few weeks. Practices that are not reporting doses administered into I-CARE and inventory in VaccineFinder will not be allocated doses moving forward. • **The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period continues until the official start of Phase 1C on March 29, 2021.** For details, watch:**[++Bridging phase 1b and 1c++](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA)** but remember, Chicago is still nearly 20% behind the rest of the country in first-dose 65+ coverage. **So ONLY after exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+**, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with eligible underlying conditions. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of past medical history. • For [++**data reported through 3/17**++](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqIJthDIG00), 1/3 of the nearly million doses given in Chicago so far have gone to nonChicagoans, while only 21% of Chicagoans are getting vaccinated outside the city. Chicago doses must be given to Chicago residents unless they show proof of employment in essential industries in Chicago. • [++**Register here**++](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-and-covid-19-a-fireside-chat-with-dr-marcella-nunez-smith-tickets-144510660275) **to ++Meet President Biden's COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Chair: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith on March 23rd 10:30-11:30am Central / 11:30-12:30pm EDT.++** As the Chair of the Biden-Harris Health Equity Task Force, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith is leading the Administration's important work to ensure that response, care, and treatment for COVID-19 is distributed equally. Dr. NunezSmith will discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead on health equity---from vaccine distribution to school reopening to treatments Please see attachment for further detailstrue2021-03-16T23:42:0246665397COVID19LowUpdated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Fully vaccinated HCP with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following their exposure.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Work restrictions for fully vaccinated HCP populations with higher-risk exposures should still be considered for HCP who have underlying immunocompromising conditions (e.g., organ transplantation, cancer treatment), which might impact level of protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccine. However, data on which immunocompromising conditions might affect response to the COVID-19 vaccine and the magnitude of risk are not available.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Quarantine is no longer recommended for residents who are being admitted to a post-acute care facility if they are fully vaccinated and have <strong>not</strong> had prolonged close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior 14 days.&nbsp; Therefore, information regarding fully vaccinated patients, who were potentially exposed to an infectious individual should be shared with the receiving post-acute care facility prior to patient transfer for implementation of appropriate quarantine measures.</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><em>Note: separate guidance will be issued for long-term care facilities</em></span></li> </ul>**++Summary and Action Items++** * Fully vaccinated HCP with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following their exposure. * Work restrictions for fully vaccinated HCP populations with higher-risk exposures should still be considered for HCP who have underlying immunocompromising conditions (e.g., organ transplantation, cancer treatment), which might impact level of protection provided by the COVID-19 vaccine. However, data on which immunocompromising conditions might affect response to the COVID-19 vaccine and the magnitude of risk are not available. * Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period). * Quarantine is no longer recommended for residents who are being admitted to a post-acute care facility if they are fully vaccinated and have **not** had prolonged close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior 14 days. Therefore, information regarding fully vaccinated patients, who were potentially exposed to an infectious individual should be shared with the receiving post-acute care facility prior to patient transfer for implementation of appropriate quarantine measures. <!-- --> * *Note: separate guidance will be issued for long-term care facilities*true2021-03-19T19:54:1946665481InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 10<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 607 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of March 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 607 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-18T17:31:4746665400COVID19LowPhase 1B to 1C transition starts TODAY<p><span style="font-size:14px">As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due every</span><strong><span style="font-size:14px"> TUESDAY by 5PM.</span> </strong></p> <p><span style="color:#FF8C00"><strong>*</strong>**The City of Chicago is no longer providing vaccine doses to providers who were found to have disregarded and not adhered to the below prioritization guidelines. Providers who knowingly disregard or whose patient prioritization and outreach practices do not effectively adhere to the prioritization guidelines will be ineligible for further City of Chicago vaccine doses. </span></p> <p><span style="color:#FF8C00">***Providers who do not enter doses into I-CARE or inventory into Vaccine Finder in a timely manner will also be ineligible for City of Chicago vaccine doses moving forward.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&bull; <strong>The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period started on March 15, 2021</strong>.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">o Watch video for details:<span style="color:#0000FF"><strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA">Bridging phase 1b and 1c</a></strong></span></p> <p>&bull; <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Only after exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with the below eligible underlying conditions</strong></span> that put them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of their past medical history.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">o The list of eligible conditions includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD), diabetes, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunosuppressed states (e.g., after a transplant), obesity (BMI &ge;30), Down Syndrome, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and people with disabilities.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;">o Refer homebound seniors to the City&rsquo;s new in-home vaccination program <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html"><strong><span style="color:#0000CD">here</span></strong></a> (described below).</p> <p>&bull; <span style="font-size:14px">Continue to actively schedule individuals in phase 1a and frontline essential workers in phase 1b. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">&bull; CDPH expects to move officially into<strong> Phase 1C on March 29, 2021.</strong> More details will be available next week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see attachment for further details.</span></p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due every**TUESDAY by 5PM.** **\***\*\*The City of Chicago is no longer providing vaccine doses to providers who were found to have disregarded and not adhered to the below prioritization guidelines. Providers who knowingly disregard or whose patient prioritization and outreach practices do not effectively adhere to the prioritization guidelines will be ineligible for further City of Chicago vaccine doses. \*\*\*Providers who do not enter doses into I-CARE or inventory into Vaccine Finder in a timely manner will also be ineligible for City of Chicago vaccine doses moving forward. • **The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period started on March 15, 2021**. o Watch video for details:**[Bridging phase 1b and 1c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA)** • **Only after exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with the below eligible underlying conditions** that put them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of their past medical history. o The list of eligible conditions includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD), diabetes, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunosuppressed states (e.g., after a transplant), obesity (BMI ≥30), Down Syndrome, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and people with disabilities. o Refer homebound seniors to the City's new in-home vaccination program [**here**](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html) (described below). • Continue to actively schedule individuals in phase 1a and frontline essential workers in phase 1b. • CDPH expects to move officially into**Phase 1C on March 29, 2021.** More details will be available next week. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-03-17T22:28:2446665276Laboratory InformationLowUpdated - 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey<p>We invite you to complete the 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey.</p> <p>This survey is intended for all laboratories located within the City of Chicago that perform HIV-related lab tests and/or send labs for testing at one or more reference laboratories. This is NOT a survey for healthcare providers. Only laboratory staff members should take this survey. ONLY ONE SURVEY PER LABORATORY.</p> <p>The survey will take 5 - 10 minutes.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to understand and enhance the laboratory&rsquo;s capacity to perform HIV genotypic testing within Chicago. Your participation will help guide public health interventions and strengthen HIV surveillance to end the HIV epidemic.</p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!HIVGenotypeLab" target="_blank">Click Here to start the survey.</a></p> <p>Corrections to the Survey have been made.&nbsp; If you tried to submit survey earlier, please try again.&nbsp; Thank you.</p>We invite you to complete the 2021 HIV Genotype Lab Survey. This survey is intended for all laboratories located within the City of Chicago that perform HIV-related lab tests and/or send labs for testing at one or more reference laboratories. This is NOT a survey for healthcare providers. Only laboratory staff members should take this survey. ONLY ONE SURVEY PER LABORATORY. The survey will take 5 - 10 minutes. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to understand and enhance the laboratory's capacity to perform HIV genotypic testing within Chicago. Your participation will help guide public health interventions and strengthen HIV surveillance to end the HIV epidemic. [Click Here to start the survey.](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!HIVGenotypeLab) Corrections to the Survey have been made. If you tried to submit survey earlier, please try again. Thank you.false2021-03-17T01:33:0546665398COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - March 16, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have stabilized in Chicago.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The CDC has issued </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html" target="_blank"><strong>new guidance</strong></a><strong> for people who are fully vaccinated (14 days after the 2^nd dose for a 2 dose vaccine, 14 days after receiving a single dose vaccine), which includes relaxed restrictions for (1) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people or (2) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people and one household of unvaccinated people at low risk for severe COVID-19.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have stabilized in Chicago.** * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing. * **The CDC has issued** [**new guidance**](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html)**for people who are fully vaccinated (14 days after the 2^nd^ dose for a 2 dose vaccine, 14 days after receiving a single dose vaccine), which includes relaxed restrictions for (1) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people or (2) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people and one household of unvaccinated people at low risk for severe COVID-19.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-07-10T17:51:0946663488Opioid ConcernsLowCDN Training: Opioid Prescribing in the COVID-19 Era<p><strong>Speakers:</strong><br /> Joanna L. Starrels, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Division of General Internal Medicine</p> <p>Hector R. Perez, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Division of General Internal Medicine</p> <p><strong>Date and Time:</strong><br /> Friday, Jul 17, 2020 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM</p> <p><strong>Learning Objectives:</strong><br /> At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:</p> <ol> <li>Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing affects guideline-recommended opioid prescribing practices</li> <li>Discuss person-centered interventions to reduce harms for patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain &nbsp;</li> <li>Understand risks, benefits, and best practices for opioid tapering during the COVID-19 pandemic</li> </ol> <p>This webinar is approved for 1.0 Continuing Medical Education credits by The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).<br /> All continuing education credits are provided free of charge.</p> <p>You may send any inquiries to <a href="mailto:eLearning2@CDNetwork.org">eLearning2@CDNetwork.org</a><br /> If you encounter any difficulties accessing the webinar, feel free to contact our support team by email at <a href="mailto:eLearning2@CDNetwork.org">elearning2@CDNetwork.org</a> or by phone at (212) 382-0699 ext. 253.</p>**Speakers:** Joanna L. Starrels, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Division of General Internal Medicine Hector R. Perez, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Division of General Internal Medicine **Date and Time:** Friday, Jul 17, 2020 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM **Learning Objectives:** At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to: 1. Describe how the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing affects guideline-recommended opioid prescribing practices 2. Discuss person-centered interventions to reduce harms for patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain 3. Understand risks, benefits, and best practices for opioid tapering during the COVID-19 pandemic This webinar is approved for 1.0 Continuing Medical Education credits by The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). All continuing education credits are provided free of charge. You may send any inquiries to [eLearning2@CDNetwork.org](mailto:eLearning2@CDNetwork.org) If you encounter any difficulties accessing the webinar, feel free to contact our support team by email at [elearning2@CDNetwork.org](mailto:eLearning2@CDNetwork.org) or by phone at (212) 382-0699 ext. 253.false2021-03-15T21:26:1046665394COVID19LowPhase 1B to 1C transition starts TODAY<p><span style="font-size:16px">As an enrolled <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Provider</a>, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts<strong>. Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM</strong>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:#FF0000">***Providers who do not enter doses into I-CARE or inventory into Vaccine Finder in a timely way will be ineligible for City of Chicago vaccine doses moving forward.</span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period starts today March 15, 2021.</strong></span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Watch video for details: <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA"><span style="color:#0000FF">Bridging phase 1b and 1c</span></a></strong></span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>After exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with eligible underlying conditions below</strong> that put them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of their past medical history.</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The list of eligible conditions includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD), diabetes, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunosuppressed states (e.g., after a transplant), obesity (BMI &ge;30), Down Syndrome, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and people with disabilities.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Refer homebound senior patients to the city&rsquo;s new program <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html" target="_blank">here</a> (described in attachment).</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDPH still expects to move officially into <strong>Phase 1C on March 29, 2021.</strong> More details available next week.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see attachment for further details.</span></p>As an enrolled [COVID-19 Vaccine Provider](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html), you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts**. Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM**. \*\*\*Providers who do not enter doses into I-CARE or inventory into Vaccine Finder in a timely way will be ineligible for City of Chicago vaccine doses moving forward. * **The Phase 1B to 1C transitional period starts today March 15, 2021.** * Watch video for details: **[Bridging phase 1b and 1c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzBmmVjDDA)** * **After exhausting outreach to schedule seniors 65+, providers may use any leftover doses for current patients 18-64 years-old with eligible underlying conditions below** that put them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Sub-prioritize outreach based on your knowledge of their past medical history. * The list of eligible conditions includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD), diabetes, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunosuppressed states (e.g., after a transplant), obesity (BMI ≥30), Down Syndrome, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and people with disabilities. * Refer homebound senior patients to the city's new program [here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html) (described in attachment). * CDPH still expects to move officially into **Phase 1C on March 29, 2021.** More details available next week. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-03-12T22:30:0946665269Opioid ConcernsLowCORRECTION: Chicago Opioid Update issued March 5, 2021<p><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:18px">There were 1,228 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 99 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in September 2020.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">This is a 16% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 24% <span style="color:#FF0000">INCREASE</span>&nbsp;in deaths compared to 2019.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">For the total number of opioid related deaths in September, <strong>91% involved fentanyl</strong>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, <strong>31% involved cocaine</strong>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;t=4s" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>. Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:18px">Review the HAN Alert released on 2/17/21 to learn about how to earn a stipend for the latest <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/234367/MAT_waiver_training_3_13.pdf" target="_blank">Addiction Treatment Training Opportunity</a></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Please see the attachment for the full report.&nbsp; &nbsp;Correction is noted in this message and in the attachment in <span style="color:#FF0000">red</span>.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 1,228 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 99 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in September 2020. * This is a 16% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 24% INCREASE in deaths compared to 2019. * For the total number of opioid related deaths in September, **91% involved fentanyl**. * For the opioid-related overdose deaths that involved polysubstance use, **31% involved cocaine**. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTKsHFBXlI&t=4s). Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * Review the HAN Alert released on 2/17/21 to learn about how to earn a stipend for the latest [Addiction Treatment Training Opportunity](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/234367/MAT_waiver_training_3_13.pdf) Please see the attachment for the full report. Correction is noted in this message and in the attachment in red.true2021-03-12T21:18:0846665268InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 9<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 28-March 6, 2021, 0 of the 588 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 28-March 6, 2021, 0 of the 588 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-11T17:10:3046665258Laboratory InformationLowIDPH: BinaxNOW Expiration Date Extension<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><span style="background-color:#FFFF00">Please do not discard BinaxNOW test kits.</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Abbott has issued a 3-month extension to the expiration dates listed on many of their BinaxNOW test kits produced in the early phases of production. You are encouraged&nbsp;to identify the lot numbers located on the outside of their test kits and confirm that the number is listed in the Abbott memo attached to determine if the extension applies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Note that all kit items (swabs, reagents, etc.) have independent lot numbers so only reference the lot number on the outside of the kit box to determine expiration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Please do not discard BinaxNOW test kits.** Abbott has issued a 3-month extension to the expiration dates listed on many of their BinaxNOW test kits produced in the early phases of production. You are encouraged to identify the lot numbers located on the outside of their test kits and confirm that the number is listed in the Abbott memo attached to determine if the extension applies. Note that all kit items (swabs, reagents, etc.) have independent lot numbers so only reference the lot number on the outside of the kit box to determine expiration. Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-07-09T18:07:3646663383CCN Health AdvisoryLowHot Weather Forecast<p><span style="font-size:16px">The hot weather and humidity continue to affect the area. The hottest day of the week will be today, July 9th, with heat indices peaking near 97 degrees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Heat will continue to affect the area until Friday when a cold front is expected to pass through the area. Overnight lows will remain in the lower 70&rsquo;s which will not allow the urban heat island effect to dissipate, adding to the uncomfortable humidity. Daily lake breezes will keep areas near the shore cooler.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Mayor Lightfoot has announced additional resources for residents to find relief from extreme heat this week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see attachment for the list of locations that will serve as Cooling Centers until Friday, July 10.</span></p> <p>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or <a href="mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org">hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org</a>. &nbsp;For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinsonat <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>The hot weather and humidity continue to affect the area. The hottest day of the week will be today, July 9th, with heat indices peaking near 97 degrees. Heat will continue to affect the area until Friday when a cold front is expected to pass through the area. Overnight lows will remain in the lower 70's which will not allow the urban heat island effect to dissipate, adding to the uncomfortable humidity. Daily lake breezes will keep areas near the shore cooler. Mayor Lightfoot has announced additional resources for residents to find relief from extreme heat this week. Please see attachment for the list of locations that will serve as Cooling Centers until Friday, July 10. This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or [hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org). For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinsonat [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).true2020-07-07T21:03:3746663382COVID19LowTravel Order: Frequently Asked Questions Related to Healthcare Personnel<p>Last week, CDPH issued Public Health Order 2020-10, which ordered self-quarantine for travelers coming to Chicago from COVID-19 high burden states. &nbsp;The alert below provides guidance specific to health care workers.</p> <p><br /> <strong>What are the guidelines for Healthcare workers who travel to an identified state for personal reasons?</strong><br /> &nbsp;<br /> It is recommended that healthcare workers who traveled for personal reasons are quarantined for 14 days from the date of return. &nbsp;However, a healthcare system can implement a testing and monitoring program as defined below. If a healthcare worker returns from travel for personal reasons from a state with an identified high burden, PCR based testing can be performed on days 5-7 after returning. &nbsp;If the test is negative, then the healthcare worker can return to work on day 8. &nbsp;<u>The following criteria must be met, however:</u></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The returning traveler must not have had close prolonged contact with a known, confirmed case of COVID-19<br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The returning traveler has no known symptoms<br /> 3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Universal precautions are in place while at work<br /> 4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The healthcare system offers the test, and monitors the returning traveler&rsquo;s symptoms. &nbsp;If any symptoms occur, the Healthcare worker must stop working, and be re-tested.</p> <p><br /> <strong>What are the guidelines for healthcare workers who are traveling for essential work?</strong></p> <p><br /> For purposes of the Order and this FAQ, &ldquo;essential workers&rdquo; are not subject to the mandatory self-quarantine if they are traveling for work purposes under the following circumstances:</p> <p style="margin-left:40px"><br /> (a) if a non-resident of Chicago, is traveling from a designated state to Chicago for the primary purpose of carrying out primary work in Chicago, and who needs to be physically present in Chicago in order to carry out that primary work, with identification issued by their employer, or</p> <p style="margin-left:40px"><br /> (b) if a resident of Chicago, is returning from a designated state, and was in the designated state for the primary purpose of carrying out primary work in that state, and who needed to be physically present in that state in order to carry out that primary work.</p> <p><br /> Essential workers traveling for work purposes are subject to the following requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Essential workers should avoid any non-essential interactions until the quarantine period has ended. They must limit their activities to work-related activities and functions that directly support their work-related activities, and avoid public spaces as much as possible.</li> <li>Essential workers should monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.</li> <li>Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What if a healthcare worker lives in a state identified as a high burden state?</strong></p> <p><br /> Healthcare workers are considered exempt if traveling to Chicago for work. Thus, they would be exempt from the quarantine order.</p> <p><br /> <strong>What if a healthcare worker lives in a Chicago suburb and travels to a high burden state?</strong></p> <p><br /> If travel is for personal reasons, the order is still applicable. &nbsp;If the travel is for essential work, they are considered exempt from the order.</p> <p><br /> <strong>How will states be designated under the Order?</strong></p> <p><br /> A state will be designated if it has a case rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 resident population, per day, over a 7-day rolling average.</p> <p><br /> <strong>How and when will the list be updated?</strong></p> <p><br /> The list of states will be reviewed and amended every Tuesday, starting July 14, 2020, with the order effective for those states the following Friday (three days later).</p> <p><br /> <strong>Additional guidance on the travel order, including the list of states, can be found at:</strong><br /> <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html</a></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Last week, CDPH issued Public Health Order 2020-10, which ordered self-quarantine for travelers coming to Chicago from COVID-19 high burden states. The alert below provides guidance specific to health care workers. <br /> **What are the guidelines for Healthcare workers who travel to an identified state for personal reasons?** <br /> It is recommended that healthcare workers who traveled for personal reasons are quarantined for 14 days from the date of return. However, a healthcare system can implement a testing and monitoring program as defined below. If a healthcare worker returns from travel for personal reasons from a state with an identified high burden, PCR based testing can be performed on days 5-7 after returning. If the test is negative, then the healthcare worker can return to work on day 8. ++The following criteria must be met, however:++ 1. The returning traveler must not have had close prolonged contact with a known, confirmed case of COVID-19 2. The returning traveler has no known symptoms 3. Universal precautions are in place while at work 4. The healthcare system offers the test, and monitors the returning traveler's symptoms. If any symptoms occur, the Healthcare worker must stop working, and be re-tested. <br /> **What are the guidelines for healthcare workers who are traveling for essential work?** <br /> For purposes of the Order and this FAQ, "essential workers" are not subject to the mandatory self-quarantine if they are traveling for work purposes under the following circumstances: <br /> (a) if a non-resident of Chicago, is traveling from a designated state to Chicago for the primary purpose of carrying out primary work in Chicago, and who needs to be physically present in Chicago in order to carry out that primary work, with identification issued by their employer, or <br /> (b) if a resident of Chicago, is returning from a designated state, and was in the designated state for the primary purpose of carrying out primary work in that state, and who needed to be physically present in that state in order to carry out that primary work. <br /> Essential workers traveling for work purposes are subject to the following requirements: * Essential workers should avoid any non-essential interactions until the quarantine period has ended. They must limit their activities to work-related activities and functions that directly support their work-related activities, and avoid public spaces as much as possible. * Essential workers should monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces. * Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers, and large congregate settings. **What if a healthcare worker lives in a state identified as a high burden state?** <br /> Healthcare workers are considered exempt if traveling to Chicago for work. Thus, they would be exempt from the quarantine order. <br /> **What if a healthcare worker lives in a Chicago suburb and travels to a high burden state?** <br /> If travel is for personal reasons, the order is still applicable. If the travel is for essential work, they are considered exempt from the order. <br /> **How will states be designated under the Order?** <br /> A state will be designated if it has a case rate greater than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 resident population, per day, over a 7-day rolling average. <br /> **How and when will the list be updated?** <br /> The list of states will be reviewed and amended every Tuesday, starting July 14, 2020, with the order effective for those states the following Friday (three days later). <br /> **Additional guidance on the travel order, including the list of states, can be found at:** <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html>true2021-03-11T16:41:5946665257COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccination Breakthrough Case Definition and Reporting Guidance - March 11, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>CDC and CDPH are monitoring potential COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases occurring &ge;14 days after completing the primary series of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.</li> <li>Healthcare providers caring for individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection after completing the COVID-19 vaccination series should report cases to CDPH through the following REDCap form: <a href="https://redcap.link/covidbreakthrough" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/covidbreakthrough</a></li> <li>If residual specimens from the positive test (respiratory specimen, RNA extract, or viral isolate) are available, providers should request that those be held at the laboratory for at least 30 days.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * CDC and CDPH are monitoring potential COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases occurring ≥14 days after completing the primary series of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. * Healthcare providers caring for individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection after completing the COVID-19 vaccination series should report cases to CDPH through the following REDCap form: <https://redcap.link/covidbreakthrough> * If residual specimens from the positive test (respiratory specimen, RNA extract, or viral isolate) are available, providers should request that those be held at the laboratory for at least 30 days. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-09T23:06:4946665253COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - March 9, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have stabilized in Chicago.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The CDC has issued </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html" target="_blank"><strong>new guidance</strong></a><strong> for people who are fully vaccinated (14 days after the 2^nd dose for a 2 dose vaccine, 14 days after receiving a single dose vaccine), which includes relaxed restrictions for (1) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people or (2) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people and one household of unvaccinated people at low risk for severe COVID-19.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence have stabilized in Chicago.** * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing. * **The CDC has issued** [**new guidance**](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html)**for people who are fully vaccinated (14 days after the 2^nd^ dose for a 2 dose vaccine, 14 days after receiving a single dose vaccine), which includes relaxed restrictions for (1) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people or (2) small gatherings of fully vaccinated people and one household of unvaccinated people at low risk for severe COVID-19.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-08T23:14:0046665250COVID19LowPhase 1B Week 7 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p>As an enrolled <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Provider</a>, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. <strong>Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM.</strong></p> <p><strong>It&rsquo;s Senior Week!</strong> Continue aggressive outreach and scheduling for your patients 65+.</p> <ul> <li>For Chicago residents 65+: <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/united-center.html" target="_blank">United Center appointments</a> are available at <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine" target="_blank">www.zocdoc.com/vaccine</a> and 312-746-4835 (for those without internet access).</li> <li>A program for homebound seniors has begun. Read more <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li>Chicago remains in <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Phase 1B</a>. See additional phase updates on page 2 on the attachment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Register for tomorrow&rsquo;s CDC COCA call</strong>: <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_030921.asp" target="_blank">Webinar March 9, 2021 - What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness and How to Address Patient Questions and Concerns (cdc.gov)</a></p> <p><strong>UPDATED CDC COVID-19 vaccine materials:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html" target="_blank">Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Information | CDC</a> (updated to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks)</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/index.html" target="_blank">Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Information | CDC</a> (updated interim clinical considerations)</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/index.html" target="_blank">Johnson &amp; Johnson&rsquo;s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information | CDC</a> (<span style="color:#FF0000">NEW</span>)</li> <li><a href="https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/" target="_blank">V-safe </a>(and associated materials) now available in Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details and more information.</p>As an enrolled [COVID-19 Vaccine Provider](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html), you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. **Order Forms are due TUESDAY (tomorrow) by 5PM.** **It's Senior Week!** Continue aggressive outreach and scheduling for your patients 65+. * For Chicago residents 65+: [United Center appointments](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/united-center.html) are available at [www.zocdoc.com/vaccine](https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine) and 312-746-4835 (for those without internet access). * A program for homebound seniors has begun. Read more [here](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/seniors.html). * Chicago remains in [Phase 1B](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html). See additional phase updates on page 2 on the attachment. **Register for tomorrow's CDC COCA call** : [Webinar March 9, 2021 - What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness and How to Address Patient Questions and Concerns (cdc.gov)](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_030921.asp) **UPDATED CDC COVID-19 vaccine materials:** * [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Information \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html) (updated to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks) * [Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Information \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/index.html) (updated interim clinical considerations) * [Johnson \& Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/index.html) (NEW) * [V-safe](https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/)(and associated materials) now available in Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese Please see the attachment for full details and more information.true2021-03-05T22:34:1446665244COVID19LowVariant P.1 SARS-CoV-2 Strain Identified in Chicago March 5, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li> <p>The first known Illinois case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant P.1 has been identified in a Chicago resident.</p> </li> <li> <p>The variant was identified during genomic sequencing of a specimen at a Chicago academic medical center laboratory.</p> </li> <li> <p>The P.1 variant was first identified in travelers from Brazil during routine airport screening in Tokyo, Japan, in early January 2021. As of March 2, 2021, many other countries and 5 US states have also reported cases of P.1.</p> </li> <li> <p>While efforts are being made to trace the contacts of this individual, CDPH expects that this variant and others with a transmission advantage over the current predominant strains are likely to become more established in the US, including in the Chicago region.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * The first known Illinois case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant P.1 has been identified in a Chicago resident. * The variant was identified during genomic sequencing of a specimen at a Chicago academic medical center laboratory. * The P.1 variant was first identified in travelers from Brazil during routine airport screening in Tokyo, Japan, in early January 2021. As of March 2, 2021, many other countries and 5 US states have also reported cases of P.1. * While efforts are being made to trace the contacts of this individual, CDPH expects that this variant and others with a transmission advantage over the current predominant strains are likely to become more established in the US, including in the Chicago region. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-07-06T15:22:3846663381West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 27<p>This report provides data on week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 27 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2021-03-05T20:00:0046665373InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 8<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of February 21-27, 2021, 0 of the 613 reported specimens tested for influenza<br /> were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of February 21-27, 2021, 0 of the 613 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-03-05T00:56:5946665372EbolaLowIDPH: Ebola Monitoring<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> 1. To provide information on monitoring of travelers from areas where Ebola is circulating to health care providers and local health departments (LHDs)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Background</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that travelers returning from some areas within Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be screened at six airports in the U.S., including Chicago O&rsquo;Hare, due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in areas within these countries. Please monitor the areas of concern (https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/index-2018.html) as the geographic locations where Ebola is circulating can change. Currently, there are no movement restrictions for these travelers. CDC considers this to be a low risk situation and few travelers are expected from these countries.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Basic Information on Ebola</strong><br /> The incubation period for Ebola is from two to 21 days after exposure (typically 4-10 days). Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pains. This is followed by diarrhea and/or vomiting. Half of cases will experience hemorrhagic manifestations. Other diseases such as typhoid fever, malaria and COVID-19 may cause similar early symptoms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Health Care Provider Actions per IDPH</strong><br /> &bull; Ensure your facility has the contact information for your LHD, during and after work hours.<br /> &bull; Call the LHD with any concerns about travelers from the specific affected areas who have symptoms suggestive of Ebola.<br /> &bull; Testing for Ebola will only be for patients who have an epidemiologic link to the specific geographic areas where Ebola is circulating and have symptoms suggestive of Ebola.<br /> &bull; Review and follow CDC guidance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** 1. To provide information on monitoring of travelers from areas where Ebola is circulating to health care providers and local health departments (LHDs) **Background** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that travelers returning from some areas within Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be screened at six airports in the U.S., including Chicago O'Hare, due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in areas within these countries. Please monitor the areas of concern (https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/index-2018.html) as the geographic locations where Ebola is circulating can change. Currently, there are no movement restrictions for these travelers. CDC considers this to be a low risk situation and few travelers are expected from these countries. **Basic Information on Ebola** The incubation period for Ebola is from two to 21 days after exposure (typically 4-10 days). Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pains. This is followed by diarrhea and/or vomiting. Half of cases will experience hemorrhagic manifestations. Other diseases such as typhoid fever, malaria and COVID-19 may cause similar early symptoms. **Health Care Provider Actions per IDPH** • Ensure your facility has the contact information for your LHD, during and after work hours. • Call the LHD with any concerns about travelers from the specific affected areas who have symptoms suggestive of Ebola. • Testing for Ebola will only be for patients who have an epidemiologic link to the specific geographic areas where Ebola is circulating and have symptoms suggestive of Ebola. • Review and follow CDC guidance. Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-03-03T16:15:5346665231STILowAcute HIV Inf. & Revised Surveillance Case Def. for Acute HIV Infection Among Adults & Adolescents<p><span style="color:#FF0000"><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></span></p> <p><strong>&ldquo;Acute HIV infection &amp; Revised Surveillance Case Definition for Acute HIV infection among adults and adolescents&rdquo;</strong></p> <p><strong>Chicago Department of Public Health -&nbsp;Bureau HIV/STI webinar</strong></p> <p><strong>Date: March 23, 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 9: 00 am &ndash; 10:00 am</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!HIVSTIWebinar" target="_blank"><strong>Click Here to register for the event</strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>Speakers</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Moira McNulty, MD, MS</strong><br /> Assistant Professor of Medicine<br /> Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health<br /> University of Chicago Medicine</p> <p><strong>Donna Peace</strong><br /> HIV Surveillance Epidemiologist<br /> HIV/STI Bureau<br /> Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p><strong>Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.</strong></p>**SAVE THE DATE** **"Acute HIV infection \& Revised Surveillance Case Definition for Acute HIV infection among adults and adolescents"** **Chicago Department of Public Health - Bureau HIV/STI webinar** **Date: March 23, 2021** **Time: 9: 00 am -- 10:00 am** [**Click Here to register for the event**](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!HIVSTIWebinar) **++Speakers++** **Moira McNulty, MD, MS** Assistant Professor of Medicine Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health University of Chicago Medicine **Donna Peace** HIV Surveillance Epidemiologist HIV/STI Bureau Chicago Department of Public Health **Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.**false2021-03-03T00:33:0546665365COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - March 2, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>COVID-19 test positivity continues to decline in Chicago, however case incidence is slightly higher this week than last week.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for those who have been vaccinated.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors. People with underlying medical conditions are included in phase 1c in Chicago.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity continues to decline in Chicago, however case incidence is slightly higher this week than last week.** * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for those who have been vaccinated. * **Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors. People with underlying medical conditions are included in phase 1c in Chicago.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-06-17T19:33:4446662999VFCLowCorrection: Chicago VFC News Bulletin June 17, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <p><span style="color:#FF0000">Only 2 Weeks Left!</span> Complete the VFC Regional Meeting Webinar Training by 6/30/20.</p> <p>Chicago VFC requires at least 2 staff members from each practice to complete the webinar and evaluation before 6/30/20.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: Only 2 Weeks Left! Complete the VFC Regional Meeting Webinar Training by 6/30/20. Chicago VFC requires at least 2 staff members from each practice to complete the webinar and evaluation before 6/30/20. Please see the attachment for full details.true2021-03-02T23:37:3046665229STILowAcute HIV Inf. & Revised Surveillance Case Def. for Acute HIV Infection Among Adults & Adolescents<p><strong>SAVE THE DATE</strong></p> <p><strong>&ldquo;Acute HIV infection &amp; Revised Surveillance Case Definition for Acute HIV infection among adults and adolescents&rdquo;</strong></p> <p><strong>Chicago Department of Public Health -&nbsp;Bureau HIV/STI webinar</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;Date: March 23, 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Time: 9: 00 am &ndash; 10:00 am</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><u>Speakers</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Moira McNulty, MD, MS</strong></p> <p>Assistant Professor of Medicine</p> <p>Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health</p> <p>University of Chicago Medicine</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Donna Peace</strong></p> <p>HIV Surveillance Epidemiologist</p> <p>HIV/STI Bureau</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.</strong></p>**SAVE THE DATE** **"Acute HIV infection \& Revised Surveillance Case Definition for Acute HIV infection among adults and adolescents"** **Chicago Department of Public Health - Bureau HIV/STI webinar** **Date: March 23, 2021** **Time: 9: 00 am -- 10:00 am** **++Speakers++** **Moira McNulty, MD, MS** Assistant Professor of Medicine Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health University of Chicago Medicine **Donna Peace** HIV Surveillance Epidemiologist HIV/STI Bureau Chicago Department of Public Health **Virtual: Microsoft Teams - More information coming soon.**false2021-03-02T23:27:1946665230COVID19LowPhase 1B Week 6 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p>As an enrolled <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Provider</a>, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due TODAY.</p> <ul> <li>Page 1 &ndash; Focus on Seniors: CDPH wants to offer ALL Chicagoans 65+ vaccine in the month of March and since only 31% of Chicagoans 65+ have been vaccinated so far, Chicago remains in <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Phase 1B</a>.</li> <li>Page 2 &ndash; Pfizer Storage Update and Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) Update: <ul> <li>On 2/25/21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is allowing undiluted frozen vials of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to be transported and stored at conventional pharmaceutical freezer temperatures (-25oC to -15oC) for 2 weeks.</li> <li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) <a href="https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-EUA.pdf" target="_blank">FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)</a> was granted on 2/27/21 and the CDC ACIP voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above on 2/28/21. While being safe and effective in well-conducted trials of over 44,000 individuals, this is also the first of the COVID-19 vaccines that do not require freezing for storage and transportation!</li> </ul> </li> <li>Page 3 &ndash; <strong>Non-discrimination Principles of Emergency Medical Countermeasures and Interim Guidance: Best Practices for Provider Review of Phase 1A and 1B Eligibility</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>As an enrolled [COVID-19 Vaccine Provider](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html), you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due TODAY. * Page 1 -- Focus on Seniors: CDPH wants to offer ALL Chicagoans 65+ vaccine in the month of March and since only 31% of Chicagoans 65+ have been vaccinated so far, Chicago remains in [Phase 1B](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html). * Page 2 -- Pfizer Storage Update and Johnson \& Johnson (Janssen) Update: * On 2/25/21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is allowing undiluted frozen vials of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to be transported and stored at conventional pharmaceutical freezer temperatures (-25oC to -15oC) for 2 weeks. * Johnson \& Johnson (Janssen) [FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)](https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-EUA.pdf) was granted on 2/27/21 and the CDC ACIP voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above on 2/28/21. While being safe and effective in well-conducted trials of over 44,000 individuals, this is also the first of the COVID-19 vaccines that do not require freezing for storage and transportation! * Page 3 -- **Non-discrimination Principles of Emergency Medical Countermeasures and Interim Guidance: Best Practices for Provider Review of Phase 1A and 1B Eligibility**. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-03-02T16:07:3346665364COVID19LowJohnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine Update<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted <a href="https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-EUA.pdf" target="_blank">Emergency Use Authorization</a> (EUA) to the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine on February 27, 2021.</li> <li>On February 28, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above.</li> <li>Review FDA EUA materials: <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download" target="_blank">Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare providers</a> and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download" target="_blank">Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers</a>.</li> <li>A <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_030221.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM50311&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=Reminder%3A%20CDC%20COCA%20Call%20Today%3A%20What%20Clinicians%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20the%20Johnson%20%26%20Johnson%27s%20Janssen%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20-%20Tuesday%2C%20Ma&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM50311" target="_blank">CDC COCA call</a> on the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is scheduled for today, March 2, 2021 at 1 PM CT Recording/slides will be available afterwards.</li> <li>Check <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> and <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/covidvax</a> for updates.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted [Emergency Use Authorization](https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-EUA.pdf) (EUA) to the Johnson \& Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine on February 27, 2021. * On February 28, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above. * Review FDA EUA materials: [Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare providers](https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download) and [Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers](https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download). * A [CDC COCA call](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2021/callinfo_030221.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_1052-DM50311&ACSTrackingLabel=Reminder%3A%20CDC%20COCA%20Call%20Today%3A%20What%20Clinicians%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20the%20Johnson%20%26%20Johnson%27s%20Janssen%20COVID-19%20Vaccine%20-%20Tuesday%2C%20Ma&deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM50311) on the Johnson \& Johnson vaccine is scheduled for today, March 2, 2021 at 1 PM CT Recording/slides will be available afterwards. * Check [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) and [www.chicago.gov/covidvax](http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax) for updates. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-02-26T20:43:3646665227InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 7<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 14-20, 2021, 0 of the 548 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 14-20, 2021, 0 of the 548 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-29T00:25:4346665105COVID19LowUPDATE Videos for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers - Jan 28, 2021<p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts.</p> <p><u>TIP OF THE WEEK:</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;You must respond to the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering REDCap survey by Tuesday at 5pm CT each week for delivery by Tues/Wed the following week. The survey will come from <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> and be delivered to both the main and back-up contacts listed on your COVID-19 provider agreement.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more details.</p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. ++TIP OF THE WEEK:++ You must respond to the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering REDCap survey by Tuesday at 5pm CT each week for delivery by Tues/Wed the following week. The survey will come from [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) and be delivered to both the main and back-up contacts listed on your COVID-19 provider agreement. Please see the attachment for more details.true2021-02-25T00:25:2746665217COVID19LowREMINDER: Chicago to remain in original COVID-19 vaccination phase 1B<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">On February 10th, Governor Pritzker announced that beginning February 25, 2021, IDPH plans to expand phase 1B to include adults of any age with underlying medical conditions associated with increased risk of poor outcomes due to COVID-19 illness. <u><strong>At this time, Chicago has not changed its <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Phase 1B criteria</a></strong></u>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Please continue to focus efforts on patients meeting Chicago&rsquo;s phase 1A and 1B criteria since we still have hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans left to vaccinate in this group, and vaccine demand far exceeds current supply. <u><strong>Once demand among 1A and 1B priority groups has waned, and/or substantially more vaccine becomes available, CDPH will move to phase 1C, where Chicago will include adults with underlying medical conditions that pre-dispose to severe COVID-19 infection.</strong></u></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Read more details about the decision in the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2021/february/a-joint-statement-from-mayor-lori-e--lightfoot-and-cook-county-b.html" target="_blank">February 11, 2021 Joint Statement </a>from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">We acknowledge the confusion this creates for practices that cross county lines but please share this information with patients and colleagues as the city continues to try to spread the message.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">As a reminder, we currently get approximately 8200 doses a day to vaccinate the entire city. There are more than 700,000 Chicagoans who are currently eligible in phase 1B.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Expanding eligibility now without an increase in supply would only lead to people who are eligible being unable to get vaccine appointments.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">We are working diligently and efficiently to administer all the vaccine we receive &ndash; but we ask for continued patience as we continue to vaccinate 1B populations.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Everyone will receive a vaccine when it is their turn. We look forward to expanding vaccine eligibility as soon as we get more vaccine supply.</span></li> </ul>**++Summary and Action Items++** * On February 10th, Governor Pritzker announced that beginning February 25, 2021, IDPH plans to expand phase 1B to include adults of any age with underlying medical conditions associated with increased risk of poor outcomes due to COVID-19 illness. ++**At this time, Chicago has not changed its [Phase 1B criteria](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html)**++. * Please continue to focus efforts on patients meeting Chicago's phase 1A and 1B criteria since we still have hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans left to vaccinate in this group, and vaccine demand far exceeds current supply. ++**Once demand among 1A and 1B priority groups has waned, and/or substantially more vaccine becomes available, CDPH will move to phase 1C, where Chicago will include adults with underlying medical conditions that pre-dispose to severe COVID-19 infection.**++ * Read more details about the decision in the [February 11, 2021 Joint Statement](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_protection_and_response/news/2021/february/a-joint-statement-from-mayor-lori-e--lightfoot-and-cook-county-b.html)from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. * We acknowledge the confusion this creates for practices that cross county lines but please share this information with patients and colleagues as the city continues to try to spread the message. * As a reminder, we currently get approximately 8200 doses a day to vaccinate the entire city. There are more than 700,000 Chicagoans who are currently eligible in phase 1B. * Expanding eligibility now without an increase in supply would only lead to people who are eligible being unable to get vaccine appointments. * We are working diligently and efficiently to administer all the vaccine we receive -- but we ask for continued patience as we continue to vaccinate 1B populations. * Everyone will receive a vaccine when it is their turn. We look forward to expanding vaccine eligibility as soon as we get more vaccine supply.true2021-02-24T00:06:2646665344COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Feb 23, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. <strong>Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for those who have been vaccinated.</strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago. * The CDC is monitoring for spread of COVID-19 variants, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. **Continue to encourage consistent adherence to effective public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for those who have been vaccinated.** * **Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-23T20:15:3646665343COVID19LowUPDATE: Phase 1B Week 5 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers - Feb 23, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px">As an enrolled <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Provider</a>, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. <strong>Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:#FF0000">Vaccine Shipment Update:</span> All doses ordered the week of 2/7-2/13 have been delivered.<br /> For orders placed 2/14-2/21, deliveries are expected TODAY. Watch for email confirmation.</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Watch Days 2 and 3 of CDC&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/forum/index.html" target="_blank">National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine</a> on 2/23 + 2/24.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Record doses administered in I-CARE and inventory into <a href="https://vaccinefinder.org/covid-provider-resources" target="_blank">VaccineFinder</a> daily.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDC&rsquo;s VaccineFinder National map pilot will be starting soon. Instructions on being included in the project are below.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see attachment for further details.</span></p>As an enrolled [COVID-19 Vaccine Provider](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html), you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. **Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM.** Vaccine Shipment Update: All doses ordered the week of 2/7-2/13 have been delivered. For orders placed 2/14-2/21, deliveries are expected TODAY. Watch for email confirmation. * Watch Days 2 and 3 of CDC's [National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/forum/index.html) on 2/23 + 2/24. * Record doses administered in I-CARE and inventory into [VaccineFinder](https://vaccinefinder.org/covid-provider-resources) daily. * CDC's VaccineFinder National map pilot will be starting soon. Instructions on being included in the project are below. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-02-23T15:17:5146665342COVID19LowVaccinated Persons: Exposure and Travel Interim Quarantine Guidance<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDPH COVID-19 quarantine requirements have been updated to include exceptions for vaccinated persons meeting specific criteria. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Vaccinated persons must continue to adhere to all recommended protective measures, including, but not limited to, wearing a mask and other job-specific PPE, maintaining physical distance, practicing hand hygiene, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and isolating when symptomatic. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">This guidance will be updated as necessary based on new data on vaccines&rsquo; effectiveness.</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** 1. CDPH COVID-19 quarantine requirements have been updated to include exceptions for vaccinated persons meeting specific criteria. 2. Vaccinated persons must continue to adhere to all recommended protective measures, including, but not limited to, wearing a mask and other job-specific PPE, maintaining physical distance, practicing hand hygiene, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and isolating when symptomatic. 3. This guidance will be updated as necessary based on new data on vaccines' effectiveness. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-28T14:28:1646665004COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Jan 27, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago.</li> <li>As of Monday January 25, Chicago has officially started offering vaccine to people in 1b priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March, 2021</li> <li>Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b.</li> <li>Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week.</li> <li>CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago. * As of Monday January 25, Chicago has officially started offering vaccine to people in 1b priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March, 2021 * Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b. * Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week. * CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-20T19:48:0346665339COVID19LowCDC: National Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">CDC is hosting a National Forum on COVID-19 vaccine February 22-24, 2021</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Sessions focus on practical strategies for vaccine rollout implementation, including data-driven equity approaches and lessons learned from other jurisdictions</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Agenda is posted here: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/forum/agenda.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/forum/agenda.html</a></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Register <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/f6d363a0-2a14-422a-9965-d04a9fdca5a4/regProcessStep1:24775430-03d5-4c67-a27a-cc58e4a8b305?cvtq=13708e31-3cc9-40c8-8124-adc5754dfbe5&amp;cvtp=dcf9a959-989b-4921-894b-9d957d9bb8b6&amp;cvtts=1613849334&amp;cvtc=lanyon&amp;cvte=52n9wvmrxql&amp;cvtrt=Safetynet&amp;cvth=c8ab7f57d82f0565a9a3a72019fddd64" target="_blank">here</a></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * CDC is hosting a National Forum on COVID-19 vaccine February 22-24, 2021 * Sessions focus on practical strategies for vaccine rollout implementation, including data-driven equity approaches and lessons learned from other jurisdictions * Agenda is posted here: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/forum/agenda.html> * Register [here](https://web.cvent.com/event/f6d363a0-2a14-422a-9965-d04a9fdca5a4/regProcessStep1:24775430-03d5-4c67-a27a-cc58e4a8b305?cvtq=13708e31-3cc9-40c8-8124-adc5754dfbe5&cvtp=dcf9a959-989b-4921-894b-9d957d9bb8b6&cvtts=1613849334&cvtc=lanyon&cvte=52n9wvmrxql&cvtrt=Safetynet&cvth=c8ab7f57d82f0565a9a3a72019fddd64) Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-19T20:43:2646665213InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 6<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 531 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of February 7-13, 2021, 0 of the 531 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-18T16:09:3746665331COVID19LowUPDATE: COVID19 Vaccine Delivery Shipment Delay<div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <p><span style="color:rgb(32, 31, 30)">CDPH has received a</span>nother&nbsp;<span style="color:rgb(32, 31, 30)">update from CDC about COVID-19 vaccine shipment delays due to ongoing winter storm conditions.</span></p> <ol> <li><strong>Moderna vaccine:</strong>&nbsp; Moderna vaccines were not shipped on Monday February 15 or Tuesday February 16, and will most likely not ship, February 17, due to adverse weather conditions.&nbsp; Despite working with McKesson and shipping partners to resume operations, CDC anticipates a significant back log of orders for distribution once operations resume and every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible while safely delivering the vaccines.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li> </ol> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Pfizer vaccin</strong>e:&nbsp; Pfizer vaccines were not shipped out on Monday, February 15 due to weather conditions.&nbsp;<span style="color:black">&nbsp;A limited number of Pfizer vaccine shipments were processed Tuesday February 16 and a similar plan is in effect for&nbsp;February 17.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p><span style="color:rgb(32, 31, 30)">CDC stated that &quot;there is an expectation that delays related to this historic weather event will continue through this week&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb(32, 31, 30)">Thank you for your continued patience and fortitude in using doses-on-hand from canceled appointments, rescheduling anxious patients, and converting appointments to waiting list placements.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb(32, 31, 30)">CDPH stands with you throughout this brutal winter and the v</span><span style="color:inherit; font-family:inherit; font-size:14.6667px">accine management unit will continue daily emails around noon to keep you updated.&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="color:inherit; font-family:calibri,arial,helvetica,sans-serif,serif,emojifont; font-size:12pt">In the meantime, remember to access provider video</span><span style="color:inherit; font-family:calibri,arial,helvetica,sans-serif,serif,emojifont; font-size:12pt">s on the COVID-19&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html">vaccine provider page</a><span style="color:inherit; font-family:calibri,arial,helvetica,sans-serif,serif,emojifont; font-size:15px">.</span></div> </div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;">NEW&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/aHnOqr7DOzI" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Weekly Vaccine Data Update: Week 4">Weekly Vaccine Data Update: Week 4</a></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;">&nbsp;</div> </div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Et-CiY2T9w8" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Race/Ethnicity Reporting Updates: 2/16/21">Race/Ethnicity Reporting Updates: 2/16/21</a></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><a href="https://youtu.be/hmoCQiapRX4" id="LPlnk" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Vaccine Finder Inventory Reporting in 3 Easy Steps: 2/16/21">Vaccine Finder Inventory Reporting in 3 Easy Steps:&nbsp;2/16/21</a></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><a href="https://youtu.be/c-qxg15xhMw" id="LPlnk" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Three Quick Tips on Order Timing: 2/16/21">Three Quick Tips on Order Timing: 2/16/21</a></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yKcwQre8WCY" id="LPlnk" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Weekly Vaccine Data Update: 2/9/21">Weekly Vaccine Data Update: 2/9/21</a></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><a href="https://youtu.be/28irwOzjEcg" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Weekly Vaccine Provider Update: Week 3">Weekly Vaccine Provider Update: Week 3</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px">&nbsp;(2/8/2021)</span></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px"><a href="https://youtu.be/5KbzJ6tO5rc" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Instructions on signing up for Zocdoc and the City's Vaccine Finder map">Instructions on signing up for Zocdoc and the City&#39;s Vaccine Finder map</a>&nbsp;(2/8/2021)</span></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px"><a href="https://youtu.be/mCULUMfhByQ" id="LPlnk473301" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="our transition to Phase 1B"><span style="color:inherit">Transition to Phase 1B</span><span style="color:inherit">&nbsp;</span></a></span></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px"><a href="https://youtu.be/_inVGxLCg4A" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Tips for scaling up your vaccine efforts">Tips for scaling up your vaccine efforts</a>&nbsp;(1/28/2021)</span></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px"><a href="https://youtu.be/tCjozNnETOk" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Preparing to focus on maximizing your resources to this vaccination effort.">Preparing&nbsp;to focus on maximizing your resources to this vaccination effort.<span style="color:inherit">&nbsp;</span></a>(1/28/2021)</span></div> <div dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;"><span style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); color:rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family:inherit; font-size:15px"><a href="https://youtu.be/1gfkLR-Sy1w" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 117, 187);" target="_blank" title="Preparing to make the most of every day we have to stop this pandemic.">Preparing to make the most of every day we have to stop this pandemic.</a><span style="color:inherit">&nbsp;</span>(1/28/2021)</span></div> <div class="x__Entity x__EType_OWALinkPreview x__EId_OWALinkPreview_2 x__EReadonly_1" dir="auto" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: inherit;">&nbsp;</div> </div>CDPH has received another update from CDC about COVID-19 vaccine shipment delays due to ongoing winter storm conditions. 1. **Moderna vaccine:** Moderna vaccines were not shipped on Monday February 15 or Tuesday February 16, and will most likely not ship, February 17, due to adverse weather conditions. Despite working with McKesson and shipping partners to resume operations, CDC anticipates a significant back log of orders for distribution once operations resume and every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible while safely delivering the vaccines. <!-- --> 2. **Pfizer vaccin** e: Pfizer vaccines were not shipped out on Monday, February 15 due to weather conditions. A limited number of Pfizer vaccine shipments were processed Tuesday February 16 and a similar plan is in effect for February 17. CDC stated that "there is an expectation that delays related to this historic weather event will continue through this week". Thank you for your continued patience and fortitude in using doses-on-hand from canceled appointments, rescheduling anxious patients, and converting appointments to waiting list placements. CDPH stands with you throughout this brutal winter and the vaccine management unit will continue daily emails around noon to keep you updated. In the meantime, remember to access provider videos on the COVID-19 [vaccine provider page](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/facilities.html"). NEW [Weekly Vaccine Data Update: Week 4](https://youtu.be/aHnOqr7DOzI "Weekly Vaccine Data Update: Week 4") [Race/Ethnicity Reporting Updates: 2/16/21](https://youtu.be/Et-CiY2T9w8 "Race/Ethnicity Reporting Updates: 2/16/21") [Vaccine Finder Inventory Reporting in 3 Easy Steps: 2/16/21](https://youtu.be/hmoCQiapRX4 "Vaccine Finder Inventory Reporting in 3 Easy Steps: 2/16/21"){#LPlnk} [Three Quick Tips on Order Timing: 2/16/21](https://youtu.be/c-qxg15xhMw "Three Quick Tips on Order Timing: 2/16/21"){#LPlnk} [Weekly Vaccine Data Update: 2/9/21](https://youtu.be/yKcwQre8WCY "Weekly Vaccine Data Update: 2/9/21"){#LPlnk} [Weekly Vaccine Provider Update: Week 3](https://youtu.be/28irwOzjEcg "Weekly Vaccine Provider Update: Week 3") (2/8/2021) [Instructions on signing up for Zocdoc and the City's Vaccine Finder map](https://youtu.be/5KbzJ6tO5rc "Instructions on signing up for Zocdoc and the City's Vaccine Finder map") (2/8/2021) [Transition to Phase 1B](https://youtu.be/mCULUMfhByQ "our transition to Phase 1B"){#LPlnk473301} [Tips for scaling up your vaccine efforts](https://youtu.be/_inVGxLCg4A "Tips for scaling up your vaccine efforts") (1/28/2021) [Preparing to focus on maximizing your resources to this vaccination effort.](https://youtu.be/tCjozNnETOk "Preparing to focus on maximizing your resources to this vaccination effort.")(1/28/2021) [Preparing to make the most of every day we have to stop this pandemic.](https://youtu.be/1gfkLR-Sy1w "Preparing to make the most of every day we have to stop this pandemic.") (1/28/2021)false2021-02-18T01:27:0546665330Opioid ConcernsLowAddiction Treatment Training Opportunity<p>Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients.</p> <p>Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs. Attending physicians, APRNs, and PAs practicing in Illinois who complete the training in full and apply for the MAT waiver will receive a $1000 stipend. Residents will receive an additional $500 to offset the cost of applying for a DEA license. Limited stipends will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. Additionally, 8.0 CME credits will be offered for completing both the live and online portions of this course.</p> <p>This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder.</p> <p>Please share this information widely.</p> <p>See the attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health</p>Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients. Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs. Attending physicians, APRNs, and PAs practicing in Illinois who complete the training in full and apply for the MAT waiver will receive a $1000 stipend. Residents will receive an additional $500 to offset the cost of applying for a DEA license. Limited stipends will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. Additionally, 8.0 CME credits will be offered for completing both the live and online portions of this course. This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Please share this information widely. See the attachment for full details. Thank you. Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Healthtrue2021-02-17T15:44:2946665199COVID19LowIDPH: Update - Severe Winter Weather Delaying Vaccine Shipments<p>Please read the attached update on vaccine shipments from IDPH.&nbsp; Visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home.html" target="_blank">chi.gov/covidvax</a> for updated local information about vaccine supply.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>Please read the attached update on vaccine shipments from IDPH. Visit [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) and [chi.gov/covidvax](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home.html) for updated local information about vaccine supply. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-16T22:51:2646665327BacterialLowExtensively Drug-Resistant Salmonella Typhi Infections Among U.S. Residents Without International Travel<p><strong>Any S. Typhi should be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health through the I-NEDSS system or call the provider reporting line at 312-743-9000.</strong></p> <p>Recommendations for Clinicians</p> <ul> <li>Consider that typhoid fever symptoms and clinical presentation may resemble those of other febrile infectious diseases.&nbsp;</li> <li>Obtain a 30-day international travel history from all patients with suspected or confirmed typhoid fever. <ul> <li>Although most Typhi infections are acquired during international travel, Typhi can be acquired in the United States.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Order blood cultures if typhoid fever is suspected; multiple cultures are usually needed.</li> <li>Order antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Typhi isolates and adjust treatment accordingly.</li> <li><strong>Consider the following in the selection of empiric treatment for patients with typhoid fever while awaiting susceptibility testing results and when the patient is&nbsp;not linked to a culture-confirmed case of typhoid fever with a known antimicrobial resistance profile.</strong> <ul> <li><strong>U.S. patients who did not travel outside the United States in the 30 days before illness began: Patients might be infected with XDR Typhi. Consider prescribing a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.</strong></li> <li><strong>U.S. patients who traveled to Pakistan in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients are infected with XDR Typhi. Prescribe a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.</strong></li> <li><strong>U.S. patients who traveled to Iraq in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients have strains that are resistant or have reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin; some strains are also resistant to ampicillin and ceftriaxone. Consider prescribing a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.</strong></li> <li><strong>U.S. patients who traveled to countries other than Pakistan and Iraq in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients have strains that are susceptible to ceftriaxone, which remains an appropriate empiric treatment option.</strong></li> </ul> </li> <li>Vaccinate patients who are at high risk for typhoid fever, including those traveling to parts of the world where typhoid fever is common, those in close contact&nbsp;with a typhoid carrier, and those who might work with Typhi in a laboratory.</li> <li>Counsel travelers about safe eating and drinking practices and advise them that vaccination is not 100% effective. People can become infected with Typhi through&nbsp;contaminated food and water and through person-to-person contact.</li> <li>Follow local health department requirements for reporting typhoid fever, which is a nationally notifiable illness. Because of the risk of asymptomatic carriage after&nbsp;recovery, many health departments recommend follow-up testing to ensure microbiological cure before people in high-risk occupations, such as food&nbsp;handlers, daycare workers, and healthcare workers, return to work.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**Any S. Typhi should be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health through the I-NEDSS system or call the provider reporting line at 312-743-9000.** Recommendations for Clinicians * Consider that typhoid fever symptoms and clinical presentation may resemble those of other febrile infectious diseases. * Obtain a 30-day international travel history from all patients with suspected or confirmed typhoid fever. * Although most Typhi infections are acquired during international travel, Typhi can be acquired in the United States. * Order blood cultures if typhoid fever is suspected; multiple cultures are usually needed. * Order antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Typhi isolates and adjust treatment accordingly. * **Consider the following in the selection of empiric treatment for patients with typhoid fever while awaiting susceptibility testing results and when the patient is not linked to a culture-confirmed case of typhoid fever with a known antimicrobial resistance profile.** * **U.S. patients who did not travel outside the United States in the 30 days before illness began: Patients might be infected with XDR Typhi. Consider prescribing a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.** * **U.S. patients who traveled to Pakistan in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients are infected with XDR Typhi. Prescribe a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.** * **U.S. patients who traveled to Iraq in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients have strains that are resistant or have reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin; some strains are also resistant to ampicillin and ceftriaxone. Consider prescribing a carbapenem (particularly if patients have severe or complicated illness) or azithromycin for empiric treatment.** * **U.S. patients who traveled to countries other than Pakistan and Iraq in the 30 days before illness began: Most patients have strains that are susceptible to ceftriaxone, which remains an appropriate empiric treatment option.** * Vaccinate patients who are at high risk for typhoid fever, including those traveling to parts of the world where typhoid fever is common, those in close contact with a typhoid carrier, and those who might work with Typhi in a laboratory. * Counsel travelers about safe eating and drinking practices and advise them that vaccination is not 100% effective. People can become infected with Typhi through contaminated food and water and through person-to-person contact. * Follow local health department requirements for reporting typhoid fever, which is a nationally notifiable illness. Because of the risk of asymptomatic carriage after recovery, many health departments recommend follow-up testing to ensure microbiological cure before people in high-risk occupations, such as food handlers, daycare workers, and healthcare workers, return to work. Please see the attached for more information.true2021-02-16T21:28:2946665326COVID19LowURGENT: Winter Weather COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Delay and Phase 1B Week 4 Updates for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers<p><span style="font-size:16px">As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Vaccine deliveries are delayed due to winter storms. At earliest, expect delivery Wednesday or Thursday this week. Communicate delays to currently scheduled patients and allow waiting lists for vaccine-on-hand to maximize usage. All City of Chicago vaccination sites are also closed today, Tuesday February 16, 2021 due to weather.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attached for more information.&nbsp;</span></p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM. **IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Vaccine deliveries are delayed due to winter storms. At earliest, expect delivery Wednesday or Thursday this week. Communicate delays to currently scheduled patients and allow waiting lists for vaccine-on-hand to maximize usage. All City of Chicago vaccination sites are also closed today, Tuesday February 16, 2021 due to weather.** Please see the attached for more information.true2021-02-16T20:24:1946665325COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Feb 16, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline; See <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Chicago COVID Dashboard</a>.</li> <li>The CDC is monitoring for spread of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 variants</a>, which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. <strong>Encourage masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for vaccinated individuals</strong>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Vaccine Phase Updates</a>: Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors. &nbsp;</li> <li>Download Weekly Key Vaccination Messages at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/downloads.html" target="_blank">Communication Tools (chicago.gov)</a>.</li> <li>On January 25, Chicago announced the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/protect-chicago.html" target="_blank">Protect Chicago Plus</a>&rdquo; initiative, which will direct vaccine supply to the communities in Chicago most affected by COVID-19.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline; See [Chicago COVID Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html). * The CDC is monitoring for spread of [COVID-19 variants](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html), which could lead to a new surge of COVID-19 cases. **Encourage masking, social distancing, and hand-washing, even for vaccinated individuals**. * [Vaccine Phase Updates](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html): Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b, especially seniors. * Download Weekly Key Vaccination Messages at [Communication Tools (chicago.gov)](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/downloads.html). * On January 25, Chicago announced the "[Protect Chicago Plus](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/protect-chicago.html)" initiative, which will direct vaccine supply to the communities in Chicago most affected by COVID-19. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-16T14:53:2046665324InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 5<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of January 31-February 6, 2021, 1 of the 567 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of January 31-February 6, 2021, 1 of the 567 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-08T19:53:2146664942COVID19LowCDPH message to Chicago Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics about increasing capacity to vaccinate health care personnel in 1a vaccine priority<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago continues to be in phase 1a of COVID-19 vaccination, which includes vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP) and residents of long-term care facilities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Hospitals have been vaccinating their affiliated HCP for several weeks and should continue to do so. FQHCs and outpatient clinics are also beginning to receive vaccine to vaccinate HCP.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Many of Chicago&rsquo;s HCP that meet criteria for 1a vaccination are not employees of hospitals or large healthcare systems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Vaccine may be provided to anyone in 1a priority, e.g. healthcare facility patients who are HCP and HCP employed in neighboring healthcare settings. No permission is needed from CDPH for a hospital or healthcare system to vaccinate anyone in 1a priority, so long as these individuals in 1a priority live or work in Chicago. </strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">If your facility needs additional vaccine supply to vaccinate persons in 1a priority, CDPH currently has a limited supply of vaccine available for this purpose. Please email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a> to request additional vaccine supply.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">It is not too late to sign-up to become a COVID-19 vaccine provider (ultra-cold storage capacity is not necessary). For sign-up instructions, see <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax">https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for more information.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * Chicago continues to be in phase 1a of COVID-19 vaccination, which includes vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP) and residents of long-term care facilities. * Hospitals have been vaccinating their affiliated HCP for several weeks and should continue to do so. FQHCs and outpatient clinics are also beginning to receive vaccine to vaccinate HCP. * Many of Chicago's HCP that meet criteria for 1a vaccination are not employees of hospitals or large healthcare systems. * **Vaccine may be provided to anyone in 1a priority, e.g. healthcare facility patients who are HCP and HCP employed in neighboring healthcare settings. No permission is needed from CDPH for a hospital or healthcare system to vaccinate anyone in 1a priority, so long as these individuals in 1a priority live or work in Chicago.** * If your facility needs additional vaccine supply to vaccinate persons in 1a priority, CDPH currently has a limited supply of vaccine available for this purpose. Please email [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org) to request additional vaccine supply. * It is not too late to sign-up to become a COVID-19 vaccine provider (ultra-cold storage capacity is not necessary). For sign-up instructions, see <https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax> Please see the attached for more information.true2021-02-12T17:13:5846665196COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Information - Feb 12, 2021<p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u><br /> On February 10th, Governor Pritzker announced that beginning February 25, 2021, IDPH plans to expand phase 1B to include adults of any age with underlying medical conditions associated with increased risk of poor outcomes due to COVID-19 illness. At this time, <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html" target="_blank">Chicago has not changed its Phase 1B criteria</a>. <strong>Please continue to focus efforts on patients meeting Chicago&rsquo;s phase 1A and 1B criteria since we still have hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans left to vaccinate in this group, and vaccine demand far exceeds current supply.&nbsp; Once demand among 1A and 1B priority groups has waned, and/or substantially more vaccine becomes available, CDPH will move to phase 1C, where Chicago includes adults with underlying medical conditions that pre-dispose to severe COVID-19 infection.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">CDC updated its interim mRNA vaccine related guidance on February 10, 2021.&nbsp; This <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html" target="_blank">guidance</a> is available at: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html</a>.<br /> Changes include:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Updated quarantine recommendations for vaccinated persons. This information will be covered in detail in a separate health alert.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Additional considerations for patients and residents in healthcare settings are provided.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">New recommendations for preventing, reporting, and managing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration errors (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Appendix-A" target="_blank">Appendix A</a>).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Clarification on mRNA vaccine contraindications and precautions. Persons with a known (diagnosed) allergy to PEG, another mRNA vaccine component, or polysorbate, have a contraindication to vaccination. Persons with a reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy that contains multiple components, one of which is PEG, another mRNA vaccine component or polysorbate, but in whom it is unknown which component elicited the immediate allergic reaction have a precaution to vaccination.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Updated information on delayed, local injection-site reactions after the first mRNA vaccine dose. These reactions are neither a contraindication or precaution to the second dose.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Additional information and updated recommendations for testing for TB infection. TB testing can be done before or at the same time as mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, or otherwise delayed for &ge;4 weeks after the completion of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ On February 10th, Governor Pritzker announced that beginning February 25, 2021, IDPH plans to expand phase 1B to include adults of any age with underlying medical conditions associated with increased risk of poor outcomes due to COVID-19 illness. At this time, [Chicago has not changed its Phase 1B criteria](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home/vaccine-distribution-phases.html). **Please continue to focus efforts on patients meeting Chicago's phase 1A and 1B criteria since we still have hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans left to vaccinate in this group, and vaccine demand far exceeds current supply. Once demand among 1A and 1B priority groups has waned, and/or substantially more vaccine becomes available, CDPH will move to phase 1C, where Chicago includes adults with underlying medical conditions that pre-dispose to severe COVID-19 infection.** CDC updated its interim mRNA vaccine related guidance on February 10, 2021. This [guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html) is available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html>. Changes include: * Updated quarantine recommendations for vaccinated persons. This information will be covered in detail in a separate health alert. * Additional considerations for patients and residents in healthcare settings are provided. * New recommendations for preventing, reporting, and managing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration errors ([Appendix A](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Appendix-A)). * Clarification on mRNA vaccine contraindications and precautions. Persons with a known (diagnosed) allergy to PEG, another mRNA vaccine component, or polysorbate, have a contraindication to vaccination. Persons with a reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy that contains multiple components, one of which is PEG, another mRNA vaccine component or polysorbate, but in whom it is unknown which component elicited the immediate allergic reaction have a precaution to vaccination. * Updated information on delayed, local injection-site reactions after the first mRNA vaccine dose. These reactions are neither a contraindication or precaution to the second dose. * Additional information and updated recommendations for testing for TB infection. TB testing can be done before or at the same time as mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, or otherwise delayed for ≥4 weeks after the completion of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-09T17:17:2946665312COVID19LowUPDATE: Phase 1B Week 3 for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers - Feb 9, 2021<p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. <strong>Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM.</strong></p> <p><strong>TIPS FOR THE WEEK:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Sign up for ZocDoc (zocdoc.com/vaccine/provider) or the city&rsquo;s Vaccine Finder map (email <a href="mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org">covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a>) so patients can easily find you.</li> <li>Record doses administered in I-CARE and daily inventory into Vaccine Finder (<a href="https://vaccinefinder.org/" target="_blank">https://vaccinefinder.org/</a>) within 24 hours.</li> <li>REMEMBER to record unused doses and order first and second doses in the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Order Form in REDCap by <strong>Tuesday at 5pm</strong> <strong>CT EACH week</strong> for delivery by Tuesday the following week.</li> <li>CDPH will manage and approve future orders based on shots-in-arms.</li> <li>Order second doses on a just-in-time basis.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>As an enrolled COVID-19 Vaccine Provider, you will receive weekly video reminders, tips and resource/barrier surveys to support your vaccination efforts. **Order Forms are due TODAY by 5PM.** **TIPS FOR THE WEEK:** * Sign up for ZocDoc (zocdoc.com/vaccine/provider) or the city's Vaccine Finder map (email [covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org)) so patients can easily find you. * Record doses administered in I-CARE and daily inventory into Vaccine Finder (<https://vaccinefinder.org/>) within 24 hours. * REMEMBER to record unused doses and order first and second doses in the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine Order Form in REDCap by **Tuesday at 5pm** **CT EACH week** for delivery by Tuesday the following week. * CDPH will manage and approve future orders based on shots-in-arms. * Order second doses on a just-in-time basis. Please see attachment for further details.true2021-02-02T21:57:0746665299COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Feb 2, 2021<p><u>Summary and Action Items</u></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago.</li> <li>As of Monday January 25, Chicago has officially started offering vaccine to people in 1b vaccination priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March, 2021.</li> <li><strong>Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b.</strong></li> <li>CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of frontline essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches.</li> <li><strong>On January 25, Chicago announced the &ldquo;Protect Chicago Plus&rdquo; initiative, which will direct vaccine supply to the communities in Chicago most affected by COVID-19.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for the full report.</p>++Summary and Action Items++ * COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago. * As of Monday January 25, Chicago has officially started offering vaccine to people in 1b vaccination priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March, 2021. * **Enrolled vaccination sites should continue to vaccinate HCW in 1a priority, in addition to vaccinating patients and community members eligible for vaccination in 1b.** * CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of frontline essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches. * **On January 25, Chicago announced the "Protect Chicago Plus" initiative, which will direct vaccine supply to the communities in Chicago most affected by COVID-19.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-02-02T17:17:4446665182COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Ordering, Utilization, and Reporting - Feb 2, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li><u>Facilities should administer COVID-19 vaccine within 7 days of receipt:</u>&nbsp; Only order the number of vaccine doses that you can fully administer within 7 days.&nbsp; All providers must use 95-100% of vaccine received within 7 days of receipt.</li> <li>First and second doses must both be ordered via the REDCap survey order form. Order the vaccine you need for 2nd doses on a just in time basis. Do not store vaccine beginning weeks in advance for 2nd doses.</li> <li>All COVID-19 vaccination providers in Chicago must report COVID-19 vaccine inventory daily into <a href="https://vaccinefinder.org/covid-provider-resources" target="_blank">VaccineFinder</a>, either before vaccination begins for the day, or at the close of business.&nbsp; Providers do not need to report on weekends or holidays if there are no changes in inventory from the previous day. (Note: at present, Pfizer vaccine vials are assumed to contain 5 doses for the purposes of VaccineFinder reporting.)</li> <li>Within 24 hours of administration, all vaccine doses must be reported in I-CARE, either electronically (e.g. via your EHR), or manual entry. &nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Future vaccine allotments will take into consideration utilization of vaccine and documentation of doses administered, as reflected in VaccineFinder and I-CARE reporting.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * ++Facilities should administer COVID-19 vaccine within 7 days of receipt:++ Only order the number of vaccine doses that you can fully administer within 7 days. All providers must use 95-100% of vaccine received within 7 days of receipt. * First and second doses must both be ordered via the REDCap survey order form. Order the vaccine you need for 2nd doses on a just in time basis. Do not store vaccine beginning weeks in advance for 2nd doses. * All COVID-19 vaccination providers in Chicago must report COVID-19 vaccine inventory daily into [VaccineFinder](https://vaccinefinder.org/covid-provider-resources), either before vaccination begins for the day, or at the close of business. Providers do not need to report on weekends or holidays if there are no changes in inventory from the previous day. (Note: at present, Pfizer vaccine vials are assumed to contain 5 doses for the purposes of VaccineFinder reporting.) * Within 24 hours of administration, all vaccine doses must be reported in I-CARE, either electronically (e.g. via your EHR), or manual entry. * **Future vaccine allotments will take into consideration utilization of vaccine and documentation of doses administered, as reflected in VaccineFinder and I-CARE reporting.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-29T20:44:0846665180InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 3<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 17-23, 2021, 0 of the 1,111 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 17-23, 2021, 0 of the 1,111 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-22T21:10:5746665081InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 2<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 10-16, 2021, 0 of the 1,153 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 10-16, 2021, 0 of the 1,153 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-20T17:17:1146664989COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Jan 20, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><strong>Beginning Monday January 25, Chicago will formally start offering vaccine to people in 1b priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 by the end of March, 2021</strong></li> <li><strong>CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals and enrolled outpatient centers, who are currently vaccinating Healthcare workers (HCW) in priority 1a as well as beginning to offer surplus vaccine to high-risk patients.</strong></li> <li>Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week.</li> <li><strong>CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity and case incidence are both on the decline in Chicago.** * **Beginning Monday January 25, Chicago will formally start offering vaccine to people in 1b priority, however supply remains very limited and sub-prioritization within 1b should be considered when offering vaccine. Our goal is that all people in 1b priority will have access to their first dose of COVID-19 by the end of March, 2021** * **CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals and enrolled outpatient centers, who are currently vaccinating Healthcare workers (HCW) in priority 1a as well as beginning to offer surplus vaccine to high-risk patients.** * Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week. * **CDPH is vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system and is also working with employers of essential workers in 1b priority. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-20T16:54:3746664988VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin January 20, 2021<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>CDPH PODs available to vaccinate health care staff</li> <li>Dr. Fricchione encourages clinics to become COVID-19 vaccine providers</li> <li>Bi-weekly vaccine planning webinars</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ&rsquo;s</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachements for further details.</p>In this Issue: * CDPH PODs available to vaccinate health care staff * Dr. Fricchione encourages clinics to become COVID-19 vaccine providers * Bi-weekly vaccine planning webinars * COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ's Please see attachements for further details.true2021-01-19T22:58:2446664871COVID19LowPhase 1B of COVID-19 Vaccination Begins in Chicago on January 25, 2021<p><strong>Summary and Action Items </strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago enters Phase 1B of COVID-19 Vaccination beginning January 25, 2021.</li> <li>Phase 1B includes individuals age 65 and older, front line essential workers, and individuals (staff and residents) at residential congregate care sites.</li> <li>Vaccine providers are expected to have the capability to vaccinate 50-100 people during the week of January 25th, and at least 100 people a week thereafter.</li> <li>Vaccine providers will receive a weekly REDCap survey to record unused doses and request additional doses. The survey must be completed by Tuesday at 5pm (CT). Vaccine orders will be approved based on supply.</li> <li>Extra efforts should be made to promote vaccine uptake among residents of communities with higher risk of infection or mortality. See <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home.html" target="_blank">www.chi.gov/covidvax</a> for the most recent data on vaccine uptake and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">www.chi.gov/coviddash</a> for most recent data on disease burden and mortality by zip code.</li> <li>Individuals that are vaccinated should work or live in Chicago, or be &gt;65 years of age or older and receive ongoing medical care in Chicago. Vaccine from Chicago&rsquo;s allocation should not be utilized at sites outside Chicago. Visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> to sign up to be a COVID-19 provider.</li> <li>Additional guidance regarding promotion of vaccine equity in Chicago is forthcoming.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Chicago enters Phase 1B of COVID-19 Vaccination beginning January 25, 2021. * Phase 1B includes individuals age 65 and older, front line essential workers, and individuals (staff and residents) at residential congregate care sites. * Vaccine providers are expected to have the capability to vaccinate 50-100 people during the week of January 25th, and at least 100 people a week thereafter. * Vaccine providers will receive a weekly REDCap survey to record unused doses and request additional doses. The survey must be completed by Tuesday at 5pm (CT). Vaccine orders will be approved based on supply. * Extra efforts should be made to promote vaccine uptake among residents of communities with higher risk of infection or mortality. See [www.chi.gov/covidvax](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid19-vaccine/home.html) for the most recent data on vaccine uptake and [www.chi.gov/coviddash](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) for most recent data on disease burden and mortality by zip code. * Individuals that are vaccinated should work or live in Chicago, or be \>65 years of age or older and receive ongoing medical care in Chicago. Vaccine from Chicago's allocation should not be utilized at sites outside Chicago. Visit [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) to sign up to be a COVID-19 provider. * Additional guidance regarding promotion of vaccine equity in Chicago is forthcoming. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-15T20:15:4846664967InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 54<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 3-9, 2021, 0 of the 1,245 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of January 3-9, 2021, 0 of the 1,245 reported specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-15T18:03:2146664846COVID19LowVariant B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 Strain Identified in Chicago<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The first known Illinois case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in a Chicago resident.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The variant was identified during genomic sequencing of a specimen at a Chicago academic medical center laboratory.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">B.1.1.7 is a SARS-CoV-2 variant first detected in the UK in the fall of 2020. As of January 13, 2021, many other countries and 12 US states have also reported cases of B.1.1.7.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Preliminary epidemiologic indicators suggest that this variant is associated with increased transmissibility.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Currently there is no evidence to suggest that the variant impacts disease severity or vaccine efficacy.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">While efforts are being made to trace the contacts of this individual, CDPH expects that this variant and others with a transmission advantage over the current predominant strains are likely to become more established in the US, including in the Chicago region.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Laboratories performing SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases to identify new variant strains.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Laboratories without sequencing capacity are encouraged to store specimens for individuals meeting certain criteria, outlined below, for possible submission to CDPH&rsquo;s new molecular laboratory partnership, and to notify CDPH of available specimens through the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8ERA8DRE7R" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance Case Investigation Form</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare providers should continue to reinforce the importance of everyday prevention actions that reduce the spread of all known COVID-19 variants, including wearing a mask, washing hands often, staying 6 feet away from others and avoiding crowds, avoiding non-essential travel and getting vaccinated when eligible.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * The first known Illinois case of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in a Chicago resident. * The variant was identified during genomic sequencing of a specimen at a Chicago academic medical center laboratory. * B.1.1.7 is a SARS-CoV-2 variant first detected in the UK in the fall of 2020. As of January 13, 2021, many other countries and 12 US states have also reported cases of B.1.1.7. * Preliminary epidemiologic indicators suggest that this variant is associated with increased transmissibility. * Currently there is no evidence to suggest that the variant impacts disease severity or vaccine efficacy. * While efforts are being made to trace the contacts of this individual, CDPH expects that this variant and others with a transmission advantage over the current predominant strains are likely to become more established in the US, including in the Chicago region. * Laboratories performing SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing are encouraged to sequence virus isolates in a timely manner and upload to public databases to identify new variant strains. * Laboratories without sequencing capacity are encouraged to store specimens for individuals meeting certain criteria, outlined below, for possible submission to CDPH's new molecular laboratory partnership, and to notify CDPH of available specimens through the [SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance Case Investigation Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8ERA8DRE7R). * Healthcare providers should continue to reinforce the importance of everyday prevention actions that reduce the spread of all known COVID-19 variants, including wearing a mask, washing hands often, staying 6 feet away from others and avoiding crowds, avoiding non-essential travel and getting vaccinated when eligible. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-13T22:54:1846664958COVID19LowInterim Guidance: Use of Excess Supply of COVID-19 Vaccine at Hospital and Outpatient Centers<p><strong>Key Points and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH has been following federal and state guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination priority, beginning vaccination with ACIP &ldquo;Phase 1a&rdquo;, including healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">The state of Illinois has signaled this week that Illinois will soon be transitioning into phase 1b of vaccination.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago is currently still actively in phase 1a of vaccination, with continued vaccination of healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><u>For hospitals and outpatient sites enrolled as COVID-19 vaccine providers, continue to prioritize healthcare workers, especially unaffiliated healthcare workers from tier 1a, for vaccination. </u></strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><u>Beginning January 18^th, if you have unused vaccine and have not identified additional tier 1a healthcare workers for vaccination, you may vaccinate your highest risk, existing patients that are over 65 years old and live, work, or receive ongoing medical care in Chicago. </u></strong></span> <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Considerations for sub-prioritization include patients over 75 years of age, or patients over 65 years of age with significant underlying conditions, based on clinical judgment.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccine from Chicago&rsquo;s allocation should not be utilized at sites outside Chicago.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Extra efforts should be made to promote vaccine uptake among residents of communities with lower rates of vaccine uptake to date.&nbsp; See <a href="http://www.chi.gov/covidvax">www.chi.gov/covidvax</a> for the most recent data.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">At this time, City-run Points of Dispensing (PODs) will continue to focus on providing vaccination to tier 1a healthcare workers. Vaccination at Chicago PODs are by appointment only and cannot currently accommodate walk-ins.</span></li> <li><strong>Additional guidance regarding promotion of vaccine equity in Chicago is forthcoming.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**Key Points and Action Items** * CDPH has been following federal and state guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination priority, beginning vaccination with ACIP "Phase 1a", including healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. * The state of Illinois has signaled this week that Illinois will soon be transitioning into phase 1b of vaccination. * Chicago is currently still actively in phase 1a of vaccination, with continued vaccination of healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. * **++For hospitals and outpatient sites enrolled as COVID-19 vaccine providers, continue to prioritize healthcare workers, especially unaffiliated healthcare workers from tier 1a, for vaccination.++** * **++Beginning January 18^th^, if you have unused vaccine and have not identified additional tier 1a healthcare workers for vaccination, you may vaccinate your highest risk, existing patients that are over 65 years old and live, work, or receive ongoing medical care in Chicago.++** * Considerations for sub-prioritization include patients over 75 years of age, or patients over 65 years of age with significant underlying conditions, based on clinical judgment. * Vaccine from Chicago's allocation should not be utilized at sites outside Chicago. * Extra efforts should be made to promote vaccine uptake among residents of communities with lower rates of vaccine uptake to date. See [www.chi.gov/covidvax](http://www.chi.gov/covidvax) for the most recent data. * At this time, City-run Points of Dispensing (PODs) will continue to focus on providing vaccination to tier 1a healthcare workers. Vaccination at Chicago PODs are by appointment only and cannot currently accommodate walk-ins. * **Additional guidance regarding promotion of vaccine equity in Chicago is forthcoming.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-12T23:21:2946664835COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Jan 12, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity is currently stable in Chicago and case incidence has increased slightly.</strong></li> <li><strong>It is too early to know what impact the holiday season will have on case incidence in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters.</li> <li>CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption.</li> <li>Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other outpatient centers that have enrolled to be COVID-19 vaccination sites have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their healthcare workers.</li> <li>Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week.</li> <li><strong>CDPH has begun vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches, through January into February.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the&nbsp;full report.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity is currently stable in Chicago and case incidence has increased slightly.** * **It is too early to know what impact the holiday season will have on case incidence in Chicago.** * Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters. * CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption. * Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other outpatient centers that have enrolled to be COVID-19 vaccination sites have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their healthcare workers. * Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week. * **CDPH has begun vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches, through January into February.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-08T21:40:3846664824InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 53<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 27, 2020 - January 2, 2021&nbsp;0 of the 687&nbsp;specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 27, 2020 - January 2, 2021 0 of the 687 specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2021-01-06T22:52:2946664931STILowREVISED: Electronic HIV and Syphilis Reporting<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Effective January 6, 2021, the Chicago Departmentof Public Health (CDPH) HIV/STIBureau Office of HIV/STI Surveillance will begin accepting confidential HIV/AIDS case report forms and syphilis morbidity report forms electronically via the Chicago HealthInformationManagement System (CHIMS) provider portal.</li> <li>Healthcare professionals (and designees) will need to applyand be approved for a provider portal account via the CHIMS ProviderPortalAccountApplicationSystem (<a href="https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do" target="_blank">https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do</a>) before morbidity reports can be submitted.</li> <li>For technical assistance, registration, and additional support: &nbsp;<a href="mailto:chims@cityofchicago.org">chims@cityofchicago.org</a></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p> <p><em>Revision Information: Updated contact information and provided application instructions.</em></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Effective January 6, 2021, the Chicago Departmentof Public Health (CDPH) HIV/STIBureau Office of HIV/STI Surveillance will begin accepting confidential HIV/AIDS case report forms and syphilis morbidity report forms electronically via the Chicago HealthInformationManagement System (CHIMS) provider portal. * Healthcare professionals (and designees) will need to applyand be approved for a provider portal account via the CHIMS ProviderPortalAccountApplicationSystem (<https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do>) before morbidity reports can be submitted. * For technical assistance, registration, and additional support: [chims@cityofchicago.org](mailto:chims@cityofchicago.org) Please see attachment for more details. *Revision Information: Updated contact information and provided application instructions.*true2021-01-05T23:05:2346664937COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Jan 5, 2021<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 test positivity in Chicago has recently increased slightly, which may be partly driven by decreased volume of testing during the holidays. </strong></li> <li><strong>It is too early to know what impact the holiday season will have on case incidence in Chicago.</strong></li> <li>Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters.</li> <li>CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption.</li> <li>Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) doing a high rate of COVID-19 testing have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their health care workers.</li> <li>Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week.</li> <li><strong>CDPH has begun vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches, through January into February.</strong></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachments for the&nbsp;full report and a flyer for Town Hall Meeting: What Black America Needs to Know About COVID-19 and Vaccines.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 test positivity in Chicago has recently increased slightly, which may be partly driven by decreased volume of testing during the holidays.** * **It is too early to know what impact the holiday season will have on case incidence in Chicago.** * Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters. * CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption. * Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) doing a high rate of COVID-19 testing have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their health care workers. * Staff and residents of long-term care facilities continue to be vaccinated by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week. * **CDPH has begun vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site will be sent weekly in batches, through January into February.** Please see the attachments for the full report and a flyer for Town Hall Meeting: What Black America Needs to Know About COVID-19 and Vaccines.true2021-01-05T22:07:4446664935COVID19LowLTC Vaccine Town Hall 1/7 12:30 pm with Dr. Arwady<p><span style="font-size:14px">This week, CDPH will be hosting a virtual town hall on the COVID vaccine during our Long Term Care Roundtable on Thursday 1/7 from 12:30-1:30 pm CT. Please invite all of your facility&rsquo;s staff, residents and families to this event. This town hall will be recorded and will be available to watch after the event.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">We have a very special speaker this week, the Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady. She will available to provide the latest vaccine information and respond to your questions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Questions may be submitted in advance (on the facebook page) or during the event.</span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID Vaccine Town Hall<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Date: 1/7/21<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Time: 12:30 &ndash; 1:30 pm CT<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Audience: All Long Term Care Staff, Residents, and Families<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Speaker: CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady<br /> &nbsp;<br /> For the best viewing experience, please watch on Facebook <a href="https://tinyurl.com/CDPHEVENT" target="_blank">Live</a>:<br /> Click the link to join: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/CDPHEVENT" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/CDPHEVENT</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH will also be streaming the town hall via Webex. Questions in the chat will be submitted for answers:<br /> When it&#39;s time, join the Webex meeting <a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/info/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&amp;MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Meeting number (access code): 269 295 536&nbsp;<br /> Meeting password: TAhwCWs5X83</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachement for full details</span></p>This week, CDPH will be hosting a virtual town hall on the COVID vaccine during our Long Term Care Roundtable on Thursday 1/7 from 12:30-1:30 pm CT. Please invite all of your facility's staff, residents and families to this event. This town hall will be recorded and will be available to watch after the event. We have a very special speaker this week, the Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady. She will available to provide the latest vaccine information and respond to your questions. Questions may be submitted in advance (on the facebook page) or during the event. <br /> Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID Vaccine Town Hall Date: 1/7/21 Time: 12:30 -- 1:30 pm CT Audience: All Long Term Care Staff, Residents, and Families Speaker: CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady For the best viewing experience, please watch on Facebook [Live](https://tinyurl.com/CDPHEVENT): Click the link to join: <https://tinyurl.com/CDPHEVENT> CDPH will also be streaming the town hall via Webex. Questions in the chat will be submitted for answers: When it's time, join the Webex meeting [here](https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/info/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc). Meeting number (access code): 269 295 536 Meeting password: TAhwCWs5X83 Please see the attachement for full detailstrue2020-12-31T22:43:1846664818Opioid ConcernsLowChicago Opioid Update - Dec 31, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">There were 1,303 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 93 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in August 2020.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">This is a 21% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 9% increase in deaths compared to 2019.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Physicians can register to complete the <a href="https://elearning.asam.org/p/MSBI01062021" target="_blank">ASAM Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course</a> on January 6th at 2pm.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners can register to complete the <a href="https://elearning.asam.org/products/24-hour-waiver-training-aapa#tab-product_tab_content" target="_blank">NP/PA 24-hour waiver training</a> course.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Share these <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><a href="https://www.bebrave.io/" target="_blank">BeSafe</a> and <a href="http://neverusealone.com/" target="_blank">Never Use Alone</a> (800) 484-3731 are two resources that can be shared with people who use drugs alone; these resources allow for help to be called if an overdose occurs.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * There were 1,303 opioid-related EMS responses and at least 93 opioid-related deaths in Chicago in August 2020. * This is a 21% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 9% increase in deaths compared to 2019. * Physicians can register to complete the [ASAM Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder Course](https://elearning.asam.org/p/MSBI01062021) on January 6th at 2pm. * Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners can register to complete the [NP/PA 24-hour waiver training](https://elearning.asam.org/products/24-hour-waiver-training-aapa#tab-product_tab_content) course. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf). * Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/d37889c2-14c8-4f44-92cf-36e3b2ac43a0/NN2_WhatIsNaloxone_11x17_poster.pdf) for people who use drugs. * [BeSafe](https://www.bebrave.io/) and [Never Use Alone](http://neverusealone.com/) (800) 484-3731 are two resources that can be shared with people who use drugs alone; these resources allow for help to be called if an overdose occurs. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-12-31T20:05:4646664928InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 52<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 20-26, 2020, 0 of the 647&nbsp;specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 20-26, 2020, 0 of the 647 specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-12-31T00:21:4446664920Opioid ConcernsLow2019 Chicago Opioid Overdose Data Brief<p>Some data of interest:</p> <ul> <li>Chicago residents who died from an opioid related overdose in 2019 lived across the city. Ninety five percent of Chicago&rsquo;s community areas were home to at least one resident with a fatal opioid related overdose.</li> <li>From 2018 to 2019, the overall opioid related overdose death rate increased by 10.1 %. This increase comes after there was a slight decrease in opioid related overdose death rate from 2017 to 2018.</li> <li>In 2019, 55 opioid related overdose deaths were linked to prescription opioid pain relievers, most commonly in conjunction with illicit (heroin, fentanyl) opioids. This remains much less common than overdose deaths linked to illicit opioids. In fact, there were 20 opioid pain reliever only deaths in 2019.</li> <li>The rate of deaths involving fentanyl increased by 66.9% from 2016 to 2019 . The presence of fentanyl in the Chicago opioid supply continues to add complexity to addressing the opioid epidemic</li> <li>In 2019 in Chicago, 40.2% of opioid related overdose deaths also involved another substance (cocaine, methenamine, and/or benzodiazepine), suggesting polysubstance use is common.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p>Some data of interest: * Chicago residents who died from an opioid related overdose in 2019 lived across the city. Ninety five percent of Chicago's community areas were home to at least one resident with a fatal opioid related overdose. * From 2018 to 2019, the overall opioid related overdose death rate increased by 10.1 %. This increase comes after there was a slight decrease in opioid related overdose death rate from 2017 to 2018. * In 2019, 55 opioid related overdose deaths were linked to prescription opioid pain relievers, most commonly in conjunction with illicit (heroin, fentanyl) opioids. This remains much less common than overdose deaths linked to illicit opioids. In fact, there were 20 opioid pain reliever only deaths in 2019. * The rate of deaths involving fentanyl increased by 66.9% from 2016 to 2019 . The presence of fentanyl in the Chicago opioid supply continues to add complexity to addressing the opioid epidemic * In 2019 in Chicago, 40.2% of opioid related overdose deaths also involved another substance (cocaine, methenamine, and/or benzodiazepine), suggesting polysubstance use is common. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-12-30T01:10:4846664913COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Dec. 29, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence has decreased across all race-ethnicity groups in Chicago. It is too early to know what the impact of the holiday season will have on case rate in Chicago.</strong></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) doing a high rate of COVID-19 testing have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their health care workers.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Staff and residents of long-term care facilities have started to receive vaccination by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>CDPH is beginning to vaccinate HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system this week. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site are starting to be sent in batches.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for the full report.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence has decreased across all race-ethnicity groups in Chicago. It is too early to know what the impact of the holiday season will have on case rate in Chicago.** * Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters. * Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters. * CDPH will continue to allocate vaccine supply to hospitals vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW), based on need and consumption. * Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) doing a high rate of COVID-19 testing have started receiving vaccination supply to vaccinate their health care workers. * Staff and residents of long-term care facilities have started to receive vaccination by Pharmacy Partnerships programs this week. * **CDPH is beginning to vaccinate HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system this week. Invitations to make an appointment at a CDPH vaccination site are starting to be sent in batches.** Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-12-28T20:49:4846664808COVID19LowVaccination Options for Healthcare Personnel Not Affiliated with Hospitals or Health Systems<p>Healthcare providers and persons at risk of exposure to patients who could be infected with COVID-19 are one of the first groups recommended for COVID-19 vaccination.</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public (CDPH) is making vaccination plans for the staff of clinics and facilities not associated with a hospital or their health system. This will include the staff of outpatient clinics, dental offices, urgent care facilities, independent pharmacies, home care companies, dialysis centers, and mortuary services staff (including morticians and funeral home workers).</p> <p>To assist with planning, CDPH requests that 1 representative from your clinic/facility (e.g., the clinic administrator or business owner) complete the survey below.</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey</a></p>Healthcare providers and persons at risk of exposure to patients who could be infected with COVID-19 are one of the first groups recommended for COVID-19 vaccination. The Chicago Department of Public (CDPH) is making vaccination plans for the staff of clinics and facilities not associated with a hospital or their health system. This will include the staff of outpatient clinics, dental offices, urgent care facilities, independent pharmacies, home care companies, dialysis centers, and mortuary services staff (including morticians and funeral home workers). To assist with planning, CDPH requests that 1 representative from your clinic/facility (e.g., the clinic administrator or business owner) complete the survey below. <https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey>false2020-12-28T15:21:1446664910COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Considerations for the Next Phases of Chicago’s Vaccine Allocation<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Demand for COVID-19 vaccines is expected to exceed supply during the first months of the national COVID-19 vaccination program and this will impact vaccine distribution in Chicago.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">On December 22, 2020, CDC MMWR released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm?s_cid=mm695152e2_w" target="_blank">The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices&rsquo; Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine &mdash; United States, December 2020</a> to establish a framework for local implementation of vaccine prioritization.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">While healthcare personnel (HCP) and long-term care residents are currently being vaccinated in Phase 1a, frontline essential workers and individuals &ge;75 years of age have been recommended to be included in the next group, Phase 1b.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination phases will overlap over the next few months to allow complete vaccination of each group.</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p>**Summary** * Demand for COVID-19 vaccines is expected to exceed supply during the first months of the national COVID-19 vaccination program and this will impact vaccine distribution in Chicago. * On December 22, 2020, CDC MMWR released [The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine --- United States, December 2020](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm?s_cid=mm695152e2_w) to establish a framework for local implementation of vaccine prioritization. * While healthcare personnel (HCP) and long-term care residents are currently being vaccinated in Phase 1a, frontline essential workers and individuals ≥75 years of age have been recommended to be included in the next group, Phase 1b. * Vaccination phases will overlap over the next few months to allow complete vaccination of each group. Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-12-22T22:07:0146664908STILowElectronic HIV and Syphilis Reporting<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Effective January 6, 2021, the Chicago Departmentof Public Health (CDPH) HIV/STIBureau Office of HIV/STI Surveillance will begin accepting confidential HIV/AIDS case report forms and syphilis morbidity report forms electronically via the Chicago HealthInformationManagement System (CHIMS) provider portal.</li> <li>Healthcare professionals (and designees) will need to applyand be approved for a provider portal account via the CHIMS ProviderPortalAccountApplicationSystem (<a href="https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do" target="_blank">https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do</a>) before morbidity reports can be submitted.</li> </ul> <p>CONTACT INFORMATION for additional questions: <a href="mailto:Tammy.Rutledge@cityofchicago.org">Tammy.Rutledge@cityofchicago.org</a></p> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Effective January 6, 2021, the Chicago Departmentof Public Health (CDPH) HIV/STIBureau Office of HIV/STI Surveillance will begin accepting confidential HIV/AIDS case report forms and syphilis morbidity report forms electronically via the Chicago HealthInformationManagement System (CHIMS) provider portal. * Healthcare professionals (and designees) will need to applyand be approved for a provider portal account via the CHIMS ProviderPortalAccountApplicationSystem (<https://chims.cityofchicago.org/maven/portalLogin.do>) before morbidity reports can be submitted. CONTACT INFORMATION for additional questions: [Tammy.Rutledge@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Tammy.Rutledge@cityofchicago.org) Please see attachment for more details.true2020-12-17T16:51:3646664798Opioid ConcernsLowIncrease in Fatal Drug Overdoses Across the United States Driven by Synthetic Opioids Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic<p><u><strong>Summary</strong></u><br /> The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory is to alert public health departments, healthcare professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, laboratories, and medical examiners and coroners to&mdash;</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">(1) substantial increases in drug overdose deaths across the United States, primarily driven by rapid increases in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids excluding methadone (hereafter referred to as synthetic opioids), likely illicitly manufactured fentanyl;<br /> (2) a concerning acceleration of the increase in drug overdose deaths, with the largest increase recorded from March 2020 to May 2020, coinciding with the implementation of widespread mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic;<br /> (3) the changing geographic distribution of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, with the largest percentage increases occurring in states in the western United States;<br /> (4) significant increases in overdose deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential (hereafter referred to as psychostimulants) such as methamphetamine; and<br /> (5) recommendations for communities when responding to the evolving overdose crisis.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for more information.</p> <p>Local information on Opioids is availible at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/opioids" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/opioids</a></p>++**Summary**++ The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory is to alert public health departments, healthcare professionals, first responders, harm reduction organizations, laboratories, and medical examiners and coroners to--- (1) substantial increases in drug overdose deaths across the United States, primarily driven by rapid increases in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids excluding methadone (hereafter referred to as synthetic opioids), likely illicitly manufactured fentanyl; (2) a concerning acceleration of the increase in drug overdose deaths, with the largest increase recorded from March 2020 to May 2020, coinciding with the implementation of widespread mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) the changing geographic distribution of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, with the largest percentage increases occurring in states in the western United States; (4) significant increases in overdose deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential (hereafter referred to as psychostimulants) such as methamphetamine; and (5) recommendations for communities when responding to the evolving overdose crisis. Please see the attachment for more information. Local information on Opioids is availible at [www.chicagohan.org/opioids](https://www.chicagohan.org/opioids)true2020-12-22T18:55:4546664804COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report: Dec 22, 2020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence has recently decreased in Chicago, however Illinois region 11 remains under Tier 3 mitigation measures. A stay-at-home advisory in Chicago was re-issued on 12/20/2020.</strong></li> <li>Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters.</li> <li>Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters.</li> <li>On December 11, 2020 &ndash; the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer&rsquo;s vaccine. Pfizer vaccine was allocated to all acute-care hospitals in Chicago during the week of 12/14/20 and administration has begun for healthcare workers (HCW) in hospitals.</li> <li>On December 18, 2020 &ndash; the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Moderna vaccine. CDPH expects to receive shipments of Moderna vaccine this week. Vaccination of long-term care residents will start the week of 12/28.</li> <li>CDPH will begin vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system by early January.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 case incidence has recently decreased in Chicago, however Illinois region 11 remains under Tier 3 mitigation measures. A stay-at-home advisory in Chicago was re-issued on 12/20/2020.** * Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters. * Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters. * On December 11, 2020 -- the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer's vaccine. Pfizer vaccine was allocated to all acute-care hospitals in Chicago during the week of 12/14/20 and administration has begun for healthcare workers (HCW) in hospitals. * On December 18, 2020 -- the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Moderna vaccine. CDPH expects to receive shipments of Moderna vaccine this week. Vaccination of long-term care residents will start the week of 12/28. * CDPH will begin vaccinating HCW not affiliated with a hospital or large health system by early January. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-12-20T03:12:0346664802COVID19LowChicago Provider COVID-19 Vaccine Update Letter<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> &bull; The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on December 18, 2020.<br /> &bull; On December 19, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above.<br /> &bull; Additional educational materials will be released from CDC after the ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director and officially released and published.<br /> &bull; Check <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> and <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/covidvax</a> for updates.<br /> &bull; A vote on Tier 1b and 1c COVID-19 vaccine allocation is expected by ACIP tomorrow.</span></p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p>**Summary and Action Items** • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on December 18, 2020. • On December 19, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 18 years and above. • Additional educational materials will be released from CDC after the ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director and officially released and published. • Check [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) and [www.chicago.gov/covidvax](http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax) for updates. • A vote on Tier 1b and 1c COVID-19 vaccine allocation is expected by ACIP tomorrow. Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-12-19T01:01:5846664801COVID19LowChicago Provider COVID-19 Vaccine Update Letter<p>We have begun COVID-19 vaccinations in the City of Chicago this week! These efforts are critical to the health of our residents and workforce, as well as Chicago&rsquo;s economic recovery from this devastating pandemic. Life will not suddenly return to normal, but COVID-19 vaccination is the light at the end of the tunnel. You have a critically important role in this effort, as a highly trusted source of information for your patients and others in the communities in which you live and work. We want to partner with as many of you as possible in vaccination efforts and vaccine safety monitoring.</p> <p>Vaccination is beginning now with frontline healthcare workers in Chicago hospitals and long-term care facilities and will begin to expand to higher-risk healthcare workers in other healthcare settings over the next month. We anticipate it will take a few months to be able to offer vaccine to all of Chicago&rsquo;s 400,000 healthcare workers.</p> <p>Vaccination of staff from Chicago health care facilities that are <u>not</u> hospitals or long-term care facilities1 will take place at CDPH mass vaccination clinics, facility-based clinics and hospital -based clinics, beginning in early 2021. <strong>We strongly encourage you to work with a hospital affiliated with your facility to get your staff vaccinated whenever possible</strong>.</p> <p><strong>To support CDPH&rsquo;s operational planning around where and how your staff will be vaccinated, each Chicago facility must complete the REDCap Facility Vaccination Planning Survey, at </strong><a href="https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey</a> by January 1, 2020. Each physical location should assign one administrator to complete the survey. <strong>Failure to complete this survey will result in delays in staff vaccination.</strong> Based on your responses to this survey, if it is determined that your facility should be enrolled as a COVID-19 vaccinator, you will also be directed to complete the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement and Provider Profile, at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax.</a></p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full message from CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arway.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>We have begun COVID-19 vaccinations in the City of Chicago this week! These efforts are critical to the health of our residents and workforce, as well as Chicago's economic recovery from this devastating pandemic. Life will not suddenly return to normal, but COVID-19 vaccination is the light at the end of the tunnel. You have a critically important role in this effort, as a highly trusted source of information for your patients and others in the communities in which you live and work. We want to partner with as many of you as possible in vaccination efforts and vaccine safety monitoring. Vaccination is beginning now with frontline healthcare workers in Chicago hospitals and long-term care facilities and will begin to expand to higher-risk healthcare workers in other healthcare settings over the next month. We anticipate it will take a few months to be able to offer vaccine to all of Chicago's 400,000 healthcare workers. Vaccination of staff from Chicago health care facilities that are ++not++ hospitals or long-term care facilities1 will take place at CDPH mass vaccination clinics, facility-based clinics and hospital -based clinics, beginning in early 2021. **We strongly encourage you to work with a hospital affiliated with your facility to get your staff vaccinated whenever possible**. **To support CDPH's operational planning around where and how your staff will be vaccinated, each Chicago facility must complete the REDCap Facility Vaccination Planning Survey, at** <https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationInquirySurvey> by January 1, 2020. Each physical location should assign one administrator to complete the survey. **Failure to complete this survey will result in delays in staff vaccination.** Based on your responses to this survey, if it is determined that your facility should be enrolled as a COVID-19 vaccinator, you will also be directed to complete the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement and Provider Profile, at [https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax.](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) Please see the attachment for the full message from CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arway.true2020-12-18T20:42:4146664907InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 50<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 6-12, 2020, 0 of the 894 specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of December 6-12, 2020, 0 of the 894 specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-12-16T22:18:3946664902COVID19LowNEW Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Resources<p>Attached are a Standing Orders Template, a Pre-Vaccination Screening Tool for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and a Pfizer-BioTech COVID-19 Vaccine Preparation Summary Sheet. Most tools are already live on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html" target="_blank">Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Information | CDC</a>. The Standing Orders Template should be live soon.</p> <p>For up to date information on COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago please visit <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> or <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/covid-19-vaccine" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/covid-19-vaccine</a>.</p>Attached are a Standing Orders Template, a Pre-Vaccination Screening Tool for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and a Pfizer-BioTech COVID-19 Vaccine Preparation Summary Sheet. Most tools are already live on [Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Information \| CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html). The Standing Orders Template should be live soon. For up to date information on COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago please visit [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) or [www.chicago.gov/covid-19-vaccine](http://www.chicago.gov/covid-19-vaccine).true2020-12-15T19:03:3346664790VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin December 15, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>How to become a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider</li> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Resources</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: * How to become a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider * COVID-19 Vaccine Resources Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-12-07T23:09:5846664885COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report: Dec 7, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high, but declining. </strong></li> <li>Case incidence is declining, but still high, among all race and ethnicities.</li> <li>It is still too early to assess the impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on COVID-19 case incidence.</li> <li>Incidence of COVID-19 remains high in Northwest and Southwest</li> <li>Consider reinforcing COVID-19 prevention messages during all clinical encounters.</li> <li>Given the non-specific clinical presentation, have a low index of suspicion for COVID-19 and a low threshold to consider COVID-19 testing, especially in at-risk groups.</li> <li>The use of ventilators for COVID-19 patients has increased over the past two weeks. The use of non-ICU beds for COVID-19 patients has decreased while the use of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients remained stable over the past two weeks.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * **COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high, but declining.** * Case incidence is declining, but still high, among all race and ethnicities. * It is still too early to assess the impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on COVID-19 case incidence. * Incidence of COVID-19 remains high in Northwest and Southwest * Consider reinforcing COVID-19 prevention messages during all clinical encounters. * Given the non-specific clinical presentation, have a low index of suspicion for COVID-19 and a low threshold to consider COVID-19 testing, especially in at-risk groups. * The use of ventilators for COVID-19 patients has increased over the past two weeks. The use of non-ICU beds for COVID-19 patients has decreased while the use of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients remained stable over the past two weeks. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-12-15T18:48:5646664901COVID19LowICAAP COVID-19 Vaccine Tools and Resources<p>Visit <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> and <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/covidvax</a> for additional information on COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago as it becomes available.</p> <p>Dear ICAAP Member,</p> <p>The delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine has become a reality today. We are working to gather and provide you with timely information to use in your practice. We know that you will have questions about its availability to children, side effects, and more. ICAAP has developed the following list of resources for your use to address concerns of patients and families. We will be working on sending more information as we receive it. Please make sure to review our weekly newsletter &ndash; ICAAP-lets - for up-to-date information.</p> <p>Please see attached for more details.</p>Visit [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](http://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) and [www.chicago.gov/covidvax](http://www.chicago.gov/covidvax) for additional information on COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago as it becomes available. Dear ICAAP Member, The delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine has become a reality today. We are working to gather and provide you with timely information to use in your practice. We know that you will have questions about its availability to children, side effects, and more. ICAAP has developed the following list of resources for your use to address concerns of patients and families. We will be working on sending more information as we receive it. Please make sure to review our weekly newsletter -- ICAAP-lets - for up-to-date information. Please see attached for more details.true2020-12-15T16:12:3346664789COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report: Dec 15, 2020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high. Mortality from COVID-19 cases remains high in Chicago and Illinois.</strong></li> <li>Case incidence is still high among all ages and ethnicities. Case rates remain highest in Latinx population.</li> <li>Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters.</li> <li>Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters.</li> <li>On December 11, 2020 &ndash; the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer&rsquo;s vaccine. Chicago expects to receive first shipments of the Pfizer vaccine in the week of Dec 14, 2020. Initial allocations will be administered to healthcare workers as well as residents of long-term care facilities.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * **COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high. Mortality from COVID-19 cases remains high in Chicago and Illinois.** * Case incidence is still high among all ages and ethnicities. Case rates remain highest in Latinx population. * Continue to reinforce strong COVID-19 mitigation messaging regarding holidays during clinical encounters. * Begin to introduce COVID-19 vaccination discussions in clinical encounters. Continue to vaccinate for influenza during clinical encounters. * On December 11, 2020 -- the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer's vaccine. Chicago expects to receive first shipments of the Pfizer vaccine in the week of Dec 14, 2020. Initial allocations will be administered to healthcare workers as well as residents of long-term care facilities. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-10-30T19:17:1346664597Laboratory InformationLowIDPH: Laboratory Preparedness Exercise - LPX-B<p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory.</p> <p>The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism.</p> <p>LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory November 2, 2020.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full detail.</p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism. LPX-B is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory November 2, 2020. Please see attachment for full detail.true2020-12-13T20:22:5646664895COVID19LowCOVID 19: ACIP Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine<p>Last night, December 12, 2020, CDC Director Robert R. Redfield officially signed the ACIP recommendation to use Pfizer&rsquo;s COVID-19 vaccine in people 16 and older.</p> <p>Please read the attachment, MMWR Vol. 69:&nbsp; &quot;The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices&rsquo; Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine &mdash; United States, December 2020&quot; for more information.</p> <p>This attachment and information on the COVID 19 Vaccination Program is availible at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a>.</p>Last night, December 12, 2020, CDC Director Robert R. Redfield officially signed the ACIP recommendation to use Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in people 16 and older. Please read the attachment, MMWR Vol. 69: "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine --- United States, December 2020" for more information. This attachment and information on the COVID 19 Vaccination Program is availible at [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax).true2020-12-13T19:53:5946664894COVID19LowCOVID Vaccine Updates - Dec 13, 2020 - Manufacturer COVID-19 Vaccine Training & Education Series<p>Test</p> <p><strong>12/13/20 COVID Vaccine Updates</strong></p> <p>The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released it&rsquo;s interim recommendations for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by MMWR Early Release. The recommendation for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should be implemented in conjunction with ACIP&rsquo;s interim recommendation for allocating initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;</p> <p>View the full&nbsp;report&nbsp;<em>The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices&rsquo; Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine &mdash; United States, December 2020</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://go.usa.gov/xAx6w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://go.usa.gov/xAx6w</a>.</p> <p><strong>REMINDER: Tomorrow&rsquo;s CDC COVID-19 Vaccine COCA Call</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_121420.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety</a></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date</strong>: Monday, December 14, 2020&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Time:&nbsp;</strong>1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)&nbsp;/ 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Central Time)</p> <p><strong>Webinar Link</strong>:<a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611264903" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611264903</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Dial-in:&nbsp;</strong>US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>iPhone one-tap:&nbsp;</strong>US: +16692545252,,1611264903# or +16468287666,,1611264903#&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>International numbers available:</strong><a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab3Ojj4XMn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab3Ojj4XMn</a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Webinar ID:&nbsp;</strong>161 126 4903&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, it will be available for viewing on the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/index.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COCA website</a>&nbsp;a few hours after the live event ends.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Overview</strong>:&nbsp;Monitoring vaccine safety is a vital part of the nation&rsquo;s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 vaccines become available, the public&rsquo;s knowledge and confidence in their safety, both initially and during extended use, is an important part of a successful national vaccination effort.&nbsp;CDC remains committed to ensuring that public health officials, healthcare providers, and the public have accurate and timely information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>During this COCA call, clinicians will learn how they can educate their patients about what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, they will learn how they can play an important role in monitoring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. This includes encouraging patients to enroll in v-safe, a&nbsp;new&nbsp;smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines,&nbsp;and to use v-safe to&nbsp;report how they&rsquo;re feeling. Clinicians also will learn how to&nbsp;report adverse events (possible side effects) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Manufacturer COVID-19 Vaccine Training &amp; Education Series</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>This week, Pfizer will be hosting a series of training sessions to review information and answer questions about their COVID-19 vaccine. Please share these training opportunities with clinicians and COVID-19 vaccine providers.&nbsp;Please click on the link below to join the sessions at the designated times.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:528px"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>&nbsp;Date &amp; Time&nbsp;</strong></p> </td> <td> <p><strong>Password&nbsp;</strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8d876724d78fbe6bc3b30b3b398433e4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 14, 2020 10:00 AM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>jQxkNAZ5h97&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e04df386893471e2e99aee113cc632fb3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 14, 2020 5:00 PM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>yyJM8HMbV23&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e137c1d63919dcc96d3f103fdfd4e8a40" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 15, 2020 10:00 AM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>yyXXMHkY623&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee456a684f4a65be3a77261eb327965a7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 15, 2020 5:00 PM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>cXQqYzTM352&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e63efdc367c8cb59f408664bb41a7a56c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 16, 2020 10:00 AM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>yDxuqt6Pg52&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e118822465aaa6033f0409414792784fb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 16, 2020 5:00 PM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>auKMUdmJ687&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=eaa6e22c6537fcfc2378c6fcdab750943" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 17, 2020 10:00 AM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>TMr7GvMc2P2&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee5a9987e7211f186cd9791d4f0f441ad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 17, 2020 5:00 PM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>PPxyyuGP249&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e75ed5294c2af5e5e4e9d62a82357d9bb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 18, 2020 10:00 AM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>GawpMXB2X95&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p><a href="https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e902b636fd018e8be189a7e5e0707dd4d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attendee December 18, 2020 5:00 PM ET&nbsp;</a><u>&nbsp;</u></p> </td> <td> <p>w3kBrP9ReU3&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>Test **12/13/20 COVID Vaccine Updates** The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released it's interim recommendations for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by MMWR Early Release. The recommendation for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should be implemented in conjunction with ACIP's interim recommendation for allocating initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. View the full report *The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Interim Recommendation for Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine --- United States, December 2020* at <https://go.usa.gov/xAx6w>. **REMINDER: Tomorrow's CDC COVID-19 Vaccine COCA Call** **[What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19 Vaccine Safety](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_121420.asp)** **Date**: Monday, December 14, 2020 **Time:**1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) / 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) **Webinar Link** :<https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611264903> **Dial-in:**US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 **iPhone one-tap:**US: +16692545252,,1611264903# or +16468287666,,1611264903# **International numbers available:** <https://www.zoomgov.com/u/ab3Ojj4XMn> **Webinar ID:**161 126 4903 If you are unable to attend the live COCA Call, it will be available for viewing on the [COCA website](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/index.asp) a few hours after the live event ends. **Overview**: Monitoring vaccine safety is a vital part of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 vaccines become available, the public's knowledge and confidence in their safety, both initially and during extended use, is an important part of a successful national vaccination effort. CDC remains committed to ensuring that public health officials, healthcare providers, and the public have accurate and timely information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. During this COCA call, clinicians will learn how they can educate their patients about what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, they will learn how they can play an important role in monitoring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. This includes encouraging patients to enroll in v-safe, a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines, and to use v-safe to report how they're feeling. Clinicians also will learn how to report adverse events (possible side effects) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). **Manufacturer COVID-19 Vaccine Training \& Education Series** This week, Pfizer will be hosting a series of training sessions to review information and answer questions about their COVID-19 vaccine. Please share these training opportunities with clinicians and COVID-19 vaccine providers. Please click on the link below to join the sessions at the designated times. |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | **Date \& Time** | **Password** | | [Attendee December 14, 2020 10:00 AM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8d876724d78fbe6bc3b30b3b398433e4) | jQxkNAZ5h97 | | [Attendee December 14, 2020 5:00 PM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e04df386893471e2e99aee113cc632fb3) | yyJM8HMbV23 | | [Attendee December 15, 2020 10:00 AM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e137c1d63919dcc96d3f103fdfd4e8a40) | yyXXMHkY623 | | [Attendee December 15, 2020 5:00 PM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee456a684f4a65be3a77261eb327965a7) | cXQqYzTM352 | | [Attendee December 16, 2020 10:00 AM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e63efdc367c8cb59f408664bb41a7a56c) | yDxuqt6Pg52 | | [Attendee December 16, 2020 5:00 PM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e118822465aaa6033f0409414792784fb) | auKMUdmJ687 | | [Attendee December 17, 2020 10:00 AM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=eaa6e22c6537fcfc2378c6fcdab750943) | TMr7GvMc2P2 | | [Attendee December 17, 2020 5:00 PM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee5a9987e7211f186cd9791d4f0f441ad) | PPxyyuGP249 | | [Attendee December 18, 2020 10:00 AM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e75ed5294c2af5e5e4e9d62a82357d9bb) | GawpMXB2X95 | | [Attendee December 18, 2020 5:00 PM ET](https://pfizerevents.webex.com/pfizerevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=e902b636fd018e8be189a7e5e0707dd4d) | w3kBrP9ReU3 |true2020-12-12T23:01:2046664787COVID19LowURGENT COVID-19 Vaccine Update<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 11, 2020.</li> <li>On December 12, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 16 years and above.</li> <li>Additional educational materials will be released from CDC after the ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director and officially released and published (anticipated December 13, 2020).</li> <li>CDPH expects to receive a limited supply of vaccine within the next 1-2 weeks.</li> <li>Over the next 2 weeks, distribution will occur to hospitals with capacity for ultra-cold storage, and local pharmacies federally contracted to vaccinate long-term care facility residents and staff.</li> <li>Ensure that your healthcare system vaccine liaisons are on-call to receive vaccine as well as updated resources over time. Check <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/covidvax</a> for updates.</li> <li>CDPH summarized considerations for sub-prioritization of healthcare personnel based on risk of exposure and risk of severe COVID-19 disease in a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/372306/HAN_COVIDvaxpriority_112520.pdf">Health Alert released November 25, 2020</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachments for more information.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 11, 2020. * On December 12, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for ages 16 years and above. * Additional educational materials will be released from CDC after the ACIP recommendations are signed by the CDC Director and officially released and published (anticipated December 13, 2020). * CDPH expects to receive a limited supply of vaccine within the next 1-2 weeks. * Over the next 2 weeks, distribution will occur to hospitals with capacity for ultra-cold storage, and local pharmacies federally contracted to vaccinate long-term care facility residents and staff. * Ensure that your healthcare system vaccine liaisons are on-call to receive vaccine as well as updated resources over time. Check [www.chicagohan.org/covidvax](https://www.chicagohan.org/covidvax) for updates. * CDPH summarized considerations for sub-prioritization of healthcare personnel based on risk of exposure and risk of severe COVID-19 disease in a [Health Alert released November 25, 2020](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/372306/HAN_COVIDvaxpriority_112520.pdf). Please see the attachments for more information.true2020-12-07T18:39:0646664884VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin December 7, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for VFC Providers <ul> <li>If you haven&rsquo;t already, it is ESSENTIAL that you complete this short survey: <a href="https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationSurvey" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationSurvey</a><br /> The survey result will allow CDPH to plan for the amount of vaccine that will be needed for Outpatient Centers and FQHCs. We anticipate that you will have additional questions, and they can be directed to our Immunization Team at <a href="mailto:COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org">COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec 6 - 12, 2020</li> <li>Upcoming Webinars and Training Opportunities&nbsp;</li> <li>Chicago VFC Thanks You!</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: * COVID-19 Vaccine Updates for VFC Providers * If you haven't already, it is ESSENTIAL that you complete this short survey: <https://redcap.link/StaffVaccinationSurvey> The survey result will allow CDPH to plan for the amount of vaccine that will be needed for Outpatient Centers and FQHCs. We anticipate that you will have additional questions, and they can be directed to our Immunization Team at [COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org). * National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec 6 - 12, 2020 * Upcoming Webinars and Training Opportunities * Chicago VFC Thanks You! Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-12-11T21:36:5046664786InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 49<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 29-December 5, 2020, 0 of the 1,026&nbsp;(&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attachment&nbsp;for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 29-December 5, 2020, 0 of the 1,026 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attachment for the full report.true2020-10-29T22:52:2046664680COVID19LowCHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Situational Awareness Web Meeting Series<p>Join us for a webinar series beginning on Oct 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM CDT.</p> <p>This webinar series will provide information to Chicago Healthcare Coalition (HCC) members and other healthcare partners about City of Chicago (IDPH EMS Region 11) COVID-19 vaccination planning. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will provide briefings and situational awareness for those organizations that are physically based in Chicago. Participants will be able to ask questions and time will be reserved after each meeting to provide answers. Minutes and a recorded link to each webinar will be made available following the session. <u><strong><span style="color:#FF0000">YOU WILL ONLY NEED TO REGISTER ONCE FOR ALL SESSIONS IN THIS SERIES.</span></strong></u></p> <p><a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477" target="_blank">Register Here Now!</a></p> <p>After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinars.</p>Join us for a webinar series beginning on Oct 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM CDT. This webinar series will provide information to Chicago Healthcare Coalition (HCC) members and other healthcare partners about City of Chicago (IDPH EMS Region 11) COVID-19 vaccination planning. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will provide briefings and situational awareness for those organizations that are physically based in Chicago. Participants will be able to ask questions and time will be reserved after each meeting to provide answers. Minutes and a recorded link to each webinar will be made available following the session. ++**YOU WILL ONLY NEED TO REGISTER ONCE FOR ALL SESSIONS IN THIS SERIES.**++ [Register Here Now!](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477) After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinars.false2020-12-09T15:46:1046664780CCN AnnouncementLowCity of Warming Shelters 2020-2021<p><span style="font-size:14px">During the winter months, when temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees or below), the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates six (6) warming centers inside of the City&rsquo;s six Community Service Centers during weekday business hours.&nbsp; The primary role of Community Service Centers is to assess residents for services, provide case management and make referrals.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachments for more information.</span></p> <p><em>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or <a href="mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org">hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson<strong> </strong>at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a></em></p>During the winter months, when temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees or below), the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates six (6) warming centers inside of the City's six Community Service Centers during weekday business hours. The primary role of Community Service Centers is to assess residents for services, provide case management and make referrals. Please see the attachments for more information. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or [hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org). For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinsonat [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org)*true2020-12-08T22:00:2146664886COVID19LowInvestigation and Request for Possible SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Cases<p><span style="font-size:14px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among persons previously diagnosed with COVID-19 may be identified if patients meet investigative criteria with genetic sequencing from paired specimens from two distinct episodes of infection.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks to determine the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among persons who appear to have recovered clinically from COVID-19, characterize suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases and resulting laboratory evidence to better understand the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and guide public health response, and determine the time interval from initial illness to reinfection.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH proposes investigation for individuals with or without COVID-19&ndash;like symptoms who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR &ge;90 days (12 weeks) after initial identification of their infection/illness.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Individuals meeting above criteria will be assessed for availability of specimens for genomic sequencing, cycle threshold values, SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing and demographic and clinical criteria collected via the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8ERA8DRE7R" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Case Investigation Form</a>.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among persons previously diagnosed with COVID-19 may be identified if patients meet investigative criteria with genetic sequencing from paired specimens from two distinct episodes of infection. * Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) seeks to determine the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among persons who appear to have recovered clinically from COVID-19, characterize suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases and resulting laboratory evidence to better understand the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and guide public health response, and determine the time interval from initial illness to reinfection. * CDPH proposes investigation for individuals with or without COVID-19--like symptoms who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR ≥90 days (12 weeks) after initial identification of their infection/illness. * Individuals meeting above criteria will be assessed for availability of specimens for genomic sequencing, cycle threshold values, SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing and demographic and clinical criteria collected via the [SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Case Investigation Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=8ERA8DRE7R). Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-12-08T21:31:3846664779COVID19LowCOVID Vaccine Planning Webinar - December 11, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">Hello Vaccine Planners in Chicago Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This message is to confirm that we will be holding a Vaccine Planning Webinar on Friday, December 11^th&nbsp; from 12PM-1PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>If you are already registered for the series, there is no action needed</strong>.&nbsp; You will receive a reminder one day and one hour before the start of the call.&nbsp;&nbsp; We will be adding a Logistics planning section to calls beginning this week, so be sure to invite any of your internal logistics leads to the call, if they have not already been participating. They will need to register.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For anyone who has not yet participated, please register here:&nbsp;<a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Webinar Series</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">There is also one additional &ldquo;Save the Time&rdquo; notification for&nbsp;<strong>Chicago HOSPITALS only</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning on Monday,&nbsp;December 14^th&nbsp;at 12PM-1PM and continuing until further notice on Mondays, there will be a Logistics call via Microsoft Teams.&nbsp;The link for that call will be forwarded on Friday to all who are registered as&nbsp;<em>Hospital Vaccine Leads</em>&nbsp;on the REDCap Survey tool.&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect all Chicago Hospitals to participate on that call,&nbsp;as weekly strategies and delivery information will be shared. For those not in hospitals, your groups will be added as additional vaccine comes to Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Remember that questions can be answered by:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;We thank you for your participation.&nbsp;</span></p>Hello Vaccine Planners in Chicago Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations, This message is to confirm that we will be holding a Vaccine Planning Webinar on Friday, December 11^th^ from 12PM-1PM. **If you are already registered for the series, there is no action needed**. You will receive a reminder one day and one hour before the start of the call. We will be adding a Logistics planning section to calls beginning this week, so be sure to invite any of your internal logistics leads to the call, if they have not already been participating. They will need to register. For anyone who has not yet participated, please register here: [CHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Webinar Series](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477) There is also one additional "Save the Time" notification for **Chicago HOSPITALS only** . Beginning on Monday, December 14^th^ at 12PM-1PM and continuing until further notice on Mondays, there will be a Logistics call via Microsoft Teams. The link for that call will be forwarded on Friday to all who are registered as *Hospital Vaccine Leads* on the REDCap Survey tool. We expect all Chicago Hospitals to participate on that call, as weekly strategies and delivery information will be shared. For those not in hospitals, your groups will be added as additional vaccine comes to Chicago. Remember that questions can be answered by: [COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org](mailto:COVID19Vaccine@cityofchicago.org). We thank you for your participation.false2020-10-29T17:41:2046664690COVID19LowCHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Situational Awareness Web Meeting Series October 30th<p>ESRD Partners,&nbsp;</p> <p>You have been identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a key stakeholder within the City of Chicago&rsquo;s healthcare enterprise as a ESRD healthcare provider.</p> <p>As we develop city-wide COVID-19 vaccination plans, the Chicago Department of Public Health is asking our ESRD partners to complete &nbsp;CDPH Dialysis Vaccine Capacity Survey.<span style="background-color:#FFFF00"> Because staff members of your facility will be eligible for vaccination during the first round of distribution (phase 1a), this information will assist in planning efforts.</span> The survey can be accessed here at: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=X3Y39LJ7EY" target="_blank">REDCap survey</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>At this time, we invite you to register for &quot;CHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Situational Awareness Web Meeting Series&quot; beginning <span style="background-color:#FFFF00">October 30th at 12pm</span>. This webinar series will provide information to Chicago Healthcare Coalition (HCC) members and other healthcare partners about City of Chicago (IDPH EMS Region 11) COVID-19 vaccination planning. To register please go to &nbsp; <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477" target="_blank">https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477&nbsp;</a></p> <p>If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Faye Thanas (<a href="mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org">Faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>)</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=X3Y39LJ7EY" target="_blank">REDCap survey&nbsp;</a></p>ESRD Partners, You have been identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a key stakeholder within the City of Chicago's healthcare enterprise as a ESRD healthcare provider. As we develop city-wide COVID-19 vaccination plans, the Chicago Department of Public Health is asking our ESRD partners to complete CDPH Dialysis Vaccine Capacity Survey. Because staff members of your facility will be eligible for vaccination during the first round of distribution (phase 1a), this information will assist in planning efforts. The survey can be accessed here at: [REDCap survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=X3Y39LJ7EY) At this time, we invite you to register for "CHSCPR COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Situational Awareness Web Meeting Series" beginning October 30th at 12pm. This webinar series will provide information to Chicago Healthcare Coalition (HCC) members and other healthcare partners about City of Chicago (IDPH EMS Region 11) COVID-19 vaccination planning. To register please go to <https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5426652143869822477> If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Faye Thanas ([Faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:faye.thanas@cityofchicago.org)) [REDCap survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=X3Y39LJ7EY)false2020-12-04T21:22:1046664881InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 48<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 22-28, 2020, 0 of the 969 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</p> <p>Please see the attached for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 22-28, 2020, 0 of the 969 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-12-04T14:25:0146664778COVID19LowLocal Implementation of CDC Updated COVID-19 Quarantine Recommendations and Considerations<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>CDC has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html" target="_blank">updated guidance</a> on the length of COVID-19 quarantine that allows implementation based on local epidemiology. This guidance applies to quarantine of individuals with exposure to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is not intended to provide guidance around travel and does not alter existing recommendations around the isolation period for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. <ul> <li><strong>OPTION 1:</strong> Quarantine can be discontinued <strong>after 7 days</strong> (from last close contact) if an individual remains asymptomatic and obtains a negative viral test (molecular or antigen) no earlier than 48 hours before quarantine discontinuation. Antibody tests results should not be used for the purpose of discontinuing quarantine.</li> <li><strong>OPTION 2:</strong> Quarantine can be discontinued <strong>after 10 days</strong> (from last close contact) if an individual remains asymptomatic <em>without</em> a negative viral test.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Adopting the updated quarantine options requires accepting some residual risk of transmission with a possible benefit of improved compliance with quarantine restrictions and contact tracing efforts.</li> <li>CDPH recommends that the two shortened quarantine options described should NOT apply to residents of congregate settings with large residential populations.</li> <li>Along with masking, social distancing and hand hygiene, symptom monitoring remains an important component of reducing spread of the virus for 14 days after exposure to a known case.</li> <li>Those who develop symptoms at any time within the full 14-day quarantine should be tested immediately with a molecular or antigen-based test.</li> <li>For updated travel guidance for Chicago residents, visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html" target="_blank">CDPH Emergency Travel Order</a> webpage.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * CDC has released [updated guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html) on the length of COVID-19 quarantine that allows implementation based on local epidemiology. This guidance applies to quarantine of individuals with exposure to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is not intended to provide guidance around travel and does not alter existing recommendations around the isolation period for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. * **OPTION 1:** Quarantine can be discontinued **after 7 days** (from last close contact) if an individual remains asymptomatic and obtains a negative viral test (molecular or antigen) no earlier than 48 hours before quarantine discontinuation. Antibody tests results should not be used for the purpose of discontinuing quarantine. * **OPTION 2:** Quarantine can be discontinued **after 10 days** (from last close contact) if an individual remains asymptomatic *without* a negative viral test. * Adopting the updated quarantine options requires accepting some residual risk of transmission with a possible benefit of improved compliance with quarantine restrictions and contact tracing efforts. * CDPH recommends that the two shortened quarantine options described should NOT apply to residents of congregate settings with large residential populations. * Along with masking, social distancing and hand hygiene, symptom monitoring remains an important component of reducing spread of the virus for 14 days after exposure to a known case. * Those who develop symptoms at any time within the full 14-day quarantine should be tested immediately with a molecular or antigen-based test. * For updated travel guidance for Chicago residents, visit [CDPH Emergency Travel Order](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html) webpage. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-11-30T15:47:1746664637InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 47<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 15-21, 2020, 0 of the 722 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance" target="_blank">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/" target="_blank">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). The Chicago Flu Update is now online! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 15-21, 2020, 0 of the 722 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-11-25T19:52:4046664738COVID19LowCOVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Considerations for Healthcare Personnel, November 25,2020<p>Summary and Action Items</p> <p>&bull; Initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine will be limited</p> <p>&bull; While healthcare personnel (HCP) will be among the first group recommended for vaccination, initial vaccine supply may be insufficient to vaccinate all HCP.</p> <p>&bull; To assist hospitals/health systems with prioritization and sub-prioritization decisions, CDPH has outlined the following considerations based on risk of exposure and risk of severe COVID-19 disease</p> <p>Please see attached document for the full details</p>Summary and Action Items • Initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine will be limited • While healthcare personnel (HCP) will be among the first group recommended for vaccination, initial vaccine supply may be insufficient to vaccinate all HCP. • To assist hospitals/health systems with prioritization and sub-prioritization decisions, CDPH has outlined the following considerations based on risk of exposure and risk of severe COVID-19 disease Please see attached document for the full detailstrue2020-10-28T22:51:4346664594COVID19LowMitigation Measures for Long-term Care (LTC) Facilities in COVID-19 Regions 4, 9, 10, 11<p><strong>The following Illinois COVID-19 Regions are subject to mitigation measures (Tier 1):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Regions 4 and 10: Starting Wednesday, October 28th,</li> <li>Region 11: Starting Friday, October 30th,</li> <li>Region 9: Starting Saturday, October 31st.<br /> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Note the following points, based on IDPH&rsquo;s LTC reopening guidance that took effect on August 14 and was updated on October 21: <a href="https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance" target="_blank">Reopening Guidance</a></p> <ul> <li>Any LTC facilities in Regions 4, 9, 10, and 11 that have already advanced to CMS Phase 2 or 3 must suspend indoor visitation and off-site outings. Meanwhile, outdoor visitation may continue. Indoor visitation and off-site outings (if in Phase 3) can be resumed 14 days after tiered mitigation for the region is lifted.</li> <li>Any LTC facilities in Regions 4, 9, 10, and 11 that have not yet advanced out of CMS Phase 1 are not eligible to advance to CMS Phase 2 until 14 days after tiered mitigation in the region is lifted. Specifically, that means that any plans to begin indoor visitation in association with phase advancement must be postponed until that time. Meanwhile, outdoor visitation may continue.</li> </ul> <p>Please direct any further questions to <a href="mailto:dph.ltcreopening@illinois.gov">dph.ltcreopening@illinois.gov.</a></p>**The following Illinois COVID-19 Regions are subject to mitigation measures (Tier 1):** * Regions 4 and 10: Starting Wednesday, October 28th, * Region 11: Starting Friday, October 30th, * Region 9: Starting Saturday, October 31st. Note the following points, based on IDPH's LTC reopening guidance that took effect on August 14 and was updated on October 21: [Reopening Guidance](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance) * Any LTC facilities in Regions 4, 9, 10, and 11 that have already advanced to CMS Phase 2 or 3 must suspend indoor visitation and off-site outings. Meanwhile, outdoor visitation may continue. Indoor visitation and off-site outings (if in Phase 3) can be resumed 14 days after tiered mitigation for the region is lifted. * Any LTC facilities in Regions 4, 9, 10, and 11 that have not yet advanced out of CMS Phase 1 are not eligible to advance to CMS Phase 2 until 14 days after tiered mitigation in the region is lifted. Specifically, that means that any plans to begin indoor visitation in association with phase advancement must be postponed until that time. Meanwhile, outdoor visitation may continue. Please direct any further questions to [dph.ltcreopening@illinois.gov.](mailto:dph.ltcreopening@illinois.gov)false2020-11-20T21:33:1946664630InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 46<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements.</p> <p>Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured,&nbsp;or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH&nbsp;Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</p> <p>The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</p> <p><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 8-14, 2020, 0 of the 641&nbsp;(&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see the attached for the full report.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaod (Title XIX) insured can visit a [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine; currently two CDPH walk-in clinincs have resumed immunization services. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 8-14, 2020, 0 of the 641 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-11-18T22:39:3746664724COVID19LowCDPH Travel Order Exceptions Update<p><u><strong>Action Items and Summary</strong></u></p> <ol> <li>Healthcare employers should discourage travel and personal social or family gatherings where unrelated individuals, or people who are not immediate close household contacts of each other, are gathering indoors and in close contact with one another.</li> <li>In some situations, healthcare workers may need to travel out of state for urgent personal reasons. A new exception is being added to the CDPH travel order, for healthcare workers meeting specified conditions, in order to help maintain health care system staffing capacity.</li> </ol> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>++**Action Items and Summary**++ 1. Healthcare employers should discourage travel and personal social or family gatherings where unrelated individuals, or people who are not immediate close household contacts of each other, are gathering indoors and in close contact with one another. 2. In some situations, healthcare workers may need to travel out of state for urgent personal reasons. A new exception is being added to the CDPH travel order, for healthcare workers meeting specified conditions, in order to help maintain health care system staffing capacity. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-11-17T04:23:3946664722COVID19LowHealthcare System Considerations for Second COVID-19 Surge<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items</u></strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and growing rapidly. </strong></li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-capacity-dashboard.html">Hospital system capacity</a> is changing; <strong>Hospitals should monitor these trends and proactively review the need to open surge bed capacity. </strong>As of November 13, 2020: <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>Non-ICU bed occupancy from COVID-19 increased 79% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 70% of the peak occupancy from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing.</li> <li>ICU occupancy from COVID-19 increased 62% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 46% of the peak occupancy from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing.</li> <li>Ventilator utilization from COVID-19 increased 114% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 36% of the peak utilization from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**++Summary and Action Items++** * **COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and growing rapidly.** * [Hospital system capacity](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-capacity-dashboard.html) is changing; **Hospitals should monitor these trends and proactively review the need to open surge bed capacity.** As of November 13, 2020: * Non-ICU bed occupancy from COVID-19 increased 79% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 70% of the peak occupancy from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing. * ICU occupancy from COVID-19 increased 62% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 46% of the peak occupancy from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing. * Ventilator utilization from COVID-19 increased 114% in the past 2 weeks; is now at 36% of the peak utilization from COVID-19 seen in the spring and increasing. Please see the attached for more information.true2020-11-16T21:53:1646664721AnnouncementLowHAN: U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) 2020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Wednesday November 18, kicks off <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/week/?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_426-DM42530&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20Resources%20to%20Improve%20Antibiotic%20Prescribing%20and%20Use&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_426-DM42530" target="_blank">U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2020</a></li> <li>Sustaining antibiotic stewardship efforts is critical, especially now. Antimicrobial Resistance continues to be a public health threat during the COVID-19 pandemic.</li> <li>Spread the word: <ul> <li>Effectively treat infections</li> <li>Protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use</li> <li>Combat Antimicrobial Resistance</li> </ul> </li> <li>Use and share educational resources in CDC&#39;s <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h34aeb5ca%2C129cc5a8%2C129ff977&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_426-DM42530&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20Resources%20to%20Improve%20Antibiotic%20Prescribing%20and%20Use&amp;s=X5w0WuG_C7Nfx-c5_6GGYKyosQRuVO1wv3e-BGJ2eGU" target="_blank">Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit</a></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Wednesday November 18, kicks off [U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2020](https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/week/?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_426-DM42530&ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20Resources%20to%20Improve%20Antibiotic%20Prescribing%20and%20Use&deliveryName=USCDC_426-DM42530) * Sustaining antibiotic stewardship efforts is critical, especially now. Antimicrobial Resistance continues to be a public health threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. * Spread the word: * Effectively treat infections * Protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use * Combat Antimicrobial Resistance * Use and share educational resources in CDC's [Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h34aeb5ca%2C129cc5a8%2C129ff977&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_426-DM42530&ACSTrackingLabel=CDC%20Resources%20to%20Improve%20Antibiotic%20Prescribing%20and%20Use&s=X5w0WuG_C7Nfx-c5_6GGYKyosQRuVO1wv3e-BGJ2eGU) Please see attachment for full details.true2020-10-29T13:10:0046664593COVID19LowUPDATE: Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care COVID-19 Vaccination<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with 2 national pharmacy chains (CVS and Walgreens) to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities once vaccination is recommended for them.</li> <li>This vaccination program is provided at no cost to the facility.</li> <li>Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) must sign-up to participate in this program. Program sign-up opened Monday, October 19, 2020 and will remain open until Friday, November 6, 2020. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages LTCFs to participate in this program, if possible.</li> <li>Facility administrators should review the updated FAQ section contained in this document for additional information.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background:</strong><br /> CDC is partnering with pharmacies to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) Program provides end-to-end management of the COVID-19 vaccination process, including cold chain management, on-site vaccinations, and fulfillment of reporting requirements, to facilitate safe vaccination of this patient population, while reducing burden on facilities and jurisdictional health departments.</p> <p>As part of this program, which is free of charge to facilities, the pharmacy will:</p> <ul> <li>Schedule and coordinate on-site clinic date(s) directly with each facility. Three visits over approximately two months will likely be needed to administer both doses of vaccine and vaccinate any new residents and staff.</li> <li>Order vaccines and associated supplies (e.g., syringes, needles, personal protective equipment).</li> <li>Ensure cold chain management for vaccine.</li> <li>Provide on-site administration of vaccine.</li> <li>Report required vaccination data (approximately 20 data fields) to the local, state/territorial, and federal jurisdictions within 72 hours of administering each dose.</li> <li>Adhere to all applicable Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid (CMS) COVID-19 testing requirements for LTCF staff.</li> </ul> <p>See attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with 2 national pharmacy chains (CVS and Walgreens) to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities once vaccination is recommended for them. * This vaccination program is provided at no cost to the facility. * Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) must sign-up to participate in this program. Program sign-up opened Monday, October 19, 2020 and will remain open until Friday, November 6, 2020. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages LTCFs to participate in this program, if possible. * Facility administrators should review the updated FAQ section contained in this document for additional information. **Background:** CDC is partnering with pharmacies to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) Program provides end-to-end management of the COVID-19 vaccination process, including cold chain management, on-site vaccinations, and fulfillment of reporting requirements, to facilitate safe vaccination of this patient population, while reducing burden on facilities and jurisdictional health departments. As part of this program, which is free of charge to facilities, the pharmacy will: * Schedule and coordinate on-site clinic date(s) directly with each facility. Three visits over approximately two months will likely be needed to administer both doses of vaccine and vaccinate any new residents and staff. * Order vaccines and associated supplies (e.g., syringes, needles, personal protective equipment). * Ensure cold chain management for vaccine. * Provide on-site administration of vaccine. * Report required vaccination data (approximately 20 data fields) to the local, state/territorial, and federal jurisdictions within 72 hours of administering each dose. * Adhere to all applicable Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid (CMS) COVID-19 testing requirements for LTCF staff. See attachment for full details.true2020-11-13T23:56:0946664720InfluenzaLowPost-acute and Long-term Care Facility Toolkit: Influenza Vaccination among HCP<p><span style="font-size:14px">The attached&nbsp;comprehensive toolkit is intended to assist post-acute and long-term care (LTC) facility owners and administrators with improving influenza vaccination coverage among their healthcare personnel (HCP). The toolkit outlines the importance of influenza vaccination for HCP, provides strategies for increasing influenza vaccination coverage among HCP, and describes tools a facility may use for monitoring influenza vaccination coverage among their HCP throughout an influenza season. A list of supplemental resources is also provided.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The toolkit is composed of four sections:<br /> Section I: Overview of Influenza Vaccination among HCP<br /> Section II: Increase Influenza Vaccination Coverage among your HCP<br /> Section III: Monitor Influenza Vaccination Coverage among your HCP<br /> Section IV: Resources on Influenza Vaccination</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>The attached comprehensive toolkit is intended to assist post-acute and long-term care (LTC) facility owners and administrators with improving influenza vaccination coverage among their healthcare personnel (HCP). The toolkit outlines the importance of influenza vaccination for HCP, provides strategies for increasing influenza vaccination coverage among HCP, and describes tools a facility may use for monitoring influenza vaccination coverage among their HCP throughout an influenza season. A list of supplemental resources is also provided. The toolkit is composed of four sections: Section I: Overview of Influenza Vaccination among HCP Section II: Increase Influenza Vaccination Coverage among your HCP Section III: Monitor Influenza Vaccination Coverage among your HCP Section IV: Resources on Influenza Vaccination Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-11-13T22:52:3946664622Vaccine PreventableLowPossible Measles Exposure at O’Hare International Airport<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Progress towards measles elimination with vaccination has stalled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/" target="_blank">sharp increase in the number of new measles infections worldwide</a> &ndash; the highest number reported in 23 years.</li> <li>Healthcare providers should ask patients with symptoms consistent with measles about travel through the locations listed below on November 4, 2020.</li> <li>Measles diagnosis is based on clinical and epidemiological factors, with laboratory measles RT-PCR confirmation.</li> <li>If you are considering testing a patient for measles, please call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Medical Director on-call for further guidance. Do not order antibody titers alone if you have clinical suspicion.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/measles">Measles RT-PCR must be coordinated</a> through the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory in Chicago.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background:</strong> On November 12, 2020, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified that a family with a 13 month-old unvaccinated child contagious with laboratory-confirmed measles transferred flights and moved between terminals at O&rsquo;Hare International Airport. The child and family were returning to the US from a visit to an international location. Travelers through O&rsquo;Hare on the date and times noted below who have received standard childhood vaccines do not need to take action, but those who are unvaccinated should check their immunization records and reach out to their health care provider if they develop symptoms of measles. There is no ongoing risk to the public from this exposure.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Potential Exposures</strong>: Below are the public locations where the individual spent time while infectious. Two hours have been added to the times after the individual left the locations, as measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for two hours after an infected person leaves the area.</p> <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:500px"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Date</td> <td>Time</td> <td>Location</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nov 4, 2020</td> <td>6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</td> <td>O&#39;Hare International Airport, Terminal 5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nov 4, 2020</td> <td>6:00 pm - 9:30 pm</td> <td>O&#39;Hare International Airport, Terminal 3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * Progress towards measles elimination with vaccination has stalled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a [sharp increase in the number of new measles infections worldwide](https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/) -- the highest number reported in 23 years. * Healthcare providers should ask patients with symptoms consistent with measles about travel through the locations listed below on November 4, 2020. * Measles diagnosis is based on clinical and epidemiological factors, with laboratory measles RT-PCR confirmation. * If you are considering testing a patient for measles, please call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Medical Director on-call for further guidance. Do not order antibody titers alone if you have clinical suspicion. * [Measles RT-PCR must be coordinated](https://www.chicagohan.org/measles) through the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory in Chicago. **Background:** On November 12, 2020, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified that a family with a 13 month-old unvaccinated child contagious with laboratory-confirmed measles transferred flights and moved between terminals at O'Hare International Airport. The child and family were returning to the US from a visit to an international location. Travelers through O'Hare on the date and times noted below who have received standard childhood vaccines do not need to take action, but those who are unvaccinated should check their immunization records and reach out to their health care provider if they develop symptoms of measles. There is no ongoing risk to the public from this exposure. **Potential Exposures**: Below are the public locations where the individual spent time while infectious. Two hours have been added to the times after the individual left the locations, as measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for two hours after an infected person leaves the area. |-------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Date | Time | Location | | Nov 4, 2020 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 5 | | Nov 4, 2020 | 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm | O'Hare International Airport, Terminal 3 | Please see the attached for more information.true2020-11-13T21:00:3046664619InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 45, issued 11/13/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></span><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 1-7, 2020, 0 of the 368 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong></span></strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 1-7, 2020, 0 of the 368 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. ****Where can I get more information?**** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. ****Reporting Information**** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-11-11T14:13:3146664716COVID19LowCMS Facility Staff Testing Requirement for Nursing Homes<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, CMS is reporting a test positivity rate of 11% within Cook County for the period of October 22-November 4, 2020.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Nursing homes within Cook County, including Chicago, are required by CMS to test their facility staff twice a week starting the week of November 15, 2020.</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Currently, CMS is reporting a test positivity rate of 11% within Cook County for the period of October 22-November 4, 2020. * **Nursing homes within Cook County, including Chicago, are required by CMS to test their facility staff twice a week starting the week of November 15, 2020.** Please read the attachment for full details.true2020-10-27T22:01:5646664588VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin October 27, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>2020 CDPH Flu Campaign</li> <li>ICAAP Virtual Immunizations Conference</li> <li>CDC Reminder/Recall Strategies for Increasing Childhood Vaccination Rates</li> <li>Chicago VFC Annual Training</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: * 2020 CDPH Flu Campaign * ICAAP Virtual Immunizations Conference * CDC Reminder/Recall Strategies for Increasing Childhood Vaccination Rates * Chicago VFC Annual Training Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-11-06T20:47:5146664708InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 44, issued 11/6/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></span><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 25-31, 2020, 0 of the 458 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 25-31, 2020, 0 of the 458 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-11-06T03:58:4546664705Behavioral HealthLowMental Health Report: Trends in Suicide-Related Events, Chicago, 2016-2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong><br /> &bull; Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in the United States.<br /> &bull; Resources for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts: National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago Helpline at<br /> 1-833-626-4244 and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)<br /> &bull; Resources for clinicans to recognize those at risk for suicide: <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials/index.shtml" target="_blank">Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit</a> and <a href="https://www.sprc.org/sites/default/files/Patient%20Safety%20Screener%20%28PSS-3%29%20and%20Tip%20Sheet.pdf" target="_blank">Patient Safety Screener</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more details.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** • Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in the United States. • Resources for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts: National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago Helpline at 1-833-626-4244 and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) • Resources for clinicans to recognize those at risk for suicide: [Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials/index.shtml) and [Patient Safety Screener](https://www.sprc.org/sites/default/files/Patient%20Safety%20Screener%20%28PSS-3%29%20and%20Tip%20Sheet.pdf) Please see the attachment for more details.true2020-11-04T14:00:0046664697Staff NotificationLowREMINDER: Deadline 11/9 Project Echo Sign Up COVID Education for Nursing Homes<p>Hi Long Term Care,</p> <p>This is a friendly reminder to sign up soon for the COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: Let&rsquo;s get Practical training with Project Hope and their partners in the Project ECHO National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. <span style="color:#FF0000">The deadline to sign up is Nov 9th 2020.</span></p> <p>Registrations are coming in and they would like to hold a spot for your organization if you are still interested in participating.</p> <p>Here are the next steps for getting your nursing home enrolled in the program:</p> <p><strong>Step 1: Select a training time from the options below.</strong> The team from each facility should register for the same cohort time. The link the join is unique to each person, so please have each member of your team complete the Zoom registration using the corresponding link for the selected time.</p> <ul> <li>Mondays at 3:00-4:30 PM starting Nov 9th - Limited spots left<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAucuiqpjMrGdZcGrrtqnhSwntKxfXjRpmd" target="_blank">https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAucuiqpjMrGdZcGrrtqnhSwntKxfXjRpmd</a></li> <br /> <li>Tuesdays at 12:00-1:30PM starting Nov 10th -<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoduyorz8sHNGnLIb4TZGSqIxXx_gju9xC" target="_blank">https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoduyorz8sHNGnLIb4TZGSqIxXx_gju9xC</a></li> <br /> <li>Wednesdays at 8:00-9:30 AM starting Nov 11th -<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdOypqTovGdEthZDTRo3UIAQckfREvOFe" target="_blank">https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdOypqTovGdEthZDTRo3UIAQckfREvOFe</a></li> <br /> <li>Thursdays at 12:00-1:30 PM starting Nov 12th - Limited spots left<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApduqrrjwtHNypjSIuBIUYd8DbDum0J5qX" target="_blank">https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApduqrrjwtHNypjSIuBIUYd8DbDum0J5qX</a></li> <br /> <li>Thursdays at 3:00-4:30 PM starting Nov 12th &ndash;<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqce-qrj0sG9QcVqFbgWQ3Y-tpsSrIP2zj" target="_blank">https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqce-qrj0sG9QcVqFbgWQ3Y-tpsSrIP2zj</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Step 2: Complete paperwork for $6000 compensation.</strong> Your nursing home will be eligible to receive $6000 compensation if the following criteria is met:</p> <ol> <li>At least two staff members participate in the training cohort.</li> <li>Attend 13 out of 16 weekly 60-90-minute training sessions led by subject matter experts in geriatric medicine, infectious diseases, and quality improvement.</li> <li>Certify that you&rsquo;re are eligible to receive HHS Cares Act Provider Relief Funds announced on August 27th, 2020, and that you accept the terms and conditions of that payment.</li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:40px">If you meet these criteria, complete the enclosed paperwork (Attachment 1) and submit using the instructions on page 1. <strong>You have until the week of November 30th to submit.</strong></p> <p>Project Hope is here to help and support you.&nbsp; If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to reach out to Sue Schory directly.</p> <p style="text-align:center">Susan Schory, M.Ed, BSN, RN-C<br /> Project HOPE<br /> Clinical Team Lead-Chicago Long Term Care Response/Chicago ECHO<br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>(C) 847-927-7878</strong></span></p> <p>While spaces are filling up, we are continuing to enroll nursing homes in the program. Please feel free to share the attached flyer (Attachment 2) with other nursing homes or stakeholders that you think would be interested in joining.</p> <p>Project Hope looks forward to working with you!</p>Hi Long Term Care, This is a friendly reminder to sign up soon for the COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: Let's get Practical training with Project Hope and their partners in the Project ECHO National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. The deadline to sign up is Nov 9th 2020. Registrations are coming in and they would like to hold a spot for your organization if you are still interested in participating. Here are the next steps for getting your nursing home enrolled in the program: **Step 1: Select a training time from the options below.** The team from each facility should register for the same cohort time. The link the join is unique to each person, so please have each member of your team complete the Zoom registration using the corresponding link for the selected time. * Mondays at 3:00-4:30 PM starting Nov 9th - Limited spots left <https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAucuiqpjMrGdZcGrrtqnhSwntKxfXjRpmd> * Tuesdays at 12:00-1:30PM starting Nov 10th - <https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoduyorz8sHNGnLIb4TZGSqIxXx_gju9xC> * Wednesdays at 8:00-9:30 AM starting Nov 11th - <https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdOypqTovGdEthZDTRo3UIAQckfREvOFe> * Thursdays at 12:00-1:30 PM starting Nov 12th - Limited spots left <https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApduqrrjwtHNypjSIuBIUYd8DbDum0J5qX> * Thursdays at 3:00-4:30 PM starting Nov 12th -- <https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqce-qrj0sG9QcVqFbgWQ3Y-tpsSrIP2zj> **Step 2: Complete paperwork for $6000 compensation.** Your nursing home will be eligible to receive $6000 compensation if the following criteria is met: 1. At least two staff members participate in the training cohort. 2. Attend 13 out of 16 weekly 60-90-minute training sessions led by subject matter experts in geriatric medicine, infectious diseases, and quality improvement. 3. Certify that you're are eligible to receive HHS Cares Act Provider Relief Funds announced on August 27th, 2020, and that you accept the terms and conditions of that payment. If you meet these criteria, complete the enclosed paperwork (Attachment 1) and submit using the instructions on page 1. **You have until the week of November 30th to submit.** Project Hope is here to help and support you. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to reach out to Sue Schory directly. Susan Schory, M.Ed, BSN, RN-C Project HOPE Clinical Team Lead-Chicago Long Term Care Response/Chicago ECHO **(C) 847-927-7878** While spaces are filling up, we are continuing to enroll nursing homes in the program. Please feel free to share the attached flyer (Attachment 2) with other nursing homes or stakeholders that you think would be interested in joining. Project Hope looks forward to working with you!true2020-11-03T20:20:3846664696COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Nov 3, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and growing rapidly.</strong></li> <li>Case incidence is growing rapidly for all age and race/ethnicity groups. <ul> <li>Latinx case incidence is growing at double the rate of Blacks and 50% faster compared to Whites.</li> <li>Incidence among White non-Latinx individuals is at the highest ever level.</li> <li>Increase in incidence is steepest in those aged 30-39 years, followed by those aged 18-29 years.</li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-capacity-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Hospital system capacity</a> is changing; <strong>Hospitals should monitor these trends and proactively review the need to open surge bed capacity.</strong> As of October 28, 2020: <ul> <li>Non-ICU bed occupancy from COVID-19 increased 85% since lowest point on 9/22; 38% of peak occupancy and increasing.</li> <li>ICU occupancy from COVID-19 increased 30% in past week; 28% of peak occupancy and increasing.</li> <li>Ventilator utilization from COVID-19 increased 64% since lowest point on 10/8; 16% of peak utilization and increasing.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further detail.</p>**Summary and Action Items:** * **COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and growing rapidly.** * Case incidence is growing rapidly for all age and race/ethnicity groups. * Latinx case incidence is growing at double the rate of Blacks and 50% faster compared to Whites. * Incidence among White non-Latinx individuals is at the highest ever level. * Increase in incidence is steepest in those aged 30-39 years, followed by those aged 18-29 years. * [Hospital system capacity](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/hospital-capacity-dashboard.html) is changing; **Hospitals should monitor these trends and proactively review the need to open surge bed capacity.** As of October 28, 2020: * Non-ICU bed occupancy from COVID-19 increased 85% since lowest point on 9/22; 38% of peak occupancy and increasing. * ICU occupancy from COVID-19 increased 30% in past week; 28% of peak occupancy and increasing. * Ventilator utilization from COVID-19 increased 64% since lowest point on 10/8; 16% of peak utilization and increasing. Please see attachment for further detail.true2020-10-30T20:18:2646664599COVID19LowREMINDER: Project Echo Sign Up COVID Education for Nursing Homes<p>Hi Long Term Care,</p> <p>As mentioned in the most recent Long Term Care Roundtable, the Chicago Department of Public Health reminds you to sign up soon for the COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: Let&rsquo;s Get Practical. Please see more information on the attached flyer.</p> <p>Opportunity to receive up to $6000 for participation if eligible to receive funding from the Provider Relief Fund<br /> This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and CEUS.<br /> First cohort to start Nov 2nd 2020<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIGN UP</p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:echo@bsd.uchicago.edu">echo@bsd.uchicago.edu</a></p> <p>Call: 773.834.0232</p> <p>VISIT US: <a href="https://www.echo-chicago.org/" target="_blank">WWW.ECHO-CHICAGO.ORG</a></p>Hi Long Term Care, As mentioned in the most recent Long Term Care Roundtable, the Chicago Department of Public Health reminds you to sign up soon for the COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: Let's Get Practical. Please see more information on the attached flyer. Opportunity to receive up to $6000 for participation if eligible to receive funding from the Provider Relief Fund This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and CEUS. First cohort to start Nov 2nd 2020 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIGN UP Email: [echo@bsd.uchicago.edu](mailto:echo@bsd.uchicago.edu) Call: 773.834.0232 VISIT US: [WWW.ECHO-CHICAGO.ORG](https://www.echo-chicago.org/)true2020-10-30T19:34:5946664598InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 43, issued 10/30/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></span><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 18-24, 2020, 0 of the 452 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/flu-clinic-schedule.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 18-24, 2020, 0 of the 452 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-10-29T22:49:4246664693COVID19LowRecent HIV Clusters and Outbreaks Across the United States Among People Who Inject Drugs and Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>Since 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health departments across the United States have identified several HIV clusters and outbreaks occurring predominantly among people who inject drugs (PWID). Long-term declining trends in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs have stalled. The purpose of this Health Advisory is to alert public health departments and healthcare providers to the possibility of new injection-related HIV infections and outbreaks. This HAN provides guidance for preventing, identifying, and responding to HIV among people who inject drugs. It also provides considerations for delivering services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p><u><em>HIV Outbreaks Among People Who Inject Drugs</em></u></p> <p>Although HIV incidence among people who inject drugs declined substantially over many years, the ongoing misuse of opioids and other frequently injected substances are threatening this HIV prevention success. HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs increased by 11% nationally from 2016 to 2018, with more pronounced increases among adults less than 40 years of age and non-Hispanic White adults.1 The COVID-19 pandemic complicates the delivery of essential services, including services for people who inject drugs, potentially hindering further efforts to address the increase in HIV transmission.</p> <p>See attachment for further details, including recommendations for clinical providers.</p>**Summary** Since 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health departments across the United States have identified several HIV clusters and outbreaks occurring predominantly among people who inject drugs (PWID). Long-term declining trends in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs have stalled. The purpose of this Health Advisory is to alert public health departments and healthcare providers to the possibility of new injection-related HIV infections and outbreaks. This HAN provides guidance for preventing, identifying, and responding to HIV among people who inject drugs. It also provides considerations for delivering services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. **Background** ++*HIV Outbreaks Among People Who Inject Drugs*++ Although HIV incidence among people who inject drugs declined substantially over many years, the ongoing misuse of opioids and other frequently injected substances are threatening this HIV prevention success. HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs increased by 11% nationally from 2016 to 2018, with more pronounced increases among adults less than 40 years of age and non-Hispanic White adults.1 The COVID-19 pandemic complicates the delivery of essential services, including services for people who inject drugs, potentially hindering further efforts to address the increase in HIV transmission. See attachment for further details, including recommendations for clinical providers.true2020-10-29T22:32:3946664596STILowHealth Advisory: STD Testing Kit Shortage<p>There is a current shortage of STI test kits and laboratory supplies, most notably for chlamydia and gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification tests (CT/GC NAAT). The shortages affect multiple diagnostic companies, public health and commercial laboratories, and impact several components of the specimen collection and testing process. CDC is working with state, local and territorial STD programs, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and other laboratories, manufacturers of STI diagnostic supplies, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to understand the scope of the shortages and determine possible solutions.</p> <p>Previous Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs) provided guidance for clinical management of STIs in jurisdictions experiencing disruption in clinical services (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/DCL-STDTreatment-COVID19-04062020.pdf" target="_blank">April 6th DCL</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl-clarification-may2020.pdf" target="_blank">May 13th DCL</a>). This letter offers guidance to prevention programs, including clinics, on approaches to prioritizing chlamydial and gonococcal testing when STI diagnostic test kits are in short supply. The goal of this guidance is to maximize the number of infected individuals identified and treated while prioritizing individuals most likely to experience complications. Since the magnitude of the STI diagnostic test shortages is likely to differ across the country, the potential approaches listed below and in Table 1 should be tailored by local jurisdictions. The diagnostic strategies below pertain primarily to chlamydial and gonococcal testing. HIV and syphilis testing should continue to be performed per the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm" target="_blank">CDC&rsquo;s 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines</a>.</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>There is a current shortage of STI test kits and laboratory supplies, most notably for chlamydia and gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification tests (CT/GC NAAT). The shortages affect multiple diagnostic companies, public health and commercial laboratories, and impact several components of the specimen collection and testing process. CDC is working with state, local and territorial STD programs, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and other laboratories, manufacturers of STI diagnostic supplies, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to understand the scope of the shortages and determine possible solutions. Previous Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs) provided guidance for clinical management of STIs in jurisdictions experiencing disruption in clinical services ([April 6th DCL](https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/DCL-STDTreatment-COVID19-04062020.pdf) and [May 13th DCL](https://www.cdc.gov/std/dstdp/dcl-clarification-may2020.pdf)). This letter offers guidance to prevention programs, including clinics, on approaches to prioritizing chlamydial and gonococcal testing when STI diagnostic test kits are in short supply. The goal of this guidance is to maximize the number of infected individuals identified and treated while prioritizing individuals most likely to experience complications. Since the magnitude of the STI diagnostic test shortages is likely to differ across the country, the potential approaches listed below and in Table 1 should be tailored by local jurisdictions. The diagnostic strategies below pertain primarily to chlamydial and gonococcal testing. HIV and syphilis testing should continue to be performed per the [CDC's 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm). Please see attachment for further details.true2020-10-23T19:22:0846664679InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 42, issued 10/23/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR.&nbsp;For the week of October 11-17, 2020, 0 of the 368 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of October 11-17, 2020, 0 of the 368 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-10-21T21:42:3946664418Laboratory InformationLowRecommendations for Testing Individuals with Signs or Symptoms Consistent with COVID-19 Infection and/or Close Contact with a Confirmed or Probable Case of COVID-19<p><strong>Background</strong><br /> Health care providers are strongly encouraged to test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), when patients present with any signs or <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank">symptoms consistent with COVID-19</a> or have had a known exposure to a person with COVID-19 infection. Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation of COVID-19 and the potential for co-infection with other pathogens, every symptomatic person should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and testing decisions should be based on the patient&rsquo;s personal health history. Because many COVID-19 cases have been observed in persons who originally discounted their symptoms due to other existing health conditions, e.g., allergies, prompt and early diagnosis of COVID-19 infection is strongly recommended to prevent further transmission.</p> <p>See attachment for further detail.</p> <p><em>Please note, the table in this SIREN notes that, for asymptomatic individuals with a high index of suspicion (due to known exposure to a case of COVID-19 in last 14 days; resident/visitor/staff in a congregate living/work setting in outbreak status or living in an area with moderate/high community transmission), a positive point of care or antigen test is considered presumptive positive and does not recommend PCR confirmation. Given the current levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Chicago, CDPH does not recommend routinely &ldquo;confirming&rdquo; a positive test result with a repeated test or another type of test, particularly if the individual is experiencing symptoms or has confirmed exposure to COVID-19. If you are concerned about false positive results, please refer to the CDPH Health Alert Notice from September 29, 2020, regarding Considerations for Selecting a COVID-19 Diagnostic Test and consider expert consultation.</em></p>**Background** Health care providers are strongly encouraged to test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), when patients present with any signs or [symptoms consistent with COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html) or have had a known exposure to a person with COVID-19 infection. Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation of COVID-19 and the potential for co-infection with other pathogens, every symptomatic person should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and testing decisions should be based on the patient's personal health history. Because many COVID-19 cases have been observed in persons who originally discounted their symptoms due to other existing health conditions, e.g., allergies, prompt and early diagnosis of COVID-19 infection is strongly recommended to prevent further transmission. See attachment for further detail. *Please note, the table in this SIREN notes that, for asymptomatic individuals with a high index of suspicion (due to known exposure to a case of COVID-19 in last 14 days; resident/visitor/staff in a congregate living/work setting in outbreak status or living in an area with moderate/high community transmission), a positive point of care or antigen test is considered presumptive positive and does not recommend PCR confirmation. Given the current levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Chicago, CDPH does not recommend routinely "confirming" a positive test result with a repeated test or another type of test, particularly if the individual is experiencing symptoms or has confirmed exposure to COVID-19. If you are concerned about false positive results, please refer to the CDPH Health Alert Notice from September 29, 2020, regarding Considerations for Selecting a COVID-19 Diagnostic Test and consider expert consultation.*true2020-10-07T16:58:0746664509COVID19LowWeekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report 10/05/2020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Citywide case incidence as well as case incidence in 18-29 year-olds remains high and stable.&nbsp;</li> <li>Latinx case incidence remains very high and stable. &nbsp;</li> <li>CDPH issued a Health Alert&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_COVID_diagnostics_092920.pdf/699085c9-3893-90ad-afd6-8adf4279a640?t=1602088131688" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Considerations for Selecting a Diagnostic Test</a></em>&nbsp;on September 29, 2020 to provide a framework for viral test selection and result interpretation considering the rapidly changing landscape for SARS-CoV-2 testing. &nbsp;</li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. &nbsp;</li> <li>Refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a>&nbsp;if needed. Use or adapt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CDPH Testing Fact Sheets</a><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>(<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EN</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ES</a>) and a&nbsp;new one-page<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CDPH Guidance for Households</a><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>in English and Spanish.&nbsp;</li> <li>All individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 should be isolated until test results return.&nbsp;</li> <li>Flu vaccination is more important this year than ever.&nbsp;<strong>Chicago residents can find the schedule for NO COST flu vaccination events at CDPH&rsquo;s&nbsp;<em>Protect Against Flu</em>&nbsp;website:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home.html" target="_blank"><strong>www.chicago.gov/flu</strong></a><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Citywide case incidence as well as case incidence in 18-29 year-olds remains high and stable. * Latinx case incidence remains very high and stable. * CDPH issued a Health Alert *[Considerations for Selecting a Diagnostic Test](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_COVID_diagnostics_092920.pdf/699085c9-3893-90ad-afd6-8adf4279a640?t=1602088131688)* on September 29, 2020 to provide a framework for viral test selection and result interpretation considering the rapidly changing landscape for SARS-CoV-2 testing. * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. * Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. Use or adapt [CDPH Testing Fact Sheets](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html)[](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html)([EN](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf) / [ES](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)) and a new one-page[](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)[CDPH Guidance for Households](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)[](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)in English and Spanish. * All individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 should be isolated until test results return. * Flu vaccination is more important this year than ever. **Chicago residents can find the schedule for NO COST flu vaccination events at CDPH's *Protect Against Flu* website:** [**www.chicago.gov/flu**](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home.html)[](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home.html) Please see attachment for full details.true2020-10-19T21:55:5646664539COVID19LowChicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report - Oct 19, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner Arwady gave a press conference this morning announcing a warning regarding a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/videos/1705147452999373/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/videos/1705147452999373/</a></li> <li><strong>Chicago cases are now increasing sharply, with a rate of increase similar to early in the first wave.</strong></li> <li>Chicago COVID-19 cases have dramatically increased across ALL race-ethnicity groups with Latinx ethnicity remaining the highest.</li> <li>Chicago cases have dramatically increased across ALL age groups, including among older Chicagoans.</li> <li>Test positivity has increased to 5.4% citywide, with some ZIP codes much higher.</li> <li><strong>COVID-19 hospitalizations (non-ICU) in Chicago have increased by 25% since late September.</strong></li> <li>Strongly reinforce accurate information about the importance of masking and avoiding large gatherings.</li> </ul>**Summary and Action Items:** * Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner Arwady gave a press conference this morning announcing a warning regarding a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week: <https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPublicHealth/videos/1705147452999373/> * **Chicago cases are now increasing sharply, with a rate of increase similar to early in the first wave.** * Chicago COVID-19 cases have dramatically increased across ALL race-ethnicity groups with Latinx ethnicity remaining the highest. * Chicago cases have dramatically increased across ALL age groups, including among older Chicagoans. * Test positivity has increased to 5.4% citywide, with some ZIP codes much higher. * **COVID-19 hospitalizations (non-ICU) in Chicago have increased by 25% since late September.** * Strongly reinforce accurate information about the importance of masking and avoiding large gatherings.true2020-10-19T20:50:0846664417COVID19LowPharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care COVID-19 Vaccination<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with 2 national pharmacy chains (CVS and Walgreens) to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities once vaccination is recommended for them.</li> <li>This vaccination program is provided at no cost to the facility.&nbsp;</li> <li>Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) must sign-up to participate in this program. Program sign-up opened Monday, October 19, 2020 and will remain open for 2 weeks. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages LTCFs to participate in this program, if possible</li> <li>LTCFs are also asked to complete the CDPH LTCF survey, if not previously completed. The survey can be accessed at <a href="https://redcap.link/jtfqh2md" target="_blank">https://redcap.link/jtfqh2md</a><br /> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for full details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with 2 national pharmacy chains (CVS and Walgreens) to offer on-site COVID-19 vaccination services for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities once vaccination is recommended for them. * This vaccination program is provided at no cost to the facility. * Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) must sign-up to participate in this program. Program sign-up opened Monday, October 19, 2020 and will remain open for 2 weeks. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages LTCFs to participate in this program, if possible * LTCFs are also asked to complete the CDPH LTCF survey, if not previously completed. The survey can be accessed at <https://redcap.link/jtfqh2md> Please see the attached for full details.true2020-09-21T21:19:0246664300West Nile VirusLowWest Nile Virus Human Cases, September 2020<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting 6 cases of human neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year among Chicago residents, following CDC confirmatory testing performed for the first case.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:</strong> Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925.</li> </ul> <p>Please view the attachment for the entire report.&nbsp;</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting 6 cases of human neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year among Chicago residents, following CDC confirmatory testing performed for the first case. <!-- --> * West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31. <!-- --> * The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction \[RT-PCR\]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection. <!-- --> * **REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION:** Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925. Please view the attachment for the entire report.true2020-10-16T20:54:0746664412InfluenzaLowChicago Weekly Flu Update Week 41, issued 10/16/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>&nbsp;which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update is now <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html" target="_blank">online</a>! Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/flu">https://www.chicago.gov/flu</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is the risk?</strong><br /> Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong><br /> Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of October 4-10, 2020, 0 of the 312 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Where can I get more information?</strong><br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">FluView</a> report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance">Illinois</a> and <a href="https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/">Suburban Cook County County</a> are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html">Current Flu Situation</a> in Chicago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a> for more information.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for the full report.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](https://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2020-2021-ohp-annual-flu-testing-guidance-1072020.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://chicagoflushots.org/). The Chicago Flu Update is now [online](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/flu/home/chicago-flu-update.html)! Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/flu> for more information. **What is the risk?** Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RTPCR. For the week of October 4-10, 2020, 0 of the 312 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza. **Where can I get more information?** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's [FluView](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) report provides national updates and trends related to the intensity of influenza activity across the United States, as well as detailed information on antiviral resistance, severity of illness, and other topics. Updates specific to [Illinois](http://dph.illinois.gov/search/site/topics%20services%20diseases%20conditions%20influenza%20influenza%20surveillance) and [Suburban Cook County County](https://ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/influenza/) are also available online. Current and archived issues of the Chicago Flu Update can be found on the CDPH website section [Current Flu Situation](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/current_flu_situationinchicago.html) in Chicago. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). Contact [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org) for more information. Please see the attached for the full report.true2020-10-14T16:40:5646664408InfluenzaLowLong Term Care Facility Vaccination Survey<p><span style="color:#FF0000">*For those whom have already responded previously to this message from coronavirus@chicago.gov, thank you for your participation and please disregard this request.</span></p> <p>Long Term Care Facility Partner,</p> <p>You have been identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a key stakeholder within the City of Chicago&rsquo;s healthcare enterprise as a long term care facility.</p> <p>As we prepare for influenza season and develop city-wide COVID-19 vaccination plans, the Chicago Department of Public Health is requesting the action of all LTCF partners to help assist with the COVID-19 response, by completing the following <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JYCJW7WTD7" target="_blank">REDCap survey</a> , attached in this message.</p> <p>During the 2020-2021 cold and influenza season, ensuring widespread annual influenza vaccination participation is more important than ever to protect vulnerable populations. The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a large scale influenza vaccination campaign as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to reduce the burden of influenza, but also to preserve scarce health care resources for care of patients with COVID-19.</p> <p>This survey will help us better understand your facility, your vaccination protocols and plans, and identify any needs within your facility to optimize the availability and administration of vaccine to all of your staff and residents. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Faye Thanas (<a href="mailto:Faye.Thanas@cityofchicago.org">Faye.Thanas@cityofchicago.org</a>)</p> <p><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JYCJW7WTD7" target="_blank">REDCap survey</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you for your continued efforts and assistance during this unprecedented time.</p> <p>Respectfully,</p> <p>The Chicago Department of Public Health</p> <p>Please Note there are three&nbsp; (3) attachments.</p>\*For those whom have already responded previously to this message from coronavirus@chicago.gov, thank you for your participation and please disregard this request. Long Term Care Facility Partner, You have been identified by the Chicago Department of Public Health as a key stakeholder within the City of Chicago's healthcare enterprise as a long term care facility. As we prepare for influenza season and develop city-wide COVID-19 vaccination plans, the Chicago Department of Public Health is requesting the action of all LTCF partners to help assist with the COVID-19 response, by completing the following [REDCap survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JYCJW7WTD7) , attached in this message. During the 2020-2021 cold and influenza season, ensuring widespread annual influenza vaccination participation is more important than ever to protect vulnerable populations. The Chicago Department of Public Health is conducting a large scale influenza vaccination campaign as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to reduce the burden of influenza, but also to preserve scarce health care resources for care of patients with COVID-19. This survey will help us better understand your facility, your vaccination protocols and plans, and identify any needs within your facility to optimize the availability and administration of vaccine to all of your staff and residents. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Faye Thanas ([Faye.Thanas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Faye.Thanas@cityofchicago.org)) [REDCap survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JYCJW7WTD7) Thank you for your continued efforts and assistance during this unprecedented time. Respectfully, The Chicago Department of Public Health Please Note there are three (3) attachments.true2020-10-02T19:47:4846664396Laboratory InformationLowIllinois Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting Portal<p>To improve efficiency across Illinois Department of Public Health labs, IDPH rolled out the IL ETOR portal (<strong>I</strong>llinois <strong>E</strong>lectronic <strong>T</strong>est <strong>O</strong>rdering and <strong>R</strong>eporting portal).</p> <p>IL ETOR is a web-based portal that will allow a provider to enter all the necessary data to submit a COVID-19 sample electronically from a laptop, tablet, or desktop. The completed electronic submission form will need to be printed and accompany the specimen to the lab. The patient data is electronically transferred to the IDPH lab where the specimen will be processed. In IL ETOR, the provider will be able to view when the sample was received at the designated IDPH lab. Once testing is complete, the laboratory releases results into the portal as a PDF and they are immediately available for provider review and release.</p> <p><strong>Effective October 10, 2020</strong>, providers will be required to use IL ETOR if they are using the IDPH lab for COVID-19 testing. To facilitate registration, IDPH will contact any provider not currently using ETOR and get them enrolled. Results for samples received from providers not using ETOR could be delayed. Samples submitted using the paper sample requisition form are only accepted if first cleared by the IDPH Division of Laboratories based on extenuating circumstances in which electronic submission is not possible or may be delayed due to acquisition of equipment or personnel. Facilities that continue to submit samples on the paper submission form may be subject to rejection if attempts have been made to enroll the facility on IL ETOR. These samples may be delivered back to the submitter.</p> <p>To enroll your site in the IL ETOR system or if you have further questions, please email <a href="mailto:DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov">DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov</a>.</p> <p>Please note: The announcement is attached.</p>To improve efficiency across Illinois Department of Public Health labs, IDPH rolled out the IL ETOR portal (**I** llinois **E** lectronic **T** est **O** rdering and **R**eporting portal). IL ETOR is a web-based portal that will allow a provider to enter all the necessary data to submit a COVID-19 sample electronically from a laptop, tablet, or desktop. The completed electronic submission form will need to be printed and accompany the specimen to the lab. The patient data is electronically transferred to the IDPH lab where the specimen will be processed. In IL ETOR, the provider will be able to view when the sample was received at the designated IDPH lab. Once testing is complete, the laboratory releases results into the portal as a PDF and they are immediately available for provider review and release. **Effective October 10, 2020**, providers will be required to use IL ETOR if they are using the IDPH lab for COVID-19 testing. To facilitate registration, IDPH will contact any provider not currently using ETOR and get them enrolled. Results for samples received from providers not using ETOR could be delayed. Samples submitted using the paper sample requisition form are only accepted if first cleared by the IDPH Division of Laboratories based on extenuating circumstances in which electronic submission is not possible or may be delayed due to acquisition of equipment or personnel. Facilities that continue to submit samples on the paper submission form may be subject to rejection if attempts have been made to enroll the facility on IL ETOR. These samples may be delivered back to the submitter. To enroll your site in the IL ETOR system or if you have further questions, please email [DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov](mailto:DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov). Please note: The announcement is attached.true2020-09-21T15:32:4046664299West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 38<p>This report provides data on week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachment&nbsp;for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 38 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachment for more details.true2020-09-30T20:56:2346664387Opioid ConcernsLowIDPH: Unusual Cluster of Severely Symptomatic Patients from Counterfeit Opioid Pills<p>The Illinois Poison Center and Cook County Department of Public Health have received reports of five probable cases of counterfeit opioid pill-related overdoses, including two fatalities. &nbsp;</p> <p>Patients referred to the pills as &ldquo;M30,&rdquo; &ldquo;Percocet,&rdquo; or oxycodone, and they were purchased on the street. The ingredients in the counterfeit pills causing this current overdose outbreak in Illinois are not yet known.</p> <p>Initial urine tox screens have been negative, with full panels pending.</p> <p>Please report potential cases of overdose due to counterfeit oxycodone to the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for tracking purposes and treatment recommendations as needed.</p> <p>See attachment for more details.</p>The Illinois Poison Center and Cook County Department of Public Health have received reports of five probable cases of counterfeit opioid pill-related overdoses, including two fatalities. Patients referred to the pills as "M30," "Percocet," or oxycodone, and they were purchased on the street. The ingredients in the counterfeit pills causing this current overdose outbreak in Illinois are not yet known. Initial urine tox screens have been negative, with full panels pending. Please report potential cases of overdose due to counterfeit oxycodone to the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for tracking purposes and treatment recommendations as needed. See attachment for more details.true2020-09-29T19:22:1046664379COVID19LowConsiderations for Selecting a COVID-19 Diagnostic Test<p style="text-align:center"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Available viral tests for COVID-19 include rapid antigen tests, rapid molecular tests and RT-PCR. CDPH does not formally evaluate test performance; the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2" target="_blank">FDA </a>is the best source of information about approved tests. Antibody tests are not recommended for COVID-19 diagnosis.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Any positive viral test result in an individual with symptoms or confirmed exposure (i.e. a high pretest probability) should be considered positive for public health purposes and does not require confirmatory testing.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Factors to consider when deciding which viral test to use include: the suspicion for COVID-19 based on clinical presentation and presence or absence of other conditions that may cause a similar presentation; the timing of testing in relation to symptoms (if present); risk of exposure to COVID-19; underlying risk factors that make a severe COVID-19 outcome more likely and the risk of onward transmission.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>All COVID-19 test results, including point-of-care tests, must be reported to public health by electronic laboratory reporting or CDPH&rsquo;s confidential <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">Online Case Report Form</a>: redcap.link/chicovidreport</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>**Summary and Action Items** * Available viral tests for COVID-19 include rapid antigen tests, rapid molecular tests and RT-PCR. CDPH does not formally evaluate test performance; the [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2)is the best source of information about approved tests. Antibody tests are not recommended for COVID-19 diagnosis. * Any positive viral test result in an individual with symptoms or confirmed exposure (i.e. a high pretest probability) should be considered positive for public health purposes and does not require confirmatory testing. * Factors to consider when deciding which viral test to use include: the suspicion for COVID-19 based on clinical presentation and presence or absence of other conditions that may cause a similar presentation; the timing of testing in relation to symptoms (if present); risk of exposure to COVID-19; underlying risk factors that make a severe COVID-19 outcome more likely and the risk of onward transmission. * All COVID-19 test results, including point-of-care tests, must be reported to public health by electronic laboratory reporting or CDPH's confidential [Online Case Report Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84): redcap.link/chicovidreport Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-29T14:46:1646664483West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 39<p>This report provides data on week 39&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachment&nbsp;for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 39 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachment for more details.true2020-09-25T14:23:0146664306Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsLowIDPH: AFM Webinar for Local Health Departments - October 8, 2020<p>This fall is anticipated to be an outbreak year for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a viral illness with acute onset of limb weakness and spinal cord lesions in children. It is imperative for local health departments to be familiar with receiving reports from area clinicians and reporting to IDPH. The Illinois Acute Flaccid Myelitis Learning Collaborative is presenting a webinar for local health departments on reporting procedures for AFM. This educational initiative is supported and funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health.</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> October 8, 2020<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 11:00am to 11:45am<br /> <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1046590343798212624" target="_blank">Click Here to Register</a></p> <p><strong>Webinar Topics:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is AFM?</li> <li>Roles and responsibilities for reporting</li> <li>AFM case criteria and classification</li> <li>Handling patient specimens and clinical data</li> <li>Resources for health departments</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p> <p>For any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:Passang.Gonrong@iphionline.org">Passang.Gonrong@iphionline.org</a></p>This fall is anticipated to be an outbreak year for Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a viral illness with acute onset of limb weakness and spinal cord lesions in children. It is imperative for local health departments to be familiar with receiving reports from area clinicians and reporting to IDPH. The Illinois Acute Flaccid Myelitis Learning Collaborative is presenting a webinar for local health departments on reporting procedures for AFM. This educational initiative is supported and funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health. **Date:** October 8, 2020 **Time:** 11:00am to 11:45am [Click Here to Register](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1046590343798212624) **Webinar Topics:** * What is AFM? * Roles and responsibilities for reporting * AFM case criteria and classification * Handling patient specimens and clinical data * Resources for health departments Please see attachment for further details. For any questions, please contact [Passang.Gonrong@iphionline.org](mailto:Passang.Gonrong@iphionline.org)true2020-09-23T22:38:0846664305COVID19LowWeekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report 09232020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Citywide case incidence is declining after a prolonged period of increases.</li> <li>Testing declines over the Labor Day holiday weekend were noted.</li> <li>Latinx case incidence is persistently very high yet declining sharply by 3.8 cases per day over 14 days.</li> <li>Case incidence among 18-29 year-olds is persistently very high but now declining.</li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes.</li> <li>Refer to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a> if needed. Use or adapt <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDPH Testing Fact Sheets</a> (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">EN</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">ES</a>) and a new one-page <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">CDPH Guidance for Households</a> in English and Spanish.</li> <li>All individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 should be isolated until test results return.</li> <li>Flu vaccination is more important this year than ever.</li> <li><strong>CDPH has launched a new &ldquo;Protect Against Flu&rdquo; website:</strong> <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/flu" target="_blank">www.chicago.gov/flu</a>. Chicago residents can register online for NO COST flu vaccination events in the coming days.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Citywide case incidence is declining after a prolonged period of increases. * Testing declines over the Labor Day holiday weekend were noted. * Latinx case incidence is persistently very high yet declining sharply by 3.8 cases per day over 14 days. * Case incidence among 18-29 year-olds is persistently very high but now declining. * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. * Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. Use or adapt [CDPH Testing Fact Sheets](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html) ([EN](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf) / [ES](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)) and a new one-page [CDPH Guidance for Households](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf) in English and Spanish. * All individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 should be isolated until test results return. * Flu vaccination is more important this year than ever. * **CDPH has launched a new "Protect Against Flu" website:** [www.chicago.gov/flu](http://www.chicago.gov/flu). Chicago residents can register online for NO COST flu vaccination events in the coming days. Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-22T23:28:0146664187Opioid ConcernsLowMid-Year Chicago Opioid Update - September 2020<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, Chicago has seen a <strong>61% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 55% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths</strong> when compared to January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019. <ul> <li>For the month of June there were 1316 opioid-related EMS responses.</li> <li>In June there were at 77 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago.</li> </ul> </li> <li>September is National Recovery Month, participate in the Recovery Month <a href="https://www.recoverymonth.gov/#intergrating-mat-and-recovery" target="_blank">webinar series</a>.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&amp;v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>.</li> <li>Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</li> <li>Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li>Special population considerations can be helpful in developing a long-term treatment plan.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, Chicago has seen a **61% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 55% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths** when compared to January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019. * For the month of June there were 1316 opioid-related EMS responses. * In June there were at 77 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago. * September is National Recovery Month, participate in the Recovery Month [webinar series](https://www.recoverymonth.gov/#intergrating-mat-and-recovery). * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=-xTKsHFBXlI&feature=emb_logo). * Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * Special population considerations can be helpful in developing a long-term treatment plan. Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-16T23:05:4946664294COVID19LowMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19 Interim Guidance<p><span style="font-size:14px">This document aims to ensure that clinicians are aware of current guidance regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the case definition and guidance on reporting to local health departments.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Background</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Clinicians in the United Kingdom, New York City and New York State have reported cases of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (many of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or serologic assay). Additional reports of children presenting with severe inflammatory syndrome with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 or an epidemiological link to a COVID-19 case have been reported by authorities in other countries.</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;On May 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Health Advisory regarding a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a case definition for this syndrome.</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;There is limited information currently available regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical course, and treatment for MIS-C.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please review the attached IDPH SIREN Alert regarding<strong> </strong>Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance.</span></p> <p>Please read the re-issued guidance from IDPH regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for cases of MIS-C Associated with COVID-19 in Children, follow the Illinois MIS-C Clinical Pathway (posted in the resource section of <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c</a>) and report cases in Chicago residents to Chicago Department of Public Health by following the instructions posted at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c</a>.</p>This document aims to ensure that clinicians are aware of current guidance regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the case definition and guidance on reporting to local health departments. **Background** * Clinicians in the United Kingdom, New York City and New York State have reported cases of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (many of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or serologic assay). Additional reports of children presenting with severe inflammatory syndrome with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 or an epidemiological link to a COVID-19 case have been reported by authorities in other countries. <!-- --> * On May 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Health Advisory regarding a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a case definition for this syndrome. <!-- --> * There is limited information currently available regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical course, and treatment for MIS-C. Please review the attached IDPH SIREN Alert regardingMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance. Please read the re-issued guidance from IDPH regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for cases of MIS-C Associated with COVID-19 in Children, follow the Illinois MIS-C Clinical Pathway (posted in the resource section of <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c>) and report cases in Chicago residents to Chicago Department of Public Health by following the instructions posted at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/mis-c>.true2020-09-16T18:16:5846664185COVID19LowLong Term Care Covid-19 Webinars Week of September 17-25, 2020<p>Long-term Care partners,</p> <p>CDPH encourages your participation in several relevant webinars that will be held over the next few weeks:</p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong> COVID-19 Chicago Long Term Care Roundtable</p> <p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday September 17, 2020 12:30 &ndash; 1:30 PM Central Time</p> <p><strong>Host:</strong> CDPH</p> <p><strong>Registration Link: </strong>No advanced registration required. At 12:30 PM on September 17^th, please click <a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc" target="_blank">here</a> to join.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Topic</strong>: COVID-19 Updates and Q&amp;A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings</p> <p><strong>When</strong>: Friday September 18, 2020 1:00 &ndash; 1:30 PM Central Time&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Host</strong>: IDPH</p> <p><strong>Registration Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed24879cda41b3252322f3b41284ec74d" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed24879cda41b3252322f3b41284ec74d</a></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Topic</strong>: COVID-19 Nursing Homes Call</p> <p><strong>When</strong>: Wednesday September 23, 2020 3:30 &ndash; 4:00 PM Central Time&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Host</strong>: CMS</p> <p><strong>Registration Link:</strong> <a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=17d68a30-4b82a31b-17d6bb0f-0cc47a6d17cc-4dbada66ff7c346b&amp;u=https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2509" target="_blank">https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=17d68a30-4b82a31b-17d6bb0f-0cc47a6d17cc-4dbada66ff7c346b&amp;u=https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2509</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Topic</strong>: CMS-CDC Fundamentals of COVID-19 Prevention for Nursing Home Management&nbsp;Q&amp;A Webinar</p> <p><strong>When</strong>: Thursday September 24, 2020 3:00 &ndash; 4:00 PM Central Time&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Host</strong>: CMS</p> <p><strong>Registration Link: </strong><a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w16sb6o8TBa-PR7oAFNg2g">https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w16sb6o8TBa-PR7oAFNg2g</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Topic</strong>: COVID-19 Updates and Q&amp;A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings</p> <p><strong>When</strong>: Friday September 25, 2020 1:00 &ndash; 1:30 PM Central Time&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Host</strong>: IDPH</p> <p><strong>Registration Link:<a href="http://https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7b843af115911fdbf0f93b4abab17286" target="_blank"> </a></strong><a href="https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7b843af115911fdbf0f93b4abab17286">https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7b843af115911fdbf0f93b4abab17286</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>For additional information regarding the COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:</strong></p> <p>312-744-1100</p> <p>Please see attachment for announcement.&nbsp;</p>Long-term Care partners, CDPH encourages your participation in several relevant webinars that will be held over the next few weeks: **Topic:** COVID-19 Chicago Long Term Care Roundtable **When:** Thursday September 17, 2020 12:30 -- 1:30 PM Central Time **Host:** CDPH **Registration Link:** No advanced registration required. At 12:30 PM on September 17^th^, please click [here](https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc) to join. **Topic**: COVID-19 Updates and Q\&A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings **When**: Friday September 18, 2020 1:00 -- 1:30 PM Central Time **Host**: IDPH **Registration Link: <https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed24879cda41b3252322f3b41284ec74d>** **Topic**: COVID-19 Nursing Homes Call **When**: Wednesday September 23, 2020 3:30 -- 4:00 PM Central Time **Host**: CMS **Registration Link:** [https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=17d68a30-4b82a31b-17d6bb0f-0cc47a6d17cc-4dbada66ff7c346b\&u=https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2509](https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=17d68a30-4b82a31b-17d6bb0f-0cc47a6d17cc-4dbada66ff7c346b&u=https://engage.vevent.com/rt/cms2/index.jsp?seid=2509) **Topic**: CMS-CDC Fundamentals of COVID-19 Prevention for Nursing Home Management Q\&A Webinar **When**: Thursday September 24, 2020 3:00 -- 4:00 PM Central Time **Host**: CMS **Registration Link:** <https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w16sb6o8TBa-PR7oAFNg2g> **Topic**: COVID-19 Updates and Q\&A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings **When**: Friday September 25, 2020 1:00 -- 1:30 PM Central Time **Host**: IDPH **Registration Link:[](http://https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7b843af115911fdbf0f93b4abab17286)** <https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7b843af115911fdbf0f93b4abab17286> **For additional information regarding the COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF> **For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:** 312-744-1100 Please see attachment for announcement.true2020-09-15T14:21:4346664184West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 37<p>This report provides data on week 37&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachment&nbsp;for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 37 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachment for more details.true2020-09-14T22:13:0246664183COVID19LowWeekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report 09142020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Citywide case incidence is declining after a prolonged period of increases. Latinx case incidence is the largest contributor to recent changes.</li> <li>Latinx case incidence is persistently very high yet declining sharply by 4.1 cases per day over 14 days</li> <li>Case incidence among 18-29 year olds is persistently very high but no longer in growth state.</li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes.</li> <li>Refer to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a> if needed.</li> <li>New <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDPH Testing Fact Sheets</a> (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">EN</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">ES</a>) and a new one-page <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">CDPH Guidance for Households</a> in English and Spanish is available.</li> <li><strong>All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Citywide case incidence is declining after a prolonged period of increases. Latinx case incidence is the largest contributor to recent changes. * Latinx case incidence is persistently very high yet declining sharply by 4.1 cases per day over 14 days * Case incidence among 18-29 year olds is persistently very high but no longer in growth state. * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. * Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. * New [CDPH Testing Fact Sheets](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html) ([EN](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf) / [ES](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)) and a new one-page [CDPH Guidance for Households](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf) in English and Spanish is available. * **All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.** Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-08T16:45:4546663992West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 36<p>This report provides data on week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 36 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-09-02T15:45:0746663986Laboratory InformationLowIDPH Division of Laboratories Labor Day Holiday Schedule<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories will be closed on Labor Day, September 7, 2020. The mail services, UPS, and FedEx will not be delivering or picking up samples this day. The laboratory will be unable to accept any specimens dropped off this day.</p> <p>Refrigerated COVID-19 samples must still be received in the laboratory within 72 hours of collection. Please plan your specimen collection accordingly. If a facility is unable to ensure receipt of a sample to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection, it must be frozen at -70◦C and dropped off at an IDPH laboratory on Sunday, September 6th or mailed on Tuesday, September 8th on dry ice.We are sending this notification to avoid submission of specimens that are unsatisfactory for testing upon receipt in the IDPH laboratories.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full detail.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories will be closed on Labor Day, September 7, 2020. The mail services, UPS, and FedEx will not be delivering or picking up samples this day. The laboratory will be unable to accept any specimens dropped off this day. Refrigerated COVID-19 samples must still be received in the laboratory within 72 hours of collection. Please plan your specimen collection accordingly. If a facility is unable to ensure receipt of a sample to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection, it must be frozen at -70◦C and dropped off at an IDPH laboratory on Sunday, September 6th or mailed on Tuesday, September 8th on dry ice.We are sending this notification to avoid submission of specimens that are unsatisfactory for testing upon receipt in the IDPH laboratories. Please see attachment for full detail.true2020-09-01T22:16:2046663985Opioid ConcernsLowMid-Year Chicago Opioid Update<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, Chicago has seen a 61% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 55% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths when compared to January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019. <ul> <li>There were 7,301 opioid-related1 EMS responses.</li> <li>There were at least 573 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago.</li> </ul> </li> <li>September is National Recovery Month, participate in the Recovery Month <a href="https://www.recoverymonth.gov/#intergrating-mat-and-recovery" target="_blank">webinar series</a>.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&amp;v=-xTKsHFBXlI&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">Naloxone</a>.</li> <li>Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</li> <li>Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/issues/" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-opioid-and-sexual-harassment-cme-tickets-116936364815" target="_blank">Earn 3 CME hours</a> reviewing Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, Chicago has seen a 61% increase in opioid-related EMS responses and a 55% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths when compared to January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019. * There were 7,301 opioid-related1 EMS responses. * There were at least 573 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago. * September is National Recovery Month, participate in the Recovery Month [webinar series](https://www.recoverymonth.gov/#intergrating-mat-and-recovery). * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with [Naloxone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=-xTKsHFBXlI&feature=emb_logo). * Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/issues/) for people who use drugs. * [Earn 3 CME hours](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-opioid-and-sexual-harassment-cme-tickets-116936364815) reviewing Safe Opioid Prescribing Practices Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-01T21:43:5346663984COVID19LowWeekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report 09012020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Citywide case incidence has doubled in the last 60 days reflecting persistent slow growth.</li> <li>Latinx case growth is the largest contributor to recent increases; contributing about 75% of the growth in all cases in the last 30 days.</li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes.</li> <li>Refer to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a> if needed.</li> <li>New <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDPH Testing Fact Sheets</a> (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">EN</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">ES</a>) and a new one-page <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">CDPH Guidance for Households</a> in English and Spanish is available.</li> <li><strong>All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Citywide case incidence has doubled in the last 60 days reflecting persistent slow growth. * Latinx case growth is the largest contributor to recent increases; contributing about 75% of the growth in all cases in the last 30 days. * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. * Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. * New [CDPH Testing Fact Sheets](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html) ([EN](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf) / [ES](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)) and a new one-page [CDPH Guidance for Households](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf) in English and Spanish is available. * **All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.** Please see attachment for full details.true2020-09-01T13:59:3146664084West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 35<p>This report provides data on week 35&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 35 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-08-28T18:07:1546663978COVID19LowSARS-CoV-2 Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions & Disposition of Persons with COVID-19<p><em>This alert is an updated guidance.&nbsp;</em></p> <p style="text-align:center"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Accumulating evidence supports ending isolation and precautions for persons with COVID-19, using a symptom-based strategy.</li> <li>CDC has updated their guidance for those with mild to moderate illness and those not severely immunocompromised. The updated guidance recommends an isolation period of 10 days after symptom onset and 24 hours from resolution of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and improvement of other symptoms. <ul> <li>If asymptomatic, individuals may end isolation after 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test.</li> </ul> </li> <li>For those patients who are severely/critically ill or severely immunocompromised, isolation may be extended up to 20 days in consultation with an infection disease specialist.</li> <li>Patients who are recovering from COVID-19 infection do not need repeat COVID-19 testing prior to procedures. Reliance on pre-procedure COVID-19 testing among clinically recovered patients may detect prolonged RNA fragment shedding that would cause unnecessary delay in procedure.</li> </ul> <p><u><strong>Background:</strong></u>&nbsp;<br /> Available evidence indicates adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset ¹. Persons with more severe to critical illness or severe immunocompromise may remain infectious up to 20 days after symptom onset, though data in one study demonstrated that 95% of patient specimens no longer yielded replication competent virus after 15 days ². In addition, persons can continue to shed SARS-CoV-2 RNA for up to 3 months in upper respiratory samples after original symptom onset ³. However, studies have not found sufficient evidence that clinically recovered persons with persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in specimens, have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to others⁴. For persons recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, a positive PCR during the 90 days after illness onset more likely represents persistent shedding of viral RNA than reinfection.</p> <p><strong>Please see attachment for the entire guidance.&nbsp;</strong></p>*This alert is an updated guidance.* ++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Accumulating evidence supports ending isolation and precautions for persons with COVID-19, using a symptom-based strategy. * CDC has updated their guidance for those with mild to moderate illness and those not severely immunocompromised. The updated guidance recommends an isolation period of 10 days after symptom onset and 24 hours from resolution of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and improvement of other symptoms. * If asymptomatic, individuals may end isolation after 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test. * For those patients who are severely/critically ill or severely immunocompromised, isolation may be extended up to 20 days in consultation with an infection disease specialist. * Patients who are recovering from COVID-19 infection do not need repeat COVID-19 testing prior to procedures. Reliance on pre-procedure COVID-19 testing among clinically recovered patients may detect prolonged RNA fragment shedding that would cause unnecessary delay in procedure. ++**Background:**++ Available evidence indicates adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset ^1^. Persons with more severe to critical illness or severe immunocompromise may remain infectious up to 20 days after symptom onset, though data in one study demonstrated that 95% of patient specimens no longer yielded replication competent virus after 15 days ^2^. In addition, persons can continue to shed SARS-CoV-2 RNA for up to 3 months in upper respiratory samples after original symptom onset ^3^. However, studies have not found sufficient evidence that clinically recovered persons with persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in specimens, have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to others^4^. For persons recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, a positive PCR during the 90 days after illness onset more likely represents persistent shedding of viral RNA than reinfection. **Please see attachment for the entire guidance.**true2020-08-27T15:49:3846663898COVID19LowConsiderations for COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Testing is an essential component of a multi-layered strategy to mitigate sustained COVID-19 transmission in Chicago. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html" target="_blank">CDC has updated guidance for testing considerations</a> published on August 24th. Due to continued significant community transmission in Chicago, diagnostic testing for COVID-19 should be offered to all individuals with COVID-19 compatible symptoms and made a part of routine care in all settings, including outpatient practices and urgent care settings.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Recommend:</strong> CDPH continues to recommend testing for asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 cases, as well as testing of individuals with any COVID-19 compatible symptoms.</li> <li><strong>Consider:</strong> Testing should also be considered for individuals with potential exposures (e.g., those attending large gatherings or crowded spaces), and those returning from travel to high incidence areas.</li> <li><strong>Time of Specimen Collection. </strong>For asymptomatic individuals being tested, specimens should ideally be collected 5-9 days after the last potential exposure (testing negative does not end quarantine). Specimens from symptomatic individuals should be collected as soon as possible after symptom onset.</li> <li><strong>Report.</strong> All providers and testing sites must report to Public Health all individuals tested for COVID-19, in accordance with the Illinois Control of Communicable Diseases Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 690.200(a)(5)).</li> </ul> <p>Please note:&nbsp;The complete&nbsp;guidance is attached.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Testing is an essential component of a multi-layered strategy to mitigate sustained COVID-19 transmission in Chicago. [CDC has updated guidance for testing considerations](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html) published on August 24th. Due to continued significant community transmission in Chicago, diagnostic testing for COVID-19 should be offered to all individuals with COVID-19 compatible symptoms and made a part of routine care in all settings, including outpatient practices and urgent care settings. * **Recommend:** CDPH continues to recommend testing for asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 cases, as well as testing of individuals with any COVID-19 compatible symptoms. * **Consider:** Testing should also be considered for individuals with potential exposures (e.g., those attending large gatherings or crowded spaces), and those returning from travel to high incidence areas. * **Time of Specimen Collection.**For asymptomatic individuals being tested, specimens should ideally be collected 5-9 days after the last potential exposure (testing negative does not end quarantine). Specimens from symptomatic individuals should be collected as soon as possible after symptom onset. * **Report.** All providers and testing sites must report to Public Health all individuals tested for COVID-19, in accordance with the Illinois Control of Communicable Diseases Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 690.200(a)(5)). Please note: The complete guidance is attached.true2020-08-26T17:05:5546663818COVID19LowWeekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report 08262020<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and stable and 18-29 year-old case incidence is persistently high with a recent 26-day increase.</li> <li><strong>Regarding <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html" target="_blank">August 24, 2020 CDC updates</a> on testing considerations: due to continued significant community transmission in Chicago, CDPH continues to recommend testing for asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 cases.</strong></li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. Refer to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a> if needed.</li> <li>New <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDPH Testing Fact Sheets</a> (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">EN</a> / <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">ES</a>) and a new one-page <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf" target="_blank">CDPH Guidance for Households</a> in English and Spanish is available.</li> <li><strong>All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high and stable and 18-29 year-old case incidence is persistently high with a recent 26-day increase. * **Regarding [August 24, 2020 CDC updates](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html) on testing considerations: due to continued significant community transmission in Chicago, CDPH continues to recommend testing for asymptomatic contacts of COVID-19 cases.** * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. * New [CDPH Testing Fact Sheets](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html) ([EN](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20EN%2008-20-2020.pdf) / [ES](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Testing%20Fact%20Sheet%20ES%2008-20-2020.pdf)) and a new one-page [CDPH Guidance for Households](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/HealthProtectionandResponse/COVID_GUIDANCE/COVID-19%20Guidance%20for%20Households%20EN-ES%2008-20-2020.pdf) in English and Spanish is available. * **All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return.** Please see attachment for full details.true2020-08-18T22:16:4146663806COVID19LowNEW Weekly Chicago COVID-19 Hot Spot Report<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high with Latinx case growth as the largest contributor to recent increases and 18-29 year-old case incidence is persistently high.</li> <li>Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. Refer to <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html" target="_blank">Chicago Testing Locations</a> if needed.</li> <li>School openings, youth congregate, and other settings may lead to an increase in testing of close contacts.</li> <li>All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return: Educate patients by updating your post-test instructions to ensure they remain out of work, school, childcare, public/group settings until their test result returns (pre-operative screening is the only exception). <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-provider-counseling-qa.pdf?deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM34417" target="_blank">CMS reimbursement</a> is now available for counseling related to testing for COVID-19.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Workers in Chicago cannot be retaliated against for staying home to quarantine, isolate, or obey certain other COVID-19 health orders. If a patient has been retaliated against for obeying a COVID-19 health order, they can <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/bacp/OSL/20200618officeoflaborstandardscomplaintform.pdf" target="_blank">file a complaint here</a>, by calling 311, or using the CHI 311 app. For more information, visit the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/antiretaliationordinance.html" target="_blank">Anti-Retaliation page</a> on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/officeoflaborstandards.html" target="_blank">Office of Labor Standards website</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * COVID-19 case incidence in Chicago is persistently high with Latinx case growth as the largest contributor to recent increases and 18-29 year-old case incidence is persistently high. * Clinical settings should maintain, and ideally increase testing capacity for symptomatic individuals of all ages and asymptomatic close contacts, especially in high-risk zip codes. Refer to [Chicago Testing Locations](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/managing-your-health.html) if needed. * School openings, youth congregate, and other settings may lead to an increase in testing of close contacts. * All individuals tested for COVID-19 should be isolated until test results return: Educate patients by updating your post-test instructions to ensure they remain out of work, school, childcare, public/group settings until their test result returns (pre-operative screening is the only exception). * [CMS reimbursement](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-provider-counseling-qa.pdf?deliveryName=USCDC_1052-DM34417) is now available for counseling related to testing for COVID-19. * Workers in Chicago cannot be retaliated against for staying home to quarantine, isolate, or obey certain other COVID-19 health orders. If a patient has been retaliated against for obeying a COVID-19 health order, they can [file a complaint here](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/bacp/OSL/20200618officeoflaborstandardscomplaintform.pdf), by calling 311, or using the CHI 311 app. For more information, visit the [Anti-Retaliation page](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/antiretaliationordinance.html) on the [Office of Labor Standards website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/officeoflaborstandards.html). Please see attachment for full details.true2020-08-18T15:20:3346663892West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Week 33<p>This report provides data on week 33&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 33 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-08-14T22:41:4146663890VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin July 10, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">VFC Regional Meeting Webinar</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">20-21 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Now Available</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CPS health requirements</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>In this Issue: * VFC Regional Meeting Webinar * 20-21 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Now Available * CPS health requirements Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-08-12T13:30:5146663882CCN AnnouncementLowCity to Spray Insecticide Thursday to Kill Mosquitoes<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in three communities this Thursday, August 13, 2020: South Lawndale, Brighton Park, and Archer Heights. This is the first spraying to occur in the city this season.&nbsp; Please see the attached for more information</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:12px">This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. &nbsp;For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></em></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in three communities this Thursday, August 13, 2020: South Lawndale, Brighton Park, and Archer Heights. This is the first spraying to occur in the city this season. Please see the attached for more information *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is a collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).*true2020-08-11T14:12:3046663878West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 32<p>This report provides data on week 32&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 32 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-08-10T15:41:5746663793COVID19LowInterim Guidance on Patients with Persistent or Recurrent Positive Viral Tests for SARS-CoV-2<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Many people who previously had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection continue to test positive by PCR for up to 12 weeks, despite inability to recover replication-competent virus after 10 days following symptom onset in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.</li> <li>Following recovery from COVID-19, during the first 3 months after the date of symptom onset: <ul> <li>Persons who remain asymptomatic do not need to be retested (e.g. as part of a contact tracing investigation, or pre-procedure) or quarantined (if they are identified as a contact of a new case).</li> <li>For persons who develop new symptoms consistent with COVID-19, retesting may be warranted if alternative etiologies for the illness cannot be identified.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Following recovery from COVID-19, 3 months or more after the date of symptom onset: <ul> <li>Persons who remain asymptomatic but are identified as a contact of a new case should follow quarantine and testing recommendations for contacts. If they test positive, the determination of whether a patient with a subsequently positive test is contagious to others should be made on a case-by-case basis.</li> <li>Persons who develop new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be retested. If positive, this should be documented and discussed with public health, so that the possibility of reinfection can be investigated. In the interim, they should be considered infectious and remain isolated.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Many people who previously had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection continue to test positive by PCR for up to 12 weeks, despite inability to recover replication-competent virus after 10 days following symptom onset in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. * Following recovery from COVID-19, during the first 3 months after the date of symptom onset: * Persons who remain asymptomatic do not need to be retested (e.g. as part of a contact tracing investigation, or pre-procedure) or quarantined (if they are identified as a contact of a new case). * For persons who develop new symptoms consistent with COVID-19, retesting may be warranted if alternative etiologies for the illness cannot be identified. * Following recovery from COVID-19, 3 months or more after the date of symptom onset: * Persons who remain asymptomatic but are identified as a contact of a new case should follow quarantine and testing recommendations for contacts. If they test positive, the determination of whether a patient with a subsequently positive test is contagious to others should be made on a case-by-case basis. * Persons who develop new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be retested. If positive, this should be documented and discussed with public health, so that the possibility of reinfection can be investigated. In the interim, they should be considered infectious and remain isolated. Please see attachment for full details.true2020-08-06T20:25:5146663681COVID19LowReminder: Isolation Housing Central Intake Form and Website - Aug 6, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">A reminder that COVID-19 Isolation Facilities are being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Discharge planners, outpatient clinic staff, and shelter staff can visit the following website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html</a>.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">A common <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7" target="_blank">online central intake form</a> is used to make referrals to either the Supported Isolation Facility or the Private General Isolation Rooms: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7</a>.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * A reminder that COVID-19 Isolation Facilities are being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities. * Discharge planners, outpatient clinic staff, and shelter staff can visit the following website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html>. * A common [online central intake form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7) is used to make referrals to either the Supported Isolation Facility or the Private General Isolation Rooms: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7>. Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-08-05T15:05:1146663787Laboratory InformationLowIDPH Division of Laboratories Announces COVID-19 Test Ordering Portal<p>To improve efficiency across IDPH labs, the Illinois Department of Public Health has implemented the IL ETOR portal (Illinois Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting portal).</p> <p>ETOR is a web-based portal that will allow a submitter to enter all the necessary data to submit a COVID sample electronically on a laptop, tablet, or desktop. Once the submission is complete, the printed ETOR order form must accompany the sample to the lab. The patient data is electronically transferred to the IDPH lab where the specimen will be processed. In ETOR, the submitter can view when the sample has been received at the designated IDPH lab along with real-time testing progress. Once testing is complete, the laboratory releases results into the portal as a PDF which can be downloaded for quick access and follow up with the patient.</p> <p>There are many benefits of ETOR for both the provider and the IDPH lab system:</p> <p>1) ETOR expedites the data processing and improves turnaround times.<br /> 2) ETOR allows the provider to track the status of the specimen in the portal and know when it has been received at the lab.<br /> 3) ETOR uses electronic data entry which results in better quality data.<br /> 4) ETOR allows for quick access to laboratory results since they are available on the portal as soon as they are released from the lab.<br /> 5) ETOR maintains historical results for patients for tracking and reprinting for specimens submitted using this system.</p> <p>Enrollment and use of this system is critical to the Division of Laboratories&rsquo; ability to maintain quick turnaround times while increasing testing capacity. Our goal is to transition submitters to use of this system by September 1, 2020. To enroll your facility in the IL ETOR portal or if you have further questions, please email <a href="mailto:DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov">DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov</a> and a ETOR project manager will contact you.</p> <p>Please note: The announcement is attached.</p>To improve efficiency across IDPH labs, the Illinois Department of Public Health has implemented the IL ETOR portal (Illinois Electronic Test Ordering and Reporting portal). ETOR is a web-based portal that will allow a submitter to enter all the necessary data to submit a COVID sample electronically on a laptop, tablet, or desktop. Once the submission is complete, the printed ETOR order form must accompany the sample to the lab. The patient data is electronically transferred to the IDPH lab where the specimen will be processed. In ETOR, the submitter can view when the sample has been received at the designated IDPH lab along with real-time testing progress. Once testing is complete, the laboratory releases results into the portal as a PDF which can be downloaded for quick access and follow up with the patient. There are many benefits of ETOR for both the provider and the IDPH lab system: 1) ETOR expedites the data processing and improves turnaround times. 2) ETOR allows the provider to track the status of the specimen in the portal and know when it has been received at the lab. 3) ETOR uses electronic data entry which results in better quality data. 4) ETOR allows for quick access to laboratory results since they are available on the portal as soon as they are released from the lab. 5) ETOR maintains historical results for patients for tracking and reprinting for specimens submitted using this system. Enrollment and use of this system is critical to the Division of Laboratories' ability to maintain quick turnaround times while increasing testing capacity. Our goal is to transition submitters to use of this system by September 1, 2020. To enroll your facility in the IL ETOR portal or if you have further questions, please email [DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov](mailto:DPH.LABS.DMG@illinois.gov) and a ETOR project manager will contact you. Please note: The announcement is attached.true2020-08-04T13:42:0146663679West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 31<p>This report provides data on week 31&nbsp;of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 31 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-07-27T16:13:3046663509West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 30<p>This report provides data on week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 30 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-07-22T21:04:0846663586STILowSTD Coffee Break Fridays in August, presented by the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center<p><span style="font-size:14px">Please join the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center every Friday morning in August, 2020 (8am &ndash; 9am Central Daylight Time) to catch up on current issues in sexually transmitted disease (STD) management.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Faculty&nbsp;will discuss the most up-to-date, evidence-based approaches to STD epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Coffee Break presentations will be offered online from 8:00am 9:00am CDT via Zoom , with real time &ldquo;chat&rdquo; interaction with faculty and other attendees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Dates and Topics</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Friday, August 7, 2020 What&rsquo;s New with Syphilis</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Friday, August 14, 2020 What&rsquo;s New with Gonorrhea</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Friday, August 21, 2020 What&rsquo;s New with Chlamydia</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Friday, August 28, 2020 What&rsquo;s New with STD Prevention</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Course is free but you must register in advance:&nbsp;<a href="https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=2872" target="_blank">https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=2872</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>For more information about registration &nbsp;and who to contact for questions, please see the attachment.</strong></span></p>Please join the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center every Friday morning in August, 2020 (8am -- 9am Central Daylight Time) to catch up on current issues in sexually transmitted disease (STD) management. Faculty will discuss the most up-to-date, evidence-based approaches to STD epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Coffee Break presentations will be offered online from 8:00am 9:00am CDT via Zoom , with real time "chat" interaction with faculty and other attendees. **Dates and Topics** * Friday, August 7, 2020 What's New with Syphilis * Friday, August 14, 2020 What's New with Gonorrhea * Friday, August 21, 2020 What's New with Chlamydia * Friday, August 28, 2020 What's New with STD Prevention The Course is free but you must register in advance: <https://courses.nnptc.org/class_information.html?id=2872> **For more information about registration and who to contact for questions, please see the attachment.**true2020-07-20T23:54:1846663582COVID19LowUPDATED Interim COVID-19 Testing Guidance for Exposed Individuals<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>As contact tracing efforts expand, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) interim COVID-19 testing guidance now recommends testing of all individuals with close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19.</li> <li>CDPH interim guidance now recommends that asymptomatic contacts be tested during their 14-day quarantine period, ideally between days 5 and 9 after exposure to a positive case.</li> <li>A negative result does not rule out developing COVID-19 disease and does not clear a close contact to return to work, school or public places sooner than 14 days from the date of last exposure. Quarantine for 14 days is essential to continue to monitor for symptoms.&nbsp;</li> <li>Healthcare providers may field increased volume of referrals for testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic exposed individuals from all reopened congregate settings but childcare settings in particular.&nbsp;</li> <li>Positive cases should be instructed to immediately ensure all household members quarantine and to notify other close contacts to quarantine, if possible.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background: </strong>&nbsp;In order to protect the progress we&rsquo;ve made in Chicago to reduce COVID-19 transmission, as of July 20, 2020, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) interim guidance now recommends that all contacts of confirmed cases are tested for COVID-19. Symptomatic contacts should be tested as soon as symptoms develop. Asymptomatic contacts should be tested ideally between days 5 and 9 after exposure to a positive case. &nbsp;As contact tracing capacity increases and this recommendation is communicated at a larger scale, healthcare provider offices may field increased requests for testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic contacts. By definition, close contacts are individuals with whom the positive case was within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes starting 2 days prior to their first day of symptoms (or for asymptomatic individuals their test date) through their last day at the facility.</p> <p>Since mid-June, COVID-19 case incidence among 18-29 year-olds in Chicago has been high and increasing. Data trends continue to be posted to the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Chicago COVID-19 Dashboard</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Congregate settings/reopened activities with younger children are expected to prompt a high volume of healthcare provider outreach given an increase in reports over the past 2 weeks for COVID-19 cases in adults and children from 16 daycares, 2 camps and 2 sports teams. CDPH encourages healthcare provider offices to meet this need and potentially use the opportunity to perform routine preventive care that was previously delayed (e.g., routine or catch-up vaccination, chronic disease screenings) as long as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html" target="_blank">universal infection control precautions </a>are in place. Outreach and education to camps, faith communities, childcare settings and other congregate settings have reinforced that families and staff are expected to immediately notify the location if the child/staff member or someone in their home tests positive, or if the child/staff member has been in close contact (within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) with a positive case.</p> <p><strong>Please see attachment for the entire guidance.&nbsp;</strong></p>**Summary and Action Items** * As contact tracing efforts expand, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) interim COVID-19 testing guidance now recommends testing of all individuals with close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19. * CDPH interim guidance now recommends that asymptomatic contacts be tested during their 14-day quarantine period, ideally between days 5 and 9 after exposure to a positive case. * A negative result does not rule out developing COVID-19 disease and does not clear a close contact to return to work, school or public places sooner than 14 days from the date of last exposure. Quarantine for 14 days is essential to continue to monitor for symptoms. * Healthcare providers may field increased volume of referrals for testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic exposed individuals from all reopened congregate settings but childcare settings in particular. * Positive cases should be instructed to immediately ensure all household members quarantine and to notify other close contacts to quarantine, if possible. **Background:** In order to protect the progress we've made in Chicago to reduce COVID-19 transmission, as of July 20, 2020, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) interim guidance now recommends that all contacts of confirmed cases are tested for COVID-19. Symptomatic contacts should be tested as soon as symptoms develop. Asymptomatic contacts should be tested ideally between days 5 and 9 after exposure to a positive case. As contact tracing capacity increases and this recommendation is communicated at a larger scale, healthcare provider offices may field increased requests for testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic contacts. By definition, close contacts are individuals with whom the positive case was within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes starting 2 days prior to their first day of symptoms (or for asymptomatic individuals their test date) through their last day at the facility. Since mid-June, COVID-19 case incidence among 18-29 year-olds in Chicago has been high and increasing. Data trends continue to be posted to the [Chicago COVID-19 Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html) Congregate settings/reopened activities with younger children are expected to prompt a high volume of healthcare provider outreach given an increase in reports over the past 2 weeks for COVID-19 cases in adults and children from 16 daycares, 2 camps and 2 sports teams. CDPH encourages healthcare provider offices to meet this need and potentially use the opportunity to perform routine preventive care that was previously delayed (e.g., routine or catch-up vaccination, chronic disease screenings) as long as [universal infection control precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html)are in place. Outreach and education to camps, faith communities, childcare settings and other congregate settings have reinforced that families and staff are expected to immediately notify the location if the child/staff member or someone in their home tests positive, or if the child/staff member has been in close contact (within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) with a positive case. **Please see attachment for the entire guidance.**true2020-07-20T14:21:5346663502West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 29<p>This report provides data on week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 29 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-07-13T20:33:2546663492COVID19LowHealthcare Personnel use of Universal PPE, Considerations for Workplace Exposure and Return to Work and Visitor Policies<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bookmark Chicago&rsquo;s new COVID Dashboard: <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html</a> in order to monitor daily case counts and metrics that impact your hospital policies.</li> <li>Healthcare Personnel (HCP) should wear universal PPE for all clinical encounters including face mask (or higher level of respiratory protection) and eye protection (face shield preferred).</li> <li>HCP with high risk exposure to a patient with confirmed COVID-19 should be quarantined for 14 days from the date of exposure if staffing levels allow.</li> <li>Healthcare facilities should resume contact tracing as described in updates to CDC&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html" target="_blank">Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19</a>.</li> <li>Healthcare facilities should implement temporary policies about domestic travel for HCP and advise HCP to avoid regions of the country with high incidence of COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attached for more information.</p> <p>For more information about COVID-19 for healthcare professionals please visit: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Bookmark Chicago's new COVID Dashboard: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html> in order to monitor daily case counts and metrics that impact your hospital policies. * Healthcare Personnel (HCP) should wear universal PPE for all clinical encounters including face mask (or higher level of respiratory protection) and eye protection (face shield preferred). * HCP with high risk exposure to a patient with confirmed COVID-19 should be quarantined for 14 days from the date of exposure if staffing levels allow. * Healthcare facilities should resume contact tracing as described in updates to CDC's [Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html). * Healthcare facilities should implement temporary policies about domestic travel for HCP and advise HCP to avoid regions of the country with high incidence of COVID-19 cases. Please see the attached for more information. For more information about COVID-19 for healthcare professionals please visit: [www.chicagohan.org/covid-19](https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19)true2020-07-10T20:32:5646663489VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin July 10, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Reminder/Recall Training from ICAAP:&nbsp; See attachement for registration link</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Want to learn the basics of how to remind patients and parents to come in for an overdue vaccine?<br /> This training can help you increase the appointments parents make with your office to bring kids back in.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Webinar on Promoting Vaccines during COVID-19</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CPS health requirements</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">20-21 Flu Pre-Book</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>In this Issue: * Reminder/Recall Training from ICAAP: See attachement for registration link * Want to learn the basics of how to remind patients and parents to come in for an overdue vaccine? This training can help you increase the appointments parents make with your office to bring kids back in. * Webinar on Promoting Vaccines during COVID-19 * CPS health requirements * 20-21 Flu Pre-Book Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-07-06T13:48:1146663380Environmental HazardsLowCDC: Serious Adverse Health Events Associated with Methanol-based Hand Sanitizers<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Most commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs (ABHSR) contain either ethanol or isopropanol as active ingredients. On June 19, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by &ldquo;Eskbiochem SA de CV&rdquo; in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol, a &ldquo;toxic alcohol&rdquo;, as an active ingredient, which can cause blindness and/or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed. Since then, FDA has identified additional ABHSR products that contain methanol and is working with manufacturers and distributors on a voluntary recall of these products (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol">https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol</a>).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Clinicians and public health officials should advise the public to</u>:<br /> 1) Seek immediate medical attention and contact their poison center (1-800-222-1222) for advice if they have swallowed an ABHSR product or are experiencing symptoms from repeated use of these products that are on the &ldquo;FDA&rsquo;s testing and manufacturer&rsquo;s recalls&rdquo; list (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-andavailability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol),<br /> 2) Stop using any ABHSR that are on the &ldquo;FDA&rsquo;s testing and manufacturer&rsquo;s recalls&rdquo; list because using these methanol-containing products may result in serious adverse health events (e.g., blindness and death), and<br /> 3) NEVER swallow ABHSR and only use them for their intended purpose. Clinicians should be highly suspicious of methanol poisoning when a patient presents with a history of ABHSR ingestion, compatible signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Officials</strong><br /> 1. Clinicians should advise patients to immediately seek medical treatment if they have been exposed to methanol-containing alcohol-based hand sanitizers on the &ldquo;FDA&rsquo;s testing and manufacturer&rsquo;s recalls&rdquo; list (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol">https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol</a>) and are experiencing symptoms.<br /> 2. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for methanol poisoning when a patient presents with a history of ABHSR ingestion or repeated use of these products on the skin. Signs and symptoms include headache, blurred vision or blindness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of coordination, decreased level of consciousness, and laboratory findings such as anion gap metabolic acidosis.<br /> 3. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public to use alcoholbased hand sanitizers or rubs only for hand hygiene.<br /> 4. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public on the serious adverse health risks of ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs.<br /> 5. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public that some alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs may contain a significant amount of methanol and using these products may result in serious adverse health events (e.g., blindness and death).<br /> 6. Clinicians should contact the local poison center (1-800-222-1222) to report cases and to obtain specific medical management advice of methanol poisoning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For more details please see the attachment.</span></p>**Summary** Most commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs (ABHSR) contain either ethanol or isopropanol as active ingredients. On June 19, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by "Eskbiochem SA de CV" in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol, a "toxic alcohol", as an active ingredient, which can cause blindness and/or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed. Since then, FDA has identified additional ABHSR products that contain methanol and is working with manufacturers and distributors on a voluntary recall of these products (<https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol>). ++Clinicians and public health officials should advise the public to++ : 1) Seek immediate medical attention and contact their poison center (1-800-222-1222) for advice if they have swallowed an ABHSR product or are experiencing symptoms from repeated use of these products that are on the "FDA's testing and manufacturer's recalls" list (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-andavailability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol), 2) Stop using any ABHSR that are on the "FDA's testing and manufacturer's recalls" list because using these methanol-containing products may result in serious adverse health events (e.g., blindness and death), and 3) NEVER swallow ABHSR and only use them for their intended purpose. Clinicians should be highly suspicious of methanol poisoning when a patient presents with a history of ABHSR ingestion, compatible signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings **Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Officials** 1. Clinicians should advise patients to immediately seek medical treatment if they have been exposed to methanol-containing alcohol-based hand sanitizers on the "FDA's testing and manufacturer's recalls" list (<https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitzers-methanol>) and are experiencing symptoms. 2. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for methanol poisoning when a patient presents with a history of ABHSR ingestion or repeated use of these products on the skin. Signs and symptoms include headache, blurred vision or blindness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of coordination, decreased level of consciousness, and laboratory findings such as anion gap metabolic acidosis. 3. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public to use alcoholbased hand sanitizers or rubs only for hand hygiene. 4. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public on the serious adverse health risks of ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs. 5. Clinicians and public health practitioners should educate patients and the public that some alcohol-based hand sanitizers or rubs may contain a significant amount of methanol and using these products may result in serious adverse health events (e.g., blindness and death). 6. Clinicians should contact the local poison center (1-800-222-1222) to report cases and to obtain specific medical management advice of methanol poisoning. For more details please see the attachment.true2020-07-02T22:18:3646663379Laboratory InformationLowIDPH: Laboratory Preparedness Exercise - LPX-A<p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory.</p> <p>The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism.</p> <p>LPX-A is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory July 6, 2020.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full detail.</p>The Laboratory Preparedness Exercise (LPX) was designed to test communications between the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Sentinel Laboratories and their LRN Reference Laboratory. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the LRN Sentinel Laboratories to practice packaging and shipping protocols when referring specimens to rule out or for confirmation of an agent of bioterrorism. LPX-A is scheduled to be sent to your laboratory July 6, 2020. Please see attachment for full detail.true2020-07-01T03:01:2646663288Opioid ConcernsLowIncrease in Opioid Overdose in Chicago - June 30, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">From January 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020, Chicago has seen an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths when compared to January 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019.</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">There were 5,985 EMS responses for opioid-related overdose which is an increase of 67% from the same time period in 2019.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">There have been at least 472 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago, which is an increase of 46% from the same time period in 2019.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Consider<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank"> immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Increase availability of Naloxone and<a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf" target="_blank"> increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/HRC_ODprevention_worksheet9.pdf" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH has funded Illinois Public Health institute (IPHI) to convene a 6-session virtual Learning Collaborative for hospital</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">and community-based providers to expand evidence-based approaches to overdose prevention and treatment of opioid use</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">disorder. Deadline to submit the quick registration form is July 10th: <a href="https://allhealthequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Registration-Form_LC_HOTR.pdf" target="_blank">https://allhealthequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Registration-Form_LC_HOTR.pdf</a></span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Please see attachment in order to view the entire health alert.&nbsp;</span></strong></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps:** * From January 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020, Chicago has seen an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths when compared to January 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019. * There were 5,985 EMS responses for opioid-related overdose which is an increase of 67% from the same time period in 2019. * There have been at least 472 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago, which is an increase of 46% from the same time period in 2019. * Consider[immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone. * Increase availability of Naloxone and[increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/afa808bb-3e62-4886-8a6e-9d7fc49f4067/NaloxoneNOW_Toolkit_3.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/HRC_ODprevention_worksheet9.pdf) for people who use drugs. * CDPH has funded Illinois Public Health institute (IPHI) to convene a 6-session virtual Learning Collaborative for hospital * and community-based providers to expand evidence-based approaches to overdose prevention and treatment of opioid use * disorder. Deadline to submit the quick registration form is July 10th: <https://allhealthequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Registration-Form_LC_HOTR.pdf> **Please see attachment in order to view the entire health alert.**true2020-06-29T14:22:0546663180West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 26<p>This report provides data on week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on week 26 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-06-26T22:34:5846663285VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin June 26, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>VFC Regional Meeting webinar <strong>due 6/30</strong></li> <li>How to Encourage Patients to Return to Your Office</li> <li>CPS health requirements</li> <li>20-21 Flu Pre-Book</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>In this Issue: * VFC Regional Meeting webinar **due 6/30** * How to Encourage Patients to Return to Your Office * CPS health requirements * 20-21 Flu Pre-Book Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-06-23T19:38:5946663012Substance AbuseLowAn Additional Addiction Treatment Training Opportunity<p>June 5, 2020, a HAN alert was released discussing an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago when compared to this same time period in 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients.</p> <p>Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs on Saturday June 27, 2020. Clinicians practicing in Illinois who complete a DATA-2000 waiver training between May 5 and June 30, 2020 will receive a <strong><span style="color:#FF0000">$750 incentive.&nbsp; Last week&#39;s course quickly sold out.</span></strong></p> <p>This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder. &nbsp;Please share this information widely.</p> <p>See the attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health</p>June 5, 2020, a HAN alert was released discussing an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago when compared to this same time period in 2019. Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients. Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs on Saturday June 27, 2020. Clinicians practicing in Illinois who complete a DATA-2000 waiver training between May 5 and June 30, 2020 will receive a **$750 incentive. Last week's course quickly sold out.** This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Please share this information widely. See the attachment for full details. Thank you. Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Healthtrue2020-06-22T16:45:4146663010West Nile VirusLowArboviral Surveillance Report Weeks 24 & 25<p>This report provides data on weeks 24 and 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators.</p> <p>See attachments for more details.</p>This report provides data on weeks 24 and 25 of surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes and includes data on other surveillance indicators. See attachments for more details.true2020-06-22T13:41:0446663107COVID19LowUpdate: Submission of CDPH Facility Summary Report and Facility Testing Plan and Response Strategy<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Frequency of submission for CDPH Facility Summary Reports will change to weekly. LTCFs should submit their reports every Thursday by 12 p.m.</li> <li>Upon finalization of the facility testing plan and response strategy, LTCFs should submit their plan to CDPH by email: <a href="mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org">CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Frequency of submission for CDPH Facility Summary Reports will change to weekly. LTCFs should submit their reports every Thursday by 12 p.m. * Upon finalization of the facility testing plan and response strategy, LTCFs should submit their plan to CDPH by email: [CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org](mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org). Please see attachment for full details.true2020-06-19T23:25:2646663007Infectious DiseaseLowIDPH Health Advisory: Cyclospora<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>Alert providers and local health departments that an increase in Illinois&rsquo; Cyclospora cases has been observed</li> <li>Remind health care providers and laboratories about special testing requirements to identify Cyclospora</li> <li>Request LHDs conduct enhanced investigation of domestically acquired cases, as detailed below</li> <li>Request laboratories forward clinical materials positive for Cyclospora to the IDPH Springfield Laboratory</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. There has been an increase in Cyclospora cases in Illinois since June 1, 2020. At least 47 cases have been reported to IDPH among Illinois residents. The source of the increase in cases is not yet known, but steps are being taken to identify a source(s). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials, are investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis that is possibly linked to prepackaged salads.</p> <p><strong>Reporting Information</strong><br /> Please report confirmed cases of cylcosporiasis to the reporting line at 312-743-9000 during business hours.</p> <p><em>Please see attachment for full details.</em></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Alert providers and local health departments that an increase in Illinois' Cyclospora cases has been observed * Remind health care providers and laboratories about special testing requirements to identify Cyclospora * Request LHDs conduct enhanced investigation of domestically acquired cases, as detailed below * Request laboratories forward clinical materials positive for Cyclospora to the IDPH Springfield Laboratory **Background** Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. There has been an increase in Cyclospora cases in Illinois since June 1, 2020. At least 47 cases have been reported to IDPH among Illinois residents. The source of the increase in cases is not yet known, but steps are being taken to identify a source(s). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials, are investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis that is possibly linked to prepackaged salads. **Reporting Information** Please report confirmed cases of cylcosporiasis to the reporting line at 312-743-9000 during business hours. *Please see attachment for full details.*true2020-06-19T16:05:3446663004COVID19LowIDPH Memo: Outdoor Visitation Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities<p>Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) may allow outdoor visitation for residents when certain conditions are met. Visitations must be limited to two visitors at a time per resident. The maximum number of residents and visitors in the outdoors space at one time is predicated on the size of the outdoor space. The LTCF must ensure that a minimum distancing of six feet is achievable in the outdoor space when determining the maximum number of residents and visitors who can simultaneously occupy that outdoor space. The LTCF must clearly communicate and enforce social distancing of six feet between the resident and all visitors. The facility must set the maximum number of visitors allowed in a single day.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) may allow outdoor visitation for residents when certain conditions are met. Visitations must be limited to two visitors at a time per resident. The maximum number of residents and visitors in the outdoors space at one time is predicated on the size of the outdoor space. The LTCF must ensure that a minimum distancing of six feet is achievable in the outdoor space when determining the maximum number of residents and visitors who can simultaneously occupy that outdoor space. The LTCF must clearly communicate and enforce social distancing of six feet between the resident and all visitors. The facility must set the maximum number of visitors allowed in a single day. Please see attachment for full details.true2020-06-18T19:05:5146663003ViralLowDetection of Ciprofloxacin-resistant, β-lactamase-producing Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup Y Isolates, United States, 2019–2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Meningococcal disease, which typically presents as meningitis or meningococcemia, is a life-threatening illness requiring prompt antibiotic treatment for patients and antibiotic prophylaxis for their close contacts. Neisseria meningitidis isolates in the United States have been largely susceptible to the antibiotics recommended for treatment and prophylaxis. However, 11 meningococcal disease cases reported in the United States during 2019&ndash;2020 had isolates containing a blaROB-1 &beta;-lactamase gene associated with penicillin resistance, as well as mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. An additional 22 cases reported during 2013&ndash;2020 contained a blaROB-1 &beta;-lactamase gene but did not have mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see attachment for full details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information:</strong> Providers&nbsp; and/or laboratories should continue to report suspected or confirmed cases of Neisseria meningitidis to Chicago Department of Public health by calling 312-743-9000 during business hours and 311 after hours by asking for the Communicable Disease physician on call. Laboratories should send isolates for all invasive meningococcal disease cases regardless of serogroup to the IDPH Chicago lab.</span></p>**Summary** Meningococcal disease, which typically presents as meningitis or meningococcemia, is a life-threatening illness requiring prompt antibiotic treatment for patients and antibiotic prophylaxis for their close contacts. Neisseria meningitidis isolates in the United States have been largely susceptible to the antibiotics recommended for treatment and prophylaxis. However, 11 meningococcal disease cases reported in the United States during 2019--2020 had isolates containing a blaROB-1 β-lactamase gene associated with penicillin resistance, as well as mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. An additional 22 cases reported during 2013--2020 contained a blaROB-1 β-lactamase gene but did not have mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance. Please see attachment for full details. **Reporting Information:** Providers and/or laboratories should continue to report suspected or confirmed cases of Neisseria meningitidis to Chicago Department of Public health by calling 312-743-9000 during business hours and 311 after hours by asking for the Communicable Disease physician on call. Laboratories should send isolates for all invasive meningococcal disease cases regardless of serogroup to the IDPH Chicago lab.true2020-06-17T20:13:1046663000Opioid ConcernsLowAddiction Treatment Training Opportunity<p><span style="font-size:14px">June 5th 2020, a HAN alert was released discussing an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago when compared to this same time period in 2019. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs. Clinicians practicing in Illinois who complete a DATA-2000 waiver training between May 5 and June 30, 2020 will receive a $1,000 incentive.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please share this information widely.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See the attachment for full details.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Thank you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health</span></p>June 5th 2020, a HAN alert was released discussing an increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago when compared to this same time period in 2019. Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing, and remitting disease where effective evidence-based treatment can stabilize and reduce harm and improve quality of life in patients. Sign up to take a free Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver Course for MDs, DOs, APNs, and PAs. Clinicians practicing in Illinois who complete a DATA-2000 waiver training between May 5 and June 30, 2020 will receive a $1,000 incentive. This is a great opportunity to increase the number of providers who are eligible to prescribe medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Please share this information widely. See the attachment for full details. Thank you. Chicago Department of Public Health, Bureau of Behavioral Healthtrue2020-06-15T22:05:1046662997COVID19LowCDPH encourages your participation in several LTC COVID 19 webinars June 16 - June 18, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">Long-term Care partners,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH encourages your participation in several relevant webinars that will be held this week:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Topic: NHSN LTC COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">When: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:00 &ndash; 1:00 PM Central Time</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Host: CDC</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To register, please visit: <a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_eoG2MEVNSKC0XNmyvPdI5A" target="_blank">https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_eoG2MEVNSKC0XNmyvPdI5Aexternal icon</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Topic: COCA Call: Applying COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Nursing Homes</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">When: Tuesday June 16th, 2020 1:00 &ndash; 2:00 PM Central Time</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Host: CDC For call information, please visit: <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_061620.asp" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ybfkshra</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Topic: COVID-19 Updates and Q&amp;A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">When: Wednesday June 17, 2020 1:00 &ndash; 2:00 PM Central Time</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Host: IDPH</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To register, please visit: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&amp;siteurl=illinois&amp;service=6&amp;rnd=0.10997015296411172&amp;main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b00000004bbff689bdf15c9ddbb19da99181d55b60815205a7b54037f2a7c7107c0006fd9%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D146998633004290954%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAAQg_H8nJBW_x3enjXIXKJM-YfsYiLgFJxq7TDlG2bCNKg2%26" target="_blank">https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e31c66916c51c637e7f367c69c2e60003</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Topic: COVID-19 Long-term Care Roundtable Webinar</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">When: Thursday June 18, 2020 3:00 &ndash; 4:00 PM Central Time</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Host: CDPH</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To join, please visit:<a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&amp;MTID=m64d9936c36bfbd3017e90d142f69ea26" target="_blank"> https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m64d9936c36bfbd3017e90d142f69ea26</a></span></p>Long-term Care partners, CDPH encourages your participation in several relevant webinars that will be held this week: **Topic: NHSN LTC COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar** When: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:00 -- 1:00 PM Central Time Host: CDC To register, please visit: [https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_eoG2MEVNSKC0XNmyvPdI5Aexternal icon](https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_eoG2MEVNSKC0XNmyvPdI5A) **Topic: COCA Call: Applying COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Nursing Homes** When: Tuesday June 16th, 2020 1:00 -- 2:00 PM Central Time Host: CDC For call information, please visit: [https://tinyurl.com/ybfkshra](https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_061620.asp) **Topic: COVID-19 Updates and Q\&A Webinar for Long-term Care and Congregate Residential Settings** When: Wednesday June 17, 2020 1:00 -- 2:00 PM Central Time Host: IDPH To register, please visit: [https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e31c66916c51c637e7f367c69c2e60003](https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=illinois&service=6&rnd=0.10997015296411172&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b00000004bbff689bdf15c9ddbb19da99181d55b60815205a7b54037f2a7c7107c0006fd9%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D146998633004290954%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAAQg_H8nJBW_x3enjXIXKJM-YfsYiLgFJxq7TDlG2bCNKg2%26) **Topic: COVID-19 Long-term Care Roundtable Webinar** When: Thursday June 18, 2020 3:00 -- 4:00 PM Central Time Host: CDPH To join, please visit:[https://chicagogov.webex.com/chicagogov/j.php?MTID=m64d9936c36bfbd3017e90d142f69ea26](https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&MTID=m64d9936c36bfbd3017e90d142f69ea26)false2020-06-11T19:30:5046663097VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin June 11, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>VFC Regional Meeting webinar due 6/30</li> <li>CDPH I-CARE 3 Webinar 6/24</li> <li>VFC Provider COVID-19 Impact Survey</li> <li>CPS health requirements</li> <li>20-21 Flu Pre-Book</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: * VFC Regional Meeting webinar due 6/30 * CDPH I-CARE 3 Webinar 6/24 * VFC Provider COVID-19 Impact Survey * CPS health requirements * 20-21 Flu Pre-Book Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-06-10T21:05:1746662990West Nile VirusLowFirst Mosquitoes Testing Positive For West Nile Virus Reported<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Illinois for 2020. North Shore Mosquito Abatement District collected the positive mosquito batch on June 5, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.</p> <p>West Nile Virus (WNV) can be found in almost every part of Chicago and in every demographic group. Preventing human infection relies primarily on reducing the mosquito population and preventing bites.</p> <p>Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of standing water, so limiting their habitats helps reduce the spread of the virus.</p> <ul> <li>Regularly empty outdoor water sources such as buckets, flower pots, pool covers, birdbaths and pet dishes.</li> <li>Make sure doors and windows have tight‐fitting screens to prevent mosquitos from entering homes.</li> </ul> <p>People can also reduce personal risk of WNV by taking steps to keep mosquitoes from biting.</p> <ul> <li>When possible, stay inside at dusk, dawn and other times of heavy mosquito activity.</li> <li>If you need to be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks and use an EPA‐ registered insect repellent (see link below) properly to prevent mosquito bites.</li> </ul> <p>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent<br /> infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925.</p> <p>Please see the attached document for the full details.</p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Illinois for 2020. North Shore Mosquito Abatement District collected the positive mosquito batch on June 5, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year. West Nile Virus (WNV) can be found in almost every part of Chicago and in every demographic group. Preventing human infection relies primarily on reducing the mosquito population and preventing bites. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of standing water, so limiting their habitats helps reduce the spread of the virus. * Regularly empty outdoor water sources such as buckets, flower pots, pool covers, birdbaths and pet dishes. * Make sure doors and windows have tight‐fitting screens to prevent mosquitos from entering homes. People can also reduce personal risk of WNV by taking steps to keep mosquitoes from biting. * When possible, stay inside at dusk, dawn and other times of heavy mosquito activity. * If you need to be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks and use an EPA‐ registered insect repellent (see link below) properly to prevent mosquito bites. REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925. Please see the attached document for the full details.true2020-06-10T16:44:3946663094COVID19LowLTC COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar Wednesday, June 10, 2020 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET<p>Hi Long Term Care,</p> <p>NHSN will be holding a webinar today about LTCF data quality. This webinar will address some frequent issues including common data errors and how to fix and avoid them.</p> <p><strong>Topic: LTC COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar<br /> When: Wednesday, June 10, 2020<br /> Time: 1:00 PM &ndash; 2:00 PM ET</strong></p> <p>Space is limited. Register in advance for this webinar:</p> <p><a href="https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_qNJ-90GuSkym7RjctUfYMQ">https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_qNJ-90GuSkym7RjctUfYMQ</a></p> <p>After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.</p>Hi Long Term Care, NHSN will be holding a webinar today about LTCF data quality. This webinar will address some frequent issues including common data errors and how to fix and avoid them. **Topic: LTC COVID-19 Data Quality Webinar When: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 Time: 1:00 PM -- 2:00 PM ET** Space is limited. Register in advance for this webinar: <https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_qNJ-90GuSkym7RjctUfYMQ> After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.false2020-06-05T19:10:1346662988Opioid ConcernsLowIncrease in Opioid Overdose in Chicago<p><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></p> <ul> <li>From January 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020, Chicago has seen an <strong>increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths</strong> when compared to January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019. <ul> <li>There were 4,571 EMS responses for opioid-related overdose which is an <strong>increase of 72%</strong> from the same time period in 2019.</li> <li>&nbsp;There have been at least 331 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago, which is an <strong>increase of 35%</strong> from the same time period in 2019.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Increase availability of Naloxone and <a href="https://www.prevention.org/Resources/14571282-ef6e-4628-b793-5e4188e246c6/NaloxoneNow_WhatIsNaloxone_mediakit_full-v1-4.pdf" target="_blank">increase signage</a> in your facility to increase awareness.</li> <li>Consider <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf" target="_blank">immediate initiation of buprenorphine</a> in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone.</li> <li>Share these <a href="https://harmreduction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/HRC_ODprevention_worksheet9.pdf" target="_blank">Harm Reduction Tips</a> for people who use drugs.</li> <li><a href="https://allhealthequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Updated-RFA_HOTR-Alliance-for-Health-Equity_April2020-Final.pdf" target="_blank">Apply for funding</a> to be a demonstration site for increasing capacity to initiate MAT/MOUD and/or dispense Naloxone.</li> <li>If a healthcare system/hospital, complete this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB57k8pVeP5RFn7jfD-csqOeNoDE_qDD2vRB9fqZ652z5Lyw/viewform" target="_blank">30 second survey</a> to express interest in pariticipating in a learning collaborative for expanding capacity to initiate MAT/MOUD and or dispence Naloxone.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Please see attachment in order to view the entire health alert.&nbsp;</span></strong></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * From January 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020, Chicago has seen an **increase in both opioid-related EMS responses and opioid-related overdose deaths** when compared to January 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019. * There were 4,571 EMS responses for opioid-related overdose which is an **increase of 72%** from the same time period in 2019. * There have been at least 331 opioid-related overdose deaths in Chicago, which is an **increase of 35%** from the same time period in 2019. * Increase availability of Naloxone and [increase signage](https://www.prevention.org/Resources/14571282-ef6e-4628-b793-5e4188e246c6/NaloxoneNow_WhatIsNaloxone_mediakit_full-v1-4.pdf) in your facility to increase awareness. * Consider [immediate initiation of buprenorphine](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c412ab755b02cec3b4ed998/t/5dc31217b305036def2229e9/1573065241235/CA+Bridge+-+Protocol+-+Bup+After+Overdose+-+NOV+2019.pdf) in persons whose opioid overdose was reversed with Naloxone. * Share these [Harm Reduction Tips](https://harmreduction.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/HRC_ODprevention_worksheet9.pdf) for people who use drugs. * [Apply for funding](https://allhealthequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Updated-RFA_HOTR-Alliance-for-Health-Equity_April2020-Final.pdf) to be a demonstration site for increasing capacity to initiate MAT/MOUD and/or dispense Naloxone. * If a healthcare system/hospital, complete this [30 second survey](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB57k8pVeP5RFn7jfD-csqOeNoDE_qDD2vRB9fqZ652z5Lyw/viewform) to express interest in pariticipating in a learning collaborative for expanding capacity to initiate MAT/MOUD and or dispence Naloxone. **Please see attachment in order to view the entire health alert.**true2020-06-04T17:14:2946663091COVID19LowLONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES - CHSCPR COVID-19 AAR Survey<p>CDPH is developing an after action report for Chicago Healthcare Coalition members and partners as it relates to response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very interested in your experiences to date and efforts being taken to prepare for future phases/waves. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below. Please note that we only need one survey per facility, so it is requested that you only submit once collectively on behalf of your facility. By participating in this survey, you will receive a copy and your facility will be acknowledged as a contributor in the after action report itself. If there are questions, please contact our exercise contractor (Steve Mier) at <a href="mailto:steve@themiergroup.com">steve@themiergroup.com</a></p> <p>Please complete the survey by close of business <strong>June 10th</strong> using the following link: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTCF_AAR" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTCF_AAR</a></p>CDPH is developing an after action report for Chicago Healthcare Coalition members and partners as it relates to response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very interested in your experiences to date and efforts being taken to prepare for future phases/waves. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below. Please note that we only need one survey per facility, so it is requested that you only submit once collectively on behalf of your facility. By participating in this survey, you will receive a copy and your facility will be acknowledged as a contributor in the after action report itself. If there are questions, please contact our exercise contractor (Steve Mier) at [steve@themiergroup.com](mailto:steve@themiergroup.com) Please complete the survey by close of business **June 10th** using the following link: <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTCF_AAR>false2020-06-03T22:10:3846662986COVID19LowReopening Considerations for Healthcare Facilities<p>Summary and Action Items<br /> &bull; Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to track COVID-19 case data to inform guidance around patient and healthcare worker safety. CDPH is requesting providers enhance data reporting efforts.</p> <p>&bull; Data reports are publicly available at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-data.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-data.html</a> and datasets are posted at <a href="https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?limitTo=datasets&amp;sortBy=alpha&amp;tags=covid-19" target="_blank">https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?limitTo=datasets&amp;sortBy=alpha&amp;tags=covid-19</a>.</p> <p>&bull; Healthcare facilities should reinforce general safe community social distancing practices such as those released in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/Resuming-Business-Toolkit.pdf" target="_blank">CDC Resuming Business Toolkit</a> and on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-business-portal.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago Reopening Businesses Portal.</a></p> <p>&bull; Healthcare providers should reinforce the importance of social distancing and other mitigation approaches with their patients.</p> <p>&bull; Healthcare providers should maintain a low threshold to perform COVID-19 molecular testing.</p> <p>&bull; Healthcare facilities should prepare to resume contact tracing and implement appropriate management for healthcare worker exposures as described in the May 29, 2020 updates to<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html" target="_blank"> CDC&rsquo;s Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Please download the attached document for the full details of this alert.</p>Summary and Action Items • Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to track COVID-19 case data to inform guidance around patient and healthcare worker safety. CDPH is requesting providers enhance data reporting efforts. • Data reports are publicly available at <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-data.html> and datasets are posted at [https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?limitTo=datasets\&sortBy=alpha\&tags=covid-19](https://data.cityofchicago.org/browse?limitTo=datasets&sortBy=alpha&tags=covid-19). • Healthcare facilities should reinforce general safe community social distancing practices such as those released in the [CDC Resuming Business Toolkit](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/Resuming-Business-Toolkit.pdf) and on the [City of Chicago Reopening Businesses Portal.](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/reopening-business-portal.html) • Healthcare providers should reinforce the importance of social distancing and other mitigation approaches with their patients. • Healthcare providers should maintain a low threshold to perform COVID-19 molecular testing. • Healthcare facilities should prepare to resume contact tracing and implement appropriate management for healthcare worker exposures as described in the May 29, 2020 updates to[CDC's Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html) Please download the attached document for the full details of this alert.true2020-06-02T21:00:2446663089VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin June 2, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/CDPHVFC2020" target="_blank">VFC Regional Meeting webinar</a></li> <li><a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RK3WF3ND3E" target="_blank">Provider impact survey</a>&mdash;please complete!</li> <li><a href="https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/campaigns/call-your-pediatrician/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">#CallYourPediatrician</a> AAP Campaign</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p>In this Issue: * [VFC Regional Meeting webinar](https://tinyurl.com/CDPHVFC2020) * [Provider impact survey](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=RK3WF3ND3E)---please complete! * [#CallYourPediatrician](https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/campaigns/call-your-pediatrician/Pages/default.aspx) AAP Campaign Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-05-29T15:12:5546663083COVID19LowUpdated Interim Guidance: COVID-19 Testing and Response Strategy in Licensed Long-term Care (LTC) Facilities<p><span style="font-size:14px">This interim guidance provides updated guidelines and criteria for COVID-19 testing in licensed long-term care (LTC) facilities, as defined by the Nursing Home Care Act, 210 ILCS 45, primarily focusing on skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Given their congregate setting and resident populations served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19. If infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, residents are at increased risk of serious illness. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is committed to working proactively with LTC facilities to prevent illnesses.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Nursing Home Care Act requires each LTC facility to designate a person or persons as Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to develop and to implement policies governing the control of infections and communicable diseases (210 ILCS 45/2-213(d)). This policy must be written, clear, unambiguous and made available to the public (210 ILCS 45/2-210). This guidance outlines how each LTC facility must develop an infection and communicable disease control policy that includes a facility assessment, a testing plan, and a response strategy for COVID-19.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for further details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Long Term Care Facilities may find best practices for this type of testing as well as&nbsp; COVID-19 infection prevention and control guidance on the CDPH LTCF homepage: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Providers must report all positive cases into the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS).&nbsp; If your facility does not have access to INEDSS, you should report cases by completing the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">COVID-19 Online Case Report Form</a> (a confidential online survey powered by IDPH REDCap).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For COVID-19 Long Term Care guidance and support call 312-744-1100.</span></p>This interim guidance provides updated guidelines and criteria for COVID-19 testing in licensed long-term care (LTC) facilities, as defined by the Nursing Home Care Act, 210 ILCS 45, primarily focusing on skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities. Given their congregate setting and resident populations served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19. If infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, residents are at increased risk of serious illness. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is committed to working proactively with LTC facilities to prevent illnesses. The Nursing Home Care Act requires each LTC facility to designate a person or persons as Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to develop and to implement policies governing the control of infections and communicable diseases (210 ILCS 45/2-213(d)). This policy must be written, clear, unambiguous and made available to the public (210 ILCS 45/2-210). This guidance outlines how each LTC facility must develop an infection and communicable disease control policy that includes a facility assessment, a testing plan, and a response strategy for COVID-19. See attachment for further details. Long Term Care Facilities may find best practices for this type of testing as well as COVID-19 infection prevention and control guidance on the CDPH LTCF homepage: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF> Providers must report all positive cases into the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). If your facility does not have access to INEDSS, you should report cases by completing the [COVID-19 Online Case Report Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84) (a confidential online survey powered by IDPH REDCap). For COVID-19 Long Term Care guidance and support call 312-744-1100.true2025-04-11T20:50:1246689978LTCFDiseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),MeaslesHighIDPH Webinars 2025<p><strong>IDPH Webinar </strong>- Identified Offenders Program " an IDPH Webinar occurring 4/23/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/ecdad92a4bc5471b8ca143e6af2b86db?ticket=4832534b000000076b5c047d64786a850e9a3fd03e4cacfc7c2d360ac93eae42648b068022abc2d6&amp;timestamp=1744403869608&amp;RGID=rea8974a0f12f7173e64448ed1b703cb3&amp;isAutoPopRegisterForm=false" target="_blank">htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rea8974a0f12f7173e64448ed1b703cb3</a></p> <p><br /> <strong>IDPH Webinar</strong> - Intermediate and Skilled Nursing Staffing Ratios" an IDPH Webinar occurring 5/21/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/cf038d04a8904b3fa5d43361b38fcef9?ticket=4832534b00000007f78835e6554db7a573d35cf304b85f943b5717ed9e3b85e2835cbca1ab4d4a9c&amp;timestamp=1744403874927&amp;RGID=r20cf504d8efd5039087cc1b06e359b7c&amp;isAutoPopRegisterForm=false" target="_blank">htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r20cf504d8efd5039087cc1b06e359b7c</a></p> <p><br /> <strong>IDPH Webinar</strong> - LLCS Network Training" an IDPH Webinar occurring 6/18/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/2e80267f309748c0a1b2a37eba69a453?ticket=4832534b00000007e584237b21ff73c73c3f1067a6dcec959b09e2d25380f9ed37c8e938b8e39d56&amp;timestamp=1744403878854&amp;RGID=rb5c9c97fa2009f02cbfcb6395b11128b&amp;isAutoPopRegisterForm=false" target="_blank">htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rb5c9c97fa2009f02cbfcb6395b11128b</a></p> <p> </p> **IDPH Webinar** - Identified Offenders Program " an IDPH Webinar occurring 4/23/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: [htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rea8974a0f12f7173e64448ed1b703cb3](https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/ecdad92a4bc5471b8ca143e6af2b86db?ticket=4832534b000000076b5c047d64786a850e9a3fd03e4cacfc7c2d360ac93eae42648b068022abc2d6&timestamp=1744403869608&RGID=rea8974a0f12f7173e64448ed1b703cb3&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false) <br /> **IDPH Webinar** - Intermediate and Skilled Nursing Staffing Ratios" an IDPH Webinar occurring 5/21/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: [htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r20cf504d8efd5039087cc1b06e359b7c](https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/cf038d04a8904b3fa5d43361b38fcef9?ticket=4832534b00000007f78835e6554db7a573d35cf304b85f943b5717ed9e3b85e2835cbca1ab4d4a9c&timestamp=1744403874927&RGID=r20cf504d8efd5039087cc1b06e359b7c&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false) <br /> **IDPH Webinar** - LLCS Network Training" an IDPH Webinar occurring 6/18/2025 from 1:00pm-2:00pm CST. To Register: [htps://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/rb5c9c97fa2009f02cbfcb6395b11128b](https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/meeting/register/2e80267f309748c0a1b2a37eba69a453?ticket=4832534b00000007e584237b21ff73c73c3f1067a6dcec959b09e2d25380f9ed37c8e938b8e39d56&timestamp=1744403878854&RGID=rb5c9c97fa2009f02cbfcb6395b11128b&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false) falsehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689978?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,434556,4383132020-05-28T15:54:0946662978AnnouncementLowCOCA Call: Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response, June 3, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Overview</strong><br /> During this COCA call, presenters will provide an overview of the updated guidance for dental settings, including recommendations for resuming non-emergency dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters also will discuss strategies for dental healthcare facilities to optimize personal protective equipment (PPE).</span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Call Details:</strong><br /> When: Wednesday, June 3, 2020,<br /> 2 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Watch on Facebook: You may also participate in this COCA Call by joining COCA&rsquo;s Facebook Live.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Webinar Link:<br /> <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615437963" target="_blank">https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615437963</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Dial In:<br /> US: +1 669 254 5252<br /> or +1 646 828 7666</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Presenters</strong><br /> Casey Hannan, MPH<br /> Director, Division of Oral Health<br /> National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Michele Neuburger, DDS, MPH<br /> Infection Prevention Control Team<br /> COVID-19 Response<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Alberto Garcia, MS<br /> Worker Safety Team<br /> COVID-19 Response<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Marie de Perio, MD (USPHS)<br /> Worker Safety Team<br /> COVID-19 Response<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">LCDR Megan Casey, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC (USPHS)<br /> Worker Safety Team<br /> COVID-19 Response<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px"><strong>For more information</strong><br /> <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_060320.asp" target="_blank">https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_060320.asp</a></span></p>**Overview** During this COCA call, presenters will provide an overview of the updated guidance for dental settings, including recommendations for resuming non-emergency dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters also will discuss strategies for dental healthcare facilities to optimize personal protective equipment (PPE). <br /> **Call Details:** When: Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 2 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Watch on Facebook: You may also participate in this COCA Call by joining COCA's Facebook Live. Webinar Link: <https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615437963> Dial In: US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 **Presenters** Casey Hannan, MPH Director, Division of Oral Health National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Michele Neuburger, DDS, MPH Infection Prevention Control Team COVID-19 Response Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Alberto Garcia, MS Worker Safety Team COVID-19 Response Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Marie de Perio, MD (USPHS) Worker Safety Team COVID-19 Response Centers for Disease Control and Prevention LCDR Megan Casey, RN, BSN, MPH, CIC (USPHS) Worker Safety Team COVID-19 Response Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <br /> **For more information** <https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_060320.asp>false2020-04-13T22:16:3246661401COVID19LowUPDATE: Interim Guidance: Antibody Testing for SARS-CoV-2<p><strong>Summary:</strong></p> <ul> <li>SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are available but currently not approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration.</li> <li>Sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of available antibody tests has not yet been determined, and as such, PCR testing is recommended in conjunction with antibody testing in order to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection.</li> <li>False positives antibody tests might occur in the presence of past or present infection with other coronaviruses such as HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.</li> <li>Although serologic testing by itself should not be used to diagnose infection with SARS-CoV-2, any positive IgM or IgG results should be reported to public health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Survellance System (I-NEDSS). For providers not able to report via I-NEDSS, results may be reported through the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">COVID-19 Online Case Report Form</a> (confidential online survey powered by REDCap).</li> </ul> <p>Please see attachment for more details.</p>**Summary:** * SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are available but currently not approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration. * Sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of available antibody tests has not yet been determined, and as such, PCR testing is recommended in conjunction with antibody testing in order to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection. * False positives antibody tests might occur in the presence of past or present infection with other coronaviruses such as HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E. * Although serologic testing by itself should not be used to diagnose infection with SARS-CoV-2, any positive IgM or IgG results should be reported to public health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Survellance System (I-NEDSS). For providers not able to report via I-NEDSS, results may be reported through the [COVID-19 Online Case Report Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84) (confidential online survey powered by REDCap). Please see attachment for more details.true2020-05-22T19:14:3046662607InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 20<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 20&nbsp;has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This will be the last Chicago Flu Update issued for the 2019-2020 influenza season. The next update will be issued in October 2020. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of May 10-16, 2020, no influenzaassociated ICU hospitalizations were reported&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since September 29, 2019, 479 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1_pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported, and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 20 has been published. This will be the last Chicago Flu Update issued for the 2019-2020 influenza season. The next update will be issued in October 2020. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated annually. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of May 10-16, 2020, no influenzaassociated ICU hospitalizations were reported Since September 29, 2019, 479 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1~pdm09,~ 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported, and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-05-21T22:22:4746662699COVID19LowMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19 Interim Guidance<p><span style="font-size:14px">The attached SIREN alert aims to ensure that clinicians are aware of current guidance regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the case definition and guidance on reporting to local health departments.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:14px">Background</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Clinicians in the United Kingdom, New York City and New York State have reported cases of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (many of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or serologic assay). Additional reports of children presenting with severe inflammatory syndrome with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 or an epidemiological link to a COVID-19 case have been reported by authorities in other countries.</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;On May 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Health Advisory regarding a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a case definition for this syndrome.</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">&nbsp;There is limited information currently available regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical course, and treatment for MIS-C.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please review the attached IDPH SIREN Alert regarding<strong> </strong>Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Refer to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19/mis-c" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19/mis-c</a> for updated guidance on MIS-C reporting for Chicago residents as case definitions and reporting instructions are likely to change over time.</span></p>The attached SIREN alert aims to ensure that clinicians are aware of current guidance regarding Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the case definition and guidance on reporting to local health departments. **Background** * Clinicians in the United Kingdom, New York City and New York State have reported cases of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (many of whom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or serologic assay). Additional reports of children presenting with severe inflammatory syndrome with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 or an epidemiological link to a COVID-19 case have been reported by authorities in other countries. <!-- --> * On May 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a Health Advisory regarding a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a case definition for this syndrome. <!-- --> * There is limited information currently available regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical course, and treatment for MIS-C. Please review the attached IDPH SIREN Alert regardingMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance. Refer to [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19/mis-c](https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19/mis-c) for updated guidance on MIS-C reporting for Chicago residents as case definitions and reporting instructions are likely to change over time.true2020-05-20T22:53:3346662601COVID19LowCOVID-19 LTC Facility Summary Report updates<p>Hi Long Term Care,</p> <p>Chicago Department of Public Health launched a new site for submitting your COVID-19 CDPH Facility Summary Reports.</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Updates for COVID-19 CDPH Facility Summary Reports:</strong></span></p> <p>Instead of emailing the biweekly facility summary reports directly to your CDPH points of contact, please send your report in using the &nbsp;<strong><a href="https://redcap.link/1tdpzx40" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CDPH Facility Summary Report Upload Site</a></strong>.</p> <p>Facility Summary Reports are due by noon on Monday and Thursday.</p> <p>Please continue to submit your new cases and lab results via the&nbsp;<a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>COVID-19 Online Case Report Form</strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>Upcoming Webinars:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID-19 Preparedness and Response</strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">Chicago Department of Public Health<br /> Every Thursday from 3-4 pm CT<br /> Next session: Thursday 5/21/20 3-4 pm CT<br /> <a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&amp;MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the meeting</a></p> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 Updates and Q&amp;A for long-term care and congregate residential settings</strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:40px">Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Every Friday from 1-2 pm CT<br /> Next session: Friday 5/22/20 1-2 pm CT<br /> <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&amp;siteurl=illinois&amp;service=6&amp;rnd=0.6304788787609457&amp;main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b0000000451fbd33ad04847d5f5ace6f1d548bf9e0c2074b3849c90eaaef607e18ad9b8b5%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D157514935549600450%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAATBjfPsbUkFgkJJUFGRjwCby2ksHX8C_QOg3ez_00WauA2%26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register Here</a></p> <p><strong>For additional information regarding COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:</strong><br /> <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF</a></p> <p><strong>For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:</strong><br /> 312-744-1100</p>Hi Long Term Care, Chicago Department of Public Health launched a new site for submitting your COVID-19 CDPH Facility Summary Reports. **Updates for COVID-19 CDPH Facility Summary Reports:** Instead of emailing the biweekly facility summary reports directly to your CDPH points of contact, please send your report in using the **[CDPH Facility Summary Report Upload Site](https://redcap.link/1tdpzx40)**. Facility Summary Reports are due by noon on Monday and Thursday. Please continue to submit your new cases and lab results via the [**COVID-19 Online Case Report Form**](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84). **Upcoming Webinars:** * **Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID-19 Preparedness and Response** Chicago Department of Public Health Every Thursday from 3-4 pm CT Next session: Thursday 5/21/20 3-4 pm CT [Join the meeting](https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc) * **COVID-19 Updates and Q\&A for long-term care and congregate residential settings** Illinois Department of Public Health Every Friday from 1-2 pm CT Next session: Friday 5/22/20 1-2 pm CT [Register Here](https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=illinois&service=6&rnd=0.6304788787609457&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b0000000451fbd33ad04847d5f5ace6f1d548bf9e0c2074b3849c90eaaef607e18ad9b8b5%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D157514935549600450%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAATBjfPsbUkFgkJJUFGRjwCby2ksHX8C_QOg3ez_00WauA2%26) **For additional information regarding COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF> **For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:** 312-744-1100false2020-05-15T19:09:1746662598InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 19<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 19 has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However,influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Although, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons, it has slowly been decreasing for the past several weeks.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> are closed until further notice.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>For the week of May 3-9, 2020, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since September 29, 2019, 479* influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.&nbsp;<em>* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 19 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However,influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Although, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons, it has slowly been decreasing for the past several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) are closed until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of May 3-9, 2020, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 479\* influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. *\* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.* The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-04-10T21:50:1946661602VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - April 10, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px">Please note the VFC Bulletin is&nbsp;attached to this email.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">In This Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Maintaining pediatric vaccinations during the COVID-19 Pandemic&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">National Infant Immunization Week 4/25/20-5/2/20</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">New VIS&rsquo;s Available</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">VFC Re-Enrollment due NEXT WEDS</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Regional Meeting webinars postponed until June</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachments for full details.</span></p>Please note the VFC Bulletin is attached to this email. In This Issue: * Maintaining pediatric vaccinations during the COVID-19 Pandemic * National Infant Immunization Week 4/25/20-5/2/20 * New VIS's Available * VFC Re-Enrollment due NEXT WEDS * Regional Meeting webinars postponed until June Please see the attachments for full details.true2020-04-10T19:41:0746661396InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 14<p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 14&nbsp;has been published.</p> <p>In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in<br /> healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank"> CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> <u>are closed </u>until further notice.</p> <p>Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease.</p> <p>For the week of March 29-April 4, 2020, no influenzaassociated ICU hospitalizations were reported.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since September 29, 2019, 475*influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 368 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 107 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. <em>(*Total case counts may cahnge as additional information is received.)</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 14 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that[CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) ++are closed++until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease. For the week of March 29-April 4, 2020, no influenzaassociated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 475\*influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 368 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 107 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. *(\*Total case counts may cahnge as additional information is received.)* The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-05-13T19:49:3646662684COVID19LowIDPH: Guidance for Management of Patients in Home Care Setting During COVID-19<p>This guidance has been prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health based on federal and State guidance as of May 8, 2020.<br /> This guidance may change as new directives, recommendations and information are received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">www.cms.gov</a> and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <a href="http://www.cms.gov/" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov</a>. Home Health, Hospice, Home Services and Home Nursing providers are encouraged to create policies and procedures that reflect their own agency operations, capabilities and community/patient needs during an emergency.</p> <p>See attachment for full details.</p> <p>Please refer to <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" target="_blank">http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a> for all updated guidance documents.</p>This guidance has been prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health based on federal and State guidance as of May 8, 2020. This guidance may change as new directives, recommendations and information are received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) [www.cms.gov](http://www.cdc.gov/) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [www.cdc.gov](http://www.cms.gov/). Home Health, Hospice, Home Services and Home Nursing providers are encouraged to create policies and procedures that reflect their own agency operations, capabilities and community/patient needs during an emergency. See attachment for full details. Please refer to <http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19> for all updated guidance documents.true2020-05-08T19:26:2046662494InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 18<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 18&nbsp;has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However,influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Although, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons, it has slowly been decreasing for the past several weeks.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> are closed until further notice.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since September 29, 2019, 479* influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.&nbsp;<em>* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 18 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However,influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Although, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons, it has slowly been decreasing for the past several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) are closed until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. Since September 29, 2019, 479\* influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 370 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 123 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. *\* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.* The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-05-06T22:46:1246662389VFCLowChicago VFC News Bulletin May 7 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">Please note there are three documents attached to this email.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 Update for Providers<br /> Well Visit Guidance<br /> Testing Updates<br /> Public Health Reporting</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachments for full details.</span></p>Please note there are three documents attached to this email. In this Issue: COVID-19 Update for Providers Well Visit Guidance Testing Updates Public Health Reporting Please see the attachments for full details.true2020-05-05T16:45:2846662486COVID19LowUPDATED Guidance for Outpatient Healthcare Facilities<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">COVID-19 molecular testing is now recommended for all patients seeking care who are symptomatic, even those with mild symptoms (See April 30, 2020 Health Alert: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_COVID_TESTING_043020F.pdf" target="_blank">Recommendations for Health Care Providers to Test All Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness for COVID-19</a>).&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDC has also updated testing priorities: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html</a> and isolation period recommendations: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html</a>.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Given this change, CDPH has summarized the most recent CDC infection control guidance to support outpatient operations, including the following key elements:</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Reduce facility risk. Use telemedicine when possible, limit points of entry and manage visitors, screen everyone entering the facility for COVID-19 symptoms, implement source control for everyone entering the facility, regardless of symptoms.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Isolate symptomatic patients as soon as possible. Set up separate, well-ventilated triage areas, place patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in private rooms with the door closed.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Protect healthcare personnel. Emphasize hand hygiene, train frequently on appropriate use of PPE, install barriers to limit contact with patients at triage, consider outdoor testing and triage capabilities, follow new <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/return-to-work.html" target="_blank">return to work guidance for healthcare personnel</a>.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Report positive test results to public health by methods described in April 29, 2020 <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_PH_final_043020+%281%29.pdf" target="_blank">Public Health Order</a>.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * COVID-19 molecular testing is now recommended for all patients seeking care who are symptomatic, even those with mild symptoms (See April 30, 2020 Health Alert: [Recommendations for Health Care Providers to Test All Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness for COVID-19](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_COVID_TESTING_043020F.pdf)). * CDC has also updated testing priorities: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html> and isolation period recommendations: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html>. * Given this change, CDPH has summarized the most recent CDC infection control guidance to support outpatient operations, including the following key elements: * Reduce facility risk. Use telemedicine when possible, limit points of entry and manage visitors, screen everyone entering the facility for COVID-19 symptoms, implement source control for everyone entering the facility, regardless of symptoms. * Isolate symptomatic patients as soon as possible. Set up separate, well-ventilated triage areas, place patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in private rooms with the door closed. * Protect healthcare personnel. Emphasize hand hygiene, train frequently on appropriate use of PPE, install barriers to limit contact with patients at triage, consider outdoor testing and triage capabilities, follow new [return to work guidance for healthcare personnel](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/return-to-work.html). * Report positive test results to public health by methods described in April 29, 2020 [Public Health Order](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/HAN_PH_final_043020+%281%29.pdf). Please see the attachment for more information.true2020-05-05T16:22:4646662485COVID19LowBattelle Critical Decontamination System for PPE<p>To address the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE), the State of Illinois has procured technology capable of decontaminating PPE for reuse in the fight against COVID-19.</p> <p>This is a free service that will safely stretch our critical PPE for frontline workers. Effective immediately, workers in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other frontline occupations should begin saving unsoiled N95 masks for decontamination right away.</p> <p>A Battelle Critical Decontamination System has been established in Waukegan, Illinois to address this immediate need.&nbsp;</p> <p>To participate, all entities who use compatible N95 masks must enroll at <a href="https://www.battelle.org/inb/battelle-critical-care-decontamination-system-for-covid19?utm_source=brochure&amp;utm_medium=1-pager&amp;utm_campaign=fy20-covid&amp;utm_content=v1" target="_blank">www.battelle.org/decon</a>.</p> <p>Attached are the Instructions on Collection and Shipment of N95 Masks, List of Compatible N95 Masks and an UN3373 label for shipment for use once you have registered with Battelle. Please note any questions regarding shipping can be sent to <a href="mailto:solutions@battelle.org &lt;solutions@battelle.org&gt;">solutions@battelle.org</a>.</p> <p>Attachments (Instructtions, Mask Chart, and un3373 label)&nbsp;are available for download.&nbsp;</p>To address the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE), the State of Illinois has procured technology capable of decontaminating PPE for reuse in the fight against COVID-19. This is a free service that will safely stretch our critical PPE for frontline workers. Effective immediately, workers in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other frontline occupations should begin saving unsoiled N95 masks for decontamination right away. A Battelle Critical Decontamination System has been established in Waukegan, Illinois to address this immediate need. To participate, all entities who use compatible N95 masks must enroll at [www.battelle.org/decon](https://www.battelle.org/inb/battelle-critical-care-decontamination-system-for-covid19?utm_source=brochure&utm_medium=1-pager&utm_campaign=fy20-covid&utm_content=v1). Attached are the Instructions on Collection and Shipment of N95 Masks, List of Compatible N95 Masks and an UN3373 label for shipment for use once you have registered with Battelle. Please note any questions regarding shipping can be sent to [solutions@battelle.org](mailto:solutions@battelle.org <solutions@battelle.org>). Attachments (Instructtions, Mask Chart, and un3373 label) are available for download.true2020-05-04T22:30:5246662484COVID19LowUPDATES to Isolation Housing Options<p><u><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Summary and Action Items</span></strong></u></p> <ul> <li>Through continuous monitoring of hospital intensive care unit (ICU) bed and ventilator capacity, it has been determined that the Chicagoland region has not developed a significant need to require McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility (MPACF) to stay operational at this time.</li> <li><strong>MPACF will no longer be accepting patient referrals starting today May 4, 2020.</strong></li> <li>A new housing option has been added to the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago COVID-19 Isolation Facility website</a>.</li> <li>A webinar on processes and best practices for discharge planners will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 2:00PM.</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached document for more information.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * Through continuous monitoring of hospital intensive care unit (ICU) bed and ventilator capacity, it has been determined that the Chicagoland region has not developed a significant need to require McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility (MPACF) to stay operational at this time. * **MPACF will no longer be accepting patient referrals starting today May 4, 2020.** * A new housing option has been added to the [City of Chicago COVID-19 Isolation Facility website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html). * A webinar on processes and best practices for discharge planners will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 2:00PM. Please see the attached document for more information.true2020-05-04T17:02:2046662386COVID19LowNational Webinar Flyer: CDC STD Treatment Recommendations in the Age of COVID-19<p>National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers and the CDC are hosting a webinar on the alternative treatments during COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 12th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM <strong>EST</strong>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Registration link is:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1307645&amp;tp_key=ac038673e7">https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1307645&amp;tp_key=ac038673e7</a></p> <p>Please download the flyer for the webinar details.</p>National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers and the CDC are hosting a webinar on the alternative treatments during COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 12th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM **EST**. Registration link is: [https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1307645\&tp_key=ac038673e7](https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1307645&tp_key=ac038673e7) Please download the flyer for the webinar details.true2020-05-04T16:06:4646662385COVID19LowUPDATED Isolation Period Recommendations for Congregate, Non-Congregate, and Healthcare Settings<p><u><strong><span style="font-size:16px">Summary and Action Items</span></strong></u></p> <ul> <li>New data is available on COVID-19 transmissibility while current local epidemiology reveals slowed community transmission and the approach of a deceleration phase.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">During pandemic deceleration, a stricter &ldquo;release from isolation&rdquo; requirement is recommended to strategically reduce risk of transmission from recovered persons.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDC has updated their guidance, with an<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/strategy-discontinue-isolation.html" target="_blank"> updated recommended isolation period</a> of 10 days from symptom onset and 3 days from recovery (&ldquo;10-and-3&rdquo;) to provide a uniform single recommendation that can be applied in healthcare and non-healthcare settings.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached document for more information.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * New data is available on COVID-19 transmissibility while current local epidemiology reveals slowed community transmission and the approach of a deceleration phase. * During pandemic deceleration, a stricter "release from isolation" requirement is recommended to strategically reduce risk of transmission from recovered persons. * CDC has updated their guidance, with an[updated recommended isolation period](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/strategy-discontinue-isolation.html) of 10 days from symptom onset and 3 days from recovery ("10-and-3") to provide a uniform single recommendation that can be applied in healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Please see the attached document for more information.true2020-05-01T19:23:2646662380InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 17<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 17 has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In&nbsp;Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However, influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Also, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> are closed until further notice.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>For the week of April 19-25, 2020, one&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported<span style="font-size:14px">. Since September 29, 2019, 478*&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); </span>four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities<span style="font-size:14px">. <em>* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 17 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza has decreased. However, influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Also, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) are closed until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of April 19-25, 2020, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 478\* influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 109 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. *\* Total case counts may change as additional information is received.* The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-05-01T17:42:4246662379COVID19LowIDPH Division of Laboratories Online Supply Ordering and Updated Testing Information<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories has designed an online process for requesting COVID-19 testing supplies including Nasopharyngeal swabs (NP), Anterior nare swabs (N), transport media, ice packs, shipping boxes with coolers, UPS return service labels, UN3373 shipping labels and biohazard bags. This new online form can be found <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/23f8f4130df043568f2e92169b8cda40" target="_blank">here</a>. Orders will be filled from the IDPH warehouse in Springfield in 1-2 business days from receipt. Some of the transport media we will be shipping requires refrigerated storage.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Due to limited supply availability, when submitting a supply request form, only request one week to ten days&rsquo; worth of supplies, keeping in mind the need to store refrigerated if needed. We will monitor the quantity of supplies being requested against the number of specimens that are being submitted for testing. Please do not submit multiple orders. Once you receive an order, you should wait to submit&nbsp;another order when your supply level is such that you will need more in the next 3 days.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please download the attachment to view the rest of the testing information.&nbsp;</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories has designed an online process for requesting COVID-19 testing supplies including Nasopharyngeal swabs (NP), Anterior nare swabs (N), transport media, ice packs, shipping boxes with coolers, UPS return service labels, UN3373 shipping labels and biohazard bags. This new online form can be found [here](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/23f8f4130df043568f2e92169b8cda40). Orders will be filled from the IDPH warehouse in Springfield in 1-2 business days from receipt. Some of the transport media we will be shipping requires refrigerated storage. Due to limited supply availability, when submitting a supply request form, only request one week to ten days' worth of supplies, keeping in mind the need to store refrigerated if needed. We will monitor the quantity of supplies being requested against the number of specimens that are being submitted for testing. Please do not submit multiple orders. Once you receive an order, you should wait to submit another order when your supply level is such that you will need more in the next 3 days. Please download the attachment to view the rest of the testing information.true2020-04-30T15:35:4146662080COVID19LowRecommendations for Health Care Providers to Test All Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness for COVID-19<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Health care providers are encouraged to clinically evaluate and obtain COVID-19 molecular testing for all symptomatic patients, even those with mild symptoms.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Serologic tests should not be used to diagnose acute infection in symptomatic individuals.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">All clinicians and sites conducting COVID-19 testing must play a crucial role in the COVID-19 response by promptly reporting all individuals tested for COVID-19 to Public Health, by one of the mechanisms for timely investigation and isolation of cases.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">When resources necessary for widespread testing are limited, providers should follow CDC Priorities for Testing Patients with Suspected COVID-19 Infection.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Health care providers are encouraged to clinically evaluate and obtain COVID-19 molecular testing for all symptomatic patients, even those with mild symptoms. * Serologic tests should not be used to diagnose acute infection in symptomatic individuals. * All clinicians and sites conducting COVID-19 testing must play a crucial role in the COVID-19 response by promptly reporting all individuals tested for COVID-19 to Public Health, by one of the mechanisms for timely investigation and isolation of cases. * When resources necessary for widespread testing are limited, providers should follow CDC Priorities for Testing Patients with Suspected COVID-19 Infection. Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-04-30T15:08:1046662079COVID19LowUpdates on Public Health COVID-19 Reporting Orders<p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> <p><strong>Public Health 2020-4 Electronic Data Submission Progress</strong>: Last month, the Commissioner of Health for the City of Chicago signed Public Health Order 2020-4 requiring acute and long term hospitals to provide the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) access to electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on patients tested for COVID-19.&nbsp; The intent of this order and the CDPH owned COVID-19 dataset is to better understand the epidemiology of this pandemic, ensure timely, complete case information submission that informs public health response, as well as enable better care and capacity management during the COVID-19 response.</p> <p><strong>Updated Guidance for Public Health 2020-4:</strong> Today, we released updated guidance to address questions regarding the minimal standards and timeframe to meet Public Health Order 2020-4. Based on the guidance from the Governance Committee, we are defining May 6, 2020, as the date by which the minimal standards for reporting should be in place. The most recent technical guidance on data transmission to meet this Public Health order is linked below, and can be found at the CDPH HAN page.</p> <p>Additionally, we provided clarity for all healthcare providers regarding necessary data to be collected and submitted with all COVID-19 tests, which is also summarized below:<br /> 1.) All health care providers shall collect at time of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 testing and submit with all laboratory results the following information regarding the test subject: name, date of birth, race/ethnicity, phone number, provider name and number, whether the individual is hospitalized, date of symptom onset, if the individual is a healthcare worker, whether the individual lives or works in a long term care facility or other congregate setting, and whether the individual works as a first responder.<br /> 2.) All health care providers that are unable to establish an electronic laboratory reporting feed to the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (&ldquo;I-NEDSS&rdquo;) shall use another electronic mechanism to submit such data, which may include a Health Level Seven (HL7) electronic data feed, or submit through an established REDCap electronic case submission form. These submissions shall be completed within 24 hours of ordering a COVID-19 laboratory test, and within 24 hours of a laboratory result. To establish an HL7 feed, please reach out for assistance at: CDPHCovidDataHub@rush.edu. A REDCap case report form can be submitted at: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84</a>.</p> <p><strong>Public Health Order 2020-6</strong>: As more entities are testing for COVID-19, CDPH has identified that not all testing sites are fulfilling public health reporting requirements. Further, not all sites are connected to electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), or I-NEDSS, limiting the ability to report COVID-19 tested patients to public health. CDPH has issued public health order 2020-6 requiring all providers and entities offering testing to update their websites in machine readable formats which will enable CDPH to identify sites offering testing. Additionally, entities that are not reporting through I-NEDSS need to notify CDPH via email of the location of testing and type of test offered at: <a href="mailto:covid19pui@cityofchicago.org">covid19pui@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>Public Health Orders:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/health-orders.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/health-orders.html</a><br /> Data Submission Technical Guidance:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/304569/20200415CDPH+COVID-19+Data+Sharing+Overview.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/304569/20200415CDPH+COVID-19+Data+Sharing+Overview.pdf</a></p>Please see the attachment for full details. **Public Health 2020-4 Electronic Data Submission Progress**: Last month, the Commissioner of Health for the City of Chicago signed Public Health Order 2020-4 requiring acute and long term hospitals to provide the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) access to electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on patients tested for COVID-19. The intent of this order and the CDPH owned COVID-19 dataset is to better understand the epidemiology of this pandemic, ensure timely, complete case information submission that informs public health response, as well as enable better care and capacity management during the COVID-19 response. **Updated Guidance for Public Health 2020-4:** Today, we released updated guidance to address questions regarding the minimal standards and timeframe to meet Public Health Order 2020-4. Based on the guidance from the Governance Committee, we are defining May 6, 2020, as the date by which the minimal standards for reporting should be in place. The most recent technical guidance on data transmission to meet this Public Health order is linked below, and can be found at the CDPH HAN page. Additionally, we provided clarity for all healthcare providers regarding necessary data to be collected and submitted with all COVID-19 tests, which is also summarized below: 1.) All health care providers shall collect at time of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 testing and submit with all laboratory results the following information regarding the test subject: name, date of birth, race/ethnicity, phone number, provider name and number, whether the individual is hospitalized, date of symptom onset, if the individual is a healthcare worker, whether the individual lives or works in a long term care facility or other congregate setting, and whether the individual works as a first responder. 2.) All health care providers that are unable to establish an electronic laboratory reporting feed to the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ("I-NEDSS") shall use another electronic mechanism to submit such data, which may include a Health Level Seven (HL7) electronic data feed, or submit through an established REDCap electronic case submission form. These submissions shall be completed within 24 hours of ordering a COVID-19 laboratory test, and within 24 hours of a laboratory result. To establish an HL7 feed, please reach out for assistance at: CDPHCovidDataHub@rush.edu. A REDCap case report form can be submitted at: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84>. **Public Health Order 2020-6** : As more entities are testing for COVID-19, CDPH has identified that not all testing sites are fulfilling public health reporting requirements. Further, not all sites are connected to electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), or I-NEDSS, limiting the ability to report COVID-19 tested patients to public health. CDPH has issued public health order 2020-6 requiring all providers and entities offering testing to update their websites in machine readable formats which will enable CDPH to identify sites offering testing. Additionally, entities that are not reporting through I-NEDSS need to notify CDPH via email of the location of testing and type of test offered at: [covid19pui@cityofchicago.org](mailto:covid19pui@cityofchicago.org). Public Health Orders: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/health-orders.html> Data Submission Technical Guidance: <https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/304569/20200415CDPH+COVID-19+Data+Sharing+Overview.pdf>true2020-04-29T22:52:5546662182COVID19LowInformation for Long Term Care Facilities - Upcoming Webinars<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Upcoming COVID-19 Webinars for Long Term Care:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID-19 Preparedness and Response</strong><br /> Chicago Department of Public Health<br /> Every Thursday from 3-4 pm CT<br /> Next session: Thursday 4/30/20 3-4 pm CT<br /> <a href="https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&amp;MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc" target="_blank">Join the meeting</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19 Updates and Q&amp;A for long-term care and congregate residential settings</strong><br /> Illinois Department of Public Health<br /> Every Friday from 1-2 pm CT<br /> Next session: Friday 5/1/20 1-2 pm CT<br /> <a href="https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&amp;siteurl=illinois&amp;service=6&amp;rnd=0.6304788787609457&amp;main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b0000000451fbd33ad04847d5f5ace6f1d548bf9e0c2074b3849c90eaaef607e18ad9b8b5%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D157514935549600450%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAATBjfPsbUkFgkJJUFGRjwCby2ksHX8C_QOg3ez_00WauA2%26" target="_blank">Register Here</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>COVID-19 Clinical Rounds: COVID-19 and Long Term Care Facilities</strong><br /> HHS ASPR Clinical Rounds<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Next session: Friday 5/1/20 11-12 pm CT<br /> <a href="https://echo.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qxLtUFY5RGKqF8sCqzi2GA" target="_blank">Registration and connection information</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>For additional information regarding COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:</strong><br /> <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">312-744-1100</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>How to Report COVID-19 to CDPH</strong><br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Both individual lab-confirmed cases and clusters are reportable conditions.<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Providers must report all positive cases into INEDSS.<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;If your facility does not have access to INEDSS or you need to report a cluster of 2 or more cases (at least one of which is lab-confirmed) in a congregate setting (such as a long-term care facility, childcare setting, correctional facility, etc.), please complete the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">COVID-19 Online Case Report Form</a> (a confidential online survey powered by IDPH REDCap).</span></p>**Upcoming COVID-19 Webinars for Long Term Care:** **Long Term Care Roundtable: COVID-19 Preparedness and Response** Chicago Department of Public Health Every Thursday from 3-4 pm CT Next session: Thursday 4/30/20 3-4 pm CT [Join the meeting](https://chicagogov.webex.com/webappng/sites/chicagogov/meeting/download/dba6d6f9d12b4cc79fda7e19523189c5?siteurl=chicagogov&MTID=m551302cee608b4857684fa2db4244cdc) **COVID-19 Updates and Q\&A for long-term care and congregate residential settings** Illinois Department of Public Health Every Friday from 1-2 pm CT Next session: Friday 5/1/20 1-2 pm CT [Register Here](https://illinois.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=illinois&service=6&rnd=0.6304788787609457&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fillinois.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b0000000451fbd33ad04847d5f5ace6f1d548bf9e0c2074b3849c90eaaef607e18ad9b8b5%26siteurl%3Dillinois%26confViewID%3D157514935549600450%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAATBjfPsbUkFgkJJUFGRjwCby2ksHX8C_QOg3ez_00WauA2%26) **COVID-19 Clinical Rounds: COVID-19 and Long Term Care Facilities** HHS ASPR Clinical Rounds Next session: Friday 5/1/20 11-12 pm CT [Registration and connection information](https://echo.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qxLtUFY5RGKqF8sCqzi2GA) **For additional information regarding COVID-19 response and LTCF guidance, please visit:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/LTCF> **For COVID-19 Long Term Care Guidance and Support:** 312-744-1100 **How to Report COVID-19 to CDPH** • Both individual lab-confirmed cases and clusters are reportable conditions. • Providers must report all positive cases into INEDSS. • If your facility does not have access to INEDSS or you need to report a cluster of 2 or more cases (at least one of which is lab-confirmed) in a congregate setting (such as a long-term care facility, childcare setting, correctional facility, etc.), please complete the [COVID-19 Online Case Report Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84) (a confidential online survey powered by IDPH REDCap).false2020-04-24T21:39:5946661621COVID19LowNAMI Chicago - Healthcare Workers Support Group<p>NAMI Chicago offers confidential support groups for healthcare workers where they can share their experiences facing the COVID-19 crisis.</p> <p>Please see attachment for details.&nbsp;</p>NAMI Chicago offers confidential support groups for healthcare workers where they can share their experiences facing the COVID-19 crisis. Please see attachment for details.true2020-04-24T19:37:0046661423InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 16<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 16 has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. &nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> are closed until further notice.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>For the week of April 12-18, 2020, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported<span style="font-size:14px">. Since September 29, 2019, 477 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 108 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); </span>four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities<span style="font-size:14px">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 16 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) are closed until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of April 12-18, 2020, no influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 477 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 108 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); four pediatric deaths were reported and 15 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-04-08T18:53:4546661388COVID19LowUPDATED: Reporting COVID-19 Cases and Clusters and Notification of Potentially Exposed Patients<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Individual lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases and clusters are reportable to Chicago Department of Public Health.</span></li> <li>Cases and clusters should be reported through Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS).</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">For those not able to report through INDESS, cases and clusters may be reported here: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84" target="_blank">COVID-19 Online Case Report Form</a> (confidential online survey powered by REDCap)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Contact tracing of healthcare personnel (HCP) cases is not expected at this phase in the pandemic.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Cases in HCP should trigger follow-up action by their employer including notification of persons with whom HCP worked.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Any patient or employee with close contact to the HCP while the HCP was symptomatic or within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset should be notified of potential exposure. Resources are available here:</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14px"> https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html</span></a></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Toolkits for healthcare settings are accessible at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-1" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-1</a>9 in addition to specific pages for acute care facilities and long-term care facilities.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for more information including:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Reporting COVID-19 cases and clusters to Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">What facilities should do after identification of a case in healthcare personnel (HCP)</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See the Chicago HAN COVID-19 homepage <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> for healthcare setting specific guidance including outpatient, long-term care, and acute care settings.</span></p>**Summary:** * Individual lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases and clusters are reportable to Chicago Department of Public Health. * Cases and clusters should be reported through Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS). * For those not able to report through INDESS, cases and clusters may be reported here: [COVID-19 Online Case Report Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=FR7MAJAY84) (confidential online survey powered by REDCap) * Contact tracing of healthcare personnel (HCP) cases is not expected at this phase in the pandemic. * Cases in HCP should trigger follow-up action by their employer including notification of persons with whom HCP worked. * Any patient or employee with close contact to the HCP while the HCP was symptomatic or within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset should be notified of potential exposure. Resources are available here:<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html> * Toolkits for healthcare settings are accessible at <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-1>9 in addition to specific pages for acute care facilities and long-term care facilities. Please see the attached for more information including: * Reporting COVID-19 cases and clusters to Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) * What facilities should do after identification of a case in healthcare personnel (HCP) See the Chicago HAN COVID-19 homepage <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> for healthcare setting specific guidance including outpatient, long-term care, and acute care settings.true2020-04-23T01:48:3246661422COVID19LowNEW Isolation Housing Central Intake Form and Website<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></p> <ul> <li>A range of COVID-19 Isolation Facilities are being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities.</li> <li>Discharge planners and shelter staff can check a new website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html</a>.</li> <li>A new online central intake referral form is available for the Supported Isolation Facility or the Private General Isolation Rooms: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7" target="_blank">https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7</a>.</li> <li>To refer a patient to the McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility (MPACF), please call (312) 791-6620 to speak to an MPACF intake coordinator.</li> </ul>**Summary and Action Items** * A range of COVID-19 Isolation Facilities are being offered free of charge to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or congregate living facilities. * Discharge planners and shelter staff can check a new website to access updated transfer criteria and intake processes for each facility at <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/health-care-workers/home/chicago-covid-19-isolation-facilities.html>. * A new online central intake referral form is available for the Supported Isolation Facility or the Private General Isolation Rooms: <https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NN8LH73WY7>. * To refer a patient to the McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility (MPACF), please call (312) 791-6620 to speak to an MPACF intake coordinator.true2020-04-22T19:45:5746661421COVID19LowIDPH: Communicating about COVID-19 in Congregate Settings<p>The attached guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health&nbsp;addresses notification procedures by long-term care facilities to residents and residents&rsquo; next of kin, guardians or emergency contacts when that resident, another resident or a staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19. This guidance also addresses notification to a resident&rsquo;s next of kin, guardian and emergency contact when that resident has died from COVID-19.</p>The attached guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health addresses notification procedures by long-term care facilities to residents and residents' next of kin, guardians or emergency contacts when that resident, another resident or a staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19. This guidance also addresses notification to a resident's next of kin, guardian and emergency contact when that resident has died from COVID-19.true2020-03-28T19:59:4546661288COVID19LowSevere Illness Associated with Using Non-Pharmaceutical Chloroquine Phosphate to Prevent and Treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)<p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached document for full&nbsp;details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Summary<br /> Chloroquine phosphate, when used without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider, can cause serious health consequences, including death. Clinicians and public health officials should discourage the public from misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate (a chemical used in home aquariums). Clinicians should advise patients and the public that chloroquine, and the related compound hydroxychloroquine, should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider as prescribed medications.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Officials<br /> 1. Educate patients on the serious risks of misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine products and other aquarium use chemicals.<br /> 2. Counsel your patients on the importance of taking medications only as prescribed and as directed by healthcare providers.<br /> 3. Contact your local poison center (1-800-222-1222) to report cases and to obtain specific medical management of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine poisoning.<br /> 4. Adverse events related to pharmaceuticals can be reported to the FDA MedWatch program (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program" target="_blank">https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program</a>).&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Adverse events related to non-pharmaceutical products can be reported by emailing <a href="mailto:FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov">FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov</a> or calling 1-888-InfoFDA (1-888-463-6332).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Recommendations for the Public<br /> 1. Do not ingest aquarium use products or any other chemicals that contain chloroquine phosphate. These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.<br /> 2. Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.<br /> 3. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or your poison center (1-&nbsp;800-222-1222).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">INformation on COVID 19 for Healthcare professionals is availible at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a></span></p>Please see the attached document for full details. Summary Chloroquine phosphate, when used without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider, can cause serious health consequences, including death. Clinicians and public health officials should discourage the public from misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine phosphate (a chemical used in home aquariums). Clinicians should advise patients and the public that chloroquine, and the related compound hydroxychloroquine, should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider as prescribed medications. Recommendations for Clinicians and Public Health Officials 1. Educate patients on the serious risks of misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine products and other aquarium use chemicals. 2. Counsel your patients on the importance of taking medications only as prescribed and as directed by healthcare providers. 3. Contact your local poison center (1-800-222-1222) to report cases and to obtain specific medical management of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine poisoning. 4. Adverse events related to pharmaceuticals can be reported to the FDA MedWatch program (<https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program>). Adverse events related to non-pharmaceutical products can be reported by emailing [FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov](mailto:FDA-COVID-19-Fraudulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov) or calling 1-888-InfoFDA (1-888-463-6332). Recommendations for the Public 1. Do not ingest aquarium use products or any other chemicals that contain chloroquine phosphate. These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death. 2. Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided. 3. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or your poison center (1- 800-222-1222). INformation on COVID 19 for Healthcare professionals is availible at <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19>true2020-04-17T19:33:4546661413InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 15<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 15&nbsp;has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. &nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> are closed until further notice.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of April 5-11, 2020, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported. Since September 29, 2019, 477 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 108 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36.5 years(overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 15 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. However, the percentage of emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) remains high compared to previous seasons; this is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in healthcare seeking behavior. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 410,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) are closed until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of April 5-11, 2020, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported. Since September 29, 2019, 477 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 369 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 122 H1N1pdm09, 239 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 108 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36.5 years(overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-04-17T17:52:2446661410COVID19LowUpdated: Transfer of Patients among Healthcare Facilities based on COVID-19 Status and Preparing to Receive COVID-19 Patients<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Transfer of patients with COVID-19 from hospitals to long-term care facilities (LTCFs) should occur when patients are medically stable after acknowledgment of LTCF readiness to accept.</li> <li>LTCFs should not transfer patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 infection to hospitals unless medically indicated. These patients should be placed on contact and droplet precautions in LTCFs.</li> <li>LTCFs should <strong>prepare NOW</strong> to receive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from hospitals by designating a COVID-19 unit, checking supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic laboratory testing supplies.</li> </ul> <p>Please see the&nbsp;attachment for full details.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information on COVID-19 please go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a>;&nbsp;&nbsp;for Long Term Care specific information, please go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf</a>.</p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Transfer of patients with COVID-19 from hospitals to long-term care facilities (LTCFs) should occur when patients are medically stable after acknowledgment of LTCF readiness to accept. * LTCFs should not transfer patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 infection to hospitals unless medically indicated. These patients should be placed on contact and droplet precautions in LTCFs. * LTCFs should **prepare NOW** to receive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from hospitals by designating a COVID-19 unit, checking supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic laboratory testing supplies. Please see the attachment for full details. For more information on COVID-19 please go to <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19>; for Long Term Care specific information, please go to <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19/ltcf>.true2020-04-15T17:25:2646661406TestLowIDPH: Oral Health Community and Dental Practices Vol.3 - 5<p>Inside Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 for the Oral Health Community and Dental Practices:</p> <ul> <li>Vol. 3&nbsp; Mandated Closure to Routine Dental Care</li> <li>Vol. 4&nbsp; Actions for when provider or staff have exposure to or are COVID-19 positive</li> <li>Vol. 5&nbsp; Illinois Community-level Plan of Action to meet urgent dental care needs</li> </ul> <p>These Guidance&nbsp;are&nbsp;attached to this alert.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>Inside Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 for the Oral Health Community and Dental Practices: * Vol. 3 Mandated Closure to Routine Dental Care * Vol. 4 Actions for when provider or staff have exposure to or are COVID-19 positive * Vol. 5 Illinois Community-level Plan of Action to meet urgent dental care needs These Guidance are attached to this alert.true2020-04-08T18:43:1246661389COVID19LowPublic Health Order 2020-4: Medical Data Sharing Requirement<p><strong>Background: </strong>&nbsp;Yesterday, the Commissioner of Health for the City of Chicago signed Public Health Order 2020-4 requiring acute and long term hospitals to provide the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) access to their electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on COVID-19 patients and person&rsquo;s under investigation (PUI), as well as provide critical patient safety and hospital data elements. &nbsp;Such data is vital to efficiently and effectively direct the City&rsquo;s response to this unprecedented pandemic, including essential management of bed capacity across our health systems.</p> <p>CDPH has entered into an agreement with Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) to utilize their instance of Epic for the McCormick Alternate Care Facility. &nbsp;Further, the agreement designates RUMC as a third party of CDPH, and allows them to act on behalf of CDPH to support the informatic, technical workflow, and analytic components of EHR data sharing and dashboard development. &nbsp;</p> <p>To best capture and utilize essential data pursuant to Public Health Order 2020-4, the HAN attachment&nbsp;outlines key steps to governance and data sharing approaches.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Health Order is also attached.</p>**Background:** Yesterday, the Commissioner of Health for the City of Chicago signed Public Health Order 2020-4 requiring acute and long term hospitals to provide the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) access to their electronic health records for the purposes of collecting essential data on COVID-19 patients and person's under investigation (PUI), as well as provide critical patient safety and hospital data elements. Such data is vital to efficiently and effectively direct the City's response to this unprecedented pandemic, including essential management of bed capacity across our health systems. CDPH has entered into an agreement with Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) to utilize their instance of Epic for the McCormick Alternate Care Facility. Further, the agreement designates RUMC as a third party of CDPH, and allows them to act on behalf of CDPH to support the informatic, technical workflow, and analytic components of EHR data sharing and dashboard development. To best capture and utilize essential data pursuant to Public Health Order 2020-4, the HAN attachment outlines key steps to governance and data sharing approaches. The Health Order is also attached.true2020-03-28T02:36:0146661279COVID19UrgentUPDATE: Quarantine/Isolation Facility Intake for Probable and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Hospitals should assess COVID-19 patients who are stable for discharge from the Emergency Department or inpatient setting for the ability to safely maintain isolation at home.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Any confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient stable for discharge from an Emergency Department or Hospital, but still needing to be in isolation, and cannot return home due to the risks of that home setting (any congregate setting, or immunocompromised/elderly family members from which they cannot remain isolated) or individuals experiencing homelessness will be considered for CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facility housing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Hospitals may discharge any patient back to congregate facilities as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Housing options will change over time and patients that are clinically stable and independent may be placed more quickly than those with complex medical/psychiatric/wrap-around support services needs to ensure proper monitoring and care of the individual at the selected housing option. As housing options expand, new processes will be communicated for referrals.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Hospitals should assess COVID-19 patients who are stable for discharge from the Emergency Department or inpatient setting for the ability to safely maintain isolation at home. * Any confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient stable for discharge from an Emergency Department or Hospital, but still needing to be in isolation, and cannot return home due to the risks of that home setting (any congregate setting, or immunocompromised/elderly family members from which they cannot remain isolated) or individuals experiencing homelessness will be considered for CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facility housing. * Hospitals may discharge any patient back to congregate facilities as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. * Housing options will change over time and patients that are clinically stable and independent may be placed more quickly than those with complex medical/psychiatric/wrap-around support services needs to ensure proper monitoring and care of the individual at the selected housing option. As housing options expand, new processes will be communicated for referrals. Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-04-06T23:59:2746661588COVID19LowCDC Statement on Maintaining Clinical Preventive Services, Including Immunizations, During the COVID-19 Pandemic<p><span style="font-size:14px">The COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly and continues to affect communities across the United States differently. Clinicians must maintain access to clinical services in environments that are safe for all.&nbsp; Some of the <a href="https://www.acponline.org/acp_policy/policies/statement_on_non_urgent_in-person_medical_care_2020.pdf">strategies</a> used to slow the spread of disease in communities include postponing or cancelling non-urgent elective procedures and using telemedicine instead of face-to-face encounters for routine medical encounters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Clinics working with children: </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare providers in communities affected by COVID-19 are using <a href="https://services.aap.org/en/pages/covid-19-clinical-guidance-q-a/">strategies to separate well visits from sick</a>. Examples include:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Scheduling well visits in the morning and sick visits in the afternoon</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Separating patients spatially, such as by placing patients with sick visits in different areas of the clinic or another location from patients with well visits.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Collaborating with providers in the community to identify separate locations for holding well visits for children.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Because of personal, practice, or community circumstances related to COVID-19, some providers may not be able to provide well child visits, including provision of immunizations, for all patients in their practice. If a practice can provide only limited well child visits, healthcare providers are encouraged to prioritize newborn care and vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) when possible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Clinics working with adults: </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Delivery of some clinical preventive services for adults, such as immunizations, requires face-to-face encounters and in areas with community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, these should be postponed except when:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">An in-person visit must be scheduled for some other purpose and the clinical preventive service can be delivered during that visit with no additional risk; or</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">An individual patient and their clinician believe that there is a compelling need to receive the service based on an assessment that the potential benefit outweighs the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">CDC is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide guidance at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/preparedness-checklists.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/preparedness-checklists.html</a> for adult recommendations and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html</a> for pediatric recommendations.</span></p>The COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly and continues to affect communities across the United States differently. Clinicians must maintain access to clinical services in environments that are safe for all. Some of the [strategies](https://www.acponline.org/acp_policy/policies/statement_on_non_urgent_in-person_medical_care_2020.pdf) used to slow the spread of disease in communities include postponing or cancelling non-urgent elective procedures and using telemedicine instead of face-to-face encounters for routine medical encounters. **Clinics working with children:** Healthcare providers in communities affected by COVID-19 are using [strategies to separate well visits from sick](https://services.aap.org/en/pages/covid-19-clinical-guidance-q-a/). Examples include: * Scheduling well visits in the morning and sick visits in the afternoon * Separating patients spatially, such as by placing patients with sick visits in different areas of the clinic or another location from patients with well visits. * Collaborating with providers in the community to identify separate locations for holding well visits for children. Because of personal, practice, or community circumstances related to COVID-19, some providers may not be able to provide well child visits, including provision of immunizations, for all patients in their practice. If a practice can provide only limited well child visits, healthcare providers are encouraged to prioritize newborn care and vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) when possible. **Clinics working with adults:** Delivery of some clinical preventive services for adults, such as immunizations, requires face-to-face encounters and in areas with community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, these should be postponed except when: * An in-person visit must be scheduled for some other purpose and the clinical preventive service can be delivered during that visit with no additional risk; or * An individual patient and their clinician believe that there is a compelling need to receive the service based on an assessment that the potential benefit outweighs the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 CDC is monitoring the situation and will continue to provide guidance at <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/preparedness-checklists.html> for adult recommendations and <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html> for pediatric recommendations.true2020-04-05T20:01:4346661386COVID19LowIDPH Testing Criteria<p><strong>For Chicago residents/facilities:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pre-authorization of a specimen is required for testing at the IDPH laboratory and provided for by filling the <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=4A74MYFJ33" target="_blank">Online Request Form</a> available&nbsp; here: <a href="https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=4A74MYFJ33" target="_blank">https://is.gd/COVID19IDPHProviderTestRequest</a>.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For healthcare settings: <strong>FOR COVID-19 LONG-TERM CARE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT CALL</strong>: 312-744-1100<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For all other congregant settings:&nbsp; SICK line at 312-746-7425 (SICK)</p> <p><u>Summary of IDPH guidance</u></p> <p>1) Updated guidance for COVID-19 testing at IDPH is attached, including considerations when testing health care and public safety workers.<br /> 2) Other patients can be tested via an increasing number of commercial, hospital, and academic laboratories.<br /> 3) Immediate reporting is required for some cases of COVID-19 infection (see page 3).<br /> 4) Concerns with New SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing</p> <p>Please note that the IDPH guidance is attached.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**For Chicago residents/facilities:** Pre-authorization of a specimen is required for testing at the IDPH laboratory and provided for by filling the [Online Request Form](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=4A74MYFJ33) available here: [https://is.gd/COVID19IDPHProviderTestRequest](https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/index.php?s=4A74MYFJ33). For healthcare settings: **FOR COVID-19 LONG-TERM CARE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT CALL** : 312-744-1100 For all other congregant settings: SICK line at 312-746-7425 (SICK) ++Summary of IDPH guidance++ 1) Updated guidance for COVID-19 testing at IDPH is attached, including considerations when testing health care and public safety workers. 2) Other patients can be tested via an increasing number of commercial, hospital, and academic laboratories. 3) Immediate reporting is required for some cases of COVID-19 infection (see page 3). 4) Concerns with New SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing Please note that the IDPH guidance is attached.true2020-04-05T01:55:5946661385COVID19LowManagement of Infants Born to Mothers with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong><br /> &bull; Summarizes NEW guidance on newborn SARS-CoV-2 testing from the April 2, 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Fetus and Newborn, Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, and Committee on Infectious Diseases publication <a href="https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/COVID%2019%20Initial%20Newborn%20Guidance.pdf" target="_blank">Management of Infants Born to Mothers with COVID-19</a>.<br /> &bull; Describes recommendations for PPE, physical distancing, feeding, and discharge.<br /> &bull; Neonates born to women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be considered as persons under investigation (PUIs).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for more information. </span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** • Summarizes NEW guidance on newborn SARS-CoV-2 testing from the April 2, 2020 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Fetus and Newborn, Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, and Committee on Infectious Diseases publication [Management of Infants Born to Mothers with COVID-19](https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/COVID%2019%20Initial%20Newborn%20Guidance.pdf). • Describes recommendations for PPE, physical distancing, feeding, and discharge. • Neonates born to women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be considered as persons under investigation (PUIs). Please see the attached for more information.true2020-04-04T23:30:5346661585ViralLowIDPH: Guidance for Home Care Service Providers Regarding Supervisory Visits by Agency Personnel<p>During this unprecedented public health emergency relating to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), to protect those providing health care services to our seniors and fragile, medically compromised individuals in their home/residence, IDPH is suspending the required supervisory visits performed by the agency staff.</p> <p>Supervisory communications are still encouraged electronically during this pandemic. Communication can be done via telephone and video platforms such as Facetime, video chat, or skype, if available. Electronic communications can help ensure the health care aide furnishes care in a safe and effective manner by following the patient&#39;s plan, is competent with assigned tasks, complies with infection prevention and control policies and procedures, reports changes in the patient&#39;s condition, honors the patient&#39;s rights, and maintains open communication.</p> <p>The IDPH emergency rule effective is March 25, 2020 and is posted in the April 3, 2020 Illinois Registry.</p> <p>Please see attachment for full details.</p>During this unprecedented public health emergency relating to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), to protect those providing health care services to our seniors and fragile, medically compromised individuals in their home/residence, IDPH is suspending the required supervisory visits performed by the agency staff. Supervisory communications are still encouraged electronically during this pandemic. Communication can be done via telephone and video platforms such as Facetime, video chat, or skype, if available. Electronic communications can help ensure the health care aide furnishes care in a safe and effective manner by following the patient's plan, is competent with assigned tasks, complies with infection prevention and control policies and procedures, reports changes in the patient's condition, honors the patient's rights, and maintains open communication. The IDPH emergency rule effective is March 25, 2020 and is posted in the April 3, 2020 Illinois Registry. Please see attachment for full details.true2020-03-29T18:21:1246661292COVID19LowIDPH: Process to Request PPE for all EMS providers<p>Please see the attachment for important information regarding the process for EMS Providers to Request PPE.&nbsp; The final page contains a flow chart for the process.</p>Please see the attachment for important information regarding the process for EMS Providers to Request PPE. The final page contains a flow chart for the process.true2020-03-12T20:47:5246660785ViralLowCOVID-19: Interim Infection Control Guidance & Lab Testing<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>As described in the 3/11/20 <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/20200311_IDPH_SARS-CoV-2_Interim_Gu.pdf/7b932f99-07ff-db64-d638-27a5fdf7f4e3?t=1583983509770" target="_blank">IDPH SIREN alert</a>, SARS-CoV-2 testing is now available through a limited number of commercial laboratories and availability through hospital and reference labs will increase.</li> <li>Based on certain Chicago specific outpatient clinic considerations described below, NEW <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html" target="_blank">CDC Interim Infection Control Guidance</a> now allows for testing in the outpatient settings.</li> <li>Patients and community members should not be directed to local health departments (including the CDPH coronavirus hotline or CDPH SICK line) for decision making about testing.</li> <li>PUI authorization is now completed online: providers should not call CDPH or 311 for routine PUI authorization, instead complete the online form and you will receive authorization codes by email.</li> <li>Given the change in infection control guidance, outpatient providers should immediately prepare their own clinics to safely evaluate and test patients moving forward. Telehealth triage strategies should be implemented now to allow patients who do not require immediate evaluation or testing to home isolate.</li> </ul> <p>Please download the attached document for the full details.</p> <p>Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * As described in the 3/11/20 [IDPH SIREN alert](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/20200311_IDPH_SARS-CoV-2_Interim_Gu.pdf/7b932f99-07ff-db64-d638-27a5fdf7f4e3?t=1583983509770), SARS-CoV-2 testing is now available through a limited number of commercial laboratories and availability through hospital and reference labs will increase. * Based on certain Chicago specific outpatient clinic considerations described below, NEW [CDC Interim Infection Control Guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html) now allows for testing in the outpatient settings. * Patients and community members should not be directed to local health departments (including the CDPH coronavirus hotline or CDPH SICK line) for decision making about testing. * PUI authorization is now completed online: providers should not call CDPH or 311 for routine PUI authorization, instead complete the online form and you will receive authorization codes by email. * Given the change in infection control guidance, outpatient providers should immediately prepare their own clinics to safely evaluate and test patients moving forward. Telehealth triage strategies should be implemented now to allow patients who do not require immediate evaluation or testing to home isolate. Please download the attached document for the full details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-04-03T20:09:5146661298COVID19LowCOVID-19: Facemasks and Important Conservation Practices and Enhanced Environmental Disinfection in Congregate Living Facilities<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>KEY POINTS:</strong><br /> 1. Universal masking for all staff is recommended in congregate living facilities serving vulnerable populations and in long-term care facilities.<br /> 2. Additional mitigation steps, such as aggressive hand hygiene, strict visitor policies, screening staff and residents, and adherence to sick policies, are still strongly recommended and need to be enforced.<br /> 3. Facilities need to implement strict policies on appropriate use, extended use, and re-use of masks given the significant shortage of masks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines recommend universal use of facemasks for staff at congregate living facilities serving vulnerable settings and in long-term care facilities. The use of facemasks can help prevent infection when caring for individuals infected with SARS-CoV2. Additionally, the use of facemasks can act as a barrier, reducing the chance of spread from an infected person to another person by droplet or contact transmission. There has been significant transmission of the virus, including those who are not yet showing symptoms (presymptomatic) in numerous congregate settings serving vulnerable populations, and thus there is importance to enhanced efforts to reduce such transmission. In addition to droplet transmission, contact transmission may play an important role in SARSCoV2 spread. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that universal facemasks and enhanced environmental disinfection be used by in the following settings</u>:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Staff working in long-term care facilities</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Staff working in congregate settings that house residents at high risk of complications for COVID-19 disease</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">e.g. jails, homeless shelters, senior living centers</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH recommends that surgical or FDA approved masks be prioritized for acute care healthcare settings/long term care settings/EMS or first responders delivering medical care.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><u>Please see the attached for more detailed information</u> including Infection Control Guidance on Mask Use and Re-Use and Recommendations for Enhanced Environmental Disinfection. &nbsp;Visual Instructions are included for Correct Use and Storage of Facemasks.</span></p>**KEY POINTS:** 1. Universal masking for all staff is recommended in congregate living facilities serving vulnerable populations and in long-term care facilities. 2. Additional mitigation steps, such as aggressive hand hygiene, strict visitor policies, screening staff and residents, and adherence to sick policies, are still strongly recommended and need to be enforced. 3. Facilities need to implement strict policies on appropriate use, extended use, and re-use of masks given the significant shortage of masks. **BACKGROUND**: New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines recommend universal use of facemasks for staff at congregate living facilities serving vulnerable settings and in long-term care facilities. The use of facemasks can help prevent infection when caring for individuals infected with SARS-CoV2. Additionally, the use of facemasks can act as a barrier, reducing the chance of spread from an infected person to another person by droplet or contact transmission. There has been significant transmission of the virus, including those who are not yet showing symptoms (presymptomatic) in numerous congregate settings serving vulnerable populations, and thus there is importance to enhanced efforts to reduce such transmission. In addition to droplet transmission, contact transmission may play an important role in SARSCoV2 spread. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces. ++Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that universal facemasks and enhanced environmental disinfection be used by in the following settings++: * Staff working in long-term care facilities * Staff working in congregate settings that house residents at high risk of complications for COVID-19 disease * e.g. jails, homeless shelters, senior living centers CDPH recommends that surgical or FDA approved masks be prioritized for acute care healthcare settings/long term care settings/EMS or first responders delivering medical care. ++Please see the attached for more detailed information++ including Infection Control Guidance on Mask Use and Re-Use and Recommendations for Enhanced Environmental Disinfection. Visual Instructions are included for Correct Use and Storage of Facemasks.true2020-04-03T18:51:1246661210InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 13<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 13&nbsp;has been published.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease.&nbsp; The percentage of outpatient and emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased slightly, but remains high compared to previous seasons.&nbsp; &nbsp;CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least&nbsp;39 million flu illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank"> CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> <u>are closed </u>until further notice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">For the week of March 22-28, 2020, one&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since September 29, 2019, 474&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 367&nbsp;(77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 121&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 107&nbsp;(23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age ofinfluenza B cases is 37&nbsp;years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 13 has been published. In Chicago, reported laboratory confirmed influenza continues to decrease. The percentage of outpatient and emergency department visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased slightly, but remains high compared to previous seasons. CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that[CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) ++are closed++until further notice. Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease. For the week of March 22-28, 2020, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported. Since September 29, 2019, 474 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 367 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 121 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 107 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age ofinfluenza B cases is 37 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-03-31T16:34:3446661206COVID19LowIDPH: Recommended Guidance for the Care of Pregnant Women and Newborns During the COVID-19 Pandemic<p>SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has emerged and caused coronavirus disease (abbreviated as COVID-19). Public health experts continue to learn about SARS-CoV-2, but based on current data and similar coronaviruses, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (those within about six feet) via respiratory droplets. It is still unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.</p> <p>This guidance provides recommendations for the care of pregnant women and newborns during the COVID-19 Pandemic.</p> <p><br /> Please see attachment for further details.&nbsp;</p>SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has emerged and caused coronavirus disease (abbreviated as COVID-19). Public health experts continue to learn about SARS-CoV-2, but based on current data and similar coronaviruses, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (those within about six feet) via respiratory droplets. It is still unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk. This guidance provides recommendations for the care of pregnant women and newborns during the COVID-19 Pandemic. <br /> Please see attachment for further details.true2020-03-31T14:57:1246661205COVID19LowIDPH: Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in Outpatient Settings<p>This alert is from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).&nbsp;</p> <p>Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and guidance support Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Outpatient Physical Therapy or Speech Pathology Services (OPTs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) taking appropriate action to address potential and confirmed COVID-19 cases. This guidance discusses recommendations to mitigate transmission including screening,restricting visitors, cleaning and disinfection, and possible closures. Supply scarcity guidance and FDA recommendations are also included within this memo.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attachment for further details.</p>This alert is from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and guidance support Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Outpatient Physical Therapy or Speech Pathology Services (OPTs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) taking appropriate action to address potential and confirmed COVID-19 cases. This guidance discusses recommendations to mitigate transmission including screening,restricting visitors, cleaning and disinfection, and possible closures. Supply scarcity guidance and FDA recommendations are also included within this memo. Please see attachment for further details.true2020-03-31T14:36:2346661204COVID19LowCMS:Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in Dialysis Facilities Revised<p>Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing additional guidance to dialysis facilities to help control and prevent the spread of the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 this includes guidance related to 1135 waivers and Special Renal Dialysis Facilities (SPRDFs). &nbsp;</p> <p>Please see attached memorandum&nbsp;for further details.&nbsp;</p>Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing additional guidance to dialysis facilities to help control and prevent the spread of the virus that causes the disease COVID-19 this includes guidance related to 1135 waivers and Special Renal Dialysis Facilities (SPRDFs). Please see attached memorandum for further details.true2020-03-27T23:52:5846661178AnnouncementLowIDPH: IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE - Weather Advisory Regarding Tents<p>From IDPH: ATTENTION ALL MABAS Divisions: &nbsp;<br /> It is critical all Western Shelters are properly secured per Western Shelter recommendations. MABAS Divisions need to verify all Divisional Western Shelters are properly secured. &nbsp;If your Division has a Western Shelter deployed within your Division, please verify the tent is properly secured.&nbsp;<br /> Reference the Western Shelter High Wind Tie-Down kit for further details at <a href="http://www.mabas-il.org" target="_blank">http://www.mabas-il.org</a>/ &nbsp;or &nbsp;<a href="https://westernshelter.com/" target="_blank">https://westernshelter.com/</a></p> <p>If you have other Tents - Please make sure they are properly secured as per the manufacturers instructions.</p>From IDPH: ATTENTION ALL MABAS Divisions: It is critical all Western Shelters are properly secured per Western Shelter recommendations. MABAS Divisions need to verify all Divisional Western Shelters are properly secured. If your Division has a Western Shelter deployed within your Division, please verify the tent is properly secured. Reference the Western Shelter High Wind Tie-Down kit for further details at <http://www.mabas-il.org>/ or <https://westernshelter.com/> If you have other Tents - Please make sure they are properly secured as per the manufacturers instructions.false2020-03-27T23:51:5446661181COVID19LowIDPH: Submission of COVID-19 Samples to IDPH Lab and Expanded Testing Hours<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories is expanding testing for COVID19 at all three of its laboratories to include a second testing shift that will run until 10 pm. Below contains updated guidance for specimen testing at IDPH Laboratories. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY</p> <p>Submission Guidelines:<br /> The IDPH Division of Laboratories will accept specimens from the following patients unless other arrangements have been made:<br /> &bull; Specimens from hospitalized patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia)<br /> &bull; Specimens from clusters in a congregate setting that serves more vulnerable populations such as a supportive care facility, assisted living facility, group home, homeless shelter, or correctional setting<br /> &bull; Specimens from symptomatic healthcare workers or first responders.</p> <p>Authorization:<br /> Submitting facilities must ensure they have an authorization number prior to sending the specimens and it must be clearly labeled on the request form. IDPH Lab is implementing a new test request form that can be filled in electronically and printed for submission. It can be found here. We are currently working on a future enhancement that will allow submission information to be transmitted electronically into our database. The submitting facility must contact their local health department to receive the authorization number or request authorization using the online service found here.</p> <p>Acceptable Media Types:<br /> The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released additional media types that may be used as alternatives for universal transport media (UTM) or viral transport media (VTM), due to a nationwide shortage. A list of acceptable media types can be found in this FAQ here under &ldquo;What If I Do Not Have&hellip;.?&rdquo;. The Division of Laboratories will continue to send collection and transport supplies for COVID-19 testing performed at IDPH Labs to providers on a limited basis due to this nationwide shortage. The Supply Request form can be found here.</p> <p>Laboratory Testing and Receiving Times and Dates:<br /> The IDPH Division of Laboratories is adding second shift to handle an expected increase in testing volume as this outbreak continues. Staff covering this shift will concentrate on testing only. Sample receipt will continue to be restricted to 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The laboratory will not be accepting specimens outside of this timeframe unless special provisions have been made with lab staff in advance.</p> <p>Laboratory Turn Around Time (TAT):<br /> The turn-around time is up to 3 days. The turn-around time has increased due to the substantial increase in specimens across all laboratories. The laboratory is unable to prioritize any specimen and they will be processed and tested in the order received.</p> <p>Acceptable Sample Types:<br /> While nasopharyngeal swabs remain the preferred specimen, the CDC has expanded the acceptable sample types to include nasal swabs. The IDPH Division of Laboratories will continue to accept only one sample per patient to conserve testing supplies. We will begin accepting all samples that are approved by the EUA due to the worldwide shortage of Viral Transport Medium (VTM). A list of acceptable samples <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html">can be found here.</a></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories is expanding testing for COVID19 at all three of its laboratories to include a second testing shift that will run until 10 pm. Below contains updated guidance for specimen testing at IDPH Laboratories. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Submission Guidelines: The IDPH Division of Laboratories will accept specimens from the following patients unless other arrangements have been made: • Specimens from hospitalized patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia) • Specimens from clusters in a congregate setting that serves more vulnerable populations such as a supportive care facility, assisted living facility, group home, homeless shelter, or correctional setting • Specimens from symptomatic healthcare workers or first responders. Authorization: Submitting facilities must ensure they have an authorization number prior to sending the specimens and it must be clearly labeled on the request form. IDPH Lab is implementing a new test request form that can be filled in electronically and printed for submission. It can be found here. We are currently working on a future enhancement that will allow submission information to be transmitted electronically into our database. The submitting facility must contact their local health department to receive the authorization number or request authorization using the online service found here. Acceptable Media Types: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released additional media types that may be used as alternatives for universal transport media (UTM) or viral transport media (VTM), due to a nationwide shortage. A list of acceptable media types can be found in this FAQ here under "What If I Do Not Have....?". The Division of Laboratories will continue to send collection and transport supplies for COVID-19 testing performed at IDPH Labs to providers on a limited basis due to this nationwide shortage. The Supply Request form can be found here. Laboratory Testing and Receiving Times and Dates: The IDPH Division of Laboratories is adding second shift to handle an expected increase in testing volume as this outbreak continues. Staff covering this shift will concentrate on testing only. Sample receipt will continue to be restricted to 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The laboratory will not be accepting specimens outside of this timeframe unless special provisions have been made with lab staff in advance. Laboratory Turn Around Time (TAT): The turn-around time is up to 3 days. The turn-around time has increased due to the substantial increase in specimens across all laboratories. The laboratory is unable to prioritize any specimen and they will be processed and tested in the order received. Acceptable Sample Types: While nasopharyngeal swabs remain the preferred specimen, the CDC has expanded the acceptable sample types to include nasal swabs. The IDPH Division of Laboratories will continue to accept only one sample per patient to conserve testing supplies. We will begin accepting all samples that are approved by the EUA due to the worldwide shortage of Viral Transport Medium (VTM). A list of acceptable samples [can be found here.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html)true2020-03-27T23:49:5646661278InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 12<p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 12&nbsp;has been published.</p> <p>The two primary influenza surveillance indicators show decreasing activity; however, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States may affect healthcare seeking behavior which will impact the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance indicators (ILINet and ESSENCE). CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank"> CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> <u>are closed until further notice</u>.</p> <p>Currently, the risk of influenza infection is decreasing but remains elevated.</p> <p><span style="font-size:12px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">For the week of March 15-21, 2020, 8 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p>Since September 29, 2019, 470 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 364 (77%)<br /> were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 118 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 106 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age ofinfluenza B cases is 36.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.</p> <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</p> <p>For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 12 has been published. The two primary influenza surveillance indicators show decreasing activity; however, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States may affect healthcare seeking behavior which will impact the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance indicators (ILINet and ESSENCE). CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 39 million flu illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that[CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) ++are closed until further notice++. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is decreasing but remains elevated. For the week of March 15-21, 2020, 8 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 470 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 364 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 118 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 106 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age ofinfluenza B cases is 36.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-03-25T19:39:2246661078VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - March 25 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px">Please note the VFC Bulletin is&nbsp;attached to this email.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">In this&nbsp;Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Tips for Vaccine Management during an Office Closure</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Chicago VFC Staff Postponing In-Person Visits</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Regional Meeting Webinars being Postponed&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Annual VFC ReEnrollment</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachments for full details.</span></p>Please note the VFC Bulletin is attached to this email. In this Issue: * Tips for Vaccine Management during an Office Closure * Chicago VFC Staff Postponing In-Person Visits * Regional Meeting Webinars being Postponed * Annual VFC ReEnrollment Please see the attachments for full details.true2020-03-25T04:56:3946660921COVID19LowDaycare Resources for All Essential Workers<p>The following resources are for all essential city staff:</p> <p>The State is setting up a help line&nbsp; and there is a text service at 312-736-7390 to connect essential workers to child options. &nbsp; Check the Office of Early Childhood Education for the most up to date information: <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx" target="_blank">https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx.</a></p> <p>Additionally, Mayor Lightfoot recently announced a new initiative with Sittercity, America&rsquo;s first online resource for in-home care, to help Chicago&rsquo;s most essential workforce &ndash; healthcare workers, first responders and the team who support them. &nbsp; Sittercity will provide three free months of the Sittercity Premium service and will connect those on the frontlines of fighting this crisis with volunteers to help care for their families during this time. Sittercity provides tools to help families build a childcare support network with detailed profiles, secure messaging, interview scheduling and background check options.</p> <p>Essential workers can visit <a href="https://family.sittercity.com/chicagoresponds/" target="_blank">sittercity.com/chicagoresponds</a> to find reliable childcare.</p>The following resources are for all essential city staff: The State is setting up a help line and there is a text service at 312-736-7390 to connect essential workers to child options. Check the Office of Early Childhood Education for the most up to date information: [https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx.](https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx) Additionally, Mayor Lightfoot recently announced a new initiative with Sittercity, America's first online resource for in-home care, to help Chicago's most essential workforce -- healthcare workers, first responders and the team who support them. Sittercity will provide three free months of the Sittercity Premium service and will connect those on the frontlines of fighting this crisis with volunteers to help care for their families during this time. Sittercity provides tools to help families build a childcare support network with detailed profiles, secure messaging, interview scheduling and background check options. Essential workers can visit [sittercity.com/chicagoresponds](https://family.sittercity.com/chicagoresponds/) to find reliable childcare.true2025-04-14T19:04:3146689878School HealthSchool Health,Schools & Day CaresHighYouth Settings Webinars - May 2025<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is hosting a series of virtual webinars the first week of every month. We are excited to bring you a virtual Infection Prevention training in May! Early Childcare providers who are Gateways Registry members can receive 1.5 CEUs for attending.</p> <p><strong>INFECTION PREVENTION FOR EARLY CHILDCARE AND K-12 SCHOOLS</strong><br /> Our interactive Infection Prevention training is a comprehensive training that covers how diseases spread, particularly in early childcare and schools, how to choose and use cleaning products, and a review of essential infection prevention measures for early childcare and schools.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;Date: </strong>May 8th&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm<br /> Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6f90bc30-b822-4616-ae0c-6713b381e6cd@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE </a>or at <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6f90bc30-b822-4616-ae0c-6713b381e6cd@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6f90bc30-b822-4616-ae0c-6713b381e6cd@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027</a></p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is hosting a series of virtual webinars the first week of every month. We are excited to bring you a virtual Infection Prevention training in May! Early Childcare providers who are Gateways Registry members can receive 1.5 CEUs for attending. **INFECTION PREVENTION FOR EARLY CHILDCARE AND K-12 SCHOOLS** Our interactive Infection Prevention training is a comprehensive training that covers how diseases spread, particularly in early childcare and schools, how to choose and use cleaning products, and a review of essential infection prevention measures for early childcare and schools. **Date:** May 8th **Time:** 1:00 pm -- 2:30 pm Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6f90bc30-b822-4616-ae0c-6713b381e6cd@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)or at <https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6f90bc30-b822-4616-ae0c-6713b381e6cd@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027> truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689878?p_r_p_categoryId=2063520,4414572020-03-24T20:25:3246660928ViralUrgentUPDATED: Resource for Discharge of High-Risk COVID-19 PUI or Confirmed Cases-March 22, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Gives guidance to hospitals about disposition of COVID-19 PUIs and confirmed cases who are unstably housed or returning to homeless shelters and other high-risk settings.</li> <li>Describes resources available to hospital discharge planners and the process for referring to CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facilities <strong>starting</strong> <strong>8:00AM on March 23, 2020</strong>.</li> <li>Reinforces independence of hospitals to discharge high-risk patients as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background:</strong> In general, COVID-19 patients can be safely discharged without precautions or Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) notification if it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). Lingering cough (as determined by the treating physician) should not prevent a case from being released from isolation. Disposition for certain high-risk populations may require additional resources.</p> <p><strong>When should CDPH be notified of hospital discharge?</strong><br /> Hospitals seeking to discharge lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 PUIs prior to completion of the recommended isolation period, should consider the following factors to determine whether the patient could remain in the hospital until the end of their isolation period of if the patient qualifies for transfer to an isolation facility. Examples include:</p> <ol> <li>A high-risk home setting (e.g. there are elderly or immunocompromised family members at home from whom the patient cannot remain isolated).</li> <li>The individual is homeless or unstably housed.</li> </ol> <p>When evaluating a PUI who is homeless, remember to use the &ldquo;homelessness&rdquo; ICD-10 code (Z59.0) so the information can be captured by state syndromic surveillance. The facility appointed COVID liaison should compete the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/QI+Facility+Intake+Form_032420.pdf/c91cc536-57ad-d398-c010-def0157fd608?t=1585078641646" target="_blank">Q/I Facility Intake Form</a> prior to calling the CDPH Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Liaison to inform decision-making (see page 2 for additional referral process details).</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p> <p>Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Gives guidance to hospitals about disposition of COVID-19 PUIs and confirmed cases who are unstably housed or returning to homeless shelters and other high-risk settings. * Describes resources available to hospital discharge planners and the process for referring to CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facilities **starting** **8:00AM on March 23, 2020**. * Reinforces independence of hospitals to discharge high-risk patients as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. **Background:** In general, COVID-19 patients can be safely discharged without precautions or Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) notification if it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). Lingering cough (as determined by the treating physician) should not prevent a case from being released from isolation. Disposition for certain high-risk populations may require additional resources. **When should CDPH be notified of hospital discharge?** Hospitals seeking to discharge lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 PUIs prior to completion of the recommended isolation period, should consider the following factors to determine whether the patient could remain in the hospital until the end of their isolation period of if the patient qualifies for transfer to an isolation facility. Examples include: 1. A high-risk home setting (e.g. there are elderly or immunocompromised family members at home from whom the patient cannot remain isolated). 2. The individual is homeless or unstably housed. When evaluating a PUI who is homeless, remember to use the "homelessness" ICD-10 code (Z59.0) so the information can be captured by state syndromic surveillance. The facility appointed COVID liaison should compete the [Q/I Facility Intake Form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/QI+Facility+Intake+Form_032420.pdf/c91cc536-57ad-d398-c010-def0157fd608?t=1585078641646) prior to calling the CDPH Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Liaison to inform decision-making (see page 2 for additional referral process details). Please see the attachment for further details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-23T22:36:3746660920COVID19LowEmergency Daycare License and Home Daycare Resource Links<p>The following guidance has been issued from the Illinois Department of Public Health</p> <p>On Friday March 20, 2020 The Governor&rsquo;s executive order (EO) shut down day care centers. These entities can apply for an emergency day care license under the emergency rules that DCFS posted on Friday March 20, 2020. These can be accessed at (<a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/Documents/rules_407.pdf" target="_blank">https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/Documents/rules_407.pdf</a>). These emergency day care centers can provide care to those individuals who are authorized to work under the EO. &nbsp;Day care homes (as opposed to centers) may continue to operate (without a license from DCFS) with up to 6 children.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Additional resources related to providing emergency day care services can be found using the following link: <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/healthy/Documents/COVID-19_Frequently_Asked_Questions_Following_the_Mandatory_Closure_of_All_Child_Care_Centers_and_Homes.pdf" target="_blank">https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/healthy/Documents/COVID-19_Frequently_Asked_Questions_Following_the_Mandatory_Closure_of_All_Child_Care_Centers_and_Homes.pdf</a></p> <p>More from the Office of Early Childhood Education has also posted this information: <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx" target="_blank">https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The following guidance has been issued from the Illinois Department of Public Health On Friday March 20, 2020 The Governor's executive order (EO) shut down day care centers. These entities can apply for an emergency day care license under the emergency rules that DCFS posted on Friday March 20, 2020. These can be accessed at (<https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/Documents/rules_407.pdf>). These emergency day care centers can provide care to those individuals who are authorized to work under the EO. Day care homes (as opposed to centers) may continue to operate (without a license from DCFS) with up to 6 children. Additional resources related to providing emergency day care services can be found using the following link: <https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/healthy/Documents/COVID-19_Frequently_Asked_Questions_Following_the_Mandatory_Closure_of_All_Child_Care_Centers_and_Homes.pdf> More from the Office of Early Childhood Education has also posted this information: <https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD/Pages/For-Communities.aspx>false2020-03-22T23:28:1446660917ViralUrgentNEW Resource for Discharge of High-Risk COVID-19 PUI or Confirmed Cases-March 22, 2020<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Gives guidance to hospitals about disposition of COVID-19 PUIs and confirmed cases who are unstably housed or returning to homeless shelters and other high-risk settings.</li> <li>Describes resources available to hospital discharge planners and the process for referring to CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facilities <strong>starting</strong> <strong>8:00AM on March 23, 2020</strong>.</li> <li>Reinforces independence of hospitals to discharge high-risk patients as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background:</strong> In general, COVID-19 patients can be safely discharged without precautions or Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) notification if it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). Lingering cough (as determined by the treating physician) should not prevent a case from being released from isolation. Disposition for certain high-risk populations may require additional resources.</p> <p><strong>When should CDPH be notified of hospital discharge?</strong><br /> Hospitals seeking to discharge lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 PUIs prior to completion of the recommended isolation period, should consider the following factors to determine whether the patient could remain in the hospital until the end of their isolation period of if the patient qualifies for transfer to an isolation facility. Examples include:</p> <ol> <li>A high-risk home setting (e.g. there are elderly or immunocompromised family members at home from whom the patient cannot remain isolated).</li> <li>The individual is homeless or unstably housed.</li> </ol> <p>When evaluating a PUI who is homeless, remember to use the &ldquo;homelessness&rdquo; ICD-10 code (Z59.0) so the information can be captured by state syndromic surveillance.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p> <p>Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * Gives guidance to hospitals about disposition of COVID-19 PUIs and confirmed cases who are unstably housed or returning to homeless shelters and other high-risk settings. * Describes resources available to hospital discharge planners and the process for referring to CDPH Quarantine/Isolation (Q/I) facilities **starting** **8:00AM on March 23, 2020**. * Reinforces independence of hospitals to discharge high-risk patients as long as it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. **Background:** In general, COVID-19 patients can be safely discharged without precautions or Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) notification if it has been at least 7 days from symptom onset or at least 72 hours after recovery, whichever is longer. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). Lingering cough (as determined by the treating physician) should not prevent a case from being released from isolation. Disposition for certain high-risk populations may require additional resources. **When should CDPH be notified of hospital discharge?** Hospitals seeking to discharge lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 PUIs prior to completion of the recommended isolation period, should consider the following factors to determine whether the patient could remain in the hospital until the end of their isolation period of if the patient qualifies for transfer to an isolation facility. Examples include: 1. A high-risk home setting (e.g. there are elderly or immunocompromised family members at home from whom the patient cannot remain isolated). 2. The individual is homeless or unstably housed. When evaluating a PUI who is homeless, remember to use the "homelessness" ICD-10 code (Z59.0) so the information can be captured by state syndromic surveillance. Please see the attachment for further details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-07T03:25:1946660884ViralLowCDPH: March 6, 2020 CoronaVirus Update<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>A 6^th Illinois case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected in a Chicago resident on 3/6/2020</li> <li>The individual is a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) employee at Vaughn Occupational High School, 4355 N. Linder Avenue</li> <li>Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working to contact all students, family, and faculty at Vaughn Occupational High School to screen them for illness consistent with COVID-19</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Facilities should anticipate an increase in patients seeking care and/or testing for COVID-19 related to this exposure</li> </ul> <p>Individuals suspected of having COVID-19 should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH. See reporting instructions below.</p> <p>Please download the attached document for the full details.</p> <p>Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * A 6^th^ Illinois case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected in a Chicago resident on 3/6/2020 * The individual is a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) employee at Vaughn Occupational High School, 4355 N. Linder Avenue * Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working to contact all students, family, and faculty at Vaughn Occupational High School to screen them for illness consistent with COVID-19 <!-- --> * Facilities should anticipate an increase in patients seeking care and/or testing for COVID-19 related to this exposure Individuals suspected of having COVID-19 should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH. See reporting instructions below. Please download the attached document for the full details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-21T19:50:1846660799COVID19LowInterim Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Childcare/Daycare Centers<p>IDPH has released Interim Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Childcare/Daycare Centers.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness (abbreviated as COVID-19). Public health experts continue to learn about SARS-CoV-2 however, based on current data, the primary mode of spread appears to be from an infected person to close contacts (those within about six feet) via respiratory droplets. Transmission of SAR-CoV-2 to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented, but evidence suggests that SARSCoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces.</p> <p>Appropriate steps to prevent spread of COVID-19 in childcare/daycare centers will vary based on the level of COVID-19 community transmission and presence of COVID-19 cases within the facility. Guidance provided in this document are best practices for preventing spread of all viral respiratory illnesses. However, when there are high levels of COVID-19 community transmission in your community, these practices may not be sufficient to prevent transmission in the childcare/daycare center environment and closure by local or state officials may be recommended.</p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information including:</p> <ul> <li>Definitions</li> <li>Preventative Actions for the introduction of respiratory germs INTO your facility</li> <li>Preventative Actions for the spread of respiratory germs WITHIN your facility</li> <li>Preventative Actions for Vulnerable Populations</li> <li>Contingency Planning</li> <li>Closure of Childcare Facilities</li> <li>Resources</li> <li>Frequently Asked Questions about Isolation and Quarantine</li> </ul>IDPH has released Interim Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Childcare/Daycare Centers. **Background** SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness (abbreviated as COVID-19). Public health experts continue to learn about SARS-CoV-2 however, based on current data, the primary mode of spread appears to be from an infected person to close contacts (those within about six feet) via respiratory droplets. Transmission of SAR-CoV-2 to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented, but evidence suggests that SARSCoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces. Appropriate steps to prevent spread of COVID-19 in childcare/daycare centers will vary based on the level of COVID-19 community transmission and presence of COVID-19 cases within the facility. Guidance provided in this document are best practices for preventing spread of all viral respiratory illnesses. However, when there are high levels of COVID-19 community transmission in your community, these practices may not be sufficient to prevent transmission in the childcare/daycare center environment and closure by local or state officials may be recommended. Please see the attachment for more information including: * Definitions * Preventative Actions for the introduction of respiratory germs INTO your facility * Preventative Actions for the spread of respiratory germs WITHIN your facility * Preventative Actions for Vulnerable Populations * Contingency Planning * Closure of Childcare Facilities * Resources * Frequently Asked Questions about Isolation and Quarantinetrue2025-04-18T18:23:3546689882InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 18, 2025<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains minimal.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in late January. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, the vast majority (89%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity has been decreasing since mid-December for RSV and decreasing since late February for COVID-19.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A increased from moderate to high, flu B declined to minimal, RSV and COVID-19 remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.</li> <li>In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&amp;p_p_lifecycle=2&amp;p_p_state=normal&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_resource_id=download&amp;p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&amp;_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968" target="_blank"> the CDPH HAN</a> for more details.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in late January. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, the vast majority (89%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity has been decreasing since mid-December for RSV and decreasing since late February for COVID-19. * Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A increased from moderate to high, flu B declined to minimal, RSV and COVID-19 remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * In the continental US, the RSV season ended March 31, 2025. Infants and children should no longer receive nirsevimab this respiratory season. See[the CDPH HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail?p_p_id=hanalertdetailsweb&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=download&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_hanalertdetailsweb_attachmentId=45708667&_hanalertdetailsweb_priv_r_p_alertId=4668968) for more details. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low. See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689882?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092020-03-20T21:11:4246660903InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 11<p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 11 has been published.</p> <p>The two primary influenza surveillance indicators show decreasing activity; however, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States may affect healthcare seeking behavior which will impact the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance indicators (ILINet and ESSENCE). CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 38 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 23,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank"> CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics</a> <u>are closed until further notice</u>.</p> <p>Currently, the risk of influenza infection is decreasing but remains elevated.</p> <p>For the week of March 8-14, 2020, 27 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported<span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">.</span></span></p> <p>Since September 29, 2019, 472 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 366 (78%)were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 120 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 106 (22%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities<span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">.</span></span></p> <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</p> <p>For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 11 has been published. The two primary influenza surveillance indicators show decreasing activity; however, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States may affect healthcare seeking behavior which will impact the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance indicators (ILINet and ESSENCE). CDC estimates so far this season there have been at least 38 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 23,000 deaths from flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated every year. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability when feasible. Please note that[CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) ++are closed until further notice++. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is decreasing but remains elevated. For the week of March 8-14, 2020, 27 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 472 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 366 (78%)were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 120 H1N1pdm09, 238 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 106 (22%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-03-20T20:35:3746660901VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - March 20, 2020<p><span style="font-size:14px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH Tips for Outpatient Facilities</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Sign up for CDPH&rsquo;s COVID-19 newsletter</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Postponing VFC Regional Meetings until June</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachments for full details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Also attached:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">-Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics<br /> Learning Management System (LMS) Guide<br /> 1. To create an account on the LMS<br /> 2. To access courses in the Course Catalog</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">-Tips for Outpatient Healthcare Facilities During COVID-19 Community Transmission</span></p>In this Issue: * CDPH Tips for Outpatient Facilities * Sign up for CDPH's COVID-19 newsletter * Postponing VFC Regional Meetings until June Please see the attachments for full details. Also attached: -Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Learning Management System (LMS) Guide 1. To create an account on the LMS 2. To access courses in the Course Catalog -Tips for Outpatient Healthcare Facilities During COVID-19 Community Transmissiontrue2020-03-20T20:11:0746660900ViralLowLong Term Care Facility Guidance for Screening and Assessment of Identified Offenders<p>To promote health and safety of long term care (LTC) facility residents and the public in light of COVID-19 spread, <strong>the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is suspending all <u>in-person</u> resident assessments for the Identified Offenders Program effective immediately.</strong></p> <p>The <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/identified-offenders-program" target="_blank">Identified Offenders Program</a> aims to prevent abuse and promote the safety of residents, staff, and visitors in LTC from the risk of harm posed by residents with criminal backgrounds. Illinois legislation (210 ILCS 45/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 47/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 49/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 46/1-101 et seq.) requires that LTC and interim care facilities conduct background screening on all prospective admissions and notify IDPH and the Illinois State Police of those residents who are identified offenders. After an in-person criminal history investigation and risk assessment are completed, the facility is provided with a risk report and recommendation for security measures to incorporate into the resident&rsquo;s care plan.</p> <p>Per March 13, 2020 revised COVID-19 <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/3-13-2020-nursing-home-guidance-covid-19.pdf" target="_blank">guidance</a> from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, nursing homes are to restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations. <strong>Considering public health and public safety priorities and LTC resources, IDPH is instituting the following until further notice:</strong></p> <ul> <li>LTCs should only conduct name-based background checks for residents admitted to the facility. Fingerprinting of LTC residents should be suspended until further notice.</li> <li>LTCs should continue to report identified offenders to IDPH using the <a href="https://idph.illinois.gov/IOPFacilitySubmission/FacilitySubmissions_T/FacilitySubmissionEntry.aspx" target="_blank">web-based submission portal</a>.</li> <li>Assessments of identified offender residents will be conducted via phone as feasible, with priority for offenders who pose highest risk of harm.</li> </ul> <p>Facilities are responsible for taking all steps necessary to ensure the safety of residents at all times. Please direct all questions <a href="mailto:DPH.IOS@ILLINOIS.GOV">DPH.IOS@ILLINOIS.GOV</a>.</p>To promote health and safety of long term care (LTC) facility residents and the public in light of COVID-19 spread, **the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is suspending all ++in-person++ resident assessments for the Identified Offenders Program effective immediately.** The [Identified Offenders Program](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/patient-safety-quality/identified-offenders-program) aims to prevent abuse and promote the safety of residents, staff, and visitors in LTC from the risk of harm posed by residents with criminal backgrounds. Illinois legislation (210 ILCS 45/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 47/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 49/1-101 et seq., 210 ILCS 46/1-101 et seq.) requires that LTC and interim care facilities conduct background screening on all prospective admissions and notify IDPH and the Illinois State Police of those residents who are identified offenders. After an in-person criminal history investigation and risk assessment are completed, the facility is provided with a risk report and recommendation for security measures to incorporate into the resident's care plan. Per March 13, 2020 revised COVID-19 [guidance](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/3-13-2020-nursing-home-guidance-covid-19.pdf) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, nursing homes are to restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations. **Considering public health and public safety priorities and LTC resources, IDPH is instituting the following until further notice:** * LTCs should only conduct name-based background checks for residents admitted to the facility. Fingerprinting of LTC residents should be suspended until further notice. * LTCs should continue to report identified offenders to IDPH using the [web-based submission portal](https://idph.illinois.gov/IOPFacilitySubmission/FacilitySubmissions_T/FacilitySubmissionEntry.aspx). * Assessments of identified offender residents will be conducted via phone as feasible, with priority for offenders who pose highest risk of harm. Facilities are responsible for taking all steps necessary to ensure the safety of residents at all times. Please direct all questions [DPH.IOS@ILLINOIS.GOV](mailto:DPH.IOS@ILLINOIS.GOV).true2020-03-20T02:25:3446660797ViralUrgentUrgent: CDPH ORDER: DUTIES OF HOSPITALS AND OTHER CONGREGATE FACILITIES and guidance on PPE<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Commissioner of Health of the City of Chicago hereby orders as follows:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>SECTION 1. </strong>All acute care and long-term hospitals located within the City shall immediately: (1) adopt and implement administrative and personal protective equipment (&ldquo;PPE&rdquo;) control policies to reduce potential transmission of COVID-19 and to help conserve PPE, including but not limited to gowns, masks, gloves, goggles, or other garments or equipment needed to protect the wearer&rsquo;s body from infection or other health or safety risks associated with the COVID-19 virus; (2) postpone elective surgeries and medical procedures; (3) implement a strict visitor policy in hospitals and clinics with exceptions for circumstances where having no companion may have long-term negative health implications for the patients. This includes circumstances involving pediatric and neonatal patients; laboring mothers; compassionate, pastoral, and end of life situations; and necessary transportation; (4) implement a policy to limit entry into patient rooms of COVID-19 patients to essential healthcare workers only, with the exception of companions detailed in item (3) above; and (5) implement a policy to check employees for symptoms of COVID-19 at the start and end of each shift.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>SECTION 2. </strong>All acute care hospitals located within the City shall submit daily reports to CDPH, via an online protocol established by CDPH, reporting CDPH-defined COVID-related patient data, e.g. daily counts of COVID-19-related intensive care unit (&ldquo;ICU&rdquo;) admissions; COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation; and COVID-19-related deaths that occurred at the hospital during the preceding 24 hours.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>SECTION 3. </strong>All schools, jails, correctional facilities and adult transition centers (halfway houses), and all persons licensed or required to be licensed under Title 4 of the Municipal Code of Chicago to engage in the business of a children&rsquo;s services facility, child care institution, adult family care center, assisted living establishment, long-term care facility or adult family care home, and all community living facilities as defined in 210 ILCS 35 and life care facilities as defined in 210 ILCS 40 (collectively, &ldquo;congregate facilities&rdquo;) shall: (1) immediately report to CDPH, via a mechanism to be detailed and described on the CDPH website, clusters of COVID19 patients, defined as two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurring within 14 calendar days of each other at such congregate facility; and (2) designate an agent whose responsibility it shall be to file such report with CDPH within 24 hours of identifying the cluster.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>SECTION 4. </strong>In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this Order shall be subject to the fines set forth in Section 2-112-340 of the Code.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>SECTION 5. </strong>This Order shall remain in effect until the Commissioner of Health makes a written determination that the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished to the point that this Order can be safely repealed.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details. <strong>Also please see the attached for important information on Respirator Reuse Recommendations and for&nbsp;PPE Conservation Guidance.</strong></span></p>**The Commissioner of Health of the City of Chicago hereby orders as follows:** **SECTION 1.**All acute care and long-term hospitals located within the City shall immediately: (1) adopt and implement administrative and personal protective equipment ("PPE") control policies to reduce potential transmission of COVID-19 and to help conserve PPE, including but not limited to gowns, masks, gloves, goggles, or other garments or equipment needed to protect the wearer's body from infection or other health or safety risks associated with the COVID-19 virus; (2) postpone elective surgeries and medical procedures; (3) implement a strict visitor policy in hospitals and clinics with exceptions for circumstances where having no companion may have long-term negative health implications for the patients. This includes circumstances involving pediatric and neonatal patients; laboring mothers; compassionate, pastoral, and end of life situations; and necessary transportation; (4) implement a policy to limit entry into patient rooms of COVID-19 patients to essential healthcare workers only, with the exception of companions detailed in item (3) above; and (5) implement a policy to check employees for symptoms of COVID-19 at the start and end of each shift. **SECTION 2.**All acute care hospitals located within the City shall submit daily reports to CDPH, via an online protocol established by CDPH, reporting CDPH-defined COVID-related patient data, e.g. daily counts of COVID-19-related intensive care unit ("ICU") admissions; COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation; and COVID-19-related deaths that occurred at the hospital during the preceding 24 hours. **SECTION 3.**All schools, jails, correctional facilities and adult transition centers (halfway houses), and all persons licensed or required to be licensed under Title 4 of the Municipal Code of Chicago to engage in the business of a children's services facility, child care institution, adult family care center, assisted living establishment, long-term care facility or adult family care home, and all community living facilities as defined in 210 ILCS 35 and life care facilities as defined in 210 ILCS 40 (collectively, "congregate facilities") shall: (1) immediately report to CDPH, via a mechanism to be detailed and described on the CDPH website, clusters of COVID19 patients, defined as two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurring within 14 calendar days of each other at such congregate facility; and (2) designate an agent whose responsibility it shall be to file such report with CDPH within 24 hours of identifying the cluster. **SECTION 4.**In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this Order shall be subject to the fines set forth in Section 2-112-340 of the Code. **SECTION 5.**This Order shall remain in effect until the Commissioner of Health makes a written determination that the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished to the point that this Order can be safely repealed. Please see the attachment for full details. **Also please see the attached for important information on Respirator Reuse Recommendations and for PPE Conservation Guidance.**true2020-02-18T21:58:0646660284VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - February 18, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">VFC Regional Meetings </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">I-CARE Training</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Annual VFC ReEnrollment </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">National Infant Immunization Week 2020&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>In this Issue: * VFC Regional Meetings * I-CARE Training * Annual VFC ReEnrollment * National Infant Immunization Week 2020 Please see the attachment for full details.true2020-03-03T16:10:2446660579ViralLowIDPH: Release of Stockpiled N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators<p><span style="font-size:14px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">N95s that are past their manufacturer-designated shelf life are no longer considered NIOSH-approved, as all manufacturer-designated conditions of use must be met to maintain the NIOSH approval.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">In times of increased demand and decreased supply, consideration can be made to use the N95s listed above past their manufacturer-designated shelf life when responding to COVID-19.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">This preliminary information from the NIOSH study suggests certain N95 models beyond their manufacturer-designated shelf life[ii] will be protective. CDC recommends that N95s that have exceeded their manufacturer-designated shelf life should be used only as outlined in the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html" target="_blank"> Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators</a>.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling <strong>312-746-SICK (7425) Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).&nbsp; </strong>See <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a> for additional details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Check for clinical updates at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> and community guidance documents at <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV">www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Download the attached document for the full details.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ * N95s that are past their manufacturer-designated shelf life are no longer considered NIOSH-approved, as all manufacturer-designated conditions of use must be met to maintain the NIOSH approval. * In times of increased demand and decreased supply, consideration can be made to use the N95s listed above past their manufacturer-designated shelf life when responding to COVID-19. * This preliminary information from the NIOSH study suggests certain N95 models beyond their manufacturer-designated shelf life\[ii\] will be protective. CDC recommends that N95s that have exceeded their manufacturer-designated shelf life should be used only as outlined in the[Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html). **Reporting** Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling **312-746-SICK (7425) Monday--Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).** See [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19](http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19) for additional details. Check for clinical updates at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> and community guidance documents at [www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV](http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV). Download the attached document for the full details. <br />true2020-03-18T21:27:0146660898ViralUrgentURGENT Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Hospitals 03/18/2020<p><span style="font-size:18px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <p><strong>MINIMIZE FACILITY EXPOSURES TO THE PUBLIC, VULNERABLE PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL (HCP)</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Tighten visitor restrictions.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Though several commercial and hospital-based laboratories are now offering COVID-19 testing using a molecular assay, testing is NOT indicated for mildly ill or asymptomatic persons.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Advise patients with mild respiratory illness to STAY HOME; This will minimize possible exposures to HCP, patients and the public and reduce the demand for personal protective equipment.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">ALL HCP should self-monitor by taking their temperature twice daily and assess for COVID-19 like illness. HCP with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 like illness should NOT work.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>WE MUST PRESERVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Use standard, contact, droplet precautions, and appropriate eye protection when caring for patients who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">An airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) is only required for patients undergoing an aerosol generating procedure (AGP). N95s should be preserved for AGPs (NP/OP swabs are no longer considered an aerosol generating procedure).</span><br /> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SHOULD PLAN NOW FOR ENHANCED SURGE CAPACITY</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Hospitals should minimize, postpone, or cancel electively scheduled operations, endoscopies, or other invasive procedures and minimize use of essential items needed to care for patients, including but not limited to, ICU beds, personal protective equipment, terminal cleaning supplies, and ventilators.</span></li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for further details.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** **MINIMIZE FACILITY EXPOSURES TO THE PUBLIC, VULNERABLE PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL (HCP)** * Tighten visitor restrictions. * Though several commercial and hospital-based laboratories are now offering COVID-19 testing using a molecular assay, testing is NOT indicated for mildly ill or asymptomatic persons. * Advise patients with mild respiratory illness to STAY HOME; This will minimize possible exposures to HCP, patients and the public and reduce the demand for personal protective equipment. * ALL HCP should self-monitor by taking their temperature twice daily and assess for COVID-19 like illness. HCP with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 like illness should NOT work. **WE MUST PRESERVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES** * Use standard, contact, droplet precautions, and appropriate eye protection when caring for patients who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. * An airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) is only required for patients undergoing an aerosol generating procedure (AGP). N95s should be preserved for AGPs (NP/OP swabs are no longer considered an aerosol generating procedure). **HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SHOULD PLAN NOW FOR ENHANCED SURGE CAPACITY** * Hospitals should minimize, postpone, or cancel electively scheduled operations, endoscopies, or other invasive procedures and minimize use of essential items needed to care for patients, including but not limited to, ICU beds, personal protective equipment, terminal cleaning supplies, and ventilators. Please see the attachment for further details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-18T20:55:1346660795ViralLowIDPH: UPDATE - EMS Notification of Positive COVID-19 Patient<p>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state and national declared emergency and in light of the number of patients being transported by EMS to a receiving hospital, effective immediately the hospital shall notify the EMS crew who transported a patient who tested positive for COVID 19 within 12 hours of a positive test result.</p> <p>The notification shall include the following information: patient name, date and time the patient was brought into the receiving facility. <strong>FOR CLARIFICATION:</strong> If the hospital does not know the name of the crew, they shall notify the providers Designated Infection Control Officer, (DICO) or their Fire Chief or private EMS Corporate Executive Officer. The contacted&nbsp; entity will notify the EMS crew who transported a patient who tested positive for COVID 19.</p> <p>EMS&nbsp; provider agency with the above information. The EMS Provider will then notify the EMS Crew.</p> <p>Please share this memo with&nbsp; your ED nursing staff, ED physicians and infectious disease staff and other hospital administrators.</p> <p>As the COVID-19 situation develops further the department will keep you up to date with the most current&nbsp; information we have available. Thank you for your continued support to EMS and stay safe.</p> <p>-Attachment</p>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state and national declared emergency and in light of the number of patients being transported by EMS to a receiving hospital, effective immediately the hospital shall notify the EMS crew who transported a patient who tested positive for COVID 19 within 12 hours of a positive test result. The notification shall include the following information: patient name, date and time the patient was brought into the receiving facility. **FOR CLARIFICATION:** If the hospital does not know the name of the crew, they shall notify the providers Designated Infection Control Officer, (DICO) or their Fire Chief or private EMS Corporate Executive Officer. The contacted entity will notify the EMS crew who transported a patient who tested positive for COVID 19. EMS provider agency with the above information. The EMS Provider will then notify the EMS Crew. Please share this memo with your ED nursing staff, ED physicians and infectious disease staff and other hospital administrators. As the COVID-19 situation develops further the department will keep you up to date with the most current information we have available. Thank you for your continued support to EMS and stay safe. -Attachmenttrue2020-03-17T00:45:4446660793ViralLowTips for Outpatient Healthcare Facilities During COVID-19 Community Transmission<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Given recent identification of COVID-19 community transmissionin Chicago, CDPH recommends the following actions (please see attachment) for outpatient healthcare facilities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Goals of these actions include protecting healthcare workers and protecting patients from community transmission of the virus. &nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CDPH recommends against testing persons with mild illness who can be safely managed at home</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information including on Testing and Home Isolation and Ways to Keep your Staff and Patients Safe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additonally, please see&nbsp;attachments that can be shared with patients and staff ton the following topics:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">What to do if you have symptoms and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></span></p>**Summary and Action Items** * Given recent identification of COVID-19 community transmissionin Chicago, CDPH recommends the following actions (please see attachment) for outpatient healthcare facilities. * Goals of these actions include protecting healthcare workers and protecting patients from community transmission of the virus. * CDPH recommends against testing persons with mild illness who can be safely managed at home Please see the attachment for more information including on Testing and Home Isolation and Ways to Keep your Staff and Patients Safe. Additonally, please see attachments that can be shared with patients and staff ton the following topics: * What to do if you have symptoms and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 * What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 * What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-16T22:41:1846660792ViralLowCOVID-19: Testing Recommendations and Public Health Testing Updates 03/16/2020<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>&nbsp;Summary and Action Items<br /> &bull; </strong>Commercial and hospital-based testing options for COVID-19 are now available<br /> &bull; CDPH recommends against testing persons with mild illness who can be safely managed at home<br /> &bull; The authorization process for testing meeting criteria for prioritization through IDPH laboratories is now through an online request form; faxing or emailing the PUI form is no longer needed<br /> &bull; Submission of specimens to IDPH lab should be limited to one nasopharyngeal (NP) swab per patient</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attached for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further guidance and additional information can be found at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items •** Commercial and hospital-based testing options for COVID-19 are now available • CDPH recommends against testing persons with mild illness who can be safely managed at home • The authorization process for testing meeting criteria for prioritization through IDPH laboratories is now through an online request form; faxing or emailing the PUI form is no longer needed • Submission of specimens to IDPH lab should be limited to one nasopharyngeal (NP) swab per patient Please see the attached for more information. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2025-04-25T19:17:4146689980InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - April 25, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a></strong>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains Minimal.</li> <li>The third pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-2025 flu season was reported this week.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in late January. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, the vast majority (90%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity has been decreasing since late February for COVID-19. Test positivity remains low for RSV since its peak in mid-December.</li> <li>Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A remain high, flu B declined to minimal, RSV and COVID-19 remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html)**. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains Minimal. * The third pediatric influenza death in Chicago of the 2024-2025 flu season was reported this week. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline from a peak of 23% in late January. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, the vast majority (90%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity has been decreasing since late February for COVID-19. Test positivity remains low for RSV since its peak in mid-December. * Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A remain high, flu B declined to minimal, RSV and COVID-19 remain minimal. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689980?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092020-03-16T00:35:5346660791ViralLowCDC: Information and Guidance about Global Travel on Cruise Ships, Including River Cruises, due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong><br /> <strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all persons defer any travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide because of the increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission onboard ships. </strong>Deferring travel is especially important for older adults and all people with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease), because of their increased risk for severe disease. This health update provides information to clinicians and state and local health departments about the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and the risks associated with travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attched for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further guidance and additional information can be found at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></span></p>**Summary** **The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all persons defer any travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide because of the increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission onboard ships.**Deferring travel is especially important for older adults and all people with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease), because of their increased risk for severe disease. This health update provides information to clinicians and state and local health departments about the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation and the risks associated with travel on cruise ships, including river cruises. Please see the attched for more information. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-14T20:23:1646660891InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 10<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 10&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w" target="_blank">interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season</a>, showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor&rsquo;s visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of February March 1-7, 2020, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 441&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 339&nbsp;(77%) were positive for influenza A (8&nbsp;H3N2, 111&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 220&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 99&nbsp;(23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35.5&nbsp;years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14&nbsp;outbreaks in&nbsp;long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 10 has been published. The CDC has released [interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w), showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor's visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. For the week of February March 1-7, 2020, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 441 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 339 (77%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 111 H1N1pdm09, 220 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 99 (23%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-03-14T20:08:0446660890VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - March 13, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px">Please note there are TWO VFC Bulletins attached to this email.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">In these&nbsp;Issues:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Important information on COVID-19</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">VFC Regional Meetings </span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Annual VFC ReEnrollment </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachments for full details.</span></p>Please note there are TWO VFC Bulletins attached to this email. In these Issues: * Important information on COVID-19 * VFC Regional Meetings * Annual VFC ReEnrollment Please see the attachments for full details.true2020-03-14T19:32:1946660889ViralLowCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update and Information for Long-term Care Facilities<p>Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020</p> <p>Time: 1:00pm&ndash;2:00pm (Central Time)</p> <p>Please click the link below to join:<br /> <a href="https://zoom.us/j/148725646" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/148725646</a></p> <p>Or iPhone one-tap:<br /> US: +16468769923,,148725646# or +16699006833,,148725646# &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Or Telephone:<br /> US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 669 900 6833&nbsp;</p> <p>Webinar ID: 148 725 646</p> <p>If you are unable to attend this COCA Call, the recording of this webinar will be posted at https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_031720.asp a few hours after the live event.</p> <p>Please see the attched for more information.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Time: 1:00pm--2:00pm (Central Time) Please click the link below to join: <https://zoom.us/j/148725646> Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16468769923,,148725646# or +16699006833,,148725646# Or Telephone: US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 148 725 646 If you are unable to attend this COCA Call, the recording of this webinar will be posted at https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2020/callinfo_031720.asp a few hours after the live event. Please see the attched for more information.true2020-03-14T16:42:4146660787ViralLowEssential 3/14/20 COVID-19 Updates for Chicago Providers: Lab, HCW exposure mgt, and EMTALA updates<p><span style="font-size:14px">Outpatient providers intending to evaluate and test suspect COVID-19 patients must immediately obtain a connection to a commercial lab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. &nbsp;For priority patients of public health importance, as described in the attached decision matrix, we will continue to support submission to IDPH laboratory. &nbsp;Do NOT call 311 or the CDPH SICK line to request PUI submission. &nbsp;Fax or email a PUI form per the instructions on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To clarify, CDPH does NOT test specimens collected from PUIs directly, but for priority PUIs, CDPH will assist providers with submission to the IDPH laboratory. &nbsp;Results are disseminated by the IDPH lab (NOT CDPH) directly to the submitter via the information provided by the ordering facility on the PUI and test requisition form. &nbsp; Please allow processing time due to the volume of specimens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachments for more information including:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Public health lab PUI Testing Decision Matrix</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Lab guidance to submit NP only for testing</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">New HCW exposure management guidance</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">March 9, 2020 CMS EMTALA update</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please download the attached document for the full details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></span></p>Outpatient providers intending to evaluate and test suspect COVID-19 patients must immediately obtain a connection to a commercial lab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. For priority patients of public health importance, as described in the attached decision matrix, we will continue to support submission to IDPH laboratory. Do NOT call 311 or the CDPH SICK line to request PUI submission. Fax or email a PUI form per the instructions on [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19](https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19). To clarify, CDPH does NOT test specimens collected from PUIs directly, but for priority PUIs, CDPH will assist providers with submission to the IDPH laboratory. Results are disseminated by the IDPH lab (NOT CDPH) directly to the submitter via the information provided by the ordering facility on the PUI and test requisition form. Please allow processing time due to the volume of specimens. Please see the attachments for more information including: * Public health lab PUI Testing Decision Matrix * Lab guidance to submit NP only for testing * New HCW exposure management guidance * March 9, 2020 CMS EMTALA update Please download the attached document for the full details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2025-05-02T20:23:3546689890InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 2, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a></strong>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains Minimal. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups. &nbsp;The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (97%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low.&nbsp;</li> <li>Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, RSV, and COVID-19 declined to low, and flu B increased to moderate. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html)**. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu and RSV activity remain Low and COVID-19 activity remains Minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across most age groups. The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (97%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low. * Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for flu A, RSV, and COVID-19 declined to low, and flu B increased to moderate. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * **[Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html) vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689890?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092020-03-06T20:40:1146660778InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 9<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 9&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w" target="_blank">interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season</a>, showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor&rsquo;s visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of February 23-29, 2020, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 400&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 301&nbsp;(75%) were positive for influenza A (8&nbsp;H3N2, 93&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 192&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 99&nbsp;(25%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36&nbsp;years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 12 outbreaks in&nbsp;long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 9 has been published. The CDC has released [interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w), showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor's visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. For the week of February 23-29, 2020, 38 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 400 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 301 (75%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 93 H1N1pdm09, 192 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 99 (25%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 36 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 12 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-03-05T18:41:4446660682ViralLowClarifying PUI Testing for COVID-19<p>Summary and Action Items<br /> &bull; To clarify that until commercial testing is available, IDPH is not changing its PUI testing criteria.<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp;IDPH will continue to prioritize testing for persons with contact to a known COVID-19 case, travelers to Alert Level 3 countries, and&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;those severely ill, including elderly in long term care facilities.<br /> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -&nbsp;IDPH also will continue to conduct sentinel surveillance at a select group of Illinois hospitals to monitor the existence/extent of&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; community transmission.<br /> &bull; To expand on PUI evaluation recommendation for persons severely ill but without known exposure.<br /> <br /> Today, CDC updated its website on PUI testing stating that &ldquo;criteria for evaluation of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) were expanded to a wider group of symptomatic patients.&rdquo; However, in the clarifying text with specific criteria, the caveat was added, &ldquo;As availability of testing for COVID-19 increases, &hellip;&rdquo; In Illinois, this will not be achieved until commercial testing is available through reference and hospital labs which is anticipated to begin within the next two weeks. The state public health laboratories are processing specimens at capacity and this must be sustained as a critical component of the public health response. Of paramount importance, the CDC&rsquo;s PUI guidance continues to support use of epidemiological data to guide testing decisions and testing for other causes of respiratory illness (e.g., influenza) for those without epidemiologic links.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please download the attached document for the full details.</p> <p>Further guidance and additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Summary and Action Items • To clarify that until commercial testing is available, IDPH is not changing its PUI testing criteria. - IDPH will continue to prioritize testing for persons with contact to a known COVID-19 case, travelers to Alert Level 3 countries, and those severely ill, including elderly in long term care facilities. - IDPH also will continue to conduct sentinel surveillance at a select group of Illinois hospitals to monitor the existence/extent of community transmission. • To expand on PUI evaluation recommendation for persons severely ill but without known exposure. <br /> Today, CDC updated its website on PUI testing stating that "criteria for evaluation of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) were expanded to a wider group of symptomatic patients." However, in the clarifying text with specific criteria, the caveat was added, "As availability of testing for COVID-19 increases, ..." In Illinois, this will not be achieved until commercial testing is available through reference and hospital labs which is anticipated to begin within the next two weeks. The state public health laboratories are processing specimens at capacity and this must be sustained as a critical component of the public health response. Of paramount importance, the CDC's PUI guidance continues to support use of epidemiological data to guide testing decisions and testing for other causes of respiratory illness (e.g., influenza) for those without epidemiologic links. Please download the attached document for the full details. Further guidance and additional information can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>true2020-03-05T15:58:3446660681ViralLowCDC COCA Call: COVID-19 Update—What Clinicians Need to Know to Prepare for COVID-19 in the United States<p>There will be a CDC COCA call today.&nbsp;During this call, clinicians will learn what they can do to prepare for COVID-19 including identifying persons under investigation, applying infection prevention and control measures, assessing risks for exposures, optimizing the use of personal protective equipment supplies, and managing and caring for patients (inpatient and at home).&nbsp;</p> <p>Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020</p> <p>Time: 1:00&ndash;2:00 P.M. (Central&nbsp;Time)</p> <p>Special Request: Due to the high demand we anticipate for this COCA Call, we kindly ask participants to access it in a group format, if possible, to allow for the maximum number of people to participate. Advanced registration is not required.</p> <p>Watch on Facebook: You may also participate in this COCA Call by joining COCA&rsquo;s Facebook Live broadcasting.</p> <p>A few minutes before the webinar begins on Thursday, March 5, please click the link below to join:&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h9d9ce08,4caa9de,4caaa1b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/695903771</a></p> <p>Or iPhone one-tap:<br /> US: +16468769923,,695903771# or +16699006833,,695903771#</p> <p>Or Telephone:<br /> US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 669 900 6833</p> <p>Webinar ID: 695 903 771</p> <p>International numbers available: <a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h9d9ce08,4caa9de,4caaa1c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/u/anixAVglV</a></p> <p>Advanced registration is not required.</p> <p>Continuing Education will not be offered for this COCA Call.</p> <p>There will only be a few slides for this COCA Call. Slides will not advance during the presentation portion of this webinar. You can find the slides here&lt;<a href="https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=ha4dde2c,4e17477,4e18be1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=ha4dde2c,4e17477,4e18be1</a>&gt;.</p> <p>If you are unable to attend this live COCA Call&lt;https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=ha4dde2c,4e17477,4e18be5&gt;, it will be available to view on-demand a few hours after the call.</p> <p>Presenters:<br /> Sue Gerber, MD<br /> COVID-19 Response Epidemiology Task Force Deputy Lead<br /> National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p> <p>Amber M. Vasquez, MD, MPH<br /> COVID-19 Response Infection Prevention and Control Team<br /> National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p> <p>CAPT Lisa Delaney, MS, CIH (USPHS)<br /> COVID-19 Response Worker Health and Safety Team<br /> National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p> <p>Angela J. P. Campbell, MD, MPH, FPIDS, FIDSA<br /> COVID-19 Response Clinical Team<br /> National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases<br /> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p> <p>For additional information or questions, please refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p>There will be a CDC COCA call today. During this call, clinicians will learn what they can do to prepare for COVID-19 including identifying persons under investigation, applying infection prevention and control measures, assessing risks for exposures, optimizing the use of personal protective equipment supplies, and managing and caring for patients (inpatient and at home). Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020 Time: 1:00--2:00 P.M. (Central Time) Special Request: Due to the high demand we anticipate for this COCA Call, we kindly ask participants to access it in a group format, if possible, to allow for the maximum number of people to participate. Advanced registration is not required. Watch on Facebook: You may also participate in this COCA Call by joining COCA's Facebook Live broadcasting. A few minutes before the webinar begins on Thursday, March 5, please click the link below to join: [https://zoom.us/j/695903771](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h9d9ce08,4caa9de,4caaa1b) Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16468769923,,695903771# or +16699006833,,695903771# Or Telephone: US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 695 903 771 International numbers available: [https://zoom.us/u/anixAVglV](https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=h9d9ce08,4caa9de,4caaa1c) Advanced registration is not required. Continuing Education will not be offered for this COCA Call. There will only be a few slides for this COCA Call. Slides will not advance during the presentation portion of this webinar. You can find the slides here\<<https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=ha4dde2c,4e17477,4e18be1>\>. If you are unable to attend this live COCA Call\<https://t.emailupdates.cdc.gov/r/?id=ha4dde2c,4e17477,4e18be5\>, it will be available to view on-demand a few hours after the call. Presenters: Sue Gerber, MD COVID-19 Response Epidemiology Task Force Deputy Lead National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Amber M. Vasquez, MD, MPH COVID-19 Response Infection Prevention and Control Team National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CAPT Lisa Delaney, MS, CIH (USPHS) COVID-19 Response Worker Health and Safety Team National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Angela J. P. Campbell, MD, MPH, FPIDS, FIDSA COVID-19 Response Clinical Team National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For additional information or questions, please refer to <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>false2020-03-04T21:55:3046660580ViralLowCOVID-19 Sample Submission to IDPH<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories is now testing for COVID-19 at all three of its laboratories located in Carbondale, Chicago and Springfield. Below contains guidance for specimen testing at IDPH Laboratories:</p> <p><strong>Specimens to be Collected</strong>:&nbsp; The only specimens to be submitted for patients on the initial screen include: 1 nasopharyngeal (NP) and 1 oropharyngeal (OP) swab. Each swab should be individually placed in a vial of viral transport media (containing 2-3 mL of fluid). If the patient is positive on the initial screening performed at the IDPH Laboratories, additional specimens will be requested, such as sputum and serum. Please do not send these samples until requested.</p> <p><strong>Forms to Include with Specimens</strong>: All submissions require approval from the Local Health Department which will provide a patient-specific authorization number. Each specimen should have its own Communicable Disease Laboratory Test Requisition Form. Prior to submission, ensure all sections of the form are complete as missing fields may delay testing. The authorization code should be placed at the top of the form.</p> <p><strong>Laboratory Turn Around Time:</strong> The laboratory will make every attempt to test specimens received by 11 am on the day received. Specimens received after 11 am will be tested on the following business day. The laboratories are performing testing Monday through Friday. Saturday testing is only permitted if a critical need arises. Please refer to prior guidance from IDPH regarding appropriate swabs, storage temperatures and shipping. If you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication, please contact Kristin Goldesberry (Springfield Laboratory Manager) at 217-524-6228, Chris Vogt (Carbondale Supervisor) at 618-457-5131 or Dr. Mohammad Nasir (Chicago Laboratory Manager) at 312-793-4760. Contact your Local Health Department to discuss any Persons Under Investigation.</p> <p>Clinicians considering testing for COVID-19 at the Illinois Department of Public Health for Chicago Residents should complete a Persons Under Investigation (PUI) form and submit to CDPH by fax to: 312-746-4683 or encrypted email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:massimo.pacilli@cityofchicago.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">massimo.pacilli@cityofchicago.org</a>. The form may be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/COVID-19+PUI+Form+02282020+V.3.pdf" id="LPlnk559511" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/COVID-19+PUI+Form+02282020+V.3.pdf</a></p> <p>For additional information and questions, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago).</p> <p>After receiving approval code for specimen submission, submitters should complete the IDPH&nbsp;<a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohp-labscd-test-requisition.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Communicable Disease Laboratory Test Requisition Form</a>&nbsp;for each specimen submitted. The unique approval code provided for each individual for whom specimen submission has been approved should be included in the Test Requisition form in the top right &ldquo;outbreak #&rdquo; field.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Check for clinical updates at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> and community guidance documents at <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV">www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV</a>.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories is now testing for COVID-19 at all three of its laboratories located in Carbondale, Chicago and Springfield. Below contains guidance for specimen testing at IDPH Laboratories: **Specimens to be Collected**: The only specimens to be submitted for patients on the initial screen include: 1 nasopharyngeal (NP) and 1 oropharyngeal (OP) swab. Each swab should be individually placed in a vial of viral transport media (containing 2-3 mL of fluid). If the patient is positive on the initial screening performed at the IDPH Laboratories, additional specimens will be requested, such as sputum and serum. Please do not send these samples until requested. **Forms to Include with Specimens**: All submissions require approval from the Local Health Department which will provide a patient-specific authorization number. Each specimen should have its own Communicable Disease Laboratory Test Requisition Form. Prior to submission, ensure all sections of the form are complete as missing fields may delay testing. The authorization code should be placed at the top of the form. **Laboratory Turn Around Time:** The laboratory will make every attempt to test specimens received by 11 am on the day received. Specimens received after 11 am will be tested on the following business day. The laboratories are performing testing Monday through Friday. Saturday testing is only permitted if a critical need arises. Please refer to prior guidance from IDPH regarding appropriate swabs, storage temperatures and shipping. If you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication, please contact Kristin Goldesberry (Springfield Laboratory Manager) at 217-524-6228, Chris Vogt (Carbondale Supervisor) at 618-457-5131 or Dr. Mohammad Nasir (Chicago Laboratory Manager) at 312-793-4760. Contact your Local Health Department to discuss any Persons Under Investigation. Clinicians considering testing for COVID-19 at the Illinois Department of Public Health for Chicago Residents should complete a Persons Under Investigation (PUI) form and submit to CDPH by fax to: 312-746-4683 or encrypted email to [massimo.pacilli@cityofchicago.org](mailto:massimo.pacilli@cityofchicago.org). The form may be found here: <https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/239678/COVID-19+PUI+Form+02282020+V.3.pdf>{#LPlnk559511} For additional information and questions, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago). After receiving approval code for specimen submission, submitters should complete the IDPH [Communicable Disease Laboratory Test Requisition Form](http://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohp-labscd-test-requisition.pdf) for each specimen submitted. The unique approval code provided for each individual for whom specimen submission has been approved should be included in the Test Requisition form in the top right "outbreak #" field. Check for clinical updates at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> and community guidance documents at [www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV](http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV).true2020-03-03T22:46:3746660680ViralLowIDPH: HHS COVID-19 Healthcare Planning Checklist<p><span style="font-size:14px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Planning for a potential emerging infectious disease pandemic, like COVID-19, is critical to protecting the health and welfare of our nation. To assist state, local, tribal, and territorial partners in their planning efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response has developed the attached checklist. Also avaliable <a href="https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/COVID19/Documents/COVID-19%20Healthcare%20Planning%20Checklist.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. It identifies specific activities your organization can do now to prepare for, respond to, and be resilient in the face of COVID-19. Many of the activities in this checklist are specific for COVID-19, however many, pertain to any public health emergency.</span></p> <p><strong>Reporting Reminder</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling <strong>312-746-SICK (7425) Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).&nbsp; </strong>See <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a> for additional details.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Check for clinical updates at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> and community guidance documents at <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV">www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV</a>.</span></p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ Planning for a potential emerging infectious disease pandemic, like COVID-19, is critical to protecting the health and welfare of our nation. To assist state, local, tribal, and territorial partners in their planning efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response has developed the attached checklist. Also avaliable [here](https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/COVID19/Documents/COVID-19%20Healthcare%20Planning%20Checklist.pdf). It identifies specific activities your organization can do now to prepare for, respond to, and be resilient in the face of COVID-19. Many of the activities in this checklist are specific for COVID-19, however many, pertain to any public health emergency. **Reporting Reminder** Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling **312-746-SICK (7425) Monday--Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).** See [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19](http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19) for additional details. Check for clinical updates at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> and community guidance documents at [www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV](http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV).true2020-03-03T01:03:1746660679ViralLowIDPH: COVID-19 Returning International Students Health Alert<p><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u><br /> &bull; To provide interim guidance on movement restrictions for students returning from affected geographic areas that may be updated/altered based on forthcoming CDC recommendations<br /> &bull; Provide information on new resources released by CDC over the weekend<br /> &bull; To update Local Health Departments on new procedures for managing PUIs paperwork<br /> &bull; To clarify appropriate use of the COVID-19 Hotline</p> <p><strong>Background</strong><br /> IDPH released a Health Alert on February 28th with new clinical guidance on testing and movement restrictions for travelers with Level 3 travel restrictions. Currently, these counties are China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy. Particularly from Italy, student studying abroad are being sent home which has generated logistic issues and concerns for universities in terms of movement restrictions and housing accommodations.</p> <p><strong>Public Health Management of Travelers, Interim Guidance</strong><br /> With medium risk for COVID-19, students should remain &ldquo;at home&rdquo; or in a comparable setting (equipped with restrooms and kitchen facilities not used by other students) for 14 days from date of departure, and avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing. This could include having students return to their parent&rsquo;s/guardian&rsquo;s homes or student housing options. Cohorting asymptomatic students could be an option, and provisions for distance learning arranged. Students should self-monitor for symptoms with public health or university supervision. REDCap is optional but is not a requirement due to the volume for some universities.</p> <p><strong>New CDC Resources</strong><br /> New guidance documents and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available on <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">CDC website</a>.</p> <p><strong>Reporting</strong></p> <p>Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling <strong>312-746-SICK (7425) Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).&nbsp; </strong>See <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a> for additional details.</p> <p>Check for clinical updates at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> and community guidance documents at <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV">www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV</a>.</p> <p>Download the attached document for the full details.</p> <p>For additional information or questions, please refer to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a></p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p>++**Summary and Action Items**++ • To provide interim guidance on movement restrictions for students returning from affected geographic areas that may be updated/altered based on forthcoming CDC recommendations • Provide information on new resources released by CDC over the weekend • To update Local Health Departments on new procedures for managing PUIs paperwork • To clarify appropriate use of the COVID-19 Hotline **Background** IDPH released a Health Alert on February 28th with new clinical guidance on testing and movement restrictions for travelers with Level 3 travel restrictions. Currently, these counties are China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy. Particularly from Italy, student studying abroad are being sent home which has generated logistic issues and concerns for universities in terms of movement restrictions and housing accommodations. **Public Health Management of Travelers, Interim Guidance** With medium risk for COVID-19, students should remain "at home" or in a comparable setting (equipped with restrooms and kitchen facilities not used by other students) for 14 days from date of departure, and avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing. This could include having students return to their parent's/guardian's homes or student housing options. Cohorting asymptomatic students could be an option, and provisions for distance learning arranged. Students should self-monitor for symptoms with public health or university supervision. REDCap is optional but is not a requirement due to the volume for some universities. **New CDC Resources** New guidance documents and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available on [CDC website](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html). **Reporting** Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling **312-746-SICK (7425) Monday--Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).** See [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19](http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19) for additional details. Check for clinical updates at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> and community guidance documents at [www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV](http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV). Download the attached document for the full details. For additional information or questions, please refer to <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19> <br />true2020-03-02T14:33:0446660678ViralLowCOVID-19 Updates: Presumptive Positive Cook County Case, Launch of Sentinel Surveillance, Continued Hospital Preparations<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>A <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-public-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-covid-19-case-illinois">third presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)</a> has been detected in a Cook County resident on 2/29/2020.</li> <li>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will begin sentinel surveillance at several Chicago hospitals on 3/2/2020.</li> <li>A new person under investigation (PUI) definition was published 2/27/2020: <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>Healthcare providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms (with or without fever) about travel to any <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">country with community transmission of COVID-19</a> or any known contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.</li> <li>Severe, unexplained pneumonia (with or without travel) should also be discussed with CDPH.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Facilities should review <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html">interim guidance for healthcare facilities to prepare for community transmission of COVID-19 in the United States</a> and develop internal policies and plans accordingly.&nbsp; <strong>Plan now to be prepared.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling <strong>312-746-SICK (7425) Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).&nbsp; </strong>See <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a> for additional details.</p> <p><strong>General Updates:</strong></p> <ul> <li>A presumptive positive patient was identified on 2/29/2020 in Cook County.&nbsp; See news release <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-public-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-covid-19-case-illinois">here</a>.</li> <li>Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/HAN00428.asp"> guidance</a>, CDPH and IDPH have provided information on identifying and evaluating PUIs.</li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.htm">New travel notices</a> are in effect to guide triage questions related to suspect PUIs. <ul> <li>As of 3/1/2020, ask about travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, &amp; South Korea within the past 14 days.</li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html">CDC interim guidance for healthcare facilities</a> related to COVID-19 includes: appropriate triage of suspected patients, identification of staff to care for patients, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html">optimizing of respirator supplies</a> and other <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe.html">PPE</a>, and enhancing infection prevention and control efforts.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Questions:</strong></p> <p>Does the third presumptive case of COVID-19 in Illinois mean community transmission is happening?</p> <ul> <li>We do not yet know whether this is evidence of community transmission but will continue to provide updates as soon as available. Hospitals and healthcare providers need to be prepared for a new response phase if this occurs.&nbsp; Upcoming CDC guidance is intended to define phases of geographic spread (similar to influenza), which will be incorporated into response phase guidance.</li> </ul> <p>What is CDPH doing to gather more data on community transmission?</p> <ul> <li>CDPH, in collaboration with IDPH, will begin sentinel surveillance at several Chicago hospitals on 3/2/2020. <ul> <li>Currently, sentinel surveillance will involve performing COVID-19 testing on a number of respiratory specimens from participating hospitals if influenza testing on these specimens is negative.</li> </ul> </li> <li>CDPH asks providers to consider those with severe, unexplained pneumonia as a PUI and obtain specimens for testing. <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>For any patient with a possible diagnosis of COVID-19, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html">appropriate PPE</a> should be used at all times, particularly for aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation or bronchoscopy.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Consider sending specimens to IDPH laboratory for influenza-like illness outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCF).</li> </ul> <p>How should healthcare systems prepare?</p> <ul> <li>If community transmission is occurring, the goals of the next phase of response will prioritize 1) decreasing morbidity and mortality, 2) decreasing disease transmission, 3) protecting healthcare personnel, 4) maintaining overall system function</li> <li>Healthcare facilities should follow these <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html">next steps</a> to prepare. Find specific LTCF guidance <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/prevent-spread-in-long-term-care-facilities.html">here</a>.</li> <li>Review actions to take now from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html">CDC interim guidance to prepare for community transmission in the United States</a> including educating staff about transmission, exploring alternatives to face-to-face triage, optimizing use of PPE, and preparing to triage and manage patients with respiratory illness.</li> </ul> <p>How can healthcare systems manage returning international traveler healthcare employees and staff?</p> <ul> <li>Healthcare systems should consider implementing the following actions: <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>No further business-related travel for employees to China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea, with additions if CDC extends travel warnings (level 2 or level 3) to other areas. Informing employees of the need to use PTO, sick time, or vacation days for the period of work restriction might be beneficial for planning purposes</li> <li>No further business-related visitors from CDC-defined areas with travel warnings.</li> <li>Avoid nonessential personal travel for employees to areas with travel warning.</li> <li>Implement occupational health symptom monitoring for healthcare personnel returning from countries with travel level 2 or 3 warnings.</li> <li>Work restrictions, including limitation of direct patient care, can be considered on a continuum for those employees returning from areas with travel level 2 and 3 warnings or those areas with at least &ldquo;sustained community transmission&rdquo;. <ul> <li>Considerations leading to full work restriction could include: <ul> <li>Patient care duties involving immunocompromised or otherwise high-risk individuals</li> <li>High-risk exposures to sick individuals or healthcare settings while abroad</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Summary:</strong></p> <p>CDPH is working with local, state, and federal partners to update guidance as soon as available. Guidance for returning travelers and updated outpatient PPE guidance remains the same at this time but is expected to change soon.&nbsp;Check for clinical updates at: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a> and community guidance documents at <a href="http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV">www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV</a>.</p> <p><strong>Reporting:</strong></p> <p><strong>To report suspected PUI for COVID-19 please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday&ndash;Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city) and ask to speak with the medical director on call.&nbsp; </strong>If the patient meets case definition, a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/93622/PUI+form+021020.pdf/646fc4b2-d79d-fb9c-7b7a-cd838b3eb0c7?t=1582739658128">2019 novel coronavirus PUI form</a> should be completed. Epidemiologic risk factors and initial laboratory and imaging results should be collected early in high-risk cases.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>For additional information or questions, please refer to <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19">https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19</a>.</p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * A [third presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-public-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-covid-19-case-illinois) has been detected in a Cook County resident on 2/29/2020. * The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will begin sentinel surveillance at several Chicago hospitals on 3/2/2020. * A new person under investigation (PUI) definition was published 2/27/2020: * Healthcare providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms (with or without fever) about travel to any [country with community transmission of COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) or any known contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. * Severe, unexplained pneumonia (with or without travel) should also be discussed with CDPH. <!-- --> * Facilities should review [interim guidance for healthcare facilities to prepare for community transmission of COVID-19 in the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html) and develop internal policies and plans accordingly. **Plan now to be prepared.** Suspect PUIs should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to CDPH by calling **312-746-SICK (7425) Monday--Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city).** See [www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19](http://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19) for additional details. **General Updates:** * A presumptive positive patient was identified on 2/29/2020 in Cook County. See news release [here](http://dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-public-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-covid-19-case-illinois). * Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[guidance](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/HAN00428.asp), CDPH and IDPH have provided information on identifying and evaluating PUIs. * [New travel notices](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.htm) are in effect to guide triage questions related to suspect PUIs. * As of 3/1/2020, ask about travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, \& South Korea within the past 14 days. * [CDC interim guidance for healthcare facilities](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html) related to COVID-19 includes: appropriate triage of suspected patients, identification of staff to care for patients, [optimizing of respirator supplies](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html) and other [PPE](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe.html), and enhancing infection prevention and control efforts. **Key Questions:** Does the third presumptive case of COVID-19 in Illinois mean community transmission is happening? * We do not yet know whether this is evidence of community transmission but will continue to provide updates as soon as available. Hospitals and healthcare providers need to be prepared for a new response phase if this occurs. Upcoming CDC guidance is intended to define phases of geographic spread (similar to influenza), which will be incorporated into response phase guidance. What is CDPH doing to gather more data on community transmission? * CDPH, in collaboration with IDPH, will begin sentinel surveillance at several Chicago hospitals on 3/2/2020. * Currently, sentinel surveillance will involve performing COVID-19 testing on a number of respiratory specimens from participating hospitals if influenza testing on these specimens is negative. * CDPH asks providers to consider those with severe, unexplained pneumonia as a PUI and obtain specimens for testing. * For any patient with a possible diagnosis of COVID-19, [appropriate PPE](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html) should be used at all times, particularly for aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation or bronchoscopy. * Consider sending specimens to IDPH laboratory for influenza-like illness outbreaks in long-term care facilities (LTCF). How should healthcare systems prepare? * If community transmission is occurring, the goals of the next phase of response will prioritize 1) decreasing morbidity and mortality, 2) decreasing disease transmission, 3) protecting healthcare personnel, 4) maintaining overall system function * Healthcare facilities should follow these [next steps](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html) to prepare. Find specific LTCF guidance [here](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/prevent-spread-in-long-term-care-facilities.html). * Review actions to take now from [CDC interim guidance to prepare for community transmission in the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html) including educating staff about transmission, exploring alternatives to face-to-face triage, optimizing use of PPE, and preparing to triage and manage patients with respiratory illness. How can healthcare systems manage returning international traveler healthcare employees and staff? * Healthcare systems should consider implementing the following actions: * No further business-related travel for employees to China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea, with additions if CDC extends travel warnings (level 2 or level 3) to other areas. Informing employees of the need to use PTO, sick time, or vacation days for the period of work restriction might be beneficial for planning purposes * No further business-related visitors from CDC-defined areas with travel warnings. * Avoid nonessential personal travel for employees to areas with travel warning. * Implement occupational health symptom monitoring for healthcare personnel returning from countries with travel level 2 or 3 warnings. * Work restrictions, including limitation of direct patient care, can be considered on a continuum for those employees returning from areas with travel level 2 and 3 warnings or those areas with at least "sustained community transmission". * Considerations leading to full work restriction could include: * Patient care duties involving immunocompromised or otherwise high-risk individuals * High-risk exposures to sick individuals or healthcare settings while abroad **Summary:** CDPH is working with local, state, and federal partners to update guidance as soon as available. Guidance for returning travelers and updated outpatient PPE guidance remains the same at this time but is expected to change soon. Check for clinical updates at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19> and community guidance documents at [www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV](http://www.chicago.gov/2019-nCoV). **Reporting:** **To report suspected PUI for COVID-19 please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday--Friday during business hours and 311 after hours, weekends, or holidays (312-744-5000 if outside the city) and ask to speak with the medical director on call.** If the patient meets case definition, a [2019 novel coronavirus PUI form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/93622/PUI+form+021020.pdf/646fc4b2-d79d-fb9c-7b7a-cd838b3eb0c7?t=1582739658128) should be completed. Epidemiologic risk factors and initial laboratory and imaging results should be collected early in high-risk cases. For additional information or questions, please refer to <https://www.chicagohan.org/COVID-19>.true2020-02-28T21:44:5346660677ViralLowIDPH: COVID-19 Travel Notice Alert UPDATE<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> &bull; New Patients Under Investigation Guidance was issued by CDC late yesterday.<br /> &bull; The number of new infections of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the number of countries with confirmed cases of the disease it causes, COVID-19, continues to rise.<br /> &bull; Widespread or sustained transmission has been identified in China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Italy with some evidence of community transmission in several other countries.<br /> &bull; Clinicians should ask all individuals with Influenza like Illness (ILI) about any travel in the 14 days prior to symptom onset, and potential contacts to a confirmed case.<br /> &bull; Any individual with suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2 should be immediately isolated, and clinicians should call both their infection control team and local health department.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Background</strong><br /> A rapidly escalating and evolving global outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is occurring. As of 2/28/2020, there are now over 82,294 confirmed global cases across 47 countries, including 15 lab confirmed cases in the US. In Illinois, there has been one travel-associated case, and one case among a close contact. The CDC frequently updates their travel notices related to COVID-19. An updated CDC guide for evaluating PUIs was recently released and is summarized in the attachment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>To report suspected Patients Under Investigation (PUI) cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays or 312-744-5000 if outside the city and ask to speak with the medical director on call.</strong></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">Resources: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** • New Patients Under Investigation Guidance was issued by CDC late yesterday. • The number of new infections of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the number of countries with confirmed cases of the disease it causes, COVID-19, continues to rise. • Widespread or sustained transmission has been identified in China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Italy with some evidence of community transmission in several other countries. • Clinicians should ask all individuals with Influenza like Illness (ILI) about any travel in the 14 days prior to symptom onset, and potential contacts to a confirmed case. • Any individual with suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2 should be immediately isolated, and clinicians should call both their infection control team and local health department. **Background** A rapidly escalating and evolving global outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is occurring. As of 2/28/2020, there are now over 82,294 confirmed global cases across 47 countries, including 15 lab confirmed cases in the US. In Illinois, there has been one travel-associated case, and one case among a close contact. The CDC frequently updates their travel notices related to COVID-19. An updated CDC guide for evaluating PUIs was recently released and is summarized in the attachment. **To report suspected Patients Under Investigation (PUI) cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays or 312-744-5000 if outside the city and ask to speak with the medical director on call.** <br /> Resources: <https://www.chicagohan.org/covid-19>true2020-02-28T20:56:0846660578InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 8<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 8&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC has released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w" target="_blank">interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season</a>, showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor&rsquo;s visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of February 16-22, 2020, 53&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 361&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 269&nbsp;(75%) were positive for influenza A (8&nbsp;H3N2, 93&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 168&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 92&nbsp;(25%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 33.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 21&nbsp;cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 8 has been published. The CDC has released [interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6907a1.htm?s_cid=mm6907a1_w), showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor's visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. For the week of February 16-22, 2020, 53 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 361 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 269 (75%) were positive for influenza A (8 H3N2, 93 H1N1pdm09, 168 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 92 (25%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 33.5 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 21 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-02-27T21:46:5246660577BacterialLowIDPH: Multistate E. coli O103 Health Alert<p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Background</strong></u></span><br /> IDPH has identified six cases that are a match to a multistate outbreak strain of E. coli O103. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently reporting fourteen cases from five states, including Illinois.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><u><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></u></span><br /> &bull; A multistate outbreak of E. coli O103 has been identified that is possibly linked to sprouts served at Jimmy John&rsquo;s.<br /> &bull; Health care providers should consider Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as the diagnosis in patients with clinically compatible illness and who have recently consumed Jimmy John&rsquo;s food or sprouts in any setting.<br /> &bull; Health care providers are encouraged to obtain stool cultures in such cases and promptly report cases to their local health department<br /> &bull; Laboratories should rapidly forward all specimens positive for Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli to the IDPH laboratories; it is recommended that non-culture positive GI panels be confirmed with a culture at the referring laboratory.]</p> <p><em><strong>To report suspected or confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli infections or for questions regarding communicable disease reporting, call the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). &nbsp;If calling outside of normal business hours, dial 3-1-1 to contact the on-call medical personnel, or if you are calling from outside of Chicago, dial 312-744-5000.</strong></em></p> <p>Please see the attachment for more information.</p>++**Background**++ IDPH has identified six cases that are a match to a multistate outbreak strain of E. coli O103. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently reporting fourteen cases from five states, including Illinois. ++**Summary and Action Items**++ • A multistate outbreak of E. coli O103 has been identified that is possibly linked to sprouts served at Jimmy John's. • Health care providers should consider Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as the diagnosis in patients with clinically compatible illness and who have recently consumed Jimmy John's food or sprouts in any setting. • Health care providers are encouraged to obtain stool cultures in such cases and promptly report cases to their local health department • Laboratories should rapidly forward all specimens positive for Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli to the IDPH laboratories; it is recommended that non-culture positive GI panels be confirmed with a culture at the referring laboratory.\] ***To report suspected or confirmed Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli infections or for questions regarding communicable disease reporting, call the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). If calling outside of normal business hours, dial 3-1-1 to contact the on-call medical personnel, or if you are calling from outside of Chicago, dial 312-744-5000.*** Please see the attachment for more information.true2025-05-09T18:31:3146689981InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report May 9, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu activity remains Low, COVID-19 remains Minimal, and RSV has decreased from Low to Minimal.&nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (90%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low.</li> <li>Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for RSV and COVID-19 remain low. Flu A has increased from low to moderate and flu B remains moderate. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems.</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a><strong>and <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 </a>vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report </a>for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the** [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html). This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low. Flu activity remains Low, COVID-19 remains Minimal, and RSV has decreased from Low to Minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (90%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low. * Compared to baseline levels, overall wastewater concentrations for RSV and COVID-19 remain low. Flu A has increased from low to moderate and flu B remains moderate. Even as clinical surveillance indicators (e.g., ED visits and hospitalizations) decrease, wastewater data may fluctuate for longer and decrease over an extended period of time because of the persistence of viral shedding from infected persons and/or in wastewater systems. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)**and [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html)vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf)for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: the [CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689981?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092020-02-21T19:37:5846660477InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 7<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 7&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC has released interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season, showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor&rsquo;s visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of February 9 -15, 2020, 49&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 216 (72%) were positive for influenza A (7 H3N2, 68 H1N1pdm09, 141 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 82 (28%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 33 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 7 has been published. The CDC has released interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2019-2020 season, showing that getting a flu vaccine reduces flu-related doctor's visits by about half overall and by 55% in children. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection remains high. For the week of February 9 -15, 2020, 49 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 298 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 216 (72%) were positive for influenza A (7 H3N2, 68 H1N1pdm09, 141 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 82 (28%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 55 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 33 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); three pediatric deaths were reported and 14 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-02-18T20:15:5746660283InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 6<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 6&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp" target="_blank">Health Advisory</a> reminds&nbsp;clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts as long as influenza viruses are circulating.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection&nbsp;and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html" target="_blank">CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic</a> to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of February 2 -8, 2020, 49&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 244 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 165 (68%) were positive for influenza A (6 H3N2, 49 H1N1pdm09, 110 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 79 (32%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 56 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); two pediatric deaths were reported and 12 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 6 has been published. The CDC [Health Advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp) reminds clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any [CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html) to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of February 2 -8, 2020, 49 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 244 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 165 (68%) were positive for influenza A (6 H3N2, 49 H1N1pdm09, 110 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 79 (32%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 56 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); two pediatric deaths were reported and 12 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-02-13T18:22:3446660383ViralLowIDPH: Illinois Authorized to Continue Testing for Novel Coronavirus<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have confirmed that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) test performed by Illinois has not been impacted by issues seen in other states. As a result, CDC has confirmed IDPH should continue to provide in-state testing for 2019-nCoV. All tests already provided have been confirmed to be accurate.</p> <p>This news follows a CDC announcement this morning related to inconclusive 2019-nCoV test results in some states. This announcement does not impact Illinois, where IDPH worked with the CDC to successfully verify the test and all controls and verification samples showed accurate results. Earlier this week, Illinois became the first state to offer the Novel Coronavirus test in state, allowing IDPH to make test results available within approximately 24 hours.</p> <p><strong>To report suspected Patients Under Investigation (PUI) cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call.</strong></p> <p>Resources: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have confirmed that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) test performed by Illinois has not been impacted by issues seen in other states. As a result, CDC has confirmed IDPH should continue to provide in-state testing for 2019-nCoV. All tests already provided have been confirmed to be accurate. This news follows a CDC announcement this morning related to inconclusive 2019-nCoV test results in some states. This announcement does not impact Illinois, where IDPH worked with the CDC to successfully verify the test and all controls and verification samples showed accurate results. Earlier this week, Illinois became the first state to offer the Novel Coronavirus test in state, allowing IDPH to make test results available within approximately 24 hours. **To report suspected Patients Under Investigation (PUI) cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday - Friday during business hours and 311 after hours / weekends / holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call.** Resources: <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2020-02-07T20:32:4346660382InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 5<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 5&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC recently issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp" target="_blank">Health Advisory</a> reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of January 26-February 1, 2020, 40&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 193&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 120&nbsp;(62%)were positive for influenza A (5 H3N2, 24 H1N1pdm09, 85&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 73&nbsp;(38%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 57 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35&nbsp;years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); two&nbsp;pediatric death was reported and ten&nbsp;cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 5 has been published. The CDC recently issued a [Health Advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp) reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of January 26-February 1, 2020, 40 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 193 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 120 (62%)were positive for influenza A (5 H3N2, 24 H1N1pdm09, 85 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 73 (38%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 57 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 35 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); two pediatric death was reported and ten cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2025-05-12T20:25:1446689982MeaslesDiseases & Conditions,Programs,Measles,Vaccines for Children,School HealthHighIDPH: Urges Illinoisans to ‘Fight the Bite’ and Avoid Ticks During Lyme Disease Awareness Month<p>Please view the attached document entitled,&nbsp;<strong>"IDPH News Release Lyme Disease Awareness Month"</strong>.&nbsp;</p> Please view the attached document entitled, **"IDPH News Release Lyme Disease Awareness Month"**. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689982?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,438212,438313,440472,20635202020-02-07T20:24:5946660381ViralLow2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Real – Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Implementation<p><span style="font-size:14px">Effective today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories will begin offering the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Real &ndash; Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, in order to support the novel coronavirus response. Details of the testing, including the specimen collection,transport conditions and resulting mechanisms are summarized in the accompanying technical bulletin.<br /> This test requires Local Health Department (LHD) approval which is indicated through completion of theCDCS Lab Authorization online form located on the <a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy" target="_blank">IDPH portal</a>. A completed <a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/pui-form%20IL_0.pdf" target="_blank">CDC PUI form</a> must also be included with the shipment.<br /> Current criteria for approval are as follows:<br /> 1) Individuals meeting the patient under investigation (PUI) criteria as outlined in CDC Guidance.<br /> Note: The PUI criteria are intended to serve as guidance for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated and PUI classification should be discussed with LHDs on a case-by-case basis if their clinical presentation or exposure history is equivocal (e.g., uncertain travel or exposure) or otherwise concerning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Serum is currently not an acceptable specimen source for the CDC 2019-nCov rRT-PCR. However, serum may be requested by the IDPH lab for supplemental testing by CDC if respiratory specimens are positive.<br /> If you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication, please contact:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Dr. Mohammad Nasir&nbsp;<br /> Laboratory Manager&nbsp;<br /> IDPH Laboratory, Chicago&nbsp;<br /> 2121 W. Taylor Street&nbsp;<br /> Chicago, IL 60612&nbsp;<br /> Tel: 312-793-4760 Tel: 217-782-2016<br /> Mohammad.Nasir@illinois.gov.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Judy.Kauerauf@illinois.gov<br /> Section Chief<br /> IDPH Communicable Diseases Program<br /> 525 West Jefferson Street<br /> Springfield, IL<br /> Tel: 217-782-2016</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Resources: </strong><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Effective today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Laboratories will begin offering the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Real -- Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, in order to support the novel coronavirus response. Details of the testing, including the specimen collection,transport conditions and resulting mechanisms are summarized in the accompanying technical bulletin. This test requires Local Health Department (LHD) approval which is indicated through completion of theCDCS Lab Authorization online form located on the [IDPH portal](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/my.policy). A completed [CDC PUI form](http://dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/pui-form%20IL_0.pdf) must also be included with the shipment. Current criteria for approval are as follows: 1) Individuals meeting the patient under investigation (PUI) criteria as outlined in CDC Guidance. Note: The PUI criteria are intended to serve as guidance for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated and PUI classification should be discussed with LHDs on a case-by-case basis if their clinical presentation or exposure history is equivocal (e.g., uncertain travel or exposure) or otherwise concerning. Serum is currently not an acceptable specimen source for the CDC 2019-nCov rRT-PCR. However, serum may be requested by the IDPH lab for supplemental testing by CDC if respiratory specimens are positive. If you have specific questions relating to the content of this communication, please contact: Dr. Mohammad Nasir Laboratory Manager IDPH Laboratory, Chicago 2121 W. Taylor Street Chicago, IL 60612 Tel: 312-793-4760 Tel: 217-782-2016 Mohammad.Nasir@illinois.gov. Judy.Kauerauf@illinois.gov Section Chief IDPH Communicable Diseases Program 525 West Jefferson Street Springfield, IL Tel: 217-782-2016 Please see the attachment for more information. **Resources:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2020-01-31T21:49:4846660280ViralLowIDPH: Updated CDC Guidance on the Criteria for a PUI<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>CDC has expanded the area of China used in making a patients under investigation (PUI) designation.</li> <li>Patients presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms should be asked at triage about travel to China, or if any known contact with a 2019-nCoV case.</li> <li>Suspect Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) should be immediately placed in respiratory isolation (preferably airborne isolation).</li> <li>Healthcare providers should promptly notify both infection control personnel at their facility and the local health department in the event of a PUI.</li> <li>A PUI form should be completed for all suspect PUIs.</li> <li>Diagnostic specimens for all PUIs, including upper respiratory, lower respiratory and serum samples, should be collected and sent to any IDPH laboratory, after approval from your local health department.</li> <li>Testing for other respiratory pathogens should be conducted as clinically indicated.</li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Resources: </strong><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items:** * CDC has expanded the area of China used in making a patients under investigation (PUI) designation. * Patients presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms should be asked at triage about travel to China, or if any known contact with a 2019-nCoV case. * Suspect Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) should be immediately placed in respiratory isolation (preferably airborne isolation). * Healthcare providers should promptly notify both infection control personnel at their facility and the local health department in the event of a PUI. * A PUI form should be completed for all suspect PUIs. * Diagnostic specimens for all PUIs, including upper respiratory, lower respiratory and serum samples, should be collected and sent to any IDPH laboratory, after approval from your local health department. * Testing for other respiratory pathogens should be conducted as clinically indicated. * **Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311**. Please see the attachment for more information. **Resources:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2020-01-31T21:03:3546660379InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 4<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 4&nbsp;has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC recently issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp" target="_blank">Health Advisory</a> reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of January 19-25, 2020, 30&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Since September 29, 2019, 150 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 91 (61%)were positive for influenza A (5 H3N2, 24 H1N1pdm09, 62 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 59 (39%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 57 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 32 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); one pediatric death was reported and eight cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 4 has been published. The CDC recently issued a [Health Advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp) reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of January 19-25, 2020, 30 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 29, 2019, 150 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 91 (61%)were positive for influenza A (5 H3N2, 24 H1N1pdm09, 62 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 59 (39%) were positive for influenza B. The median age of influenza A cases is 57 years and the median age of influenza B cases is 32 years (overall range of 1 month-96 years); one pediatric death was reported and eight cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-01-30T18:34:0246660377ViralLowHAN #4: 1st Case of Human-to-Human Transmission of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Id'ed in Chicago<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">A second confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been detected in the spouse of the first case reported on January 24, 2020.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">This is the first case of human-to-human transmission reported in the United States but does not change general recommendations for diagnosis or prevention of this novel virus given the nature of the contact. Public health continues to monitor and trace contacts of both cases.&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Health care providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms and fever about any travel to China (particularly Hubei Province) or any known contact with a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV. &nbsp;Updates to PUI definition will be posted at: https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311</strong>.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Resources: </strong><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></span></p>**Summary and Action Items:** * A second confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been detected in the spouse of the first case reported on January 24, 2020. * This is the first case of human-to-human transmission reported in the United States but does not change general recommendations for diagnosis or prevention of this novel virus given the nature of the contact. Public health continues to monitor and trace contacts of both cases. * Health care providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms and fever about any travel to China (particularly Hubei Province) or any known contact with a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV. Updates to PUI definition will be posted at: https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov. * **Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in airborne isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) or 311**. Please see the attachment for more information, **Resources:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2020-01-27T15:37:5346660084VFCLowVFC News Bulletin - January 24, 2020<p><span style="font-size:16px">In this Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Chicago Confirms First Case of Novel Coronavirus Infection in a Chicago Resident</span> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Guidance to identify potential patients who may present for treatment at a provider office.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">How to report a suspect case</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">VFC Re-Enrollment - Due 04/15/2020</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:16px">Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>In this Issue: * Chicago Confirms First Case of Novel Coronavirus Infection in a Chicago Resident * Guidance to identify potential patients who may present for treatment at a provider office. * How to report a suspect case * VFC Re-Enrollment - Due 04/15/2020 * Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Please see the attachment for full details.true2025-05-16T20:21:1946689895InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report May 9, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has decreased from Low to Minimal. Flu activity remains Low; COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Minimal. &nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (83%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens that tested positive for rhinovirus/enterovirus has been increasing since March, consistent with past years’ seasonal trends.&nbsp;</li> <li>Overall wastewater concentrations for RSV and COVID-19 have decreased from low to minimal. Flu A and Flu B concentrations have decreased from moderate to low.&nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html" target="_blank">Flu </a><strong>and</strong> <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 </a><strong>vaccine coverage across the city remain low.</strong> See CDPH’s <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf" target="_blank">Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report</a> for more details. &nbsp;</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">the CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the** [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html). This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has decreased from Low to Minimal. Flu activity remains Low; COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu continues to decline as we approach the end of the influenza surveillance season. Of all influenza positive specimens last week, nearly all (83%) were associated with flu B. Test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV remain low. * The percentage of specimens that tested positive for rhinovirus/enterovirus has been increasing since March, consistent with past years' seasonal trends. * Overall wastewater concentrations for RSV and COVID-19 have decreased from low to minimal. Flu A and Flu B concentrations have decreased from moderate to low. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * [Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/influenza-dashboard.html)**and** [COVID-19](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/covid-19-home/covid-19-vaccine-dashboard.html)**vaccine coverage across the city remain low.** See CDPH's [Mid-Season Seasonal Respiratory Vaccine Coverage Report](https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/H1N1_swine_flu/FluUpdate/2025/Mid-season-Respiratory-Virus-Vaccine-Coverage_Chicago-IL.pdf) for more details. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: [the CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689895?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092020-01-24T19:12:0746660083InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 3<p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 3 has been published. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The CDC recently issued a <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp" target="_blank">Health Advisory</a> reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts.&nbsp;Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability.&nbsp; To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.&nbsp; Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of January 12-18, 2020, 28&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For the week of January 12-18, 2020, 373 of the 1,631 (23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 152 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 55 H1N1pdm09, and 96 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 221 typed as influenza B.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:georgia,serif"><span style="font-size:16px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 3 has been published. The CDC recently issued a [Health Advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00425.asp) reminding clinicians on the importance of prompt antiviral treatment in patients with influenza and to continue influenza vaccination efforts. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Uninsured or underinsured adults and children 0-18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid (Title XIX) insured can visit any CDPH Walk-in Immunization Clinic to receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of January 12-18, 2020, 28 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of January 12-18, 2020, 373 of the 1,631 (23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 152 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 55 H1N1pdm09, and 96 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 221 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2025-08-14T16:51:5546690583VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - August 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement: Medical vs Nonmedical</li> <li>Immunization Exemptions for Child Care and School Attendance</li> <li>AAP 2025-2026 Flu Vaccine Recommendations</li> <li>RSV Immunizations</li> <li>National Immunization Awareness Month</li> <li>Upcoming Events and More</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement: Medical vs Nonmedical * Immunization Exemptions for Child Care and School Attendance * AAP 2025-2026 Flu Vaccine Recommendations * RSV Immunizations * National Immunization Awareness Month * Upcoming Events and More Please see attached for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690583?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722020-01-24T15:15:0346660078ViralLowConfirmed Case of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Chicago Resident<p><strong><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>A confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been detected in a hospitalized Chicago resident.</li> <li>Health care providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms and fever about any travel to Wuhan, China or any known contact with a person with 2019-nCoV.</li> <li>&nbsp;Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in respiratory isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling the reporting line at 312-746-SICK (7425)&nbsp;Monday through Friday during business hours, or call 311 after hours, weekends or holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call.</li> <li>Public health will pursue contact tracing and investigation with any persons who may have had contact with the confirmed case.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Background: </strong>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health care providers on the outbreak caused by novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) including providing consultation related to patients of concern.</p> <p><strong>Symptoms and Exposures: </strong>Expected patient symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Current epidemiologic risks include a history of travel to Wuhan City, China or close contact with a person under investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV while that person was ill. Guidance on the criteria for persons under investigation, reporting forms, and diagnostic testing procedures can be found at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a>.</p> <p><strong>Reporting: </strong>In the event of a PUI for 2019-nCoV, healthcare providers should&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;notify both infection control personnel at their health care facility and CDPH. A 2019-nCoV PUI form should be completed. Epidemiologic information to be gathered includes dates of travel to Wuhan, time spent in a healthcare facility in Wuhan City, China as a patient, worker, or visitor, member of a cluster of patients with severe acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever and pneumonia requiring hospitalization) of unknown etiology in which 2019-nCoV is being evaluated, comorbid conditions, symptoms and diagnostic testing completed.</p> <p><strong>Contact: </strong>To report suspected PUI cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call the reporting line at 312-746-SICK (7425)&nbsp;Monday through Friday during business hours, or call 311 after hours, weekends or holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call.</p> <p><strong>Resources: </strong><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov">https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * A confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been detected in a hospitalized Chicago resident. * Health care providers should continue to ask patients with respiratory symptoms and fever about any travel to Wuhan, China or any known contact with a person with 2019-nCoV. * Suspect patients under investigation should be immediately placed in respiratory isolation and reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling the reporting line at 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday through Friday during business hours, or call 311 after hours, weekends or holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call. * Public health will pursue contact tracing and investigation with any persons who may have had contact with the confirmed case. **Background:**The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health care providers on the outbreak caused by novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) including providing consultation related to patients of concern. **Symptoms and Exposures:** Expected patient symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Current epidemiologic risks include a history of travel to Wuhan City, China or close contact with a person under investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV while that person was ill. Guidance on the criteria for persons under investigation, reporting forms, and diagnostic testing procedures can be found at <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>. **Reporting:**In the event of a PUI for 2019-nCoV, healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their health care facility and CDPH. A 2019-nCoV PUI form should be completed. Epidemiologic information to be gathered includes dates of travel to Wuhan, time spent in a healthcare facility in Wuhan City, China as a patient, worker, or visitor, member of a cluster of patients with severe acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever and pneumonia requiring hospitalization) of unknown etiology in which 2019-nCoV is being evaluated, comorbid conditions, symptoms and diagnostic testing completed. **Contact:**To report suspected PUI cases of 2019 novel coronavirus, please call the reporting line at 312-746-SICK (7425) Monday through Friday during business hours, or call 311 after hours, weekends or holidays and ask to speak with the medical director on call. **Resources:** <https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov>true2020-01-21T22:44:3546659878CCN AnnouncementLowFederal Authorities have Added O’Hare International Airport to a Coronavirus Screening Program for Travelers from Wuhan, China<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>CHICAGO</strong> &ndash; The City is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal, state and local agencies to implement a screening program at O&rsquo;Hare International Airport for travelers from a specific region of China in response to cases from that country of a novel (new) coronavirus (2019 nCoV).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p> <p><em>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or <a href="mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org">hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson<strong> </strong>at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</em></p>**CHICAGO** -- The City is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal, state and local agencies to implement a screening program at O'Hare International Airport for travelers from a specific region of China in response to cases from that country of a novel (new) coronavirus (2019 nCoV). Please see the attachment for more information. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or [hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org). For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinsonat [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).*true2020-01-21T22:27:3846659978ViralLowNovel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update: Chicago O’Hare Airport to be Added as Screening Site<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Chinese authorities have confirmed more than 200 human infections in China with 6 deaths.&nbsp; Exported cases have been confirmed in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and today, the first in the U.S. (Washington State).</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">O&rsquo;Hare International airport will be one of 5 airports conducting active screening for illness in passengers entering the US who traveled from or through Wuhan City, China, with screening beginning later this week.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Any travelers meeting case definition for a Patient Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV should be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH</strong>). Contact Communicable Disease Medical Director at 312-746-6034 or call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Physician on call.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment.&nbsp; Further informaiton is also availible at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov</a>.</span></p>**++Summary and Action Items:++** * Chinese authorities have confirmed more than 200 human infections in China with 6 deaths. Exported cases have been confirmed in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and today, the first in the U.S. (Washington State). * O'Hare International airport will be one of 5 airports conducting active screening for illness in passengers entering the US who traveled from or through Wuhan City, China, with screening beginning later this week. **Any travelers meeting case definition for a Patient Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV should be reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH**). Contact Communicable Disease Medical Director at 312-746-6034 or call 311 and ask for the Communicable Disease Physician on call. Please see the attachment. Further informaiton is also availible at [www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov](https://www.chicagohan.org/2019-ncov).true2020-01-18T04:22:3546659777ViralLowUpdate and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China<p><strong>Recommendations for Healthcare Providers</strong></p> <p>Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with 2019-nCoV. No vaccine or specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is available; care is supportive.</p> <p>The CDC clinical criteria for a 2019-nCoV patient under investigation (PUI) have been developed based on what is known about MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV and are subject to change as additional information becomes available.</p> <p>Healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness. CDC guidance for evaluating and reporting a PUI for MERS-CoV remains unchanged.</p> <p><strong>Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV</strong></p> <p>Patients in the United States who meet the following criteria should be evaluated as a PUI in association with the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan City, China.</p> <ol> <li>Fever<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/interim-guidance.html#foot1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">¹</a>&nbsp;AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)</li> </ol> <p>&ndash;and in the last 14 days before symptom onset,</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;History of travel from Wuhan City, China</p> <p>-or-</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Close contact²&nbsp;with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCOV while that person was ill.</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2. Fever¹&nbsp;OR symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)</p> <p><em>&ndash;</em>and&nbsp;in the last 14 days before symptom onset,</p> <p>&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Close contact<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/interim-guidance.html#foot3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">²</a>&nbsp;with an ill laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient.</p> <p>The above criteria are also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/clinical-criteria.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/clinical-criteria.html</a>. The criteria are intended to serve as guidance for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated and discussed with public health departments on a case-by-case basis if their clinical presentation or exposure history is equivocal (e.g., uncertain travel or exposure).</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;Recommendations for Reporting, Testing, and Specimen Collection</strong></p> <p>Healthcare providers should&nbsp;<strong>immediately</strong>&nbsp;notify both infection control personnel at their healthcare facility and their local or state health department in the event of a PUI for 2019-nCoV. State health departments that have identified a PUI should immediately contact CDC&rsquo;s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 770-488-7100 and complete a 2019-nCoV PUI case investigation form available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/downloads/pui-form.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/downloads/pui-form.pdf</a>. CDC&rsquo;s EOC will assist local/state health departments to collect, store, and ship specimens appropriately to CDC, including during afterhours or on weekends/holidays. At this time, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC. Testing for other respiratory pathogens should not delay specimen shipping to CDC. If a PUI tests positive for another respiratory pathogen, after clinical evaluation and consultation with public health authorities, they may no longer be considered a PUI. This may evolve as more information becomes available on possible 2019 nCoV co-infections.</p> <p><strong>For biosafety reasons, it is not recommended to perform virus isolation in cell culture or initial characterization of viral agents recovered in cultures of specimens from a PUI for 2019-nCoV.</strong>&nbsp;To increase the likelihood of detecting 2019-nCoV infection, CDC recommends collecting and testing multiple clinical specimens from different sites, including all three specimen types&mdash;lower respiratory, upper respiratory, and serum specimens. Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored. Specimens should be collected as soon as possible once a PUI is identified regardless of time of symptom onset. Additional guidance for collection, handling, and testing of clinical specimens is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/</a>.</p> <p><strong>Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV</strong></p> <p>Although the transmission dynamics have yet to be determined, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to patients under investigation for 2019-nCoV (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html</a>).&nbsp;Such patients should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne infection isolation room if available. Healthcare personnel entering the room should use standard precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and use eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield). Immediately notify your healthcare facility&rsquo;s infection control personnel and local health department.</p> <p><strong>Additional Infection Control Practices Resources</strong></p> <ul> <li>Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html)</a></li> </ul> <p><u>Notes</u></p> <p>¹Fever may not be present in some patients, such as those who are very young, elderly, immunosuppressed, or taking certain fever-lowering medications. Clinical judgment should be used to guide testing of patients in such situations.</p> <p>²Close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCOV.</p> <p>Close contact is defined as&mdash;</p> <p>a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters), or within the room or care area, of a novel coronavirus case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection); close contact can include caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a novel coronavirus case.</p> <p><em>&ndash; or &ndash;</em></p> <p>b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a novel coronavirus case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.<br /> Note: travelers from Wuhan coming through designated airports will be given information cards in Mandarin and English describing symptoms to be aware of and will be advised to bring the information card if they do seek medical care.&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Providers should notify infection control personnel and local and state health departments immediately if any patients meet these criteria.&nbsp;Contact Dr. Stephanie Black (<a href="tel:312-746-6034" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">312-746-6034</a>) for suspect cases or 311 after business hours</strong></em>.&nbsp;</p>**Recommendations for Healthcare Providers** Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with 2019-nCoV. No vaccine or specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is available; care is supportive. The CDC clinical criteria for a 2019-nCoV patient under investigation (PUI) have been developed based on what is known about MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. Healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness. CDC guidance for evaluating and reporting a PUI for MERS-CoV remains unchanged. **Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for 2019-nCoV** Patients in the United States who meet the following criteria should be evaluated as a PUI in association with the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan City, China. 1. Fever[^1^](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/interim-guidance.html#foot1) AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) --and in the last 14 days before symptom onset, · History of travel from Wuhan City, China -or- · Close contact^2^ with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCOV while that person was ill. 2. Fever^1^ OR symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) *--*and in the last 14 days before symptom onset, · Close contact[^2^](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/interim-guidance.html#foot3) with an ill laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient. The above criteria are also available at <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/clinical-criteria.html>. The criteria are intended to serve as guidance for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated and discussed with public health departments on a case-by-case basis if their clinical presentation or exposure history is equivocal (e.g., uncertain travel or exposure). **Recommendations for Reporting, Testing, and Specimen Collection** Healthcare providers should **immediately** notify both infection control personnel at their healthcare facility and their local or state health department in the event of a PUI for 2019-nCoV. State health departments that have identified a PUI should immediately contact CDC's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 770-488-7100 and complete a 2019-nCoV PUI case investigation form available at <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019/downloads/pui-form.pdf>. CDC's EOC will assist local/state health departments to collect, store, and ship specimens appropriately to CDC, including during afterhours or on weekends/holidays. At this time, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC. Testing for other respiratory pathogens should not delay specimen shipping to CDC. If a PUI tests positive for another respiratory pathogen, after clinical evaluation and consultation with public health authorities, they may no longer be considered a PUI. This may evolve as more information becomes available on possible 2019 nCoV co-infections. **For biosafety reasons, it is not recommended to perform virus isolation in cell culture or initial characterization of viral agents recovered in cultures of specimens from a PUI for 2019-nCoV.** To increase the likelihood of detecting 2019-nCoV infection, CDC recommends collecting and testing multiple clinical specimens from different sites, including all three specimen types---lower respiratory, upper respiratory, and serum specimens. Additional specimen types (e.g., stool, urine) may be collected and stored. Specimens should be collected as soon as possible once a PUI is identified regardless of time of symptom onset. Additional guidance for collection, handling, and testing of clinical specimens is available at <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/>. **Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV** Although the transmission dynamics have yet to be determined, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to patients under investigation for 2019-nCoV (<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html>). Such patients should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne infection isolation room if available. Healthcare personnel entering the room should use standard precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and use eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield). Immediately notify your healthcare facility's infection control personnel and local health department. **Additional Infection Control Practices Resources** * Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings ([https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html)](https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html) ++Notes++ ^1^Fever may not be present in some patients, such as those who are very young, elderly, immunosuppressed, or taking certain fever-lowering medications. Clinical judgment should be used to guide testing of patients in such situations. ^2^Close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCOV. Close contact is defined as--- a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters), or within the room or care area, of a novel coronavirus case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection); close contact can include caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a novel coronavirus case. *-- or --* b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a novel coronavirus case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. Note: travelers from Wuhan coming through designated airports will be given information cards in Mandarin and English describing symptoms to be aware of and will be advised to bring the information card if they do seek medical care. ***Providers should notify infection control personnel and local and state health departments immediately if any patients meet these criteria. Contact Dr. Stephanie Black ([312-746-6034](tel:312-746-6034)) for suspect cases or 311 after business hours***.true2020-01-17T20:21:5146659680InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 2<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 1 has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 24&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 244 of the 1,226 (20%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 82 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 28 H1N1pdm09, and 53 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 162 typed as influenza B.</span><span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 1 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 24 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 244 of the 1,226 (20%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 82 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 28 H1N1pdm09, and 53 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 162 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-01-10T21:30:0046659487InfluenzaLowCDC HAN 425: Elevated Influenza Activity: Influenza B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses are the Predominant Viruses<p>This week&#39;s Chicago Flu Update representing the week of December 29, 2019 - January 4, 2020 has been released and documents the first pediatric flu death of the season for Chicago and Illinois.&nbsp; Please read the attached press release (<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/flu/news/2020/january/first-pediatric-flu-related-death-of-season-reported-in-chicago.html" id="LPNoLP142562">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/flu/news/2020/january/first-pediatric-flu-related-death-of-season-reported-in-chicago.html</a>) for local resources and the attached CDC Health Advisory for national data and details on antiviral therapy.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are no current shortages of antiviral medications being reported in the city of Chicago. Direct patients to&nbsp;<u>MedFinder</u>&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.medfinder.org/find-medication" id="LPNoLP629055">https://www.medfinder.org/find-medication</a>) to find the nearest pharmacy that stocks their prescribed formulation of antiviral medication.</p> <p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chicago.gov/flu" id="LPNoLP668336">www.chicago.gov/flu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" id="LPlnk709311">www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a>&nbsp;for weekly updates on local influenza activity and other resources.</p>This week's Chicago Flu Update representing the week of December 29, 2019 - January 4, 2020 has been released and documents the first pediatric flu death of the season for Chicago and Illinois. Please read the attached press release (<https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/flu/news/2020/january/first-pediatric-flu-related-death-of-season-reported-in-chicago.html>) for local resources and the attached CDC Health Advisory for national data and details on antiviral therapy. There are no current shortages of antiviral medications being reported in the city of Chicago. Direct patients to ++MedFinder++ (<https://www.medfinder.org/find-medication>) to find the nearest pharmacy that stocks their prescribed formulation of antiviral medication.{#LPNoLP629055} Visit [www.chicago.gov/flu](http://www.chicago.gov/flu){#LPNoLP668336} and [www.chicagohan.org/influenza](http://www.chicagohan.org/influenza){#LPlnk709311} for weekly updates on local influenza activity and other resources.true2020-01-10T20:24:5646659486InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 1 - Correction<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 1 has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is&nbsp;high. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 24&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 244 of the 1,226 (20%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 82 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 28 H1N1pdm09, and 53 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 162 typed as influenza B.</span><span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 1 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 24 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of December 29, 2019-January 4, 2020, 244 of the 1,226 (20%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 82 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 28 H1N1pdm09, and 53 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 162 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-01-10T20:16:3946659485InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 52<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 52&nbsp;has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 274&nbsp;of the 1,189&nbsp;(23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 84&nbsp;typed as influenza A (6&nbsp;H3N2, 20&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, and 58 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 190&nbsp;typed as influenza B.</span><span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 52 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 274 of the 1,189 (23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 84 typed as influenza A (6 H3N2, 20 H1N1pdm09, and 58 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 190 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2020-01-09T02:01:1946659484InfluenzaLowOutbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The attached CDC HAN Advisory informs state and local health departments and health care providers about an outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China and requests that health care providers ask patients with severe respiratory disease about travel history to Wuhan City. Wuhan City is a major transportation hub about 700 miles south of Beijing with a population of more than 11 million people.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a report from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, as of January 5, 2020, the national authorities in China have reported 59 patients with PUE to WHO. The patients had symptom onset dates from December 12 through December 29, 2019. Patients involved in the cluster reportedly have had fever, dyspnea, and bilateral lung infiltrates on chest radiograph. Of the 59 cases, seven are critically ill, and the remaining patients are in stable condition. No deaths have been reported and no health care providers have been reported to be ill. The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission has not reported human-to-human transmission.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local authorities have reported negative laboratory test results for seasonal influenza, avian influenza, adenovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among patients associated with this cluster. Additional laboratory testing is ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak but zoonotic origin is possible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Recommendations for Health Care Providers</strong><br /> 1. Providers should consider pneumonia related to the cluster for patients with severe respiratory symptoms who:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Traveled to Wuhan since December 1, 2019 and had onset of illness within two weeks of returning,&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">AND who do not have another known diagnosis that would explain their illness.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Providers should notify infection control personnel and local and state health departments immediately if any patients meet these criteria.&nbsp;Contact Dr. Stephanie Black (<a href="tel:312-746-6034" id="LPlnk339721" target="_blank">312-746-6034</a>) for suspect cases or 311 after business hours.</strong>&nbsp;</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">2. Multiple respiratory tract specimens should be collected from persons with infections suspected to be associated with this cluster, including nasopharyngeal, nasal, and throat swabs. Patients with severe respiratory disease also should have lower respiratory tract specimens collected, if possible. Consider saving urine, stool, serum, and respiratory pathology specimens if available.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">3. Although the etiology and transmissibility have yet to be determined, and to date, no human-to-human transmission has been reported and no health care providers have been reported ill, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to symptomatic patients with a history of travel to Wuhan City. Such patients should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed. Personnel entering the room to evaluate the patient should use contact precautions and wear an N95 disposable facepiece respirator. For patients admitted for inpatient care, contact and airborne isolation precautions, in addition to standard precautions, are recommended until further information becomes available. For additional information see:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached&nbsp;for the entire health alert.</span></p>**Summary** The attached CDC HAN Advisory informs state and local health departments and health care providers about an outbreak of Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology (PUE) in Wuhan, China and requests that health care providers ask patients with severe respiratory disease about travel history to Wuhan City. Wuhan City is a major transportation hub about 700 miles south of Beijing with a population of more than 11 million people. According to a report from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, as of January 5, 2020, the national authorities in China have reported 59 patients with PUE to WHO. The patients had symptom onset dates from December 12 through December 29, 2019. Patients involved in the cluster reportedly have had fever, dyspnea, and bilateral lung infiltrates on chest radiograph. Of the 59 cases, seven are critically ill, and the remaining patients are in stable condition. No deaths have been reported and no health care providers have been reported to be ill. The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission has not reported human-to-human transmission. Local authorities have reported negative laboratory test results for seasonal influenza, avian influenza, adenovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among patients associated with this cluster. Additional laboratory testing is ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak but zoonotic origin is possible. **Recommendations for Health Care Providers** 1. Providers should consider pneumonia related to the cluster for patients with severe respiratory symptoms who: * Traveled to Wuhan since December 1, 2019 and had onset of illness within two weeks of returning, * AND who do not have another known diagnosis that would explain their illness. ***Providers should notify infection control personnel and local and state health departments immediately if any patients meet these criteria. Contact Dr. Stephanie Black ([312-746-6034](tel:312-746-6034){#LPlnk339721}) for suspect cases or 311 after business hours.*** 2. Multiple respiratory tract specimens should be collected from persons with infections suspected to be associated with this cluster, including nasopharyngeal, nasal, and throat swabs. Patients with severe respiratory disease also should have lower respiratory tract specimens collected, if possible. Consider saving urine, stool, serum, and respiratory pathology specimens if available. 3. Although the etiology and transmissibility have yet to be determined, and to date, no human-to-human transmission has been reported and no health care providers have been reported ill, CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to symptomatic patients with a history of travel to Wuhan City. Such patients should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed. Personnel entering the room to evaluate the patient should use contact precautions and wear an N95 disposable facepiece respirator. For patients admitted for inpatient care, contact and airborne isolation precautions, in addition to standard precautions, are recommended until further information becomes available. For additional information see: <https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html>. Please read the attached for the entire health alert.true2020-01-03T20:56:3246659384InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 52<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 52&nbsp;has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 274&nbsp;of the 1,189&nbsp;(23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 84&nbsp;typed as influenza A (6&nbsp;H3N2, 20&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, and 58 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 190&nbsp;typed as influenza B.</span><span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 52 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is high. For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 16 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of December 22-28, 2019, 274 of the 1,189 (23%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 84 typed as influenza A (6 H3N2, 20 H1N1pdm09, and 58 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 190 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2025-04-23T14:43:5446689883HIVDiseases & Conditions,Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI Information)HighIDPH: PrEP HIV Prevention Now Available Directly from Illinois Pharmacists<p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor’s prescription.</p> <p>Please see attached for more information.</p> The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor's prescription. Please see attached for more information. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689883?p_r_p_categoryId=434554,4387392020-01-03T16:03:1746659482Substance AbuseLowCDPH HAN: Acute Cannabis Intoxication/Overdose<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">On January 1, 2020, recreational use of cannabis became legal in the state of Illinois.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Treatment for acute cannabis overdose/intoxication consists of symptomatic care including intravenous fluid hydration, antiemetics, and benzodiazepines.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 with questions; no individual case reporting is required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Educate your patients about cannabis: Today&rsquo;s cannabis contains more potent THC than in the past; cannabis can have detrimental effects on brain development, which occurs until age 25; pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid use of all forms of cannabis; avoid driving under the influence of cannabis, which slows reaction time.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Both the CDC and FDA recommend against using THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products, due to a potential link to the development of E-cigarette/Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/cannabis-facts-chicago.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/cannabis-facts-chicago.html </a>for additional information on how to counsel your patients about cannabis use.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for full details.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * On January 1, 2020, recreational use of cannabis became legal in the state of Illinois. * Treatment for acute cannabis overdose/intoxication consists of symptomatic care including intravenous fluid hydration, antiemetics, and benzodiazepines. * Contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 with questions; no individual case reporting is required. * Educate your patients about cannabis: Today's cannabis contains more potent THC than in the past; cannabis can have detrimental effects on brain development, which occurs until age 25; pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid use of all forms of cannabis; avoid driving under the influence of cannabis, which slows reaction time. * Both the CDC and FDA recommend against using THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products, due to a potential link to the development of E-cigarette/Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) * Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/cannabis-facts-chicago.html>for additional information on how to counsel your patients about cannabis use. Please see the attachment for full details.true2019-12-30T15:26:4946659383InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 51<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 51 has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to&nbsp;increase. </span></p> <p>For the week of December 15-21, 2019, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported</p> <p>For the week of December 15-21, 2019, 203 of the 1,446 (14.0%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 65 typed as influenza A (5 H3N2, 12 H1N1pdm09, and 48 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 138 typed as influenza B.<span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 51 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to increase. For the week of December 15-21, 2019, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported For the week of December 15-21, 2019, 203 of the 1,446 (14.0%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 65 typed as influenza A (5 H3N2, 12 H1N1pdm09, and 48 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 138 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-12-26T17:48:5746659480VapingLowIDPH Health Advisory: EVALI Health Advisory<p><strong>Summary and Action Items </strong></p> <p>1.) As of 12/17/2019, a total of 2,506 cases of E-cigarette, vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported across all 50 states to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 54 deaths. In Illinois, we have had over 200 cases reported since July 2019.</p> <p>2.) On 12/20/2019, the CDC released two new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report&rsquo;s (MMWR) providing updated clinical guidance, and two studies were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Important updated information is provided below</p> <p><strong>Background </strong></p> <p>An unprecedented outbreak of EVALI has impacted individuals in the United States, leading to over 2,506 cases nationwide. In Illinois, we have investigated 206 cases, including five deaths. The median age is 22 (range: 13-85), and the majority of cases are male. Nearly all cases have required hospitalization, and roughly 50% of cases have required intensive care management. Further details about the Illinois and national outbreaks can be found at <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">IDPH</a>&rsquo;s and <a href="cdc.gov" target="_blank">CDC</a>&rsquo;s websites, respectively. A recent study shows that this is a new outbreak, rather than a previously unrecognized clinical syndrome (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr1915313?query=featured_home" target="_blank">NEJM Syndromic Paper</a>).</p> <p>Potential Exposures Current data suggests that Vitamin E acetate (VEA) in THC based e-cigarette, vaping, products has played a significant role in this acute outbreak. Most cases report using THC-based vaping products, and VEA has been found in both THC containing vaping products, as well as clinical lung fluid samples from impacted patients. Further, VEA has not been identified in clinical lung fluid samples from control patients (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1916433?query=featured_home" target="_blank">NEJM BAL paper</a>). While the peak of cases appears to have occurred in September, cases continue to be reported, and the baseline rate is not back to normal. Further, while it appears that VEA is associated with EVALI, there are many different substances and product sources that are being investigated, and there may be more than one cause.</p> <p>Compared with other EVALI patients, rehospitalized patients and patients who died after hospital discharge were more likely to have one or more chronic conditions, including cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and diabetes, and to be older. At least one quarter of rehospitalizations and deaths occurred within 2 days after discharge.&nbsp;&nbsp;Updated guidance recommends posthospitalization outpatient follow-up, optimally within 48 hours of discharge, and emphasizes the importance of preparation for hospital discharge and postdischarge care coordination to reduce risk of rehospitalization and death among hospitalized EVALI patients.&nbsp;Incorporating this updated guidance into the management of hospitalized EVALI patients might reduce EVALI-associated morbidity and mortality.</p> <p>For more information see the attached and visit <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/vaping</a></p>**Summary and Action Items** 1.) As of 12/17/2019, a total of 2,506 cases of E-cigarette, vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) have been reported across all 50 states to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 54 deaths. In Illinois, we have had over 200 cases reported since July 2019. 2.) On 12/20/2019, the CDC released two new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report's (MMWR) providing updated clinical guidance, and two studies were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Important updated information is provided below **Background** An unprecedented outbreak of EVALI has impacted individuals in the United States, leading to over 2,506 cases nationwide. In Illinois, we have investigated 206 cases, including five deaths. The median age is 22 (range: 13-85), and the majority of cases are male. Nearly all cases have required hospitalization, and roughly 50% of cases have required intensive care management. Further details about the Illinois and national outbreaks can be found at [IDPH](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/)'s and [CDC](cdc.gov)'s websites, respectively. A recent study shows that this is a new outbreak, rather than a previously unrecognized clinical syndrome ([NEJM Syndromic Paper](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr1915313?query=featured_home)). Potential Exposures Current data suggests that Vitamin E acetate (VEA) in THC based e-cigarette, vaping, products has played a significant role in this acute outbreak. Most cases report using THC-based vaping products, and VEA has been found in both THC containing vaping products, as well as clinical lung fluid samples from impacted patients. Further, VEA has not been identified in clinical lung fluid samples from control patients ([NEJM BAL paper](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1916433?query=featured_home)). While the peak of cases appears to have occurred in September, cases continue to be reported, and the baseline rate is not back to normal. Further, while it appears that VEA is associated with EVALI, there are many different substances and product sources that are being investigated, and there may be more than one cause. Compared with other EVALI patients, rehospitalized patients and patients who died after hospital discharge were more likely to have one or more chronic conditions, including cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary disease, and diabetes, and to be older. At least one quarter of rehospitalizations and deaths occurred within 2 days after discharge. Updated guidance recommends posthospitalization outpatient follow-up, optimally within 48 hours of discharge, and emphasizes the importance of preparation for hospital discharge and postdischarge care coordination to reduce risk of rehospitalization and death among hospitalized EVALI patients. Incorporating this updated guidance into the management of hospitalized EVALI patients might reduce EVALI-associated morbidity and mortality. For more information see the attached and visit [www.chicagohan.org/vaping](http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping)true2019-12-23T21:22:1046659479InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 50<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 50 has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to&nbsp;increase. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 8-14, 2019, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of December 8-14, 2019, 70 of the 1,136 (6.2%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 29 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 8 H1N1pdm09, and 20 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 41 typed as influenza B</span><span style="font-size:14px"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 50 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to increase. For the week of December 8-14, 2019, four influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. For the week of December 8-14, 2019, 70 of the 1,136 (6.2%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 29 typed as influenza A (1 H3N2, 8 H1N1pdm09, and 20 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 41 typed as influenza B The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-12-23T15:52:3646659382Vaccine PreventableLowLocal Public Exposure Locations for a Recent Measles Case<p style="margin-left:172.0pt"><strong>SUMMARY AND ACTION ITEMS</strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">On December 21^st, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified of a traveler with confirmed measles infection who visited several Chicago locations on December 12^th and December 17^th.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Local public exposures for the case are listed below. <strong>Patients who report these exposures do not require any testing, regardless of vaccination status, unless they have symptoms.&nbsp; </strong></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Report any cases of suspected measles to CDPH immediately. Monday-Friday during working hours: call the &nbsp;Vaccine-Preventable Disease epidemiology office at 312-746-5911. After hours, weekends, and holidays: call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. &nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Visit </strong><a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/measles"><strong>www.chicagohan.org/measles</strong></a><strong> for additional information on testing and diagnosis guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Alert for more information, including Background information, Dates/Times and Locations of possible exposures, as well as information on Measles&nbsp;symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis.</span></p> <ul> </ul>**SUMMARY AND ACTION ITEMS** * On December 21^st^, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified of a traveler with confirmed measles infection who visited several Chicago locations on December 12^th^ and December 17^th^. * Local public exposures for the case are listed below. **Patients who report these exposures do not require any testing, regardless of vaccination status, unless they have symptoms.** * Report any cases of suspected measles to CDPH immediately. Monday-Friday during working hours: call the Vaccine-Preventable Disease epidemiology office at 312-746-5911. After hours, weekends, and holidays: call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. * **Visit** [**www.chicagohan.org/measles**](http://www.chicagohan.org/measles)**for additional information on testing and diagnosis guidance.** Please read the attached Alert for more information, including Background information, Dates/Times and Locations of possible exposures, as well as information on Measles symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis.true2019-12-12T18:46:3646659185InfluenzaLowIDPH: Influenza Visitor Restrictions Health Advisory<p>Summary and Action Items</p> <p>To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding temporary visitor restriction policies during times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community.</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and has reached regional activity levels in Illinois. Many counties have experienced high levels of influenza-like illness (characterized as fever of 100&ordm;F [37.8&ordm;C] or higher plus cough and/or sore throat), increases in influenza-related ICU admissions, long-term care facility outbreaks, and increases in positive laboratory specimens.</p> <p>IDPH and LHD Response</p> <p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that health care facilities implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s (CDC) comprehensive influenza prevention and control recommendations, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm" target="_blank">Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings</a>. During times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community, IDPH supports implementation of temporary visitor restriction policies in health care facilities which may include the following:</p> <p>&bull; Do not allow visitation by persons less than 18 years of age,</p> <p>&bull; Limit the number of visitors to two per patient at any one time,</p> <p>&bull; Promote compliance with Hand Hygiene and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm" target="_blank">Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette</a>,</p> <p>&bull; Assess visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat),</p> <p>&bull; Request that visitors with acute respiratory illness symptoms not visit, but if they insist, require a mask be worn, and</p> <p>&bull; Limit visits to patients in isolation for influenza to persons who are necessary for the patients&rsquo; emotional well-being and care.</p> <p>Exemptions to these temporary visitor restrictions are permissible at the discretion of the facility&rsquo;s Infection Prevention and Control departments for circumstances including, but not limited to, end-of-life situations. Lifting visitor restrictions is at the discretion of the health care facility. Facilities should follow the CDC guidelines and those above when making these decisions. Local health departments and facilities should monitor influenza activity in their community and facilities should monitor the level of activity and severity of illness they are experiencing within their facility (ER and urgent care visits, influenza hospitalizations, etc.) to help guide them with these decisions. &nbsp;The weekly Illinois influenza surveillance report is also a useful tool when evaluating activity levels for this purpose. To monitor the influenza activity level in Illinois or to access additional influenza resources, please visit the <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance" target="_blank">IDPH Seasonal Influenza Surveillance webpage</a>.</p> <p>Local information on Influenza, including Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Summary and Action Items To provide information to local health departments and health care facilities regarding temporary visitor restriction policies during times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community. Background Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and has reached regional activity levels in Illinois. Many counties have experienced high levels of influenza-like illness (characterized as fever of 100ºF \[37.8ºC\] or higher plus cough and/or sore throat), increases in influenza-related ICU admissions, long-term care facility outbreaks, and increases in positive laboratory specimens. IDPH and LHD Response The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends that health care facilities implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) comprehensive influenza prevention and control recommendations, [Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm). During times of increased incidence of influenza-like illness in the community, IDPH supports implementation of temporary visitor restriction policies in health care facilities which may include the following: • Do not allow visitation by persons less than 18 years of age, • Limit the number of visitors to two per patient at any one time, • Promote compliance with Hand Hygiene and [Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm), • Assess visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat), • Request that visitors with acute respiratory illness symptoms not visit, but if they insist, require a mask be worn, and • Limit visits to patients in isolation for influenza to persons who are necessary for the patients' emotional well-being and care. Exemptions to these temporary visitor restrictions are permissible at the discretion of the facility's Infection Prevention and Control departments for circumstances including, but not limited to, end-of-life situations. Lifting visitor restrictions is at the discretion of the health care facility. Facilities should follow the CDC guidelines and those above when making these decisions. Local health departments and facilities should monitor influenza activity in their community and facilities should monitor the level of activity and severity of illness they are experiencing within their facility (ER and urgent care visits, influenza hospitalizations, etc.) to help guide them with these decisions. The weekly Illinois influenza surveillance report is also a useful tool when evaluating activity levels for this purpose. To monitor the influenza activity level in Illinois or to access additional influenza resources, please visit the [IDPH Seasonal Influenza Surveillance webpage](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/influenza-surveillance). Local information on Influenza, including Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: [https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza](https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza).true2019-11-12T18:47:3346658978InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 44<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 44&nbsp;has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of October 27-November 2, 2019, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 27-November 2, 2019, 4&nbsp;of the 756&nbsp;(&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 3&nbsp;typed as influenza B.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.</a></span> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 44 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of October 27-November 2, 2019, one influenza-associated ICU hospitalization was reported Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 27-November 2, 2019, 4 of the 756 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 3 typed as influenza B. **Reporting Information** The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2025-08-18T15:55:1746690480School HealthVaccines for Children,Schools & Day Cares,School HealthHighYouth Settings Fall Webinars Fall 2025<p>Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health – Youth Settings team is hosting a series of fall virtual webinars each month for K12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers. Upcoming sessions will include:</p> <p><strong>Exclusion Criteria for Early Childcare and K12 Schools</strong></p> <p>Date: August 26th &nbsp;<br /> Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm<br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/29ebf762-9736-4303-b034-5cef89e27027@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Immunizations in Early Childcare and K12 Schools (in English)</strong></p> <p>Date: September 23rd &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm<br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e7a53c80-9de5-4636-8b5c-c31a33637794@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Immunizations in Early Childcare and K12 Schools (in Spanish)</strong></p> <p><strong>Vacunas en Guarderías y Escuelas K-12</strong></p> <p>Date: September 23rd &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm<br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e7a53c80-9de5-4636-8b5c-c31a33637794@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Infection Prevention for Early Childcare and K12 Schools</strong></p> <p>Date: October 28th &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm<br /> <strong>Register<a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8247bcdf-2dbd-4478-988e-e2095ebcd51c@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank"> HERE</a></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Respiratory Illness in Early Childcare and K12 Schools</strong></p> <p>Date: November 18th &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm<br /> <strong>Register <a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/05c43435-edc9-4b92-be52-97c812cb4243@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></p> <p> </p> Our purpose at the Chicago Department of Public Health is to work with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient, and Healthy Chicago. The Chicago Department of Public Health -- Youth Settings team is hosting a series of fall virtual webinars each month for K12 Schools and Early Childcare Centers. Upcoming sessions will include: **Exclusion Criteria for Early Childcare and K12 Schools** Date: August 26th Time: 11:00 am -- 12:30 pm **Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/29ebf762-9736-4303-b034-5cef89e27027@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** **Immunizations in Early Childcare and K12 Schools (in English)** Date: September 23rd Time: 11:00 am -- 12:00 pm **Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e7a53c80-9de5-4636-8b5c-c31a33637794@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** **Immunizations in Early Childcare and K12 Schools (in Spanish)** **Vacunas en Guarderías y Escuelas K-12** Date: September 23rd Time: 11:00 am -- 12:00 pm **Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e7a53c80-9de5-4636-8b5c-c31a33637794@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** **Infection Prevention for Early Childcare and K12 Schools** Date: October 28th Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:00 pm **Register[HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8247bcdf-2dbd-4478-988e-e2095ebcd51c@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** **Respiratory Illness in Early Childcare and K12 Schools** Date: November 18th Time: 1:00 pm -- 2:00 pm **Register [HERE](https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/05c43435-edc9-4b92-be52-97c812cb4243@7036cda9-062d-4151-8144-97ddc56e7027)** truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690480?p_r_p_categoryId=440472,441457,20635202019-12-12T16:31:1846659184Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsLowIDPH:Profound Methemoglobinemia Secondary to Sodium Nitrite Ingestion<p>Summary and Action Items<br /> 1) To alert clinicians to recently reported cases of profound methemoglobinemia secondary to Sodium Nitrite Ingestion<br /> 2) Provide information on treatment resources and recommendations<br /> Background<br /> In a ten-day period, three patients with extremely elevated methemoglobin levels have been reported to the Illinois Poison Center. Two of the three patients expired. Two of the individuals are suspected intentional ingestions of sodium nitrite by history, and the third case is consistent by clinical presentation with a sodium nitrite ingestion. Concurrently, a spike in suicidal sodium nitrite ingestions is being reported by poison centers in various areas around the country.<br /> Potential Exposures and Transmission<br /> Web sites that refer to suicide recipes have mentioned sodium nitrite ingestion as a successful method of self-harm. The compound can be made at home or purchased in bulk from online retailers such as eBay or Amazon.<br /> Symptoms<br /> Presenting symptoms of the above patients included profound cyanosis, shortness of breath and hypotension. Dizziness, confusion, nausea and vomiting may also be seen. Pulseoximetry readings generally do not improve with increased supplemental oxygen. Venous blood when drawn will have a characteristic &lsquo;chocolate brown&rsquo; color. Methemoglobinemia is suggested when there is clinical cyanosis in the presence of a normal arterial pO2 (PaO2).<br /> Treatment<br /> The antidote for this poisoning is intravenous methylene blue and was successful in the resuscitation of one of the recent cases with a level that would have otherwise likely have been fatal if left untreated.<br /> Recommendations for healthcare facilities<br /> Please contact the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment recommendations for patients presenting with severe methemoglobinemia, and to report cases for public health monitoring. Further acute clinical guidance from the Illinois Poison Center is attached to this alert.<br /> Prevention Resources<br /> For a listing of suicide prevention resources, please visit<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/suicide-prevention" target="_blank"> IDPH&rsquo;s Suicide Prevention Webpage.</a><br /> Public Health Response<br /> IDPH and the Illinois Poison Center will continue to monitor the situation, including analyzing data from Illinois hospital emergency departments and will issue new guidance as needed.</p>Summary and Action Items 1) To alert clinicians to recently reported cases of profound methemoglobinemia secondary to Sodium Nitrite Ingestion 2) Provide information on treatment resources and recommendations Background In a ten-day period, three patients with extremely elevated methemoglobin levels have been reported to the Illinois Poison Center. Two of the three patients expired. Two of the individuals are suspected intentional ingestions of sodium nitrite by history, and the third case is consistent by clinical presentation with a sodium nitrite ingestion. Concurrently, a spike in suicidal sodium nitrite ingestions is being reported by poison centers in various areas around the country. Potential Exposures and Transmission Web sites that refer to suicide recipes have mentioned sodium nitrite ingestion as a successful method of self-harm. The compound can be made at home or purchased in bulk from online retailers such as eBay or Amazon. Symptoms Presenting symptoms of the above patients included profound cyanosis, shortness of breath and hypotension. Dizziness, confusion, nausea and vomiting may also be seen. Pulseoximetry readings generally do not improve with increased supplemental oxygen. Venous blood when drawn will have a characteristic 'chocolate brown' color. Methemoglobinemia is suggested when there is clinical cyanosis in the presence of a normal arterial pO2 (PaO2). Treatment The antidote for this poisoning is intravenous methylene blue and was successful in the resuscitation of one of the recent cases with a level that would have otherwise likely have been fatal if left untreated. Recommendations for healthcare facilities Please contact the Illinois Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment recommendations for patients presenting with severe methemoglobinemia, and to report cases for public health monitoring. Further acute clinical guidance from the Illinois Poison Center is attached to this alert. Prevention Resources For a listing of suicide prevention resources, please visit[IDPH's Suicide Prevention Webpage.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/suicide-prevention) Public Health Response IDPH and the Illinois Poison Center will continue to monitor the situation, including analyzing data from Illinois hospital emergency departments and will issue new guidance as needed.true2019-12-09T15:44:1646659183InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 48<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 48&nbsp;has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection has increased. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of November 24-30, 2019, one&nbsp;influenza associated ICU hospitalizations was&nbsp;reported. Since September 29, 2019, seven&nbsp;influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; all were positive for influenza A (2 H3N2, 3&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 2&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]). </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of November 24-30, 2019, 39 of the 988&nbsp;(4%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; (7&nbsp;H3N2, 2&nbsp;H1N1pdm09, 12&nbsp;unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]). and 18&nbsp;typed as influenza B. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 48 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection has increased. For the week of November 24-30, 2019, one influenza associated ICU hospitalizations was reported. Since September 29, 2019, seven influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; all were positive for influenza A (2 H3N2, 3 H1N1pdm09, 2 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]). For the week of November 24-30, 2019, 39 of the 988 (4%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; (7 H3N2, 2 H1N1pdm09, 12 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]). and 18 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-12-02T16:08:3846659182InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 47<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 47&nbsp;has been published. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics </a>is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy&nbsp;go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of November 17-23, 2019, one&nbsp;influenza associated ICU hospitalizations was&nbsp;reported. Since September 29, 2019, six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; all were positive for influenza A (2 H3N2, 2 H1N1pdm09, 2 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]). </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 2 typed as influenza B. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued <a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank">Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a>. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>. Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). For more information contact: <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 47 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html)is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of November 17-23, 2019, one influenza associated ICU hospitalizations was reported. Since September 29, 2019, six influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; all were positive for influenza A (2 H3N2, 2 H1N1pdm09, 2 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]). For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 2 typed as influenza B. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued [Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf). The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued guidance on [reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting%20Influenza-Associated%20ICU%20Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). For more information contact: [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-11-29T19:12:0846659181BacterialLowSalmonella Increase 2019<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> &bull; Due to an increase in a certain type of Salmonella, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is requesting that health care providers and microbiology laboratories should report concerning increases in Salmonella identifications in patients over the long weekend to their local health departments (LHDs).<br /> &bull; LHDs should report any concerning reports to IDPH using the IDPH after hours number.<br /> <strong>Background</strong><br /> IDPH and LHDs in northern Illinois have identified 20 cases of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul in the past month. Sequencing is pending for these isolates.<br /> <strong>Potential Exposures</strong><br /> An investigation has started to collect information on foods consumed, travel histories and other exposures of interest. At this time the source for the Salmonella infections is unknown.<br /> <strong>Symptoms</strong><br /> People infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea and fever from six hours to four days after infection. Most people recover without treatment within a week.<br /> <strong>Transmission</strong><br /> Salmonella can be transmitted from contaminated food, from contact with animals infected with Salmonella and person to person.<br /> <strong>Diagnosis</strong><br /> Salmonella is typically diagnosed through testing of stool or other specimens.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>IDPH and LHD Response</strong><br /> Person who are reported with Salmonella are interviewed by public health to collect information on their exposures prior to illness. This information is reviewed to identify common exposures between patients.<br /> <strong>Contact</strong><br /> Healthcare providers or microbiology laboratories that identify a concerning increase in Salmonella diagnoses should contact Chicago Department of Public Health to report salmonella cases in Chicago residents by dialing &quot;311&quot; and asking to speak with the physician on call.&nbsp;</p>**Summary and Action Items** • Due to an increase in a certain type of Salmonella, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is requesting that health care providers and microbiology laboratories should report concerning increases in Salmonella identifications in patients over the long weekend to their local health departments (LHDs). • LHDs should report any concerning reports to IDPH using the IDPH after hours number. **Background** IDPH and LHDs in northern Illinois have identified 20 cases of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul in the past month. Sequencing is pending for these isolates. **Potential Exposures** An investigation has started to collect information on foods consumed, travel histories and other exposures of interest. At this time the source for the Salmonella infections is unknown. **Symptoms** People infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea and fever from six hours to four days after infection. Most people recover without treatment within a week. **Transmission** Salmonella can be transmitted from contaminated food, from contact with animals infected with Salmonella and person to person. **Diagnosis** Salmonella is typically diagnosed through testing of stool or other specimens. **IDPH and LHD Response** Person who are reported with Salmonella are interviewed by public health to collect information on their exposures prior to illness. This information is reviewed to identify common exposures between patients. **Contact** Healthcare providers or microbiology laboratories that identify a concerning increase in Salmonella diagnoses should contact Chicago Department of Public Health to report salmonella cases in Chicago residents by dialing "311" and asking to speak with the physician on call.true2019-08-30T21:49:1346658278Public Health Recommendations and EvaluationsLowIDPH Health Advisory: Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) Update Advisory<p><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-size:14px">Download the attached document for complete details.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-size:14px">As the late summer/early fall &ldquo;season&rdquo; for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) nears, CDC is calling on medical professionals to quickly recognize AFM symptoms and report all suspected cases to their health department. Early recognition and reporting are critical for providing patients with appropriate care and rehabilitation, and better understanding AFM, according to a new &nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6827e1.htm?s_cid=mm6827e1_w" target="_blank">Vital Signs report</a>. </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-size:14px">Please review the attached guidance from Illinois Department of Public Health on AFM specimen collection, shipping, and reporting of patients under investigation (PUI) and visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/AFM" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/AFM</a> for instructions on reporting Chicago residents to CDPH.</span></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe WP&quot;, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 15px; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 14pt;">&nbsp;</div>Download the attached document for complete details. As the late summer/early fall "season" for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) nears, CDC is calling on medical professionals to quickly recognize AFM symptoms and report all suspected cases to their health department. Early recognition and reporting are critical for providing patients with appropriate care and rehabilitation, and better understanding AFM, according to a new [Vital Signs report](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6827e1.htm?s_cid=mm6827e1_w). Please review the attached guidance from Illinois Department of Public Health on AFM specimen collection, shipping, and reporting of patients under investigation (PUI) and visit [www.chicagohan.org/AFM](https://www.chicagohan.org/AFM) for instructions on reporting Chicago residents to CDPH.true2019-11-27T19:53:2846659278VFCLowVFC News Bulletin November 27, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>VFC News Bulletin November 27, 2019</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In This Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>CHIP Flu Vaccine Orders <ul> <li>CHIP flu vaccines now available include: <ul> <li>Fluarix - .5ml Single dose syringes, 10-pack.</li> <li>Flulaval - 5ml multi-dose vial, one 10 dose vial.</li> <li>Fluzone - 5ml multi-dose vial, one 10 dose vial.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Chicago VFC and I-CARE Training <ul> <li>Dates: <ul> <li>Wednesday, 12/18/19</li> <li>Wednesday, 1/15/20</li> <li>Wednesday,&nbsp;2/19/20</li> <li>Wednesday, 3/18/20</li> </ul> </li> <li>Time: 10:00am-11:30am</li> <li>Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg" target="_blank">Register here!</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Chicago VFC Vaccine Holiday Shipping Schedule <ul> <li>The last day to submit all VFC vaccine orders for December delivery is Friday, December 6th.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachments for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin November 27, 2019** In This Issue: * CHIP Flu Vaccine Orders * CHIP flu vaccines now available include: * Fluarix - .5ml Single dose syringes, 10-pack. * Flulaval - 5ml multi-dose vial, one 10 dose vial. * Fluzone - 5ml multi-dose vial, one 10 dose vial. * Chicago VFC and I-CARE Training * Dates: * Wednesday, 12/18/19 * Wednesday, 1/15/20 * Wednesday, 2/19/20 * Wednesday, 3/18/20 * Time: 10:00am-11:30am * Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room * [Register here!](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg) * Chicago VFC Vaccine Holiday Shipping Schedule * The last day to submit all VFC vaccine orders for December delivery is Friday, December 6th. See attachments for full details.true2019-11-25T17:37:4446659178InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 45<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 45 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>For the week of November 3-9, 2019, two influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 2 typed as influenza B<span style="font-size:14px">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.</a></span> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 45 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, two influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 2 typed as influenza B. **Reporting Information** The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-11-22T23:14:2446659277VapingLowIDPH Health Alert: Clinical Guidance and Management re: Vaping Associated Lung Injury<p>IDPH has released updated Clinical guidance regarding vaping associated lung injury investigation, and updated guidance on management of suspect cases</p> <p>1. Healthcare providers should ask patients about use of e-cigarette or vaping, products if they present with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal&nbsp;illness, influenza-like illness, or are being reported to public health as an influenza-related ICU admission.<br /> 2. A chest radiograph (CXR) and/or CT scan should be considered for patients who vape and have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.<br /> 3. Providers should test for influenza and consider ruling out other infections for patients with suspected EVALI. Treatment with empiric antimicrobials,&nbsp;including antivirals, should be considered in accordance with established guidelines.<br /> 4. Corticosteroid treatment may be helpful in treating hospitalized patients with EVALI. Consultation with pulmonary and infectious disease specialists&nbsp;should be considered.<br /> 5. Providers should advise patients to stop vaping and link them to cessation services.<br /> 6. Discharged patients should be advised to seek clinical care promptly if symptoms recur and should have a scheduled follow-up visit within one to two weeks&nbsp;of discharge.<br /> 7. Outpatient management may be appropriate for some patients with EVALI who have normal oxygen saturations (&ge;95%), no respiratory distress, no comorbidities&nbsp;that mightcompromise pulmonary reserve, reliable access to immediate care and strong social support systems. Outpatients should be followed up within 24&ndash;48&nbsp;hours of initial evaluation and advised to seek medical care promptly if respiratory symptoms worsen.<br /> 8. It is unknown if patients with a history of EVALI are at higher risk for severe complications of influenza or other respiratory viral infections.&nbsp;</p> <p>Prevention of influenza through vaccination of high-risk groups is encouraged<br /> IDPH asks:<br /> 1. That only hospitalized patients with suspected EVALI continue to be reported to their local health department using the case report form,<br /> 2. that clinical samples from bronchoalveolar lavage and/or tissue biopsies be saved and sent to the IDPH laboratory for routing to the CDC,<br /> 3. that providers ask and encourage patients with EVALI to complete the patient survey, and<br /> 4. that any remaining vaping product from patients with EVALI be retained for testing (local health departments will facilitate shipment of these specimens&nbsp;to IDPH).</p> <p>For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079" target="_blank">case report form</a>&nbsp; and this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142" target="_blank">survey</a> completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Karrie-Ann Toews. If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date. For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email <a href="mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org">vaping@cityofchicago.org</a> (without patient identifiers).</p> <p>For more information see the attached and visit <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/vaping</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>IDPH has released updated Clinical guidance regarding vaping associated lung injury investigation, and updated guidance on management of suspect cases 1. Healthcare providers should ask patients about use of e-cigarette or vaping, products if they present with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, influenza-like illness, or are being reported to public health as an influenza-related ICU admission. 2. A chest radiograph (CXR) and/or CT scan should be considered for patients who vape and have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. 3. Providers should test for influenza and consider ruling out other infections for patients with suspected EVALI. Treatment with empiric antimicrobials, including antivirals, should be considered in accordance with established guidelines. 4. Corticosteroid treatment may be helpful in treating hospitalized patients with EVALI. Consultation with pulmonary and infectious disease specialists should be considered. 5. Providers should advise patients to stop vaping and link them to cessation services. 6. Discharged patients should be advised to seek clinical care promptly if symptoms recur and should have a scheduled follow-up visit within one to two weeks of discharge. 7. Outpatient management may be appropriate for some patients with EVALI who have normal oxygen saturations (≥95%), no respiratory distress, no comorbidities that mightcompromise pulmonary reserve, reliable access to immediate care and strong social support systems. Outpatients should be followed up within 24--48 hours of initial evaluation and advised to seek medical care promptly if respiratory symptoms worsen. 8. It is unknown if patients with a history of EVALI are at higher risk for severe complications of influenza or other respiratory viral infections. Prevention of influenza through vaccination of high-risk groups is encouraged IDPH asks: 1. That only hospitalized patients with suspected EVALI continue to be reported to their local health department using the case report form, 2. that clinical samples from bronchoalveolar lavage and/or tissue biopsies be saved and sent to the IDPH laboratory for routing to the CDC, 3. that providers ask and encourage patients with EVALI to complete the patient survey, and 4. that any remaining vaping product from patients with EVALI be retained for testing (local health departments will facilitate shipment of these specimens to IDPH). For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this [case report form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079) and this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142) completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Karrie-Ann Toews. If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date. For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email [vaping@cityofchicago.org](mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org) (without patient identifiers). For more information see the attached and visit [www.chicagohan.org/vaping](http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping)true2019-11-20T16:15:3246658982BacterialLowUPDATE: Increased Pertussis Activity in North Side Chicago Childcare Settings<div><strong>SUMMARY AND ACTION ITEMS</strong></div> <ul> <li>Though local pertussis activity clustering around North Side Chicago childcare facilities is overall decreasing, continued transmission has been demonstrated. CDPH is reinforcing previous guidance surrounding pertussis prophylaxis and on-time vaccination.</li> <li>Providers are encouraged to use the Pertussis Online Case Report Form to report suspect cases within 24 hours to CDPH. Eliciting and documenting information about all childcare settings/playgroups/activities/after-care within the 21 days prior to cough onset is encouraged.</li> <li>Providers should ask for recent exposure in patients presenting with cough for over 14 days and offer testing/treatment/prophylaxis according to the attached algorithm regardless of vaccination history.</li> </ul> <div><strong>Background</strong></div> <div>This alert serves as an update to the February 27, 2019 pertussis health alert.&nbsp; As of November 14, 2019, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has received reports of 187 pediatric pertussis cases occurring since October 1, 2018. Of the pediatric cases, 124 (66%) are under 5 years of age, including 60 cases &lt;12 months of age. Thirty unique daycares have been involved in a total 67 cases; 21 cases involved 10 preschools; 6 cases involved 6 day/overnight camps. The majority of facilities continue to be clustered on the North Side of Chicago, though linkages between childcare facilities remain unclear. Extended social networks not reported/recalled in family interviews are suspected transmission risks. Pertussis activity since winter 2018 represents a three-fold increase from the prior 12 month period (9/30/2017-9/30/2018) during which time 63 pediatric cases occurred. While pertussis is still considered endemic in the US and activity is expected to peak every few years, efforts should be made to prevent additional cases among young infants who experience more serious complications.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Review of Exposure Management:</strong></div> <div><strong>For Exposed Patients without Symptoms:</strong> Prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis. See below. Though vaccination is not a substitute for chemoprophylaxis, close contacts younger than 7 years of age who have not received four doses of a pertussis vaccine should complete the series <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html" target="_blank">using the minimum recommended intervals</a> (dose 1 to dose 2 and dose 2 to dose 3: 4 weeks, dose 3 to dose 4 and dose 4 to dose 5: 6 months). Close contacts aged 4-6 years who have only received four doses should be given a fifth dose. Close contacts 11 years or older who have not been previously vaccinated with Tdap should receive a dose.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>For Exposed Patients with Symptoms:</strong> See attachment that contains algorithm.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Suggested Azithromycin dosing for prophylaxis or treatment:</strong></div> <ul> <li><strong>0-5 months old</strong> [10 mg/kg/day as a single dose for 5 days];</li> <li><strong>6 months and older</strong> [10 mg/kg as a single dose on day 1 (max dose: 500mg), then 5 mg/kg/day (max dose: 250mg) as a single dose on days 2 through 5];</li> <li><strong>Adolescents and adults</strong> [500 mg as a single dose on day 1, then 250 mg as a single dose on days 2 through 5].</li> <li>For alternative therapies and complete guidance on pertussis treatment/postexposure prophylaxis: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5414a1.htm" target="_blank">Recommended antimicrobial agents for the treatment and postexposure prophylaxis of pertussis:</a> 2005 CDC guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2005;54(RR-14):1&ndash;16.</li> </ul> <div><strong><em>Please see the attached document for more information.</em></strong></div>**SUMMARY AND ACTION ITEMS** * Though local pertussis activity clustering around North Side Chicago childcare facilities is overall decreasing, continued transmission has been demonstrated. CDPH is reinforcing previous guidance surrounding pertussis prophylaxis and on-time vaccination. * Providers are encouraged to use the Pertussis Online Case Report Form to report suspect cases within 24 hours to CDPH. Eliciting and documenting information about all childcare settings/playgroups/activities/after-care within the 21 days prior to cough onset is encouraged. * Providers should ask for recent exposure in patients presenting with cough for over 14 days and offer testing/treatment/prophylaxis according to the attached algorithm regardless of vaccination history. **Background** This alert serves as an update to the February 27, 2019 pertussis health alert. As of November 14, 2019, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has received reports of 187 pediatric pertussis cases occurring since October 1, 2018. Of the pediatric cases, 124 (66%) are under 5 years of age, including 60 cases \<12 months of age. Thirty unique daycares have been involved in a total 67 cases; 21 cases involved 10 preschools; 6 cases involved 6 day/overnight camps. The majority of facilities continue to be clustered on the North Side of Chicago, though linkages between childcare facilities remain unclear. Extended social networks not reported/recalled in family interviews are suspected transmission risks. Pertussis activity since winter 2018 represents a three-fold increase from the prior 12 month period (9/30/2017-9/30/2018) during which time 63 pediatric cases occurred. While pertussis is still considered endemic in the US and activity is expected to peak every few years, efforts should be made to prevent additional cases among young infants who experience more serious complications. **Review of Exposure Management:** **For Exposed Patients without Symptoms:** Prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis. See below. Though vaccination is not a substitute for chemoprophylaxis, close contacts younger than 7 years of age who have not received four doses of a pertussis vaccine should complete the series [using the minimum recommended intervals](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html) (dose 1 to dose 2 and dose 2 to dose 3: 4 weeks, dose 3 to dose 4 and dose 4 to dose 5: 6 months). Close contacts aged 4-6 years who have only received four doses should be given a fifth dose. Close contacts 11 years or older who have not been previously vaccinated with Tdap should receive a dose. **For Exposed Patients with Symptoms:** See attachment that contains algorithm. **Suggested Azithromycin dosing for prophylaxis or treatment:** * **0-5 months old** \[10 mg/kg/day as a single dose for 5 days\]; * **6 months and older** \[10 mg/kg as a single dose on day 1 (max dose: 500mg), then 5 mg/kg/day (max dose: 250mg) as a single dose on days 2 through 5\]; * **Adolescents and adults** \[500 mg as a single dose on day 1, then 250 mg as a single dose on days 2 through 5\]. * For alternative therapies and complete guidance on pertussis treatment/postexposure prophylaxis: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Recommended antimicrobial agents for the treatment and postexposure prophylaxis of pertussis:](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5414a1.htm) 2005 CDC guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2005;54(RR-14):1--16. ***Please see the attached document for more information.***true2019-11-20T02:23:4146658981VFCLowVFC News Bulletin November 19, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>VFC News Bulletin November 19, 2019</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In This Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>Upcoming: National Influenza Vaccination Week Webinar <ul> <li>Date: Thursday December 5, 2019</li> <li>Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm</li> <li>Register:&nbsp; <a href="https://bit.ly/FluWebinar2019" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/FluWebinar2019</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Upcoming IL HPV Action Workshop <ul> <li>Date: Wednesday, 11/20/19</li> <li>Time: 9:00am-12:00pm</li> <li>Location: American Cancer Center: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reminder Pregnant Moms and Influenza and Pertussis</li> <li>I-CARE Trainings <ul> <li>Dates: <ul> <li>Wednesday, 11/20/19</li> <li>Wednesday, 12/18/19</li> <li>Wednesday, 1/15/20</li> </ul> </li> <li>Time: 10:00am-11:30am</li> <li>Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg" target="_blank">Register here!</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Flu shot recommendation best practices</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin November 19, 2019** In This Issue: * Upcoming: National Influenza Vaccination Week Webinar * Date: Thursday December 5, 2019 * Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm * Register: <https://bit.ly/FluWebinar2019> * Upcoming IL HPV Action Workshop * Date: Wednesday, 11/20/19 * Time: 9:00am-12:00pm * Location: American Cancer Center: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200 * Reminder Pregnant Moms and Influenza and Pertussis * I-CARE Trainings * Dates: * Wednesday, 11/20/19 * Wednesday, 12/18/19 * Wednesday, 1/15/20 * Time: 10:00am-11:30am * Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room * [Register here!](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg) * Flu shot recommendation best practices See attachment for full details.true2019-11-18T18:29:2346658979InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 45<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 45 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>For the week of November 3-9, 2019, two influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</p> <p>Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 2 typed as influenza B<span style="font-size:14px">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.</a></span> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 45 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, two influenza associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of November 3-9, 2019, 3 of the 479 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 2 typed as influenza B. **Reporting Information** The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-08-30T20:29:1046658377NotificationLowCDC Health Advisory: Severe Pulmonary Disease Associated with Using E-Cigarette Products<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing: 1) background information on the forms of e-cigarette products, 2) information on the multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges), and 3) clinical features of patients with severe pulmonary disease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Recommendations for Clinicians</strong><br /> 1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Report cases of severe pulmonary disease of unclear etiology and a history of e-cigarette product use within the past 90 days to your state or local health department.<br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Ask all patients who report e-cigarette product use within the last 90 days about signs and symptoms of pulmonary illness.<br /> 3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;If e-cigarette product use is suspected as a possible etiology of a patient&rsquo;s severe pulmonary disease, obtain detailed history regarding:</span></p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:14px">&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Substance(s) used: nicotine, cannabinoids (e.g., marijuana, THC, THC concentrates, CBD, CBD oil, synthetic cannabinoids [e.g., K2 or spice], hash oil, Dank vapes), flavors, or other substances<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Substance source(s): commercially available liquids (i.e., bottles, cartridges, or pods), homemade liquids, and re-use of old cartridges or pods with homemade or commercially bought liquids<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Device(s) used: manufacturer; brand name; product name; model; serial number of the product, device, or e-liquid; if the device can be customized by the user; and any product modifications by the user (e.g., exposure of the atomizer or heating coil)<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Where the product(s) were purchased<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Method of substance use: aerosolization, dabbing, or dripping&nbsp;<br /> &bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Other potential cases: sharing e-cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods, or cartridges) with others</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Determine if any remaining product, including devices and liquids, are available for testing. Testing can be coordinated with the local or state health departments.<br /> 5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Consider all possible causes of illness in patients reporting respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and of e-cigarette product use. Evaluate and treat for other possible causes of illness (e.g., infectious, rheumatologic, neoplastic) as clinically indicated. Consider consultation with specialists (pulmonary, infectious disease, critical care, medical toxicology) as appropriate.<br /> 6.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Clinical improvement of patients with severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette use has been reported with the use of corticosteroids. The decision to use corticosteroids should be made on a case-by-case basis based on risks and benefits and the likelihood of other etiologies.&nbsp;<br /> 7.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lipoid pneumonia associated with inhalation of lipids in aerosols generated by e-cigarettes has been reported based on the detection of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lipid staining (e.g., oil red O). The decision about whether to perform a BAL should be based on individual clinical circumstances.<br /> 8.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lung biopsies have been performed on some patients. If a lung biopsy is obtained, lipid staining may be considered during pathologic examination, and is best performed on fresh tissue. Routine pathology tissue processing (including formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding) can remove lipids. Conducting routine tissue processing and histopathologic evaluation is still important. Consider consultation with specialists in pulmonary medicine and pathology to help inform any evaluation plan.&nbsp;<br /> 9.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Patients who have received treatment for severe pulmonary disease related to e-cigarette product use should undergo follow-up evaluation as clinically indicated to monitor pulmonary function.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information:</strong> &nbsp;Suspect cases should be reported &nbsp;as &ldquo;vaping associated respiratory illness&rdquo; to Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000, select #6 for Communicable Diseases, Monday through Friday during business hours, OR to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours or on weekends by dialing 311.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attached document for the full details.</span></p>**Summary** The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing: 1) background information on the forms of e-cigarette products, 2) information on the multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges), and 3) clinical features of patients with severe pulmonary disease. **Recommendations for Clinicians** 1. Report cases of severe pulmonary disease of unclear etiology and a history of e-cigarette product use within the past 90 days to your state or local health department. 2. Ask all patients who report e-cigarette product use within the last 90 days about signs and symptoms of pulmonary illness. 3. If e-cigarette product use is suspected as a possible etiology of a patient's severe pulmonary disease, obtain detailed history regarding: • Substance(s) used: nicotine, cannabinoids (e.g., marijuana, THC, THC concentrates, CBD, CBD oil, synthetic cannabinoids \[e.g., K2 or spice\], hash oil, Dank vapes), flavors, or other substances • Substance source(s): commercially available liquids (i.e., bottles, cartridges, or pods), homemade liquids, and re-use of old cartridges or pods with homemade or commercially bought liquids • Device(s) used: manufacturer; brand name; product name; model; serial number of the product, device, or e-liquid; if the device can be customized by the user; and any product modifications by the user (e.g., exposure of the atomizer or heating coil) • Where the product(s) were purchased • Method of substance use: aerosolization, dabbing, or dripping • Other potential cases: sharing e-cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods, or cartridges) with others 4. Determine if any remaining product, including devices and liquids, are available for testing. Testing can be coordinated with the local or state health departments. 5. Consider all possible causes of illness in patients reporting respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and of e-cigarette product use. Evaluate and treat for other possible causes of illness (e.g., infectious, rheumatologic, neoplastic) as clinically indicated. Consider consultation with specialists (pulmonary, infectious disease, critical care, medical toxicology) as appropriate. 6. Clinical improvement of patients with severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette use has been reported with the use of corticosteroids. The decision to use corticosteroids should be made on a case-by-case basis based on risks and benefits and the likelihood of other etiologies. 7. Lipoid pneumonia associated with inhalation of lipids in aerosols generated by e-cigarettes has been reported based on the detection of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lipid staining (e.g., oil red O). The decision about whether to perform a BAL should be based on individual clinical circumstances. 8. Lung biopsies have been performed on some patients. If a lung biopsy is obtained, lipid staining may be considered during pathologic examination, and is best performed on fresh tissue. Routine pathology tissue processing (including formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding) can remove lipids. Conducting routine tissue processing and histopathologic evaluation is still important. Consider consultation with specialists in pulmonary medicine and pathology to help inform any evaluation plan. 9. Patients who have received treatment for severe pulmonary disease related to e-cigarette product use should undergo follow-up evaluation as clinically indicated to monitor pulmonary function. **Reporting Information:** Suspect cases should be reported as "vaping associated respiratory illness" to Provider Reporting Line at 312-743-9000, select #6 for Communicable Diseases, Monday through Friday during business hours, OR to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours or on weekends by dialing 311. See attached document for the full details.true2019-11-01T20:47:4546658494InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 43<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 43&nbsp;has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p>Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 20-26, 2019, 2 of the 724 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 1 typed as influenza B.</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.</a></span> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 43 has been published. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 20-26, 2019, 2 of the 724 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive; 1 typed as influenza A unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 1 typed as influenza B. **Reporting Information** The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-10-25T19:42:3646658492InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 42<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Flu Update for Week 42 has been published.. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Since the 2009 pandemic, data on influenza virus test results have been reported by Chicago hospital laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. During previous seasons, over 80% of all positive influenza A specimens were subtyped (e.g. H3N2, H1N1pdm09); however during the past two influenza seasons, the percentage of positive influenza A specimens being subtyped has continued to decrease. In 2018-2019, only a third of influenza A specimens were subtyped; of these 71% were positive for H1N1pdm09. It is important, for surveillance purposes, to monitor the subtypes of influenza A viruses circulating in the area in order to maintain situational awareness, detect any changes in local epidemiology and to identify the emergence of novel influenza A strains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.</a></span> <span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 42 has been published.. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. Since the 2009 pandemic, data on influenza virus test results have been reported by Chicago hospital laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. During previous seasons, over 80% of all positive influenza A specimens were subtyped (e.g. H3N2, H1N1pdm09); however during the past two influenza seasons, the percentage of positive influenza A specimens being subtyped has continued to decrease. In 2018-2019, only a third of influenza A specimens were subtyped; of these 71% were positive for H1N1pdm09. It is important, for surveillance purposes, to monitor the subtypes of influenza A viruses circulating in the area in order to maintain situational awareness, detect any changes in local epidemiology and to identify the emergence of novel influenza A strains. **Reporting Information** The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance.](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-10-24T21:15:2746658787Situational AwarenessLowIDPH Health Alert: Second Illinois Resident Dies After Vaping Related Lung Injury<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the death of a second Illinois individual who had recently vaped and been hospitalized with a severe lung injury. At this time, a total of 153 people in Illinois, ranging in age from 13 to 66 years old, with a median age of 22, have experienced lung injuries after using e-cigarettes or vaping.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">IDPH is working with local health departments to investigate another 41 possible cases. Affected individuals have experienced respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Many have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079" target="_blank">case report form</a>&nbsp; and this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142" target="_blank">survey</a> completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Karrie-Ann Toews. If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date. For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email <a href="mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org">vaping@cityofchicago.org</a> (without patient identifiers).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For more information see the attached and visit <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/vaping</a></span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the death of a second Illinois individual who had recently vaped and been hospitalized with a severe lung injury. At this time, a total of 153 people in Illinois, ranging in age from 13 to 66 years old, with a median age of 22, have experienced lung injuries after using e-cigarettes or vaping. IDPH is working with local health departments to investigate another 41 possible cases. Affected individuals have experienced respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Many have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this [case report form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079) and this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142) completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Karrie-Ann Toews. If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date. For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email [vaping@cityofchicago.org](mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org) (without patient identifiers). For more information see the attached and visit [www.chicagohan.org/vaping](http://www.chicagohan.org/vaping)true2019-10-24T19:04:4546658785VFCLowVFC News Bulletin October 24, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>VFC News Bulletin October 24, 2019</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In This Issue:</span></p> <ul> <li>Upcoming IL HPV Action Workshop <ul> <li>Date: Wednesday, 11/20/19</li> <li>Time: 9:00am-12:00pm</li> <li>Location: American Cancer Center: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200</li> </ul> </li> <li>Upcoming EverThrive Immunization Seminar <ul> <li>Date: Thursday, 11/7/19</li> <li>Time: 9:00am-1:00pm</li> <li>Location: Loretto Hospital: 345 S. Central Ave.</li> </ul> </li> <li>New Chicago Public Schools health form website <ul> <li>Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently launched a new website containing the most commonly used school health forms: <a href="http://www.cps.edu/medicalforms" target="_blank">www.cps.edu/medicalforms</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>I-CARE Trainings <ul> <li>Dates: <ul> <li>Wednesday, 11/20/19</li> <li>Wednesday, 12/18/19</li> <li>Wednesday, 1/15/20</li> <li>Wednesday, 2/19/20</li> <li>Wednesday, 3/18/20</li> </ul> </li> <li>Time: 10:00am-11:30am</li> <li>Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room</li> <li><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg" target="_blank">Register here!</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Flu shot recommendation best practices</li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin October 24, 2019** In This Issue: * Upcoming IL HPV Action Workshop * Date: Wednesday, 11/20/19 * Time: 9:00am-12:00pm * Location: American Cancer Center: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200 * Upcoming EverThrive Immunization Seminar * Date: Thursday, 11/7/19 * Time: 9:00am-1:00pm * Location: Loretto Hospital: 345 S. Central Ave. * New Chicago Public Schools health form website * Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently launched a new website containing the most commonly used school health forms: [www.cps.edu/medicalforms](http://www.cps.edu/medicalforms). * I-CARE Trainings * Dates: * Wednesday, 11/20/19 * Wednesday, 12/18/19 * Wednesday, 1/15/20 * Wednesday, 2/19/20 * Wednesday, 3/18/20 * Time: 10:00am-11:30am * Location: CDPH WS CDC: 2160 W. Ogden Ave., Large Conference Room * [Register here!](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=VFC!VFCICareReg) * Flu shot recommendation best practices See attachment for full details.true2019-10-21T15:06:1946658490InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 41<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 6-12, 2019, 1 of the 723 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza was positive for influenza B (Figure 3).<br /> Since September 29, 2019, 6 of 1,444 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza have been positive; 4 typed as influenza A (4 H3N2, 0 H1N1pdm09, and 0 unknown subtype [subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested]) and 2 typed as influenza B.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza</a></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of October 6-12, 2019, 1 of the 723 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza was positive for influenza B (Figure 3). Since September 29, 2019, 6 of 1,444 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza have been positive; 4 typed as influenza A (4 H3N2, 0 H1N1pdm09, and 0 unknown subtype \[subtyping not performed or not all subtypes tested\]) and 2 typed as influenza B. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza>true2019-10-18T21:00:5346658489AnnouncementLowUpdate: Alert for the Pharmaceutical Representatives, October 18, 2019<p><span style="color:#FF0000"><strong>Updated Alert to Pharmaceutical Representatives:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color:#FF0000"><strong>Please disregard previous email - sent in error</strong></span></p> <p>The approved courses for the required five hours of pharmaceutical representative continuing education requirements on our website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/health" target="_blank">www.cityofchicago.org/health</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please note that it is the individual modules that are approved, and that some educational providers may have additional content on their sites that have not been submitted/approved by CDPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As a reminder, you must maintain your certificate(s) of completion documenting that you have completed the mandatory five (5) hours of continuing education by your license expiration date.</p> <p>CDPH will expand the available course selection by including additional approved courses in January 2020.</p> <p>Please maintain your file for you own license records.&nbsp; Prior to your license expiration please ensure that you have completed the five hours of approved courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please note that some pharmaceutical representatives will be randomly selected to participate in the audit process and their certificates will have to be submitted.</p> <p><strong>If you have any questions, or concerns, please address them to the following email:&nbsp;</strong><a href="mailto:Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org" target="_blank"><strong>Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org</strong></a></p> <p>Pharma Rep&nbsp;Education&nbsp;Team</p> <p>Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org</p> <p>_________________________________________________</p> <p>For Questions:</p> <p>Contact&nbsp;<strong>BACP&nbsp;</strong>about Pharma Rep&nbsp;license renewal, copies, payment,&nbsp;and/or changing your licensing status at (312) 74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or visit</p> <p><a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/pharmaceutical_representative_licensing.html" target="_blank">https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/pharmaceutical_representative_licensing.html</a></p> <p>Contact&nbsp;<strong>CDPH</strong>&nbsp;about Continuing&nbsp;Education (CE) courses and Schedule II Disclosure Log submission at (312) 747-8818 visit&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html" target="_blank">h</a><a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html" target="_blank">ttps://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html</a></p> <p>Find&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>ONLY&nbsp;</strong>courses approved&nbsp;for&nbsp;<strong>CE hours</strong>:&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/healthy-living/approved-continuing-education-courses.html">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/healthy-living/approved-continuing-education-courses.html</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Updated Alert to Pharmaceutical Representatives:** **Please disregard previous email - sent in error** The approved courses for the required five hours of pharmaceutical representative continuing education requirements on our website: [www.cityofchicago.org/health](https://www.cityofchicago.org/health). Please note that it is the individual modules that are approved, and that some educational providers may have additional content on their sites that have not been submitted/approved by CDPH. As a reminder, you must maintain your certificate(s) of completion documenting that you have completed the mandatory five (5) hours of continuing education by your license expiration date. CDPH will expand the available course selection by including additional approved courses in January 2020. Please maintain your file for you own license records. Prior to your license expiration please ensure that you have completed the five hours of approved courses. Please note that some pharmaceutical representatives will be randomly selected to participate in the audit process and their certificates will have to be submitted. **If you have any questions, or concerns, please address them to the following email:** [**Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org**](mailto:Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org) Pharma Rep Education Team Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org _________________________________________________ For Questions: Contact **BACP**about Pharma Rep license renewal, copies, payment, and/or changing your licensing status at (312) 74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or visit <https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/pharmaceutical_representative_licensing.html> Contact **CDPH** about Continuing Education (CE) courses and Schedule II Disclosure Log submission at (312) 747-8818 visit [h](https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html)[ttps://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html](https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/healthy_living/svcs/pharmaceutical-representative-license.html) Find the **ONLY** courses approved for **CE hours**: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/healthy-living/approved-continuing-education-courses.html>false2019-10-18T13:44:2546658488AnnouncementLowAlert for the Pharmaceutical Representatives, October 18, 2019<p>Please note that you can find the approved courses for the required five hours of pharmaceutical representative continuing education requirements on our website: <a href="https://www.cityofchicago.org/health" target="_blank">www.cityofchicago.org/health</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please also note that individual modules are approved, and that some educational providers may have additional content on their sites that have not been submitted/approved by CDPH.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As a reminder, you must maintain your certificate(s) of completion documenting that you have completed the mandatory five (5) hours of continuing education by June 30, 2020.&nbsp; Please maintain your file for you own license records.&nbsp; Prior to your license expiration please ensure that you have completed the five hours of approved courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please note that some pharmaceutical representatives will be randomly selected to participate in the audit process and their certificates will have to be submitted.</p> <p><strong>If you have any questions, or concerns, please address them to the following email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org" target="_blank">Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org</a></strong></p>Please note that you can find the approved courses for the required five hours of pharmaceutical representative continuing education requirements on our website: [www.cityofchicago.org/health](https://www.cityofchicago.org/health). Please also note that individual modules are approved, and that some educational providers may have additional content on their sites that have not been submitted/approved by CDPH. As a reminder, you must maintain your certificate(s) of completion documenting that you have completed the mandatory five (5) hours of continuing education by June 30, 2020. Please maintain your file for you own license records. Prior to your license expiration please ensure that you have completed the five hours of approved courses. Please note that some pharmaceutical representatives will be randomly selected to participate in the audit process and their certificates will have to be submitted. **If you have any questions, or concerns, please address them to the following email: [Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org](mailto:Pharmareplicense@cityofchicago.org)**false2019-10-16T17:32:0646658487Vaccine ShortageLowRabies Vaccine In Limited Supply<p><strong>Summary and Action Items:</strong><br /> &bull; Until further notice, use RabAvert vaccine for rabies vaccination for either pre or post-exposure administration. RabAvert can be purchased directly from the manufacturer on an as-needed basis.<br /> &bull; For rabies immune globulin (RIG), Kedrab and HyperRab are available. Imogam is only available directly from the manufacturer at this time.<br /> &bull; As always, please ensure that persons who are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are recommended for rabies PEP per guidance in the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5703a1.htm" target="_blank">Human Rabies Prevention-United States, 2008, Recommendations of the ACIP</a>&rdquo;<br /> &bull; Correctly administer rabies vaccine to avoid the need to re-do a rabies vaccination.<br /> &bull; Review information on the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/resources/availability.html" target="_blank">CDC website</a>.</p> <p><strong>Reporting:</strong> All individuals who have been potentially exposed to rabies must be reported to CDPH: For immediate <u>clinical</u> questions please call 311 and ask to speak to a communicable disease physician on call or call the CDPH Disease Reporting Number 312-743-9000. Reporting also can be done through INEDSS (Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System) or a <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/259034/Rabies_CaseReportForm.pdf/60a22a12-2607-1348-0487-bc543892d2fb?t=1565203643754" target="_blank">Rabies Case Report Form</a> can be completed and faxed back to the Chicago Department of Public Health at 312-746-6388.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong>: Imovax (produced by Sanofi Pasteur) is experiencing a temporary supply shortage and is not available at this time. RabAvert vaccine (produced by GlaxoSmithKline) is experiencing a temporary limited supply but is still available for both pre-exposure prophylaxis and PEP. If vaccine is not available from the distributor, order directly from the manufacturer on an as-needed basis. Healthcare providers who are unable to obtain Imovax should use RabAvert during this time, even if Imovax was used to start a pre-exposure or PEP schedule that is in progress.</p> <p>Both Kedrab (produced by Kedrion Biopharma) and HyperRab (produced by Grifols) are available with no restrictions for rabies immune globulin. Imogam (produced by Sanofi Pasteur) is currently experiencing a temporary shortage. Providers can obtain Imogam directly from the manufacturer.</p> <p><strong>Potential Exposures:</strong><br /> &bull; Rabies PEP is needed for the following situations unless the animal tests negative</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in">o Waking up to a bat in the room, or someone unable to tell if they were bitten by a bat that was in the room with them (small child, person who is mentally impaired).<br /> o Bare skinned physical contact with a bat where a bite cannot be ruled out.<br /> o Bite from high-risk untested animals, including but not limited to, bat, fox, coyote, raccoon, skunk and groundhog.<br /> o Bites from animals with signs of rabies including neurologic animals and animals that are highly aggressive.<br /> o Consultation should be obtained on bites occurring overseas.</p> <p>&bull; Rabies PEP is not needed for the following types of exposures</p> <p style="margin-left:40px">o Bites from healthy dogs, cats, or ferrets that have bitten due to typical situations (like trying to pet an unfamiliar animal, go onto property where a dog lives, separating two fighting animals, running/biking past a dog). Please call your local health<br /> department (LHD) before administering rabies PEP for a dog/cat/ferret bite that occurred in the U.S.<br /> o Bites from healthy small rodents or rabbits.<br /> o Competent adults who are awake and a bat is in the area and there is no physical contact with the bat.</p> <p>For more information on Rabies please visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/rabies" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/rabies</a>.</p>**Summary and Action Items:** • Until further notice, use RabAvert vaccine for rabies vaccination for either pre or post-exposure administration. RabAvert can be purchased directly from the manufacturer on an as-needed basis. • For rabies immune globulin (RIG), Kedrab and HyperRab are available. Imogam is only available directly from the manufacturer at this time. • As always, please ensure that persons who are receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are recommended for rabies PEP per guidance in the "[Human Rabies Prevention-United States, 2008, Recommendations of the ACIP](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5703a1.htm)" • Correctly administer rabies vaccine to avoid the need to re-do a rabies vaccination. • Review information on the [CDC website](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/resources/availability.html). **Reporting:** All individuals who have been potentially exposed to rabies must be reported to CDPH: For immediate ++clinical++ questions please call 311 and ask to speak to a communicable disease physician on call or call the CDPH Disease Reporting Number 312-743-9000. Reporting also can be done through INEDSS (Illinois Notifiable Electronic Disease Surveillance System) or a [Rabies Case Report Form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/259034/Rabies_CaseReportForm.pdf/60a22a12-2607-1348-0487-bc543892d2fb?t=1565203643754) can be completed and faxed back to the Chicago Department of Public Health at 312-746-6388. **Background**: Imovax (produced by Sanofi Pasteur) is experiencing a temporary supply shortage and is not available at this time. RabAvert vaccine (produced by GlaxoSmithKline) is experiencing a temporary limited supply but is still available for both pre-exposure prophylaxis and PEP. If vaccine is not available from the distributor, order directly from the manufacturer on an as-needed basis. Healthcare providers who are unable to obtain Imovax should use RabAvert during this time, even if Imovax was used to start a pre-exposure or PEP schedule that is in progress. Both Kedrab (produced by Kedrion Biopharma) and HyperRab (produced by Grifols) are available with no restrictions for rabies immune globulin. Imogam (produced by Sanofi Pasteur) is currently experiencing a temporary shortage. Providers can obtain Imogam directly from the manufacturer. **Potential Exposures:** • Rabies PEP is needed for the following situations unless the animal tests negative o Waking up to a bat in the room, or someone unable to tell if they were bitten by a bat that was in the room with them (small child, person who is mentally impaired). o Bare skinned physical contact with a bat where a bite cannot be ruled out. o Bite from high-risk untested animals, including but not limited to, bat, fox, coyote, raccoon, skunk and groundhog. o Bites from animals with signs of rabies including neurologic animals and animals that are highly aggressive. o Consultation should be obtained on bites occurring overseas. • Rabies PEP is not needed for the following types of exposures o Bites from healthy dogs, cats, or ferrets that have bitten due to typical situations (like trying to pet an unfamiliar animal, go onto property where a dog lives, separating two fighting animals, running/biking past a dog). Please call your local health department (LHD) before administering rabies PEP for a dog/cat/ferret bite that occurred in the U.S. o Bites from healthy small rodents or rabbits. o Competent adults who are awake and a bat is in the area and there is no physical contact with the bat. For more information on Rabies please visit [www.chicagohan.org/rabies](https://www.chicagohan.org/rabies).true2019-10-15T16:31:2846658483Infectious DiseaseLowTesting for Legionella in Adults with Pneumonia<p><strong>Background:&nbsp; </strong>Legionnaires&rsquo; disease is caused by <em>Legionella</em> bacteria. &nbsp;It is characterized by pneumonia with typical symptoms of fever, cough and myalgia.&nbsp; These symptoms may not be present in all cases, and additional symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, confusion, nausea and diarrhea may be present.&nbsp; Illness presents approximately 2-14 days after exposure to an environmental source. &nbsp;<em>Legionella</em> is a ubiquitous aquatic organism that grows in warm environments (77&deg;&ndash;108&deg;F). &nbsp;Exposure occurs through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from devices such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, showers, and faucets, and through aspiration of contaminated water. &nbsp;Groups at higher risk include persons &gt; 50 years old, persons with smoking history, and persons with chronic lung disease or immunocompromising conditions. &nbsp;The case-fatality rate is estimated to be 10% for community-acquired &nbsp;and 25% for healthcare-associated Legionnaires&rsquo; disease. &nbsp;Recommended treatment options include macrolide or fluoroquinolone antibiotics (<a href="https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/44/Supplement_2/S27/372079">https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/44/Supplement_2/S27/372079</a>).</p> <p>Legionnaires&rsquo; disease follows a seasonal pattern in Chicago, with an increased number of cases reported from June to October each year. &nbsp;Rates of Legionnaires&rsquo; disease in Chicago are consistently higher than nationally reported rates, and have more than doubled from 2010 (1.2 cases per 100,000 residents) to 2017 (2.9 cases per 100,000 residents) with 2018 marking Chicago&rsquo;s highest reported annual burden to date of 145 confirmed cases.</p> <p>Providers should test for <em>Legionella </em>when evaluating adults with symptoms of pneumonia. &nbsp;Testing should include concurrent urine antigen testing (UAT) <u>and</u> <em>Legionella </em>sputum/respiratory culture on selective media.</p> <p><strong>Diagnostic Testing:</strong> Culture of <em>Legionella</em> from lower respiratory secretions or tissues is the gold standard for diagnosis and should be used in conjunction with the <em>Legionella</em> UAT (which is specific for <em>Legionella pneumophila</em>, serogroup 1). &nbsp;Culture has the added benefit of identifying pathogenic non-<em>pneumophila Legionella</em> species. &nbsp;<em>Legionella</em> isolates can be further analyzed using molecular techniques. &nbsp;Molecular comparison of clinical and environmental isolates grown in culture allows the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to identify linked clusters of infection as well as potential environmental sources of these infections. &nbsp;</p> <p>Please note the following regarding the diagnosis of Legionnaires&rsquo; disease:</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><strong>&bull; </strong>Best diagnostic practice for both sensitivity and specificity is to obtain both sputum culture of lower respiratory secretions (e.g., sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage) and urinary antigen test <u>concurrently</u>. &nbsp;Sputum should ideally be obtained prior to antibiotic administration, but antibiotic treatment should not be delayed to facilitate this process. &nbsp;Early treatment results in better outcomes.</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><strong>&bull; </strong>Laboratories sometimes reject lower respiratory specimens during a work-up for pneumonia based on specimen quality (e.g., due to lack of white blood cells in the sample, contamination with other bacteria). &nbsp;However, laboratories should not reject lower respiratory specimens for these reasons when working-up Legionnaires&#39; disease because <em>Legionella</em> can often be recovered.</p> <p style="margin-left:1.0in"><strong>&bull; </strong>Sputum produced by patients with Legionnaires&#39; disease may not have many white blood cells.</p> <p style="margin-left:1.0in"><strong>&bull; </strong>Contaminating bacteria do not negatively impact isolation of <em>Legionella</em> on selective media (e., Buffered Charcoal</p> <p style="margin-left:1.0in">Yeast Extract [BCYE] agar plus antibiotics).</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><strong>&bull;</strong> <em>Legionella</em> culture requires the use of specialized media. Please alert your microbiology laboratory that Legionnaires&rsquo; disease is in your differential diagnosis so that the correct testing is performed. &nbsp;The best specimens for culturing <em>Legionella</em> are sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in"><strong>&bull;</strong> Urine antigen testing (UAT) is widely available as a rapid method for detecting <em>L. pneumophila </em>serogroup 1. Although <em>L. pneumophila</em> serogroup 1 accounts for most laboratory confirmed <em>Legionella</em> cases, a negative UAT does not rule-out infection with other species and serotypes.</p> <p style="margin-left:.5in">&bull; Serologic diagnosis is less useful for diagnosing acute infection and requires paired sera, collected 3&ndash;4 weeks apart to detect a fourfold rise in antibody titer to a level &gt; 1:128. <u>A single antibody titer is not diagnostic for Legionnaires&rsquo; disease</u>; convalescent serum must be obtained for comparison.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations for Providers</strong>:</p> <p>To help CDPH identify clusters of Legionnaires&rsquo; disease:</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">&bull; Maintain a high index of suspicion for Legionnaires&rsquo; disease among all adults with pneumonia, whether community-acquired or nosocomial.</p> <p>&bull; Specifically request <strong>both</strong> culture and UAT for <em>Legionella </em>diagnosis, and collect appropriate specimens for testing.</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">&bull; Report all Legionnaires&rsquo; disease cases to CDPH via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000.</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">&bull; Send all <em>Legionella </em>isolates to the appropriate IDPH Laboratory indicated below for whole genome sequencing. No prior CDPH authorization is required.&nbsp; Send isolates and an IDPH laboratory test requisition form (<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohp-labscd-test-requisition.pdf">http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohp-labscd-test-requisition.pdf</a>) to:</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt"><strong>Chicago labs ship to:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Outside of Chicago labs ship to:</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">Illinois Department of Public Health&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Illinois Department of Public Health</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">Division of Laboratories&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Division of Laboratories</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">2121 W. Taylor Street&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attn: Whole Genome Sequncing Lab</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">Chicago, IL 60612 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 825 N Rutledge Street</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">(312) 793-4760&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Springfield, IL&nbsp; 62702</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (217) 782-6562</p> <p style="margin-left:45.0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Additional Resources:&nbsp; </strong>More information on Legionnaires&rsquo; disease and water management program resources can be found here:</p> <ul> <li>CDPH <em>Legionella</em> HAN page: <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/legionella">https://www.chicagohan.org/legionella</a></li> <li>CDC General <em>Legionella</em> page: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html</a></li> <li>CDC Diagnostic <em>Legionella</em> page: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/clinicians/diagnostic-testing.html">https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/clinicians/diagnostic-testing.html</a></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>**Background:** Legionnaires' disease is caused by *Legionella* bacteria. It is characterized by pneumonia with typical symptoms of fever, cough and myalgia. These symptoms may not be present in all cases, and additional symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, confusion, nausea and diarrhea may be present. Illness presents approximately 2-14 days after exposure to an environmental source. *Legionella* is a ubiquitous aquatic organism that grows in warm environments (77°--108°F). Exposure occurs through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from devices such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, showers, and faucets, and through aspiration of contaminated water. Groups at higher risk include persons \> 50 years old, persons with smoking history, and persons with chronic lung disease or immunocompromising conditions. The case-fatality rate is estimated to be 10% for community-acquired and 25% for healthcare-associated Legionnaires' disease. Recommended treatment options include macrolide or fluoroquinolone antibiotics (<https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/44/Supplement_2/S27/372079>). Legionnaires' disease follows a seasonal pattern in Chicago, with an increased number of cases reported from June to October each year. Rates of Legionnaires' disease in Chicago are consistently higher than nationally reported rates, and have more than doubled from 2010 (1.2 cases per 100,000 residents) to 2017 (2.9 cases per 100,000 residents) with 2018 marking Chicago's highest reported annual burden to date of 145 confirmed cases. Providers should test for *Legionella* when evaluating adults with symptoms of pneumonia. Testing should include concurrent urine antigen testing (UAT) ++and++ *Legionella*sputum/respiratory culture on selective media. **Diagnostic Testing:** Culture of *Legionella* from lower respiratory secretions or tissues is the gold standard for diagnosis and should be used in conjunction with the *Legionella* UAT (which is specific for *Legionella pneumophila* , serogroup 1). Culture has the added benefit of identifying pathogenic non-*pneumophila Legionella* species. *Legionella* isolates can be further analyzed using molecular techniques. Molecular comparison of clinical and environmental isolates grown in culture allows the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to identify linked clusters of infection as well as potential environmental sources of these infections. Please note the following regarding the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease: **•** Best diagnostic practice for both sensitivity and specificity is to obtain both sputum culture of lower respiratory secretions (e.g., sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage) and urinary antigen test ++concurrently++. Sputum should ideally be obtained prior to antibiotic administration, but antibiotic treatment should not be delayed to facilitate this process. Early treatment results in better outcomes. **•** Laboratories sometimes reject lower respiratory specimens during a work-up for pneumonia based on specimen quality (e.g., due to lack of white blood cells in the sample, contamination with other bacteria). However, laboratories should not reject lower respiratory specimens for these reasons when working-up Legionnaires' disease because *Legionella* can often be recovered. **•**Sputum produced by patients with Legionnaires' disease may not have many white blood cells. **•** Contaminating bacteria do not negatively impact isolation of *Legionella* on selective media (e., Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract \[BCYE\] agar plus antibiotics). **•** *Legionella* culture requires the use of specialized media. Please alert your microbiology laboratory that Legionnaires' disease is in your differential diagnosis so that the correct testing is performed. The best specimens for culturing *Legionella* are sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. **•** Urine antigen testing (UAT) is widely available as a rapid method for detecting *L. pneumophila* serogroup 1. Although *L. pneumophila* serogroup 1 accounts for most laboratory confirmed *Legionella* cases, a negative UAT does not rule-out infection with other species and serotypes. • Serologic diagnosis is less useful for diagnosing acute infection and requires paired sera, collected 3--4 weeks apart to detect a fourfold rise in antibody titer to a level \> 1:128. ++A single antibody titer is not diagnostic for Legionnaires' disease++; convalescent serum must be obtained for comparison. **Recommendations for Providers**: To help CDPH identify clusters of Legionnaires' disease: • Maintain a high index of suspicion for Legionnaires' disease among all adults with pneumonia, whether community-acquired or nosocomial. • Specifically request **both** culture and UAT for *Legionella*diagnosis, and collect appropriate specimens for testing. • Report all Legionnaires' disease cases to CDPH via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (INEDSS) or by calling the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000. • Send all *Legionella* isolates to the appropriate IDPH Laboratory indicated below for whole genome sequencing. No prior CDPH authorization is required. Send isolates and an IDPH laboratory test requisition form (<http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohp-labscd-test-requisition.pdf>) to: **Chicago labs ship to:** **Outside of Chicago labs ship to:** Illinois Department of Public Health Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Laboratories Division of Laboratories 2121 W. Taylor Street Attn: Whole Genome Sequncing Lab Chicago, IL 60612 825 N Rutledge Street (312) 793-4760 Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 782-6562 **Additional Resources:**More information on Legionnaires' disease and water management program resources can be found here: * CDPH *Legionella* HAN page: <https://www.chicagohan.org/legionella> * CDC General *Legionella* page: <https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html> * CDC Diagnostic *Legionella* page: <https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/clinicians/diagnostic-testing.html>true2019-10-11T21:28:4346658782InfluenzaLowGuidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Illinois LTFCs<p><span style="font-size:16px">The purpose of the memorandum is to provide long-term care facilities (LTCF) and other residential health and living facilities with current guidance for preventing and controlling influenza cases and outbreaks and with information on the reporting requirements in the event of a suspected or confirmed influenza outbreak.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause substantial sickness and death among long-term care facility residents and personnel. Influenza from the community usually enters LTCFs via newly admitted residents, health care workers, and/or visitors. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, limit transmission, and prevent complications from influenza in LTCFs. It is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm" target="_blank">recommended</a> that influenza testing occur year-round (and not just during flu season) whenever a resident has an influenza-like illness, regardless of whether the affected resident has been vaccinated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">LTCFs are strongly encouraged to print the attached document for use during the upcoming influenza season. The guidance is intended for use by inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term psychiatric hospitals, and senior living residential facilities. In addition to this&nbsp;guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/toolkit/long-term-care/index.htm" target="_blank">Toolkit for Long-Term Care Employers</a>, located on CDC&rsquo;s Influenza Webpage, that may also assist your facility during the influenza season.</span></p>The purpose of the memorandum is to provide long-term care facilities (LTCF) and other residential health and living facilities with current guidance for preventing and controlling influenza cases and outbreaks and with information on the reporting requirements in the event of a suspected or confirmed influenza outbreak. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause substantial sickness and death among long-term care facility residents and personnel. Influenza from the community usually enters LTCFs via newly admitted residents, health care workers, and/or visitors. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, limit transmission, and prevent complications from influenza in LTCFs. It is [recommended](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm) that influenza testing occur year-round (and not just during flu season) whenever a resident has an influenza-like illness, regardless of whether the affected resident has been vaccinated. LTCFs are strongly encouraged to print the attached document for use during the upcoming influenza season. The guidance is intended for use by inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term psychiatric hospitals, and senior living residential facilities. In addition to this guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online [Toolkit for Long-Term Care Employers](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/toolkit/long-term-care/index.htm), located on CDC's Influenza Webpage, that may also assist your facility during the influenza season.true2019-10-11T19:40:3146658783VapingLowMMWR: Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury<p><span style="font-size:14px">The CDC has issued an MMWR titled&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury &mdash; United States, October 2019</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary</strong><br /> Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory have reported 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, products. Twenty-six deaths have been reported from 21 states.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What is added by this report?</strong><br /> Based on the most current data, CDC&rsquo;s updated interim guidance provides a framework for health care providers in their initial assessment, evaluation, management, and follow-up of persons with symptoms of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>What are the implications for public health practice?</strong><br /> Rapid recognition by health care providers of patients with EVALI and an increased understanding of treatment considerations could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this injury.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079" target="_blank">case report form</a>&nbsp; and this <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142" target="_blank">survey</a> completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Tristan McPherson.&nbsp;If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date.&nbsp;For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email <a href="mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org">vaping@cityofchicago.org</a> (without patient identifiers).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For more information see the attached and visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/vaping" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/vaping</a></span></p>The CDC has issued an MMWR titled *Update: Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury --- United States, October 2019* **Summary** Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory have reported 1,299 cases of lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, products. Twenty-six deaths have been reported from 21 states. **What is added by this report?** Based on the most current data, CDC's updated interim guidance provides a framework for health care providers in their initial assessment, evaluation, management, and follow-up of persons with symptoms of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI). **What are the implications for public health practice?** Rapid recognition by health care providers of patients with EVALI and an increased understanding of treatment considerations could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this injury. **Reporting Information:** For cases of unexplained respiratory illness, please fax this [case report form](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_CaseReportForm.pdf/75192320-8df0-7623-50c3-b966f77a4d56?t=1570820096079) and this [survey](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/289795/VapingLungInjury_PatientSurvey.pdf/1b611059-2069-d506-2007-5bb2b4d2ec5b?t=1570820072142) completed by the patient (or proxy) to (312) 746-4683 attn: Tristan McPherson. If patient unable to complete survey due to clinical status, it is okay to send case form initially and provide survey at a later date. For questions or to discuss a suspect case, please email [vaping@cityofchicago.org](mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org) (without patient identifiers). For more information see the attached and visit [www.chicagohan.org/vaping](https://www.chicagohan.org/vaping)true2019-02-11T18:42:0046653079Infectious DiseaseLowIDPH Memo: Communicable Disease Rules Changes<p> Amendments to the IDPH Communicable Disease Code (Rules and Regulations for Communicable Disease Control and Immunizations - 77 Illinois Administrative Code 690) were adopted on Friday,February 8, 2019. The primary change was the repeal of all or part of six diseases or conditions.<br /> Following is a summary of the changes for the diseases reportable to IDPH&rsquo;s Communicable Disease Section. &nbsp;</p> <div> Following is a summary of the changes for the diseases reportable to IDPH&rsquo;s Communicable Disease Section. Diseases or conditions repealed and individual cases no longer reportable in I-NEDSS:</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> - 690.362 Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)</div> <div> - 690.400 Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli and Enteroinvasive E. coli (cases of shiga toxin producing E. coli are still reportable)</div> <div> - 690.480 Leprosy (Hansen&#39;s Disease)</div> <div> - 690.658 Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) Infection, Clusters of Two or More Laboratory Confirmed Cases Occurring in Community Settings</div> <div> - 690.660 Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant (MRSA), Any Occurrence in an Infant Less Than 61 Days of Age</div> <div> - 690.752 Yersiniosis</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Cases of these diseases with an onset in 2018 should still be investigated and reported via I-NEDSS. Any cases reported since 1/1/2019 should be closed as not-a-case. Outbreaks of these diseases or conditions remain reportable through the Outbreak Reporting System (ORS) and should continue to be investigated.</div> <p> <br /> Please see the attachment for full details.</p>Amendments to the IDPH Communicable Disease Code (Rules and Regulations for Communicable Disease Control and Immunizations - 77 Illinois Administrative Code 690) were adopted on Friday,February 8, 2019. The primary change was the repeal of all or part of six diseases or conditions. Following is a summary of the changes for the diseases reportable to IDPH's Communicable Disease Section. Following is a summary of the changes for the diseases reportable to IDPH's Communicable Disease Section. Diseases or conditions repealed and individual cases no longer reportable in I-NEDSS: - 690.362 Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) - 690.400 Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli and Enteroinvasive E. coli (cases of shiga toxin producing E. coli are still reportable) - 690.480 Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) - 690.658 Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant (MRSA) Infection, Clusters of Two or More Laboratory Confirmed Cases Occurring in Community Settings - 690.660 Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin Resistant (MRSA), Any Occurrence in an Infant Less Than 61 Days of Age - 690.752 Yersiniosis Cases of these diseases with an onset in 2018 should still be investigated and reported via I-NEDSS. Any cases reported since 1/1/2019 should be closed as not-a-case. Outbreaks of these diseases or conditions remain reportable through the Outbreak Reporting System (ORS) and should continue to be investigated. <br /> Please see the attachment for full details.true2019-10-11T16:39:3146658482InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 40<p><span style="font-size:14px">This is the first Chicago Flu Update of the 2019-2020 influenza season. This report will be issued every Friday until May 2020. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued<a href="http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf" target="_blank"> Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance</a> which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics</a> is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to <a href="https://www.chicagoflushots.org" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Which influenza strains are circulating?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of September 29-October 5, 2019, 3 of the 373 (&lt;1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza A (H3N2). In 2018-2019, 31,105 specimens were tested for influenza (and other respiratory pathogens); a total of 3,292 (10.6%) were positive, the majority (94%) were influenza A. Among the positive influenza A specimens, only 1,023 (33%) were subtyped; of those subtyped, 728 (71%) were H1N1pdm09.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (<a href="https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&amp;reason=0&amp;formdir=2" target="_blank">INEDSS</a>). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41" target="_blank">guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza</a><span style="font-size:14px">.</span></p>This is the first Chicago Flu Update of the 2019-2020 influenza season. This report will be issued every Friday until May 2020. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently issued[Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20190916idphohp-annual-flu-testing.pdf) which outlines influenza testing recommendations and reporting requirements. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of [City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/flu-clinics-in-the-city-of-chicago.html) is available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to [www.chicagoflushots.org](https://www.chicagoflushots.org). Currently, the risk of influenza infection is low. **Which influenza strains are circulating?** Data on influenza virus test results are reported by Chicago laboratories performing influenza RT-PCR. For the week of September 29-October 5, 2019, 3 of the 373 (\<1%) specimens tested for influenza were positive for influenza A (H3N2). In 2018-2019, 31,105 specimens were tested for influenza (and other respiratory pathogens); a total of 3,292 (10.6%) were positive, the majority (94%) were influenza A. Among the positive influenza A specimens, only 1,023 (33%) were subtyped; of those subtyped, 728 (71%) were H1N1pdm09. **Reporting Information** Healthcare facilities can report cases to the Chicago Department of Public Health via the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System ([INEDSS](https://dph.partner.illinois.gov/CookieAuth.dll?GetLogon?curl=Z2F&reason=0&formdir=2)). Contact SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org for more information. The Chicago Department of Public Health has previously issued [guidance on reporting influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/39923/Reporting+Influenza-Associated+ICU+Hospitalizations/bc2f49b2-cf74-487c-9441-0b0a930e4b41). Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza>.true2019-10-09T20:45:0746658781CCN AnnouncementLowCook County Public Health Awarded $4.7M in Opioid Grants This Year<p><span style="font-size:16px">Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has received $4.7 million in grant funding this year to prevent opioid overdose deaths and increase access to and use of evidence-based substance use treatment programs. &nbsp;Please see the attachment for more details.</span></p> <p><em>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org.</em></p>Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has received $4.7 million in grant funding this year to prevent opioid overdose deaths and increase access to and use of evidence-based substance use treatment programs. Please see the attachment for more details. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org.*true2019-10-09T20:35:3046658780CCN AnnouncementLowCDPH Encourages Residents to Get Their Flu Shot by the End of October<p><span style="font-size:16px">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu.&nbsp; Please see the attached for dates and locations of Family Flu Clinics.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12px">This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org.</span></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu. Please see the attached for dates and locations of Family Flu Clinics. This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org.true2019-10-01T14:53:3646658481VFCLowVFC News Bulletin October 1, 2019<p>In This Issue:</p> <ul> <li>New Webinar: Business Side of Vaccines</li> <li>Children&rsquo;s Health&nbsp;Insurance&nbsp;Program (CHIP) Updates</li> <li>Flu Vaccine&nbsp;Coverage for&nbsp;2018-2019</li> <li>How to increase&nbsp;flu vaccine intake&nbsp;in the office</li> </ul> <p>CHIP vaccine is now being distributed through orders placed in I-CARE! We will work with you to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure you receive vaccine inventory for the populations you serve.</p>In This Issue: * New Webinar: Business Side of Vaccines * Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Updates * Flu Vaccine Coverage for 2018-2019 * How to increase flu vaccine intake in the office CHIP vaccine is now being distributed through orders placed in I-CARE! We will work with you to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure you receive vaccine inventory for the populations you serve.true2019-08-01T19:30:2346657777VFCLowVFC News Bulletin August 1, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px">VFC News Bulletin August 1, 2019</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Update: On July 1st, 2019, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Plan coverage.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Beginning September 1, the Chicago VFC program will factor CHIP patient populations into vaccine orders placed in I-CARE and start distributing vaccine for CHIP patients.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for full details.</span></p>VFC News Bulletin August 1, 2019 Update: On July 1st, 2019, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children's Health Insurance Plan coverage. Beginning September 1, the Chicago VFC program will factor CHIP patient populations into vaccine orders placed in I-CARE and start distributing vaccine for CHIP patients. See attachment for full details.true2018-01-19T21:48:1846646686Vaccine PreventableLowCDPH: Local Public Exposures for Two Recent Measles Cases<p> ++ This alert includes the correct attachments for this subject:&nbsp; The Health Alert and the&nbsp;Measles Isolation Precautions and Testing Recommendations for Chicago.&nbsp; The Prior Alert has been archived and is no longer visible on the HAN.</p> <div> &nbsp;</div> <p> The full CDPH HAN on this subject is attached below.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> The full CDPH HAN on this subject is attached to this email.</p> <p> <strong><em><u>Summary and Action Items:</u></em></strong></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <em>&middot;</em><em>Two persons recently passed through Chicago while infectious with measles. These cases are unrelated to each other. There is no measles outbreak or ongoing risk at O&rsquo;Hare airport.</em></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <em>&middot;</em><em>Local public exposures for both cases are listed in the attached Health Alert. Patients who report these exposures do not require any testing, regardless of vaccination status, unless they have symptoms.</em></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <em>&middot;</em><em>As always, report any cases of suspected measles to the Chicago Department of Public Health immediately.&nbsp; Monday-Friday during working hours, call Enrique Ramirez at 312-746-5911. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call.</em></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Background:</strong>You and your patients may have heard press reports about persons with measles recently passing through the Chicago area. While both individuals traveled through O&rsquo;Hare airport, the individuals were unrelated and had separately contracted measles before boarding their respective planes. They were not infected at the airport or on a plane and there is not a measles outbreak at O&rsquo;Hare airport. There is no reason for your patients to alter travel plans or for you to alter their routine vaccination schedules, based on current information.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Symptoms:</strong></p> <p> &middot;Patients typically present initially with a prodrome: fever plus conjunctivitis, coryza, cough and Koplik spots (small spots with white or bluish-white centers on an erythematous base on the buccal mucosa).</p> <p> &middot;A characteristic red blotchy rash appears on the 3rd to 7th day of symptoms; the rash typically begins on the face, then becomes generalized, and lasts 4-7 days. Leukopenia is common.</p> <p> &middot;The disease is more severe in infants and adults than in children. Complications may result from viral replication or bacterial superinfection, and both acute and delayed mortality have been reported in infants and children.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Transmission:&nbsp;</strong>Measles is a highly communicable viral disease.</p> <p> &middot;Transmission is airborne by droplet spread.</p> <p> &middot;Incubation period is about 10 days (range 7-21 days) from exposure to onset of fever, and usually 14 days until rash appears. Based on the exposures above, someone who is susceptible and infected could develop symptoms as late as January 31-February 3, depending on the exposure.</p> <p> &middot;Period of communicability is 4 days before rash appearance until 4 days after rash appearance.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Resources:</strong></p> <p> &middot;Measles Isolation Precautions and Testing Recommendations for Chicago (attached below)</p> <p> &middot;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/" target="_blank">Measles: For Healthcare Professionals</a></p> <p> <a href="https://redbook.solutions.aap.org/chapter.aspx?sectionid=88187186&amp;bookid=1484" target="_blank">&middot;2015 Red Book. Section 3: Measles. p535-547</a>.</p> <p> &middot;Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 19th ed. American Public Health Association</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <div> &nbsp;</div>++ This alert includes the correct attachments for this subject: The Health Alert and the Measles Isolation Precautions and Testing Recommendations for Chicago. The Prior Alert has been archived and is no longer visible on the HAN. The full CDPH HAN on this subject is attached below. The full CDPH HAN on this subject is attached to this email. ***++Summary and Action Items:++*** *·* *Two persons recently passed through Chicago while infectious with measles. These cases are unrelated to each other. There is no measles outbreak or ongoing risk at O'Hare airport.* *·* *Local public exposures for both cases are listed in the attached Health Alert. Patients who report these exposures do not require any testing, regardless of vaccination status, unless they have symptoms.* *·* *As always, report any cases of suspected measles to the Chicago Department of Public Health immediately. Monday-Friday during working hours, call Enrique Ramirez at 312-746-5911. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on call.* **Background:**You and your patients may have heard press reports about persons with measles recently passing through the Chicago area. While both individuals traveled through O'Hare airport, the individuals were unrelated and had separately contracted measles before boarding their respective planes. They were not infected at the airport or on a plane and there is not a measles outbreak at O'Hare airport. There is no reason for your patients to alter travel plans or for you to alter their routine vaccination schedules, based on current information. **Symptoms:** ·Patients typically present initially with a prodrome: fever plus conjunctivitis, coryza, cough and Koplik spots (small spots with white or bluish-white centers on an erythematous base on the buccal mucosa). ·A characteristic red blotchy rash appears on the 3rd to 7th day of symptoms; the rash typically begins on the face, then becomes generalized, and lasts 4-7 days. Leukopenia is common. ·The disease is more severe in infants and adults than in children. Complications may result from viral replication or bacterial superinfection, and both acute and delayed mortality have been reported in infants and children. **Transmission:**Measles is a highly communicable viral disease. ·Transmission is airborne by droplet spread. ·Incubation period is about 10 days (range 7-21 days) from exposure to onset of fever, and usually 14 days until rash appears. Based on the exposures above, someone who is susceptible and infected could develop symptoms as late as January 31-February 3, depending on the exposure. ·Period of communicability is 4 days before rash appearance until 4 days after rash appearance. **Resources:** ·Measles Isolation Precautions and Testing Recommendations for Chicago (attached below) ·[Measles: For Healthcare Professionals](https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/) [·2015 Red Book. Section 3: Measles. p535-547](https://redbook.solutions.aap.org/chapter.aspx?sectionid=88187186&bookid=1484). ·Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 19th ed. American Public Health Associationtrue2019-09-17T21:12:4146658383Situational AwarenessLowIDPH Health Alert: Vaping Update and Serious Respiratory Illinois<p><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> IDPH recommends the following to clinical providers:<br /> 1. All patients with serious respiratory illness of unknown etiology be asked about recent vaping<br /> 2. A urinary toxicology screen (including THC, quantified as necessary) be obtained for these patients if a reliable vaping history is unavailable, or if otherwise clinically indicated<br /> 3. Obtaining a chest radiograph for patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and vaping exposures presenting to both inpatient and outpatient settings<br /> 4. Ruling out common infections (e.g. with a respiratory viral panel, influenza testing, blood/sputum cultures), and any other clinically-warranted infectious, and non-infectious, etiology, in patients with unexplained respiratory illness and vaping exposures.</p> <p><strong>IDPH asks clinical providers to:</strong><br /> 1. Report patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and recent vaping to their local health department (LHD) within normal business hours, using the attached preliminary case report form. The case report provides a link to your LHD contact information.<br /> 2. Retain vaping product or devices from case-patients for testing<br /> 3. Hold clinical samples from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and /or lung tissue biopsies after processing and diagnostic evaluation for potential submission to the IDPH laboratory.</p> <p>IDPH is requesting any remaining vaping product or devices be retained for testing.<br /> IDPH recommends asking all patients with respiratory illness about recent vaping practices. They&nbsp;recommend considering a chest radiograph in patients with unexplained respiratory illness and vaping exposures presenting to inpatient and outpatient facilities.<br /> IDPH also recommends considering a urinary toxicology screen for patients with significant respiratory illness of unclear etiology in whom a reliable vaping history is unavailable.<br /> IDPH requests that BAL samples and tissue biopsies be held for potential submission to the IDPH laboratory. BAL samples examined for lipid-laden macrophages may be indicative of vaping exposure if a vaping history is unavailable. No specific testing or processing of BAL or biopsy specimens is required for the public&nbsp;health investigation at this time.</p> <p>See attached document for the full details, including information on the Background, Potential Exposures and Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of this situation.</p> <p>For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/vaping" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/vaping</a>. To report cases of Vaping-Related Lung Injury, case report forms can be found on this website and faxed to (312) 746-4683 attn: Tristan McPherson. Please email <a href="mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org">vaping@cityofchicago.org</a> (without patient identifiers) for questions or support.</p>**Summary and Action Items** IDPH recommends the following to clinical providers: 1. All patients with serious respiratory illness of unknown etiology be asked about recent vaping 2. A urinary toxicology screen (including THC, quantified as necessary) be obtained for these patients if a reliable vaping history is unavailable, or if otherwise clinically indicated 3. Obtaining a chest radiograph for patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and vaping exposures presenting to both inpatient and outpatient settings 4. Ruling out common infections (e.g. with a respiratory viral panel, influenza testing, blood/sputum cultures), and any other clinically-warranted infectious, and non-infectious, etiology, in patients with unexplained respiratory illness and vaping exposures. **IDPH asks clinical providers to:** 1. Report patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and recent vaping to their local health department (LHD) within normal business hours, using the attached preliminary case report form. The case report provides a link to your LHD contact information. 2. Retain vaping product or devices from case-patients for testing 3. Hold clinical samples from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and /or lung tissue biopsies after processing and diagnostic evaluation for potential submission to the IDPH laboratory. IDPH is requesting any remaining vaping product or devices be retained for testing. IDPH recommends asking all patients with respiratory illness about recent vaping practices. They recommend considering a chest radiograph in patients with unexplained respiratory illness and vaping exposures presenting to inpatient and outpatient facilities. IDPH also recommends considering a urinary toxicology screen for patients with significant respiratory illness of unclear etiology in whom a reliable vaping history is unavailable. IDPH requests that BAL samples and tissue biopsies be held for potential submission to the IDPH laboratory. BAL samples examined for lipid-laden macrophages may be indicative of vaping exposure if a vaping history is unavailable. No specific testing or processing of BAL or biopsy specimens is required for the public health investigation at this time. See attached document for the full details, including information on the Background, Potential Exposures and Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of this situation. For more information, please visit <https://www.chicagohan.org/vaping>. To report cases of Vaping-Related Lung Injury, case report forms can be found on this website and faxed to (312) 746-4683 attn: Tristan McPherson. Please email [vaping@cityofchicago.org](mailto:vaping@cityofchicago.org) (without patient identifiers) for questions or support.true2019-09-17T15:36:3346658290Tuberculosis and Other MycobacterialLowNationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigens RESOLVED<p style="margin-left:9.0pt"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>On June 6, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement regarding a national shortage of APLISOL&reg;. <strong>The shortage has since been resolved</strong>.</li> <li>As of August 26, 2019, APLISOL&reg; is listed on the Food and Drug Administration CBER-Regulated Products: Resolved Shortages website.</li> <li>According to the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association, the manufacturer of APLISOL&reg;, Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., stated that all geographic markets/wholesalers throughout the US should now have adequate inventory.</li> <li>Health care providers should continue to follow CDC guidelines around tuberculosis screening. <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>Only test persons who are at high-risk for TB. This includes: <ul> <li>People with recent exposure to persons with TB disease;</li> <li>People born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common;</li> <li>People who currently or used to live in large group settings, such as homeless shelters or correctional facilities;</li> <li>People with weaker immune systems, such as those with certain health conditions or taking certain medications that may alter immunity; and</li> <li>Children, especially those under age 5, if they are in one of the risk groups noted above.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more details.&nbsp; Information on Tuberculosis can be found at <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/tb">www.chicagohan.org/tb</a></span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps:** * On June 6, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement regarding a national shortage of APLISOL®. **The shortage has since been resolved**. * As of August 26, 2019, APLISOL® is listed on the Food and Drug Administration CBER-Regulated Products: Resolved Shortages website. * According to the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association, the manufacturer of APLISOL®, Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., stated that all geographic markets/wholesalers throughout the US should now have adequate inventory. * Health care providers should continue to follow CDC guidelines around tuberculosis screening. * Only test persons who are at high-risk for TB. This includes: * People with recent exposure to persons with TB disease; * People born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common; * People who currently or used to live in large group settings, such as homeless shelters or correctional facilities; * People with weaker immune systems, such as those with certain health conditions or taking certain medications that may alter immunity; and * Children, especially those under age 5, if they are in one of the risk groups noted above. Please see the attachment for more details. Information on Tuberculosis can be found at [www.chicagohan.org/tb](https://www.chicagohan.org/tb)true2019-09-17T14:40:5446658289AnnouncementLowPsychological First Aid Training Opportunity<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>The Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program No Cost Training in Psychologcal First Aid: Basic Principles</strong></span></p> <p>If you are a provider and want to learn how to support people experiencing a disaster, Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides you with effective ways to help survivors manage their distress and needs. Psychological First Aid is a nonclinical intervention and formal healthcare training not required.</p> <p>Participents will learn to:</p> <p>- Provide survivors with early psychosocial support during a disaster.</p> <p>- Use PFA intervention strategies to prevent further harm and help survivors cope.</p> <p>- Support provider care before, during and after, disaster care.</p> <p>DATES: <strong>October 16, 2019</strong> or <strong>November 5, 2019</strong></p> <p style="margin-left:40px">The session meets from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch is on your own noon to 1:00 pm.</p> <p>LOCATION: CDPH Training Center 1642 N Besly Ct, Chicago. Free off street parking.</p> <p>To register, choose a session and send to <a href="mailto:nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org">nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org</a></p>**The Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program No Cost Training in Psychologcal First Aid: Basic Principles** If you are a provider and want to learn how to support people experiencing a disaster, Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides you with effective ways to help survivors manage their distress and needs. Psychological First Aid is a nonclinical intervention and formal healthcare training not required. Participents will learn to: - Provide survivors with early psychosocial support during a disaster. - Use PFA intervention strategies to prevent further harm and help survivors cope. - Support provider care before, during and after, disaster care. DATES: **October 16, 2019** or **November 5, 2019** The session meets from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch is on your own noon to 1:00 pm. LOCATION: CDPH Training Center 1642 N Besly Ct, Chicago. Free off street parking. To register, choose a session and send to [nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org](mailto:nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org)false2019-09-16T18:34:5846658381InfluenzaLowIDPH Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance<div>Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. Thorough influenza surveillance is only possible with the help of clinicians, infection control practitioners, and laboratories. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><u>The Attachment on Testing and Reporting includes information on</u></div> <div>1. Influenza Testing at IDPH Division of Laboratories</div> <div>2. Specimen Testing Authorization</div> <div>3. General Specimen Guidance</div> <div>4. Reporting</div> <div>5. Influenza Reports</div> <div>6. Laboratory Sentinel Sites</div> <div>7. ILINet Sentinel Providers</div> <div>8. PCR Testing for Influenza</div> <p>For questions regarding influenza testing and reporting in Chicago, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 746-5911 Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm or email <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.</p> <p>Please refer to the attachments to this email for the detailed influenza testing and reporting guidelines.</p>Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. Thorough influenza surveillance is only possible with the help of clinicians, infection control practitioners, and laboratories. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. ++The Attachment on Testing and Reporting includes information on++ 1. Influenza Testing at IDPH Division of Laboratories 2. Specimen Testing Authorization 3. General Specimen Guidance 4. Reporting 5. Influenza Reports 6. Laboratory Sentinel Sites 7. ILINet Sentinel Providers 8. PCR Testing for Influenza For questions regarding influenza testing and reporting in Chicago, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 746-5911 Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm or email [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. Please refer to the attachments to this email for the detailed influenza testing and reporting guidelines.true2019-05-28T18:13:5846655778AnnouncementLowPsychological First Aid Training Opportunity<p> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>The Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program No Cost Training in Psychologcal First Aid: Basic Principles</strong></span></p> <p> If you are a provider and want to learn how to support people experiencing a disaster, Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides you with effective ways to help survivors manage their distress and needs. Psychological First Aid is a nonclinical intervention and formal healthcare training not required.</p> <p> Participents will learn to:</p> <p> - Provide survivors with early psychosocial support during a disaster.</p> <p> - Use PFA intervention strategies to prevent further harm and help survivors cope.</p> <p> - Support provider care before, during and after, disaster care.</p> <p> DATE: June 27, 2019. The session meets from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch is on your own noon to 1:00 pm.</p> <p> LOCATION: CDPH Training Center 1642 N Besly Ct, Chicago. Free off street parking.</p> <p> To register, send to <a href="mailto:nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org">nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org</a></p>**The Chicago Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program No Cost Training in Psychologcal First Aid: Basic Principles** If you are a provider and want to learn how to support people experiencing a disaster, Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides you with effective ways to help survivors manage their distress and needs. Psychological First Aid is a nonclinical intervention and formal healthcare training not required. Participents will learn to: - Provide survivors with early psychosocial support during a disaster. - Use PFA intervention strategies to prevent further harm and help survivors cope. - Support provider care before, during and after, disaster care. DATE: June 27, 2019. The session meets from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch is on your own noon to 1:00 pm. LOCATION: CDPH Training Center 1642 N Besly Ct, Chicago. Free off street parking. To register, send to [nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org](mailto:nikoleta.boukydis@cityofchicago.org)false2019-09-16T18:29:5446658380InfluenzaLowIDPH Influenza Testing and Reporting Guidance<div>Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. Thorough influenza surveillance is only possible with the help of clinicians, infection control practitioners, and laboratories. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><u>The Attachment on Testing and Reporting includes information on</u></div> <div>1. Influenza Testing at IDPH Division of Laboratories</div> <div>2. Specimen Testing Authorization</div> <div>3. General Specimen Guidance</div> <div>4. Reporting</div> <div>5. Influenza Reports</div> <div>6. Laboratory Sentinel Sites</div> <div>7. ILINet Sentinel Providers</div> <div>8. PCR Testing for Influenza</div> <p>For questions regarding influenza testing and reporting in Chicago, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 746-5911 Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm or email <a href="mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org">SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.</p> <p>Please refer to the attachments to this email for the detailed influenza testing and reporting guidelines.</p>Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance related to submission of influenza laboratory specimens and reporting. Thorough influenza surveillance is only possible with the help of clinicians, infection control practitioners, and laboratories. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. ++The Attachment on Testing and Reporting includes information on++ 1. Influenza Testing at IDPH Division of Laboratories 2. Specimen Testing Authorization 3. General Specimen Guidance 4. Reporting 5. Influenza Reports 6. Laboratory Sentinel Sites 7. ILINet Sentinel Providers 8. PCR Testing for Influenza For questions regarding influenza testing and reporting in Chicago, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health at (312) 746-5911 Monday-Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm or email [SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org](mailto:SyndromicSurveillance@cityofchicago.org). After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. Please refer to the attachments to this email for the detailed influenza testing and reporting guidelines.false2019-09-13T16:59:3146658288AnnouncementLowReminder: 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px">The 24th&nbsp;Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday&nbsp;September&nbsp;18, 2019&nbsp;from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at</span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Click <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=CD!IC_Conference_2019" target="_blank">Here</a> to register</strong></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Tentative Agenda</strong></p> <p>Download the attached Agenda for detailed information regarding the conference.</p>The 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at **Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.** **Click [Here](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=CD!IC_Conference_2019) to register** **Tentative Agenda** Download the attached Agenda for detailed information regarding the conference.true2019-09-10T14:44:4646658286CCN AnnouncementLowCity to Spray Insecticide Tuesday to Kill Mosquitoes<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in 1 community this Tuesday, September 10th, 2019: Dunning. This is the third spraying to occur in the city this season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or <a href="mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org">hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</em></span></p>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is continuing its efforts to protect residents against West Nile virus. Based on results from its citywide mosquito surveillance program, CDPH has determined the need to spray to kill adult mosquitoes in 1 community this Tuesday, September 10th, 2019: Dunning. This is the third spraying to occur in the city this season. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or [hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org). For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).*true2019-09-09T18:45:1446658285AnnouncementLowReminder: 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px">The 24th&nbsp;Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday&nbsp;September&nbsp;18, 2019&nbsp;from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at</span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Click <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=CD!IC_Conference_2019" target="_blank">Here</a> to register</strong></p> <p style="text-align:center"><strong>Tentative Agenda</strong></p> <p>Download the attached Agenda for detailed information regarding the conference.</p>The 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at **Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.** **Click [Here](https://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=CD!IC_Conference_2019) to register** **Tentative Agenda** Download the attached Agenda for detailed information regarding the conference.true2019-09-04T17:39:0046658280VFCLowVFC News Bulletin September 4, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>VFC News Bulletin September 4, 2019</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In This Issue:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Update: Changes to the Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Program Vaccine Distribution</span><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As of August 28th, the Chicago VFC program will factor CHIP patient populations into vaccine orders placed in I-CARE and distribute vaccine for CHIP patients. Please note, flu vaccine for CHIP patients will not be available until a later date. If you have any concerns regarding obtaining flu vaccine for CHIP patients please contact the Chicago VFC Program at chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org.</span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will reimburse providers for vaccine privately purchased and administered to CHIP patients through August 30th. If you have any questions regarding Medicaid or CHIP billing, please contact the HFS, Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services, at 1-877-782-5565.</span><br /> &nbsp;</p> <ol> <li><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Review I-CARE to ensure your CHIP patient population is accurate</strong></span></li> </ol> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">CHIP vaccine amounts are based on the data recorded in your 2019 VFC Enrollment in I-CARE. To access your enrollment form in I-CARE, navigate to the SITE tab &gt; VFC Tab &gt; Enrollment Tab and then click on the link to view the 2019 enrollment form.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">If you previously completed the Smartsheet survey to correct your CHIP patient population or have been in contact with Chicago VFC to update your information, we have updated the CHIP numbers for you.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">If your CHIP numbers need to be updated in I-CARE, email the updated numbers to Chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org. Your updated CHIP population numbers should show either the children with CHIP coverage who your practice administered privately purchased vaccine to during the most recent 12 months OR the CHIP population you plan on serving within a 12 month period if you have not been vaccinating your CHIP covered patients. If you need to update your numbers, please email the following patient counts by age range for your CHIP-insured population.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Labels Template attached to bulletin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin September 4, 2019** In This Issue: Update: Changes to the Children's Health Insurance Program Vaccine Distribution As of August 28th, the Chicago VFC program will factor CHIP patient populations into vaccine orders placed in I-CARE and distribute vaccine for CHIP patients. Please note, flu vaccine for CHIP patients will not be available until a later date. If you have any concerns regarding obtaining flu vaccine for CHIP patients please contact the Chicago VFC Program at chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org. <br /> The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will reimburse providers for vaccine privately purchased and administered to CHIP patients through August 30th. If you have any questions regarding Medicaid or CHIP billing, please contact the HFS, Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services, at 1-877-782-5565. 1. **Review I-CARE to ensure your CHIP patient population is accurate** * CHIP vaccine amounts are based on the data recorded in your 2019 VFC Enrollment in I-CARE. To access your enrollment form in I-CARE, navigate to the SITE tab \> VFC Tab \> Enrollment Tab and then click on the link to view the 2019 enrollment form. * If you previously completed the Smartsheet survey to correct your CHIP patient population or have been in contact with Chicago VFC to update your information, we have updated the CHIP numbers for you. * If your CHIP numbers need to be updated in I-CARE, email the updated numbers to Chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org. Your updated CHIP population numbers should show either the children with CHIP coverage who your practice administered privately purchased vaccine to during the most recent 12 months OR the CHIP population you plan on serving within a 12 month period if you have not been vaccinating your CHIP covered patients. If you need to update your numbers, please email the following patient counts by age range for your CHIP-insured population. Labels Template attached to bulletin. See attachment for full details.true2019-08-26T21:25:5646658079VFCLowVFC News Bulletin August 26, 2019<p><strong>VFC News Bulletin August 26, 2019</strong></p> <p>In This Issue:</p> <p><strong>Perspectives on Vaccine Hesitancy</strong><br /> Webinar Recording: Vaccine Myths and How to Combat Them</p> <p><strong>Measles Update</strong><br /> As of August 22nd, 2019, 1,215 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 30 states. This is an increase of 12 cases from the previous week.</p> <p><strong>Acute Flaccid Myelitis Update</strong><br /> In 2018, 233 cases of AFM occurred in 41 states, making it the third and largest outbreak to date. Nine of those cases were in Illinois.</p> <p><strong>Training Opportunities</strong><br /> Chicago STD Update for Clinicians&ndash; Presented by the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center<br /> When: Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 from 12:30 pm&mdash;4:30 pm<br /> Where: 525 S. State Street, University Center, Loop/River Room<br /> Cost: Free</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachment for full details.</span></p>**VFC News Bulletin August 26, 2019** In This Issue: **Perspectives on Vaccine Hesitancy** Webinar Recording: Vaccine Myths and How to Combat Them **Measles Update** As of August 22nd, 2019, 1,215 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 30 states. This is an increase of 12 cases from the previous week. **Acute Flaccid Myelitis Update** In 2018, 233 cases of AFM occurred in 41 states, making it the third and largest outbreak to date. Nine of those cases were in Illinois. **Training Opportunities** Chicago STD Update for Clinicians-- Presented by the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center When: Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 from 12:30 pm---4:30 pm Where: 525 S. State Street, University Center, Loop/River Room Cost: Free See attachment for full details.true2019-08-19T20:40:3446657989NotificationLowIDPH MEMO: Vaping Clinical Health Alert<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">1. All patients with serious respiratory illness of unknown etiology should be asked about recent vaping practices.<br /> 2. Patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and recent vaping should be reported to the local health department.<br /> 3. In patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and vaping exposures, IDPH recommends ruling out common infectious and non-infectious etiologies.<br /> 4. If possible, take a detailed history of the frequency of vaping and the products used, and document these in the medical notes.<br /> 5. If the patient has products they have vaped, ask them not to use them again and save them in case product testing is requested.<br /> 6. IDPH is asking for any clinical samples from bronco-alveolar lavage (BAL) and /or tissue biopsies be saved, and if possible, sent to the IDPH laboratory.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Background</strong>: Many states are reporting cases of severe respiratory illness among individuals who have arecent history of vaping (use of e-cigarette and similar devices to inhale aerosolized liquid).<br /> As of August 19, 2019, 10 Illinois residents are considered cases and others are under investigation. Most cases are in Chicago and the collar counties. The age range of the patients is from 15 to 27 years, and 77% are male.<br /> At this time, patients are considered cases associated with this investigation if they have significant respiratory illness without an identified etiology and have a history of any vaping in the past 3 months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Potential Exposures:&nbsp;</strong>Patients have reported vaping in the weeks to months prior to illness. An investigation has been initiated with interviews of patients to determine if there is a specific component to the vaping liquid or brand of vaping liquid that may be causing this problem or if there are any other common exposures. Products used by cases may contain THC, CBD, nicotine, flavors and other chemicals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Symptoms and Imaging:&nbsp;</strong>Patients present with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chest radiographs show bilateral opacities, typically in the lower lobes and CT imaging of the chest shows diffuse ground glass opacities, often with subpleural sparing. Evaluation for infectious etiologies were negative in all patients. Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation but subsequently improved with systemic steroids.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Management</strong>: In patients with significant respiratory illness of unknown etiology, we recommend asking patients about recent vaping practices. All patients presenting with this clinical picture and a history of vaping should be reported to your local health department. Common infectious etiologies should be ruled out (respiratory panel, influenza, sputum/blood cultures) As clinically indicated, rheumatologic or neoplastic processes, and less common infections should be considered. Aggressive supportive care is warranted, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be warranted. Consider appropriate specialty consults.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information:</strong> &nbsp;Suspect cases should be reported to Epidemiologist Kari Anne Toews at 312-746-6152&nbsp;during business hours and to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours by dialing 311.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attached document for the full details.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** 1. All patients with serious respiratory illness of unknown etiology should be asked about recent vaping practices. 2. Patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and recent vaping should be reported to the local health department. 3. In patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness and vaping exposures, IDPH recommends ruling out common infectious and non-infectious etiologies. 4. If possible, take a detailed history of the frequency of vaping and the products used, and document these in the medical notes. 5. If the patient has products they have vaped, ask them not to use them again and save them in case product testing is requested. 6. IDPH is asking for any clinical samples from bronco-alveolar lavage (BAL) and /or tissue biopsies be saved, and if possible, sent to the IDPH laboratory. **Background** : Many states are reporting cases of severe respiratory illness among individuals who have arecent history of vaping (use of e-cigarette and similar devices to inhale aerosolized liquid). As of August 19, 2019, 10 Illinois residents are considered cases and others are under investigation. Most cases are in Chicago and the collar counties. The age range of the patients is from 15 to 27 years, and 77% are male. At this time, patients are considered cases associated with this investigation if they have significant respiratory illness without an identified etiology and have a history of any vaping in the past 3 months. **Potential Exposures:**Patients have reported vaping in the weeks to months prior to illness. An investigation has been initiated with interviews of patients to determine if there is a specific component to the vaping liquid or brand of vaping liquid that may be causing this problem or if there are any other common exposures. Products used by cases may contain THC, CBD, nicotine, flavors and other chemicals. **Symptoms and Imaging:**Patients present with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chest radiographs show bilateral opacities, typically in the lower lobes and CT imaging of the chest shows diffuse ground glass opacities, often with subpleural sparing. Evaluation for infectious etiologies were negative in all patients. Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation but subsequently improved with systemic steroids. **Management**: In patients with significant respiratory illness of unknown etiology, we recommend asking patients about recent vaping practices. All patients presenting with this clinical picture and a history of vaping should be reported to your local health department. Common infectious etiologies should be ruled out (respiratory panel, influenza, sputum/blood cultures) As clinically indicated, rheumatologic or neoplastic processes, and less common infections should be considered. Aggressive supportive care is warranted, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be warranted. Consider appropriate specialty consults. **Reporting Information:** Suspect cases should be reported to Epidemiologist Kari Anne Toews at 312-746-6152 during business hours and to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours by dialing 311. See attached document for the full details.true2019-08-19T18:46:3246657988STILowReminder: STD Update Course for Clinicians August 28, 2019<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:red"><strong>St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center</strong><br /> <strong>Chicago STD Update for Clinicians</strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm<br /> University Center, Loop/River Room<br /> 525 S. State Street<br /> Chicago, IL 60605</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp; Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Course Objectives:</strong> At the end of this course, participants should be able to:&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation.<br /> 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance.<br /> 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma.<br /> 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Cost: </strong>None</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:16px"><u><span style="color:red"><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&amp;q=1&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629" target="_blank"><span style="color:red">Click to Register</span></a></span></u></span></strong><span style="font-size:16px">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at <a href="mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu">sfwilliams@wustl.edu</a>.<br /> For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at <a href="mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org" target="_blank">Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachments for more details.</span></p>**St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center** **Chicago STD Update for Clinicians** **Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm University Center, Loop/River Room 525 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60605** This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). **Course Objectives:** At the end of this course, participants should be able to: 1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation. 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance. 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma. 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention. **Cost:**None **You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.** **++[Click to Register](https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&q=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629)++** For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at [sfwilliams@wustl.edu](mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu). For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at [Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org](mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org). See attachments for more details.true2019-08-15T18:56:4846657679AnnouncementLowSave the Date: 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="color:rgb(255, 0, 0)">SAVE THE DATE</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The 24th&nbsp;Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday&nbsp;September&nbsp;18, 2019&nbsp;from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at</span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Registration and agenda information to follow.</strong></span></p>**SAVE THE DATE** The 24th Annual Chicago Infection Control Conference will be held on Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at **Malcom X College, 1900 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60612.** **Registration and agenda information to follow.**false2019-08-13T20:46:3246657886West Nile VirusLowCDPH: First West Nile Virus Human Case<p>Key Messages and Action Steps</p> <p>&bull; Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first case of human neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2019 in a Chicago resident.</p> <p>&bull; West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid<br /> paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31.</p> <p>&bull; The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal<br /> fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse<br /> transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection.</p> <p>REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent<br /> infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925.</p> <p>Please see the attached document for the full details.</p>Key Messages and Action Steps • Chicago Department of Public Health is reporting the first case of human neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2019 in a Chicago resident. • West Nile viral disease should be suspected in patients presenting with viral meningitis or encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and/or symptoms compatible with West Nile fever, particularly from now through October 31. • The most sensitive screening test for West Nile virus in humans is the IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) on cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum. Testing is widely available at commercial laboratories. Tests to detect viral RNA (e.g., reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction \[RT-PCR\]) can be performed on specimens that are collected early in the course of illness and, if results are positive, can confirm an infection. Negative results of these tests do not rule out WNV infection. REPORTING/CONTACT INFORMATION: Report all cases of encephalitis or any laboratory evidence of current or recent infection with West Nile virus or other arboviral infection to CDPH through INEDSS or by calling 312-746-5377 or 312-746-5925. Please see the attached document for the full details.true2019-06-19T21:46:1346656183Vaccine PreventableLowIDPH HAN: Hepatitis A Health Alert Update<div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">IDPH has issued a Health Alert Update regarding Hepatitis A.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Summary</span></strong></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">In 2018, there was more than a 7-fold increase in annual Hepatitis A (HAV) cases nationwide, which has largely been attributed to a substantial increase in person-to-person transmission, particularly among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and in men who have sex with men. On May 17, 2019 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Hepatitis A Outbreak Response Plan that provides best practices in investigating, monitoring, and responding to person-to-person HAV cases and outbreaks. Included in this plan is a suggested HAV person-to-person outbreak case definition. For consistency in reporting, IDPH intends to modify the current outbreak case definition and apply this newly-released CDC person-to-person outbreak definition dating back to September 2018. This will add an additional 35 confirmed clinical cases to the overall statewide person-to-person outbreak case counts.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Below are some the actions will result from this change (<em>please see the attachment for the complete list of actions</em>):</span></strong></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">1) On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, IDPH plans to share publicly by posting the information on the&nbsp;<a href="http://dph.illinois.gov/hepatitisA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">IDPH Hepatitis A Outbreak Website</span></a>&nbsp;the confirmed cases that meet this expanded definition.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">2) All HAV case reports should be investigated immediately to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for all close contacts, as well as to identify risk-factors.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">3) The updated person-to-person HAV outbreak case definition is in the attachment.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">4) Additional specimen testing of a suspected HAV case may be warranted. Please see the IDPH HAV Testing Algorithm (in attachment).&nbsp;</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">5) Attach the outbreak ID: IL2018-716 Statewide Hepatitis A Outbreak to all hepatitis A outbreak-related cases in I-NEDSS.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attached and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/HepA" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">www.chicagohan.org/HepA</span></a>&nbsp;for more informaition.&nbsp;</span></div>IDPH has issued a Health Alert Update regarding Hepatitis A. **Summary** In 2018, there was more than a 7-fold increase in annual Hepatitis A (HAV) cases nationwide, which has largely been attributed to a substantial increase in person-to-person transmission, particularly among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and in men who have sex with men. On May 17, 2019 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Hepatitis A Outbreak Response Plan that provides best practices in investigating, monitoring, and responding to person-to-person HAV cases and outbreaks. Included in this plan is a suggested HAV person-to-person outbreak case definition. For consistency in reporting, IDPH intends to modify the current outbreak case definition and apply this newly-released CDC person-to-person outbreak definition dating back to September 2018. This will add an additional 35 confirmed clinical cases to the overall statewide person-to-person outbreak case counts. **Below are some the actions will result from this change (*please see the attachment for the complete list of actions*):** 1) On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, IDPH plans to share publicly by posting the information on the [IDPH Hepatitis A Outbreak Website](http://dph.illinois.gov/hepatitisA) the confirmed cases that meet this expanded definition. 2) All HAV case reports should be investigated immediately to recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for all close contacts, as well as to identify risk-factors. 3) The updated person-to-person HAV outbreak case definition is in the attachment. 4) Additional specimen testing of a suspected HAV case may be warranted. Please see the IDPH HAV Testing Algorithm (in attachment). 5) Attach the outbreak ID: IL2018-716 Statewide Hepatitis A Outbreak to all hepatitis A outbreak-related cases in I-NEDSS. Please see the attached and [www.chicagohan.org/HepA](https://www.chicagohan.org/HepA) for more informaition.true2019-08-13T18:27:5746657884STILowReminder: STD Update Course for Clinicians August 28, 2019<p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="color:red"><strong>St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center</strong><br /> <strong>Chicago STD Update for Clinicians</strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm<br /> <br /> University Center, Loop/River Room<br /> 525 S. State Street<br /> Chicago, IL 60605</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp; Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Course Objectives:</strong> At the end of this course, participants should be able to:&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation.<br /> 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance.<br /> 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma.<br /> 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Cost: </strong>None</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:16px"><u><span style="color:red"><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&amp;q=1&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629" target="_blank"><span style="color:red">Click to Register</span></a></span></u></span></strong><span style="font-size:16px">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at <a href="mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu">sfwilliams@wustl.edu</a>.<br /> For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at <a href="mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org" target="_blank">Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">See attachments for more details.</span></p>**St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center** **Chicago STD Update for Clinicians** **Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm <br /> University Center, Loop/River Room 525 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60605** This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). **Course Objectives:** At the end of this course, participants should be able to: 1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation. 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance. 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma. 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention. **Cost:**None **You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.** **++[Click to Register](https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&q=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629)++** For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at [sfwilliams@wustl.edu](mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu). For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at [Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org](mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org). See attachments for more details.true2019-08-13T13:41:4946657982STILowInformation Regarding Congenital Syphilis Prevention via Proper Treatment of Pregnant Females w/ Syphilis<p>Key Messages and Action Steps<br /> &bull; Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&#39;s (CDC) 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment<br /> Guidelines:<br /> o Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A&reg;) is the only known effective antimicrobial for preventing maternal<br /> transmission to the fetus and treating fetal infection;<br /> o No proven alternatives to penicillin are available for treatment of syphilis during pregnancy; and<br /> o Pregnant women who have a history of penicillin allergy should be desensitized and treated with penicillin. Skin<br /> testing or oral graded penicillin dose challenge might be helpful in identifying women at risk for acute allergic<br /> reactions.<br /> Contact Information: If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at <a href="mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org">irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of babies born with syphilis in the United States. After a steady decline from 2008 to 2012, data from 2013 to 2017 show a 154% increase in congenital syphilis (CS) cases. In 2017, the number of probable and confirmed CS cases was 918, the highest number since 1997 (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html</a>).</p> <p>For pregnant women with syphilis, timely and adequate treatment with Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A&reg;) is critical in order to prevent the transmission of syphilis to the unborn child. Since penicillin is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, those who have a history of penicillin allergy must be desensitized and then treated with the appropriate dosage of penicillin. (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm</a>).</p> <p>If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at <a href="mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org">irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>The accompanying online survey is intended to identify those Chicago healthcare providers who have the ability to provide penicillin desensitization.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!ChgoProviderPenDesenSurvey" target="_blank">Click here</a> to complete the survey.</p>Key Messages and Action Steps • Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: o Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) is the only known effective antimicrobial for preventing maternal transmission to the fetus and treating fetal infection; o No proven alternatives to penicillin are available for treatment of syphilis during pregnancy; and o Pregnant women who have a history of penicillin allergy should be desensitized and treated with penicillin. Skin testing or oral graded penicillin dose challenge might be helpful in identifying women at risk for acute allergic reactions. Contact Information: If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at [irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org](mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org). Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of babies born with syphilis in the United States. After a steady decline from 2008 to 2012, data from 2013 to 2017 show a 154% increase in congenital syphilis (CS) cases. In 2017, the number of probable and confirmed CS cases was 918, the highest number since 1997 ([https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html](http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html)). For pregnant women with syphilis, timely and adequate treatment with Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) is critical in order to prevent the transmission of syphilis to the unborn child. Since penicillin is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, those who have a history of penicillin allergy must be desensitized and then treated with the appropriate dosage of penicillin. ([https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm)). If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at [irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org](mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org). The accompanying online survey is intended to identify those Chicago healthcare providers who have the ability to provide penicillin desensitization. [Click here](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!ChgoProviderPenDesenSurvey) to complete the survey.true2019-08-12T17:21:3146657878ViralLowIDPH Health Alert: Rabies PEP<p><span style="font-size:14px">The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a Health Alert regarding Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> <br /> &bull; Bats are the most common species with rabies in the state and a careful evaluation of the exposure to the bat is needed to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed.<br /> <br /> &bull; A person may be bitten by a bat and present with no specific marks on the skin due to the small size of the teeth.<br /> <br /> &bull; Expected bites from healthy dogs or cats in the U.S. do not result in the need to recommend rabies PEP.<br /> <br /> &bull; Rabies PEP has a complicated schedule and needs to be administered correctly to be effective.<br /> <br /> All individuals who have been potentially exposed to rabies must be reported to CDPH: For immediate clinical questions please call 311 and ask to speak to a&nbsp;communicable disease physician on call or call the CDPH Disease Reporting Number 312-743-9000.<br /> <br /> For more information on rabies please see <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/rabies" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/rabies</a>.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a Health Alert regarding Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. **Summary and Action Items** • Bats are the most common species with rabies in the state and a careful evaluation of the exposure to the bat is needed to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. • A person may be bitten by a bat and present with no specific marks on the skin due to the small size of the teeth. • Expected bites from healthy dogs or cats in the U.S. do not result in the need to recommend rabies PEP. • Rabies PEP has a complicated schedule and needs to be administered correctly to be effective. All individuals who have been potentially exposed to rabies must be reported to CDPH: For immediate clinical questions please call 311 and ask to speak to a communicable disease physician on call or call the CDPH Disease Reporting Number 312-743-9000. For more information on rabies please see [www.chicagohan.org/rabies](https://www.chicagohan.org/rabies).true2019-08-10T20:43:2946657979Food BorneLowSalmonella Ohio Outbreak - August 10, 2019<p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Perform stool culture for symptomatic (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) patients who consumed foods purchased at the Sun View Produce (6110 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60638), or for patients with febrile diarrheal symptoms, even if they report no exposure to the establishment.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size:14px">Report any confirmed cases of salmonellosis promptly to the Chicago Department of Public Health Communicable Disease Program at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). If an exposure to the establishment is identified outside of regular business hours, dial 3-1-1 to report to the communicable disease physician on call.&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Background:</strong> As of August 10, 2019, CDPH has identified 2 confirmed cases of salmonellosis and 2 ill meal companions who reported eating carnitas or other foods purchased on 7/7/19 or 7/21/19 from the Sun View Produce hot foods from the deli counter (6110 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL, 60638). Two cases have tested positive for Salmonella serogroup Ohio. Symptom onset dates range from July 7, 2019 to July 22, 2019. CDPH performed an environmental assessment of the grocery store and provided guidance on safe food handling practices and environmental cleaning to prevent further spread of disease on 8/3/19. Implicated food items were no longer available at the store as of August 5, 2019, when the second case serotype became available and there was no evidence that food made after this date was contaminated. CDPH is monitoring closely for additional reports of illness. It is critical that healthcare providers test patients with symptoms consistent with salmonellosis and promptly report positive results to the health department.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Salmonellosis symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which usually present between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. Diarrhea onset is often sudden, and nausea and vomiting may accompany illness. Symptoms typically resolve within four to seven days but can occasionally last longer. Although most cases are self-resolving, treatment may be indiciated in the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems who are at increased risk of invasive disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Salmonella causes approximately one million illnesses and 450 deaths in the United States each year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Laboratory evaluation and treatment:</strong> Patients presenting with diarrhea and a compatible illness should have a stool culture for Salmonella. At this time, susceptibility reports are not available for the 2 confirmed cases. &nbsp;Treatment guidelines for Salmonella may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/technical.html. Salmonella isolates should be sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health laboratories. Stool cultures are critical to confirm the organism and to complete pulsed field gel electrophoresis testing, which is necessary to link outbreak cases together.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting:</strong> Salmonella infections are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health. To report a suspected or confirmed Salmonella infection or for questions regarding communicable disease reporting, call the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). &nbsp;If calling outside of normal business hours, dial 3-1-1 to contact the on-call medical personnel, or if you are calling from outside of Chicago, dial 312-744-5000.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps** * Perform stool culture for symptomatic (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) patients who consumed foods purchased at the Sun View Produce (6110 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60638), or for patients with febrile diarrheal symptoms, even if they report no exposure to the establishment. * Report any confirmed cases of salmonellosis promptly to the Chicago Department of Public Health Communicable Disease Program at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). If an exposure to the establishment is identified outside of regular business hours, dial 3-1-1 to report to the communicable disease physician on call. **Background:** As of August 10, 2019, CDPH has identified 2 confirmed cases of salmonellosis and 2 ill meal companions who reported eating carnitas or other foods purchased on 7/7/19 or 7/21/19 from the Sun View Produce hot foods from the deli counter (6110 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL, 60638). Two cases have tested positive for Salmonella serogroup Ohio. Symptom onset dates range from July 7, 2019 to July 22, 2019. CDPH performed an environmental assessment of the grocery store and provided guidance on safe food handling practices and environmental cleaning to prevent further spread of disease on 8/3/19. Implicated food items were no longer available at the store as of August 5, 2019, when the second case serotype became available and there was no evidence that food made after this date was contaminated. CDPH is monitoring closely for additional reports of illness. It is critical that healthcare providers test patients with symptoms consistent with salmonellosis and promptly report positive results to the health department. **Symptoms:** Salmonellosis symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which usually present between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. Diarrhea onset is often sudden, and nausea and vomiting may accompany illness. Symptoms typically resolve within four to seven days but can occasionally last longer. Although most cases are self-resolving, treatment may be indiciated in the elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems who are at increased risk of invasive disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Salmonella causes approximately one million illnesses and 450 deaths in the United States each year. **Laboratory evaluation and treatment:** Patients presenting with diarrhea and a compatible illness should have a stool culture for Salmonella. At this time, susceptibility reports are not available for the 2 confirmed cases. Treatment guidelines for Salmonella may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/technical.html. Salmonella isolates should be sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health laboratories. Stool cultures are critical to confirm the organism and to complete pulsed field gel electrophoresis testing, which is necessary to link outbreak cases together. **Reporting:** Salmonella infections are reportable to the Chicago Department of Public Health. To report a suspected or confirmed Salmonella infection or for questions regarding communicable disease reporting, call the CDPH reporting line at 312-743-9000 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM). If calling outside of normal business hours, dial 3-1-1 to contact the on-call medical personnel, or if you are calling from outside of Chicago, dial 312-744-5000. Please see the attachment for more information.true2019-08-02T17:31:1846657778NotificationLowIDPH MEMO: Severe Respiratory Illnesses Following Vaping<p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14px">&bull; Severe respiratory illnesses have been seen in adolescents in Wisconsin and Illinois who have reported vaping in the weeks and months prior to onset of illness.<br /> &bull; The Illinois Department of Public Health is requesting that health care providers who are seeing patients with suspected serious respiratory illness and who vape report these to their local health department as soon as possible. If vaping fluid commonly used by the patient is available ask that it be set aside (not used) in case it is needed for testing</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Reporting Information:</strong> &nbsp;Suspect cases should be reported to the reporting line at 312-743-9000 during business hours and to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours by dialing 311.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Background</strong><br /> More than 10 cases of severe pulmonary disease have been reported in adolescents in Wisconsin, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin in the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha and Winnebago. Three suspect cases have been identified in Illinois (Kane and Cook counties). Information on products used will be collected to try and identify a particular source.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Potential Exposures</strong><br /> Patients have reported vaping in the weeks to months prior to illness. An investigation has been initiated with interviews of patients to determine if there is a specific component to the vaping liquid or brand of vaping liquid that may be causing this problem or if there are any other common exposures. Products used by cases may contain THC, CBD, nicotine, flavors and other chemicals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Symptoms and Imaging</strong><br /> Patients present with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chest radiographs show bilateral opacities, typically in the lower lobes and CT imaging of the chest shows diffuse ground glass opacities, often with subpleural sparing. Evaluation for infectious etiologies were negative in all patients. Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation but subsequently improved with systemic steroids.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Management</strong><br /> At this time, it is unknown what is causing and contributing to the symptoms. Infectious etiologies should be ruled out. Aggressive supportive care is warranted, and in severe cases, it is recommended that pulmonary and critical care specialists are consulted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Prevention</strong><br /> At this time, it is unknown what product(s) or chemicals may be linked to these illnesses.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** • Severe respiratory illnesses have been seen in adolescents in Wisconsin and Illinois who have reported vaping in the weeks and months prior to onset of illness. • The Illinois Department of Public Health is requesting that health care providers who are seeing patients with suspected serious respiratory illness and who vape report these to their local health department as soon as possible. If vaping fluid commonly used by the patient is available ask that it be set aside (not used) in case it is needed for testing **Reporting Information:** Suspect cases should be reported to the reporting line at 312-743-9000 during business hours and to the Communicable Disease physician on call after hours by dialing 311. **Background** More than 10 cases of severe pulmonary disease have been reported in adolescents in Wisconsin, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin in the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha and Winnebago. Three suspect cases have been identified in Illinois (Kane and Cook counties). Information on products used will be collected to try and identify a particular source. **Potential Exposures** Patients have reported vaping in the weeks to months prior to illness. An investigation has been initiated with interviews of patients to determine if there is a specific component to the vaping liquid or brand of vaping liquid that may be causing this problem or if there are any other common exposures. Products used by cases may contain THC, CBD, nicotine, flavors and other chemicals. **Symptoms and Imaging** Patients present with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. Other symptoms may include fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chest radiographs show bilateral opacities, typically in the lower lobes and CT imaging of the chest shows diffuse ground glass opacities, often with subpleural sparing. Evaluation for infectious etiologies were negative in all patients. Some patients had progressive respiratory compromise requiring endotracheal intubation but subsequently improved with systemic steroids. **Management** At this time, it is unknown what is causing and contributing to the symptoms. Infectious etiologies should be ruled out. Aggressive supportive care is warranted, and in severe cases, it is recommended that pulmonary and critical care specialists are consulted. **Prevention** At this time, it is unknown what product(s) or chemicals may be linked to these illnesses.true2019-06-03T17:39:0846655977VFCLowVFC News Bulletin June 3, 2019: VFC news bulletin: U.S. Measles Cases at Highest Point Since 1992<div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC news bulletin: U.S. Measles Cases at Highest Point Since 1992</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">In This Issue:<br /> - CDC Press Release<br /> - CDPH measles press releases<br /> - How to prepare your practice<br /> - ICAAP Provider Survey<br /> - Training and Seminar Opportunities</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">See attachment for full detatils</span></div> </div>VFC news bulletin: U.S. Measles Cases at Highest Point Since 1992 In This Issue: - CDC Press Release - CDPH measles press releases - How to prepare your practice - ICAAP Provider Survey - Training and Seminar Opportunities See attachment for full detatilstrue2019-07-30T14:56:5646657477STILowInformation Regarding Congenital Syphilis Prevention via Proper Treatment of Pregnant Females w/ Syphilis<p>Key Messages and Action Steps<br /> &bull; Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&#39;s (CDC) 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment<br /> Guidelines:<br /> o Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A&reg;) is the only known effective antimicrobial for preventing maternal<br /> transmission to the fetus and treating fetal infection;<br /> o No proven alternatives to penicillin are available for treatment of syphilis during pregnancy; and<br /> o Pregnant women who have a history of penicillin allergy should be desensitized and treated with penicillin. Skin<br /> testing or oral graded penicillin dose challenge might be helpful in identifying women at risk for acute allergic<br /> reactions.<br /> Contact Information: If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at <a href="mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org">irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of babies born with syphilis in the United States. After a steady decline from 2008 to 2012, data from 2013 to 2017 show a 154% increase in congenital syphilis (CS) cases. In 2017, the number of probable and confirmed CS cases was 918, the highest number since 1997 (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html</a>).</p> <p>For pregnant women with syphilis, timely and adequate treatment with Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A&reg;) is critical in order to prevent the transmission of syphilis to the unborn child. Since penicillin is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, those who have a history of penicillin allergy must be desensitized and then treated with the appropriate dosage of penicillin. (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm</a>).</p> <p>If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at <a href="mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org">irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org</a>.</p> <p>The accompanying online survey is intended to identify those Chicago healthcare providers who have the ability to provide penicillin desensitization.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&amp;pollid=STI!ChgoProviderPenDesenSurvey" target="_blank">Click here</a> to complete the survey.</p>Key Messages and Action Steps • Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Treatment Guidelines: o Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) is the only known effective antimicrobial for preventing maternal transmission to the fetus and treating fetal infection; o No proven alternatives to penicillin are available for treatment of syphilis during pregnancy; and o Pregnant women who have a history of penicillin allergy should be desensitized and treated with penicillin. Skin testing or oral graded penicillin dose challenge might be helpful in identifying women at risk for acute allergic reactions. Contact Information: If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at [irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org](mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org). Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of babies born with syphilis in the United States. After a steady decline from 2008 to 2012, data from 2013 to 2017 show a 154% increase in congenital syphilis (CS) cases. In 2017, the number of probable and confirmed CS cases was 918, the highest number since 1997 ([https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html](http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2018/std-surveillance-report-2017-press-release.html)). For pregnant women with syphilis, timely and adequate treatment with Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) is critical in order to prevent the transmission of syphilis to the unborn child. Since penicillin is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, those who have a history of penicillin allergy must be desensitized and then treated with the appropriate dosage of penicillin. ([https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/pen-allergy.htm)). If you have questions or would like additional information regarding syphilis, please contact Chicago Department of Public Health, HIV/STI Bureau, Irina Tabidze, MD, MPH at [irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org](mailto:irina.tabidze@cityofchicago.org). The accompanying online survey is intended to identify those Chicago healthcare providers who have the ability to provide penicillin desensitization. [Click here](http://www.chicagohan.org/ViewsFlash/servlet/viewsflash?cmd=showform&pollid=STI!ChgoProviderPenDesenSurvey) to complete the survey.true2019-07-18T22:06:3546657077EbolaLowEbola Update: Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, July 2019<p> <strong style="font-size: 14px;">Summary and Action Steps:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ebola in the DRC is now considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern</strong></span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Risk for global spread remains low, though regional transmission in DRC is high</strong></span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Screen patients presenting with fever for travel to the DRC in the preceding 21 days&nbsp;</strong></span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Contact CDPH at 312-743-9000 or via 311 if direct epidemiologic exposure is identified</strong></span></li> </ul> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Background:</strong>On July 17, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which started in August 2018, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/ebola/en/" target="_blank">Public Health Emergency of International Concern</a>&nbsp;(PHEIC).&nbsp; The PHEIC declaration helps bring more international resources to the area to combat the outbreak.&nbsp; As of July 14, there are 2501 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, including&nbsp;<a href="https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/SITREP_EVD_DRC_20190714-eng.pdf" target="_blank">2407 confirmed and 94 probable cases reported</a>.²&nbsp; The declaration was made because disease has spread to the city of Goma (population near 2M), the virus has resurged in previously controlled areas, and the area with active cases has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/health/ebola-outbreak.html" target="_blank">expanded to northeastern Congo near Rwanda and Uganda</a>.&nbsp; Concern persists over ongoing violence directed at healthcare workers and the continued spread of the outbreak despite availability of an effective vaccine.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Recommendations:</strong>As always, providers should ask any patients presenting with fever whether they have travelled internationally. Related to this outbreak, ask patients presenting with fever whether they have traveled to the DRC in the preceding 21 days. If patients with fever report travel to DRC in the preceding 21 days, remember that the risk of Ebola remains&nbsp;<strong>low</strong>&nbsp;but please do the following:</span></p> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">ask&nbsp;<em>exactly&nbsp;</em>where they traveled in DRC (which cities, which areas)</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">ask about contact with anyone who was ill in DRC</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">screen for headache, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">call the CDPH reportable disease hotline at 312-743-9000 during busness hours, or after-hours or on weekends call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call.</span></li> </ul> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attachment for more information</span></p> </div>**Summary and Action Steps:** * **Ebola in the DRC is now considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern** * **Risk for global spread remains low, though regional transmission in DRC is high** * **Screen patients presenting with fever for travel to the DRC in the preceding 21 days** * **Contact CDPH at 312-743-9000 or via 311 if direct epidemiologic exposure is identified** **Background:** On July 17, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which started in August 2018, a [Public Health Emergency of International Concern](https://www.who.int/ebola/en/) (PHEIC). The PHEIC declaration helps bring more international resources to the area to combat the outbreak. As of July 14, there are 2501 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, including [2407 confirmed and 94 probable cases reported](https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/SITREP_EVD_DRC_20190714-eng.pdf).^2^ The declaration was made because disease has spread to the city of Goma (population near 2M), the virus has resurged in previously controlled areas, and the area with active cases has [expanded to northeastern Congo near Rwanda and Uganda](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/17/health/ebola-outbreak.html). Concern persists over ongoing violence directed at healthcare workers and the continued spread of the outbreak despite availability of an effective vaccine. **Recommendations:** As always, providers should ask any patients presenting with fever whether they have travelled internationally. Related to this outbreak, ask patients presenting with fever whether they have traveled to the DRC in the preceding 21 days. If patients with fever report travel to DRC in the preceding 21 days, remember that the risk of Ebola remains **low** but please do the following: * ask *exactly*where they traveled in DRC (which cities, which areas) * ask about contact with anyone who was ill in DRC * screen for headache, body aches, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes * call the CDPH reportable disease hotline at 312-743-9000 during busness hours, or after-hours or on weekends call 311 and ask for the communicable disease physician on-call. Please see the attachment for more informationtrue2019-07-18T15:06:2046656978CCN AnnouncementLowExcessive Heat July 18-21, 2019<p> <span style="font-size:14px;">The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) issued a Warning Order for the Excessive Heat Watch for Thursday, July 18 12:00 PM to Saturday, July 20 7:00 PM. The National Weather Service has forecasted high temperatures in the 90s to near 100 degrees with peak heat indices of 104-114 degrees. The resulting dangerous conditions may result in heat-related illnesses, especially amongst at-risk populations. Between today and Sunday, 55 major City events that draw large crowds will take place, including the Pitchfork Music Festival (Union Park, 7/19), Disability Pride Parade &amp; Festival (401 S. Plymouth Ct., 7/20), Rock n&rsquo; Roll Half Marathon and 10k (Grant Park, 7/21), and Padres vs. Cubs (Wrigley Field, 7/21). Therefore, please share the appropriate information with your clients/patients/residents, your colleagues and employees, and of course your family to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses.<br /> <br /> CDPH is working with City agencies. Attached please find the 2019 Chicago Cooling Centers fliers (English, Spanish, Polish). Standard Cooling Centers have been activated (some with extended hours) including 6 community centers, senior centers, libraries, 10 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago Park District locations, and CPD District locations. Visit <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/dfss_cooling_centers.html" target="_blank">https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/dfss_cooling_centers.html</a> for the most accurate information, such as changes to hours of operations. Healthcare Coalition Partners should call 311 if persons (non-patients or clients) are in need of transport to a Cooling Center.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><em>This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or <a href="mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org">hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org</a>.&nbsp; For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at <a href="mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org">probinson@cookcountyhhs.org</a>. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at <a href="mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org">darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</a>.</em></span></p>The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) issued a Warning Order for the Excessive Heat Watch for Thursday, July 18 12:00 PM to Saturday, July 20 7:00 PM. The National Weather Service has forecasted high temperatures in the 90s to near 100 degrees with peak heat indices of 104-114 degrees. The resulting dangerous conditions may result in heat-related illnesses, especially amongst at-risk populations. Between today and Sunday, 55 major City events that draw large crowds will take place, including the Pitchfork Music Festival (Union Park, 7/19), Disability Pride Parade \& Festival (401 S. Plymouth Ct., 7/20), Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and 10k (Grant Park, 7/21), and Padres vs. Cubs (Wrigley Field, 7/21). Therefore, please share the appropriate information with your clients/patients/residents, your colleagues and employees, and of course your family to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses. CDPH is working with City agencies. Attached please find the 2019 Chicago Cooling Centers fliers (English, Spanish, Polish). Standard Cooling Centers have been activated (some with extended hours) including 6 community centers, senior centers, libraries, 10 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago Park District locations, and CPD District locations. Visit <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv/svcs/dfss_cooling_centers.html> for the most accurate information, such as changes to hours of operations. Healthcare Coalition Partners should call 311 if persons (non-patients or clients) are in need of transport to a Cooling Center. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or [hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org](mailto:hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org). For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at [probinson@cookcountyhhs.org](mailto:probinson@cookcountyhhs.org). For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at [darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org](mailto:darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org).*true2019-07-16T18:12:1346656977STILowSTD Update Course for Clinicians August 28, 2019<p align="center" style="text-align: center; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center</strong><br /> <strong>Chicago STD Update for Clinicians</strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="center" style="background: white; text-align: center; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> &nbsp;</p> <p align="center" style="text-align: center; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm<br /> <br /> University Center, Loop/River Room<br /> 525 S. State Street<br /> Chicago, IL 60605</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp; Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).</span></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> &nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Course Objectives:</span></strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> At the end of this course, participants should be able to:&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation.<br /> 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance.<br /> 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma.<br /> 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention.</span></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> &nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Cost: </span></strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">None</span></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:16px;"><u><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&amp;q=1&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Click to Register</span></a></span></u></span></strong><span style="font-size:16px;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> &nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;">For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at <span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu">sfwilliams@wustl.edu</a></span></span>.<br /> For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at <a href="mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org" target="_blank">Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org</a>.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:14px;">See attachments for more details.</span></p>**St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center** **Chicago STD Update for Clinicians** **Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm University Center, Loop/River Room 525 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60605** This course is an STD Update offering state-of-the-art instruction in epidemiological, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Emphasis on new developments in the management of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and other nongonococcal infections, and advances in prevention including expedited partner therapy (EPT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). **Course Objectives:** At the end of this course, participants should be able to: 1. Describe changing patterns of syphilis clinical presentation. 2. Discuss trends in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance. 3. Describe clinical care of patients with chlamydia or mycoplasma. 4. Implement evidence-based strategies for STD prevention. **Cost:** None **You must register in advance on the following website as there will be NO onsite registration available.** **++[Click to Register](https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=695fde7a-35cd90a1-695f0a12-002590f4edde-ba69f90426e5fb92&q=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.nnptc.org%2Fregistration.html%3Fid%3D2629)++** For questions regarding NNPTC, please contact Shirley Williams at [sfwilliams@wustl.edu](mailto:sfwilliams@wustl.edu). For questions regarding CDPH please contact Teresa Bradley at [Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org](mailto:Teresa.bradley@cityochicago.org). See attachments for more details.true2025-05-23T17:09:0246690077InfluenzaInfluenza,Diseases & Conditions,Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs),Congregate SettingsHighChicago Respiratory Virus Weekly Surveillance Report - May 23, 2025<p><strong>A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the </strong><a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">CDPH website</a>. This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm.</p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif"><strong>Weekly Surveillance Key Points</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li>Week 20 (May 11–17, 2025) marks the final week of the influenza surveillance season. The Respiratory Virus Surveillance PDF report distributed via the HAN will resume its weekly publication in October 2025. The <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">Respiratory Illness Dashboard</a> will continue to be updated weekly and will highlight key relevant information.&nbsp;</li> <li>Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. Flu activity remains Low; COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Minimal. &nbsp;</li> <li>ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.&nbsp;</li> <li>Test positivity rates for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low. However, in the past two seasons, COVID-19 test positivity has tended to rise during the summer months. Refer to the <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html" target="_blank">Respiratory Illness Dashboard</a> for updates.&nbsp;</li> <li>The percentage of specimens testing positive for rhinovirus/enterovirus has been rising since March but showed a slight decline last week, aligning with typical seasonal patterns observed in previous years.</li> <li>Overall wastewater concentrations for RSV remain minimal and COVID-19 has increased from minimal to low. Flu A and Flu B concentrations remain low. &nbsp;</li> <li>The CDC has issued interim estimates of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&amp;ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368" target="_blank">2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness</a> (VE) and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w" target="_blank">2024-25 COVID-19 VE</a>, which suggest that this season’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US.</li> <li>For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html" target="_blank">the CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu</a> webpage and <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza" target="_blank">CDPH HAN: Flu Page</a> for clinicians.</li> </ul> <p>Please see attached for the full report.</p> **A new Respiratory Illness Dashboard is now available on the** [CDPH website](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html). This dashboard summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1pm. **Weekly Surveillance Key Points** * Week 20 (May 11--17, 2025) marks the final week of the influenza surveillance season. The Respiratory Virus Surveillance PDF report distributed via the HAN will resume its weekly publication in October 2025. The [Respiratory Illness Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) will continue to be updated weekly and will highlight key relevant information. * Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal. Flu activity remains Low; COVID-19 and RSV activity remain Minimal. * ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups. * Test positivity rates for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain low. However, in the past two seasons, COVID-19 test positivity has tended to rise during the summer months. Refer to the [Respiratory Illness Dashboard](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html) for updates. * The percentage of specimens testing positive for rhinovirus/enterovirus has been rising since March but showed a slight decline last week, aligning with typical seasonal patterns observed in previous years. * Overall wastewater concentrations for RSV remain minimal and COVID-19 has increased from minimal to low. Flu A and Flu B concentrations remain low. * The CDC has issued interim estimates of [2024-25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a2.htm?s_cid=mm7406a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM145368&ACSTrackingLabel=This%20Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20February%2027%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM145368) (VE) and [2024-25 COVID-19 VE](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7406a1.htm?s_cid=mm7406a1_w), which suggest that this season's influenza and COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing medically-attended illness, including hospitalization, in the US. * For information on the national bird flu outbreak and local guidance see: [the CDPH H5N1 Bird Flu](https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/h5n1-bird-flu.html) webpage and [CDPH HAN: Flu Page](https://www.chicagohan.org/diseases-and-conditions/influenza) for clinicians. Please see attached for the full report. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46690077?p_r_p_categoryId=437835,434554,434556,133213092019-07-11T21:11:1446656782CCN AnnouncementLowMosquito Surveillance and Control Program<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed the first West Nile Virus (WNV)-positive mosquito batch in the City for 2019. CDPH will continue to monitor the area where the mosquito batch tested positive. Following additional tests, CDPH will determine the appropriate next steps to be taken. No human cases of WNV have been reported to date in 2019.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attached Press Release for more information.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 14px;">This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org.&nbsp; For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org</span></em></div>The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed the first West Nile Virus (WNV)-positive mosquito batch in the City for 2019. CDPH will continue to monitor the area where the mosquito batch tested positive. Following additional tests, CDPH will determine the appropriate next steps to be taken. No human cases of WNV have been reported to date in 2019. Please see the attached Press Release for more information. *This is a message for the Community Communication Network (CCN). The CCN is an collaboration between CDPH and CCDPH. For general information on the HAN, contact the Help Desk at 312-747-8789 or hanhelpdesk@cityofchicago.org. For health information regarding suburban Cook County, contact Porsha Robinson at probinson@cookcountyhhs.org. For health information regarding Chicago, contact Darnell Thomas at darnell.thomas@cityofchicago.org*true2019-07-10T20:04:3046656877AnnouncementLowTesting the Waters: Waterborne Pathogen Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities Conference!<p style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/14260/LegionellaConference2019.jpg/1d8e38d3-8d03-454a-94ba-ebf2b253fd62?t=1562787688893" style="-moz-user-select: none; height: 333px; width: 400px;" /></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <span style="font-size:14px;">Please join us for Testing the Waters: Waterborne Pathogen Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities Conference! This will be a 1-day event for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and area health departments to come together and learn more about waterborne pathogen prevention and control through effective multi-disciplinary water management team approaches. More information about continuing education credits are coming soon.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Testing the Waters: Waterborne Pathogen Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities Conference</strong></span></p> <p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Conference Objectives</strong></span></p> <ol> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Identify experts, tools, and resources to assist my facility with waterborne pathogen prevention and control.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Describe prevention and remediation strategies for legionella in complex water systems.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Apply a framework for developing a healthcare facility water management plan.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Identify strategies for risk communication and public health notification and disclosure.</span></li> </ol> <p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Date:</strong> July 22, 2019 9:00 am-4:30 pm<br /> <br /> <strong>Location:</strong> Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612. Complimentary parking is available on site.<br /> <br /> <strong>Cost per person:</strong> No Cost to Attendees. Lunch is available for purchase on site.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:14px;"><a href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=6f225fdb-33b3a6b0-6f228bb3-0cc47ad32344-76ee59de3c4b2c3d&amp;q=1&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001jzt-l-M1c-vnrtG2piE-_8lG0Z3BsGwz9_To30oUKzI3wkhEvUUjxpBgneGTlD2lFxeyP-ah-uAub8H6uBnmmrA6slVBTTyC9RMv8VwuSHS6cL2FEqZlpK585oB4ybVEIBYNJhULu7niYhlHnPubjmQNObjOwlzq5PT1vqcDyQ2OvitA2IhEUTHSqcsirDVXwQE6veUAh1cZcfJ50lFq9g1ZMOi58W-BREmO6UX6He04fYGc5N2MdgOvdpBVJuTr-4SJgxpwb4IgxRY27ef_D4o4GdS7tv2U%26c%3DoP_zmArQ6uRhIqu2NHkaLS0J1L_laeqrqFnLaqoPxHCaSAqh7LzBEQ%3D%3D%26ch%3Dlcl1xhRxvXT6iLXUsewCjcKTaeDcuY5IT-RC962m19a38Wykj9zJ7A%3D%3D" target="_blank">Click here to Register Now!</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:14px;">For any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:info@iphionline.org">info@iphionline.org</a></span></p> Please join us for Testing the Waters: Waterborne Pathogen Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities Conference! This will be a 1-day event for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and area health departments to come together and learn more about waterborne pathogen prevention and control through effective multi-disciplinary water management team approaches. More information about continuing education credits are coming soon. **Testing the Waters: Waterborne Pathogen Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities Conference** **Conference Objectives** 1. Identify experts, tools, and resources to assist my facility with waterborne pathogen prevention and control. 2. Describe prevention and remediation strategies for legionella in complex water systems. 3. Apply a framework for developing a healthcare facility water management plan. 4. Identify strategies for risk communication and public health notification and disclosure. **Date:** July 22, 2019 9:00 am-4:30 pm **Location:** Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612. Complimentary parking is available on site. **Cost per person:** No Cost to Attendees. Lunch is available for purchase on site. [Click here to Register Now!](https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=6f225fdb-33b3a6b0-6f228bb3-0cc47ad32344-76ee59de3c4b2c3d&q=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001jzt-l-M1c-vnrtG2piE-_8lG0Z3BsGwz9_To30oUKzI3wkhEvUUjxpBgneGTlD2lFxeyP-ah-uAub8H6uBnmmrA6slVBTTyC9RMv8VwuSHS6cL2FEqZlpK585oB4ybVEIBYNJhULu7niYhlHnPubjmQNObjOwlzq5PT1vqcDyQ2OvitA2IhEUTHSqcsirDVXwQE6veUAh1cZcfJ50lFq9g1ZMOi58W-BREmO6UX6He04fYGc5N2MdgOvdpBVJuTr-4SJgxpwb4IgxRY27ef_D4o4GdS7tv2U%26c%3DoP_zmArQ6uRhIqu2NHkaLS0J1L_laeqrqFnLaqoPxHCaSAqh7LzBEQ%3D%3D%26ch%3Dlcl1xhRxvXT6iLXUsewCjcKTaeDcuY5IT-RC962m19a38Wykj9zJ7A%3D%3D) For any questions, please contact [info@iphionline.org](mailto:info@iphionline.org)false2019-07-09T21:36:4546656780VFCLowVFC News Bulletin July 9, 2019<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC News Bulletin July 9, 2019</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Reminder: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Stay informed on this important change by registering for a 2-part webinar series:</span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">July 11th at 12 pm VFC process and procedures</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">July 18th at 12 pm Medicaid and CHIP billing processes</span></li> </ul> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">See attachment for full details.<br /> <br /> Additonally the attached covers:</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">2019-2020 Season Influenza Pre-Book Information attached</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Returns on expired Flu Vacccine</span></li> </ul>VFC News Bulletin July 9, 2019 Reminder: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage. Stay informed on this important change by registering for a 2-part webinar series: * July 11th at 12 pm VFC process and procedures * July 18th at 12 pm Medicaid and CHIP billing processes See attachment for full details. Additonally the attached covers: * 2019-2020 Season Influenza Pre-Book Information attached * Returns on expired Flu Vacccinetrue2019-07-09T18:36:0646656779Environmental HazardsLowLead and Drinking Water, 2019<div> <strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Key Messages and Action Steps</span></strong></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">An ongoing study found that water meter installation was associated with increased water lead levels in some Chicago homes, and 7.1% of homes had lead levels above EPA guidelines for drinking water. Chicago&rsquo;s Department of Water Management has paused installation of water meters while investigating the cause, and your patients may have questions.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Lead-based paint and lead dust remain the overwhelming causes of elevated blood lead levels in Chicago children.</span></strong></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Children under age 6 and pregnant or breastfeeding women are at highest risk of lead poisoning.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Recommendations for healthcare providers:</span></div> <ul> <li> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Test ALL Chicago children for lead at 12, 24, and 36 months of age as part of routine well-child care.</span></strong></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Educate parents about lead poisoning, especially lead-based paint and dust.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Recommendations for parents:</span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Water testing:&nbsp;</u>Call 311 or visit <a href="http://www.chicagowaterquality.org/home" target="_blank">http://www.chicagowaterquality.org</a> to order a free water lead test kit or schedule an appointment for testing.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula</u>. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Filter use</u>: If your home has children under age 6, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women who may become pregrant, you can use a filter certified by NSF to remove lead under Standard 53. Chicago homes with water meters can receive free water filters from the City.&nbsp;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Flushing</u>:&nbsp; If water has been unused for 6 hours or more, run your water for at least 5 minutes before using tap water for drinking or cooking. Taking a shower, laundry, and washing dishes all count as running your water.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><u>Clean your aerator</u>: Regularly (at least once per month) clean your faucet&rsquo;s aerator or screen.</span></li> </ul> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Contact Us:</strong>&nbsp; Janna Kerins, Environmental Health Med. Director:<a href="http://janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org" target="_blank"> janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org</a>; 312-746-6621</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em>Please see the attached Health Alert for more information and a checklist for Protecting Chicago Children from Lead Exposure.</em></div>**Key Messages and Action Steps** An ongoing study found that water meter installation was associated with increased water lead levels in some Chicago homes, and 7.1% of homes had lead levels above EPA guidelines for drinking water. Chicago's Department of Water Management has paused installation of water meters while investigating the cause, and your patients may have questions. **Lead-based paint and lead dust remain the overwhelming causes of elevated blood lead levels in Chicago children.** Children under age 6 and pregnant or breastfeeding women are at highest risk of lead poisoning. Recommendations for healthcare providers: * **Test ALL Chicago children for lead at 12, 24, and 36 months of age as part of routine well-child care.** * Educate parents about lead poisoning, especially lead-based paint and dust. Recommendations for parents: * ++Water testing:++ Call 311 or visit [http://www.chicagowaterquality.org](http://www.chicagowaterquality.org/home) to order a free water lead test kit or schedule an appointment for testing. * ++Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula++. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly. * ++Filter use++: If your home has children under age 6, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women who may become pregrant, you can use a filter certified by NSF to remove lead under Standard 53. Chicago homes with water meters can receive free water filters from the City. * ++Flushing++: If water has been unused for 6 hours or more, run your water for at least 5 minutes before using tap water for drinking or cooking. Taking a shower, laundry, and washing dishes all count as running your water. * ++Clean your aerator++: Regularly (at least once per month) clean your faucet's aerator or screen. **Contact Us:** Janna Kerins, Environmental Health Med. Director:[janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org](http://janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org); 312-746-6621 *Please see the attached Health Alert for more information and a checklist for Protecting Chicago Children from Lead Exposure.*true2019-07-05T16:24:1746656682Infectious DiseaseLowIDPH Health Alert - Vector-borne diseases on the rise nationwide<p> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong><br /> Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are more common in summer months. The most common VBDs&nbsp;reported in Illinois include West Nile virus (WNV), Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted&nbsp;fever (RMSF). This health alert serves to remind healthcare providers to consider tick and&nbsp;mosquito borne diseases in their differential diagnoses when assessing patients with possible&nbsp;exposure to VBDs. The purpose of this health alert includes the following:</span></p> <ol> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Review common exposures and provide further information about the geographic distribution of common VBDs.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Address reporting requirements including importance of exposure and travel history.</span></li> </ol> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Background</strong><br /> Vector-borne diseases are on the rise nationwide, with a tripling of cases since 2004. As the&nbsp;temperature rises, mosquitoes and ticks become active, increasing risk for human infections.&nbsp;Numerous VBDs are seen in Illinois, including WNV, with 176 human cases reported in 2018.&nbsp;Lyme disease is mostly found in the northern part of Illinois (276 reported human cases in<br /> 2018), and RMSF is found in the southern part of the state (150 reported human cases in 2018).&nbsp;Newly emergent tick-borne diseases include Heartland and Bourbon viruses, with two and zero&nbsp;human cases reported in 2018, respectively.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see attachment for full details.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For additional information, please contact Claudia Blanco (claudia.blanco@cityofchicago.org, 312-746-9026) or Janna Kerins (janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org, 312-746-6621) of CDPH.</span></p>**Summary and Action Items** Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are more common in summer months. The most common VBDs reported in Illinois include West Nile virus (WNV), Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). This health alert serves to remind healthcare providers to consider tick and mosquito borne diseases in their differential diagnoses when assessing patients with possible exposure to VBDs. The purpose of this health alert includes the following: 1. Review common exposures and provide further information about the geographic distribution of common VBDs. 2. Address reporting requirements including importance of exposure and travel history. **Background** Vector-borne diseases are on the rise nationwide, with a tripling of cases since 2004. As the temperature rises, mosquitoes and ticks become active, increasing risk for human infections. Numerous VBDs are seen in Illinois, including WNV, with 176 human cases reported in 2018. Lyme disease is mostly found in the northern part of Illinois (276 reported human cases in 2018), and RMSF is found in the southern part of the state (150 reported human cases in 2018). Newly emergent tick-borne diseases include Heartland and Bourbon viruses, with two and zero human cases reported in 2018, respectively. Please see attachment for full details. For additional information, please contact Claudia Blanco (claudia.blanco@cityofchicago.org, 312-746-9026) or Janna Kerins (janna.kerins@cityofchicago.org, 312-746-6621) of CDPH.true2019-05-30T14:43:4146655781Vaccine PreventableLowIDPH: Measles Health Alert Kane County<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">A measles case in an adult was confirmed on May 28, 2019 in Kane County, IL.&nbsp; This case is unrelated to the recent Chicago case. Providers should screen patients presenting with symptoms consistent with measles for the exposure locations listed in the attached SIREN alert.&nbsp; Based on dates of exposure, susceptible individuals might develop symptoms May 27th-June 14th.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Refer to&nbsp;<a class="x_OWAAutoLink" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.chicagohan.org/measles" id="LPlnk647409" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif, EmojiFont, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, NotoColorEmoji, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Android Emoji&quot;, EmojiSymbols; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/measles</a>&nbsp;to access the Measles Provider Job Aid and the IDPH testing flowchart to assist with triaging patients and for additional information.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For Measles questions or to report cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000.&nbsp; For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.)&nbsp; Suspect cases should be reported within 24 Hours.&nbsp; Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.&nbsp;</span></div>A measles case in an adult was confirmed on May 28, 2019 in Kane County, IL. This case is unrelated to the recent Chicago case. Providers should screen patients presenting with symptoms consistent with measles for the exposure locations listed in the attached SIREN alert. Based on dates of exposure, susceptible individuals might develop symptoms May 27th-June 14th. Refer to [www.chicagohan.org/measles](http://www.chicagohan.org/measles){#LPlnk647409} to access the Measles Provider Job Aid and the IDPH testing flowchart to assist with triaging patients and for additional information. For Measles questions or to report cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000. For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.) Suspect cases should be reported within 24 Hours. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.true2019-07-02T17:45:0746656581VFCLowVFC News Bulletin July 2, 2019: Changes to the Children’s Health Insurance Program Vaccine Distribution<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC News Bulletin July 2, 2019: Changes to the Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Program Vaccine Distribution</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage. CHIP vaccine will be purchased by the state and distributed through existing Vaccine for Children program mechanisms. Please read the attached IDPH memo and accompanying guidance document for more information. We will provide additional guidance and alert you to upcoming timelines throughout this transition.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Stay informed on this important change by registering for a 2-part webinar series:</span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">July 11th at 12 pm VFC process and procedures</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">July 18th at 12 pm Medicaid and CHIP billing processes</span></li> </ul> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">See attachment for full details.<br /> <br /> Also attached:</span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Vaccines for CHIP Memo</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC Guidance for CHIP Vaccine Ordering</span></li> </ul>VFC News Bulletin July 2, 2019: Changes to the Children's Health Insurance Program Vaccine Distribution The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an upcoming change to the purchasing and distribution of vaccine for children with Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage. CHIP vaccine will be purchased by the state and distributed through existing Vaccine for Children program mechanisms. Please read the attached IDPH memo and accompanying guidance document for more information. We will provide additional guidance and alert you to upcoming timelines throughout this transition. Stay informed on this important change by registering for a 2-part webinar series: * July 11th at 12 pm VFC process and procedures * July 18th at 12 pm Medicaid and CHIP billing processes See attachment for full details. Also attached: * Vaccines for CHIP Memo * VFC Guidance for CHIP Vaccine Orderingtrue2019-07-02T13:49:0446656681Infectious DiseaseLowNotice on Ophthalmology Equipment Disinfection Practices<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Health care organizations and providers that use tonometers and other devices that touch eyes need to be aware of an infection risk to patients. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has reported that transmission of adenovirus and herpes simplex virus HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), enterovirus 70, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Acanthamoeba, and prions (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) could occur from failure to adequately disinfect ophthalmology devices, such as tonometers.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Despite this information, a review of Joint Commission survey data identified either a lack of awareness of the requirements or misinterpretation of manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions &mdash; combined with lack of staff training and leadership oversight &mdash; related to the disinfection of ophthalmology devices. This has resulted in multiple declarations of an immediate threat to health and safety of patients.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Lack of compliance with reprocessing has been observed with the following items:</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">&bull; Tonometers</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">&bull; YAG laser lens</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">&bull; Eye specula</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org"><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please email CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org or contact Shannon Xydis at 312-746-0416 for any additional information.&nbsp;</span></strong></a></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attached &quot;Quick Safety&quot; document for more information.&nbsp;</span></div>Health care organizations and providers that use tonometers and other devices that touch eyes need to be aware of an infection risk to patients. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has reported that transmission of adenovirus and herpes simplex virus HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), enterovirus 70, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Acanthamoeba, and prions (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) could occur from failure to adequately disinfect ophthalmology devices, such as tonometers. Despite this information, a review of Joint Commission survey data identified either a lack of awareness of the requirements or misinterpretation of manufacturer's instructions --- combined with lack of staff training and leadership oversight --- related to the disinfection of ophthalmology devices. This has resulted in multiple declarations of an immediate threat to health and safety of patients. Lack of compliance with reprocessing has been observed with the following items: • Tonometers • YAG laser lens • Eye specula [**Please email CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org or contact Shannon Xydis at 312-746-0416 for any additional information.**](mailto:CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org) Please see the attached "Quick Safety" document for more information.true2019-06-21T15:56:1246656478Tuberculosis and Other MycobacterialLowNationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigens June 2019<p style="margin-left: 9pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On June 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it is expecting a 3 to 10 month nationwide shortage of APLISOL&reg;tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), a product of Par Pharmaceuticals.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">During this time it is recommended that health care facilities:</span> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Substitute interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood tests for TSTs and/or substitute TUBERSOL&reg; for APLISOL&reg; for skin testing.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Prioritize TSTs for persons who are considered at risk of TB, which might require delayed testing for individuals with a lower-risk. High-risk groups for TB infection include:</span> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">People who are recent contacts exposed to persons with TB disease;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">People born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">People who currently or used to live in large group settings, such as homeless shelters or correctional facilities;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">People with weaker immune systems, such as those with certain health conditions or taking certain medications that may alter immunity; and</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Children, especially those under age 5, if they are in one of the risk groups noted above.</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attachement for more details.&nbsp; Information on Tuberculosis can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/tb">www.chicagohan.org/tb</a></span></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps:** * On June 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it is expecting a 3 to 10 month nationwide shortage of APLISOL®tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), a product of Par Pharmaceuticals. * During this time it is recommended that health care facilities: * Substitute interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood tests for TSTs and/or substitute TUBERSOL® for APLISOL® for skin testing. * Prioritize TSTs for persons who are considered at risk of TB, which might require delayed testing for individuals with a lower-risk. High-risk groups for TB infection include: * People who are recent contacts exposed to persons with TB disease; * People born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common; * People who currently or used to live in large group settings, such as homeless shelters or correctional facilities; * People with weaker immune systems, such as those with certain health conditions or taking certain medications that may alter immunity; and * Children, especially those under age 5, if they are in one of the risk groups noted above. Please see the attachement for more details. Information on Tuberculosis can be found at [www.chicagohan.org/tb](https://www.chicagohan.org/tb)true2019-06-21T15:47:2646656477Tuberculosis and Other MycobacterialLowUpdated Recommendations for TB Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel<p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Key Messages and Action Steps:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">On May 17, 2019 the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) and CDC issued <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6819a3.htm?s_cid=mm6819a3_w" target="_blank">updated recommendations</a> for tuberculosis (TB) screening, testing, and treatment of U.S. Health care personnel (HCP)* which include the following key points:</span> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Baseline (preplacement) TB screening with an individual risk assessment and symptom evaluation</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Baseline (preplacement) TB testing with an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) or a tuberculin skin test (TST) for persons without documented prior TB disease or latent TB infection (LTBI)</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">No routine serial TB testing at any interval after baseline in the absence of a known exposure or ongoing transmission</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">Strong encouragement of treatment for all HCP with untreated LTBI, unless medically contraindicated</span></li> </ul> </li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">CDPH endorses these updated recommendations and encourages health care facilities to develop internal processes and/or linkages to external partners for LTBI treatment for their HCP.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size:14px;">The CDPH TB clinic has limited capacity and is unable to accept most referrals for LTBI treatment at this time.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:1.0in;"> &nbsp;</p> <p> <span style="font-size:14px;">*All other aspects of the&nbsp; <em><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm?s_cid=rr5417a1_e" target="_blank">Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005 </a></em>&nbsp;remain in effect, including facility risk assessments to help guide infection control policies and procedures.</span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attachement for more details.&nbsp; Information on Tuberculosis can be found at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/tb" style="font-size: 14px;">www.chicagohan.org/tb</a></p>**Key Messages and Action Steps:** * On May 17, 2019 the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) and CDC issued [updated recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6819a3.htm?s_cid=mm6819a3_w) for tuberculosis (TB) screening, testing, and treatment of U.S. Health care personnel (HCP)\* which include the following key points: * Baseline (preplacement) TB screening with an individual risk assessment and symptom evaluation * Baseline (preplacement) TB testing with an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) or a tuberculin skin test (TST) for persons without documented prior TB disease or latent TB infection (LTBI) * No routine serial TB testing at any interval after baseline in the absence of a known exposure or ongoing transmission * Strong encouragement of treatment for all HCP with untreated LTBI, unless medically contraindicated * CDPH endorses these updated recommendations and encourages health care facilities to develop internal processes and/or linkages to external partners for LTBI treatment for their HCP. * The CDPH TB clinic has limited capacity and is unable to accept most referrals for LTBI treatment at this time. \*All other aspects of the *[Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm?s_cid=rr5417a1_e)* remain in effect, including facility risk assessments to help guide infection control policies and procedures. Please see the attachement for more details. Information on Tuberculosis can be found at [www.chicagohan.org/tb](https://www.chicagohan.org/tb)true2019-05-30T13:46:3146655780InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 20<div> <div> The Chicago Flu Update for Week 20 has been published.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> This will be the last&nbsp;<em>Chicago Flu Update</em>&nbsp;for the 2018-2019 influenza surveillance season. The next update will be issued in October 2019. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease.&nbsp; Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.</div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Currently, the risk of influenza is low.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> For the week of May 12-18, 2019, two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <div> Since September 30, 2018, 353 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 332 were positive for influenza A (134 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 173 unknown subtype [subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested]) and 21 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 21 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</div> </div> <p> For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza</a>.</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 20 has been published. This will be the last *Chicago Flu Update* for the 2018-2019 influenza surveillance season. The next update will be issued in October 2019. CDPH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators throughout the summer months. Influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Currently, the risk of influenza is low. For the week of May 12-18, 2019, two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 30, 2018, 353 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 332 were positive for influenza A (134 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 173 unknown subtype \[subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested\]) and 21 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 21 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza>.true2019-06-19T19:52:4546656182AnnouncementLowLead Poisoning Prevention for Children Webinar - June 26, 2019<div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Join the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Chicago Department of Public Health on<strong>&nbsp;Wednesday, June 26 from noon-1pm</strong>&nbsp;for a webinar on&nbsp;<u>lead poisoning prevention for children</u>. This webinar is intended for pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers in Chicago and throughout Illinois.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px;">Learning Objectives</strong></span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Review what lead is</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Examine causes, signs, and symptoms of lead poisoning</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Identify the effects of lead poisoning on children</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Discuss how providers can talk to parents and families about lead poisoning and prevention</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Review reporting requirements</span></li> </ul> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Register Now! (<a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7074591364538081805" target="_blank">https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7074591364538081805</a>)</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">Please see the attachment for more information on this and future seminars</span></div>Join the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Chicago Department of Public Health on**Wednesday, June 26 from noon-1pm** for a webinar on ++lead poisoning prevention for children++. This webinar is intended for pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers in Chicago and throughout Illinois. **Learning Objectives** * Review what lead is * Examine causes, signs, and symptoms of lead poisoning * Identify the effects of lead poisoning on children * Discuss how providers can talk to parents and families about lead poisoning and prevention * Review reporting requirements Register Now! (<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7074591364538081805>) Please see the attachment for more information on this and future seminarstrue2019-06-17T18:23:5746656180VFCLowVFC News Bulletin June 17, 2019: Measles Update<div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC News Bulletin: VFC news bulletin: Measles Update</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">In This Issue:<br /> - Measles Update<br /> - Webinar and Training Opportunities</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">See attachment for full detatils</span></div> </div>VFC News Bulletin: VFC news bulletin: Measles Update In This Issue: - Measles Update - Webinar and Training Opportunities See attachment for full detatilstrue2019-06-12T16:02:1646656278Tuberculosis and Other MycobacterialLow2019 TST Train the Trainer Session in Chicago<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">CDPH is partnering with the Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center to offer a free one-day train the trainer course on skin testing for tuberculosis.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">The course is designed for professionals who are proficient in administering and reading the tuberculin skin test (TST), and are responsible for training others in administering TSTs. This course is not intended for those learning how to perform TSTs.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">The training will be held Monday July 22, 2019 from 9am to 5pm.&nbsp;Free parking is available on site and CE credits are available.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: black;">Please see the attached flyer for more information and&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu/home/index#/training/534" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">registration</a>&nbsp;information. Space is limited.</span></p>CDPH is partnering with the Southeastern National Tuberculosis Center to offer a free one-day train the trainer course on skin testing for tuberculosis. The course is designed for professionals who are proficient in administering and reading the tuberculin skin test (TST), and are responsible for training others in administering TSTs. This course is not intended for those learning how to perform TSTs. The training will be held Monday July 22, 2019 from 9am to 5pm. Free parking is available on site and CE credits are available. Please see the attached flyer for more information and [registration](https://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu/home/index#/training/534) information. Space is limited.true2019-06-11T14:44:4146656178STILowClinical Practice Alert: Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Screening & Treatment<p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>California Prevention Training Center and the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Family Planning present:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>The Comprehensive Family Planning Visit Webinar Series</strong></p> <p align="center"> <strong>Clinical Practice Alert:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Chlamydia &amp; Gonorrhea Screening &amp; Treatment</strong></p> <p align="center"> <strong>Thursday, June 20, 2019</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>12:00pm - 1:30pm, PST</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Presented by Ina Park, MD and Michael Policar, MD</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.ofpregistration.org/presentation_description.html?id=169"><strong>Register Today!</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Webinar Description</strong></p> <p align="center"> Rates of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) have reached an all-time high. In the U.S., California leads the nation in reported cases of these STDs.</p> <p align="center"> Because persons with CT and GC are often asymptomatic, screening is essential for the early detection and treatment that can prevent reproductive complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain in females and epididymitis in males.</p> <p align="center"> Join us for a webinar to learn about current clinical guidelines for routine and targeted screening, treatment, follow-up, and prevention of CT and GC.</p> <p align="center"> After the webinar, providers will be able to:</p> <p align="center"> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Understand current guidelines for screening for CT and GC among sexually active women and men</p> <p align="center" style="margin-left: 30pt;"> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;List the indications for anorectal and oropharyngeal CT/GC screening</p> <p align="center" style="margin-left: 30pt;"> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explain when test-of-cure is indicated</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> &middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Identify the proper ICD-10 codes for lab requests and billing information</p>**California Prevention Training Center and the California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Family Planning present:** **The Comprehensive Family Planning Visit Webinar Series** **Clinical Practice Alert:** **Chlamydia \& Gonorrhea Screening \& Treatment** **Thursday, June 20, 2019** **12:00pm - 1:30pm, PST** **Presented by Ina Park, MD and Michael Policar, MD** [**Register Today!**](https://www.ofpregistration.org/presentation_description.html?id=169) **Webinar Description** Rates of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) have reached an all-time high. In the U.S., California leads the nation in reported cases of these STDs. Because persons with CT and GC are often asymptomatic, screening is essential for the early detection and treatment that can prevent reproductive complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain in females and epididymitis in males. Join us for a webinar to learn about current clinical guidelines for routine and targeted screening, treatment, follow-up, and prevention of CT and GC. After the webinar, providers will be able to: · Understand current guidelines for screening for CT and GC among sexually active women and men · List the indications for anorectal and oropharyngeal CT/GC screening · Explain when test-of-cure is indicated · Identify the proper ICD-10 codes for lab requests and billing informationtrue2019-06-06T22:11:0046655978Vaccine PreventableLowVaccination Recommendations Ahead of 2019 Pride Events<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Upcoming Pride events, students returning home from college, and travel from other states may increase the risk of hepatitis A, mumps, and measles transmission.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">This is the time of year to get all high-risk adults, including men who have sex with men (MSM), up to date on recommended vaccines including:</span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Hepatitis A vaccine: One-time vaccination series (2 doses of Vaqta&reg; or Havrix&reg; or 3 doses of Twinrix&reg;).</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine: 2 documented doses, serologic proof of immunity, or at least 1 dose now if vaccination status is unknown to protect against measles and mumps.&nbsp;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Meningococcal conjugate vaccine: Revaccination every 5 years for persons at increased risk.</span></li> </ul> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attached for more informaition.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Information on Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps and Meningococcal Disease can be found specific disease pages on the <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org" target="_blank">Chicago HAN</a> (<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org</a>).</span></div>Upcoming Pride events, students returning home from college, and travel from other states may increase the risk of hepatitis A, mumps, and measles transmission. This is the time of year to get all high-risk adults, including men who have sex with men (MSM), up to date on recommended vaccines including: * Hepatitis A vaccine: One-time vaccination series (2 doses of Vaqta® or Havrix® or 3 doses of Twinrix®). * Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine: 2 documented doses, serologic proof of immunity, or at least 1 dose now if vaccination status is unknown to protect against measles and mumps. * Meningococcal conjugate vaccine: Revaccination every 5 years for persons at increased risk. Please see the attached for more informaition. Information on Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps and Meningococcal Disease can be found specific disease pages on the [Chicago HAN](https://www.chicagohan.org) ([www.chicagohan.org](https://www.chicagohan.org)).true2025-05-14T20:20:5746689893VFCVaccines for ChildrenHighChicago VFC Newsletter - May 2025<p>The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates.</p> <p>In this issue:</p> <ul> <li>Measles &amp; Pertussis News</li> <li>ACIP Meeting Updates</li> <li>Travel Season Recommendations</li> <li>Respiratory Virus Season</li> <li>8 Tips for Standardizing the Approach to Vaccine Conversations</li> <li>Upcoming Events</li> </ul> <p>Please see the attachment for full details.</p> The VFC Newsletter serves to keep you aware of emerging VFC program, vaccine, and vaccine preventable disease updates. In this issue: * Measles \& Pertussis News * ACIP Meeting Updates * Travel Season Recommendations * Respiratory Virus Season * 8 Tips for Standardizing the Approach to Vaccine Conversations * Upcoming Events Please see the attachment for full details. truehttp://www.chicagohan.org/alert-detail/-/alert-details/46689893?p_r_p_categoryId=4404722019-05-22T21:47:5446655679InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 19<div> <div> The Chicago Flu Update for Week 19 has been published.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Based on CDC <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> data, influenza-like illness at the national level was at or above baseline for 21 weeks this season, making it the longest influenza season in a decade and CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm" target="_blank">estimates</a> that more than 500,000 people have been hospitalized from influenza and over 36,000 people have died due to influenza. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.</div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> Currently, the risk of influenza is low.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> For the week of May 5-11, 2019, two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <div> Since September 30, 2018, 348 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 327 were positive for influenza A (132 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 170 unknown subtype [subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested]) and 21 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 20 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued guidance on reporting influenza associated ICU hospitalizations stressing the importance of prompt and complete reporting.</div> </div> <p> Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</p> <p> For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza</a>.</p> </div>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 19 has been published. Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Based on CDC [FluView](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) data, influenza-like illness at the national level was at or above baseline for 21 weeks this season, making it the longest influenza season in a decade and CDC [estimates](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm) that more than 500,000 people have been hospitalized from influenza and over 36,000 people have died due to influenza. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Currently, the risk of influenza is low. For the week of May 5-11, 2019, two influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 30, 2018, 348 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 327 were positive for influenza A (132 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 170 unknown subtype \[subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested\]) and 21 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 20 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued guidance on reporting influenza associated ICU hospitalizations stressing the importance of prompt and complete reporting. Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza>.true2019-05-21T16:14:4746655677VFCLowVFC News Bulletin: May 21, 2019: How to Stay Updated on Measles in Chicago<div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">VFC news bulletin for 5/21/2019: How to Stay Updated on Measles in Chicago</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">In This Issue:</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">- TODAY: CDC Measles webinar</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">- CDPH measles press release</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">- CDPH Health Alert Network Measles page</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">- What you should know about Pediatric Vaccines Training</span></div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;">- Important Program Reminders</span></div> </div>VFC news bulletin for 5/21/2019: How to Stay Updated on Measles in Chicago In This Issue: - TODAY: CDC Measles webinar - CDPH measles press release - CDPH Health Alert Network Measles page - What you should know about Pediatric Vaccines Training - Important Program Reminderstrue2019-05-18T23:41:2946655096Vaccine PreventableLowConfirmed Measles Case in Adult Traveler - May 17, 2019<div> <span style="font-size:16px;">On May 17, 2019 CDPH identified a confirmed measles case in an adult traveler.&nbsp; Please see the attached press release for exposure locations.&nbsp; Non-immune or susceptible Individuals exposed would not develop symptoms until May 23rd at the earliest and June 6th at the latest.&nbsp; You may be contacted about opportunities for post-exposure prophylaxis. For additional details on measles triage, diagnosis, test authorization, infection control considerations, post-exposure prophylaxis, and prevention, visit <a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/measles">www.chicagohan.org/measles</a>.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;">For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000.&nbsp; For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.)&nbsp; Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours.&nbsp; Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.&nbsp;</span></div>On May 17, 2019 CDPH identified a confirmed measles case in an adult traveler. Please see the attached press release for exposure locations. Non-immune or susceptible Individuals exposed would not develop symptoms until May 23rd at the earliest and June 6th at the latest. You may be contacted about opportunities for post-exposure prophylaxis. For additional details on measles triage, diagnosis, test authorization, infection control considerations, post-exposure prophylaxis, and prevention, visit [www.chicagohan.org/measles](https://www.chicagohan.org/measles). For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000. For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.) Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.true2019-05-16T15:51:2046655489Vaccine PreventableLowHealth Alert Update on Measles Outbreaks Nationwide<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Health Alert Update on Measles Outbreaks Nationwide</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe WP&quot;, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 15px;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This IDPH SIREN alert reinforces recommendations made in Chicago&rsquo;s May 3, 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/107461/CDPHMeaslesMay32019.pdf/dc4d216e-db3f-40ec-8b7c-5d101db960e1" target="_blank">Measles HAN alert</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp; IDPH and CDPH continue to collaborate closely as we prepare for local measles activity. The testing algorithm tool presented in this SIREN alert will be posted on&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.chicagohan.org/measles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/measles</a>&nbsp;for download.&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe WP&quot;, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 15px;"> &nbsp;</div> <div style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33); font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe WP&quot;, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; font-size: 15px;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please refer to the Chicago measles HAN page for local reporting and vaccination guidance.</span></span></div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Summary and Action Items</strong></span></div> <ol> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Provide updated awareness about ongoing measles outbreaks occurring nationwide.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Review current vaccine guidance for children, adults, and healthcare personnel</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Recommend that healthcare providers and facilities take steps to ensure that their patient populations are up to date on their vaccines.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Remind providers to immediately report to public health any suspect cases at the time of clinical testing, and outline appropriate steps for diagnosis and isolation.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Remind health-care facilities that all persons who work in their facilities should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles.</span></li> </ol> <div> <strong style="font-size: 14px;">For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">.&nbsp; For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.)&nbsp; Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours.&nbsp; Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.&nbsp;</span></div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please refer to the Chicago measles&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">HAN page (</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/measles" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/measles)</a>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 14px;">for local reporting and vaccination guidance.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></div>**Health Alert Update on Measles Outbreaks Nationwide** This IDPH SIREN alert reinforces recommendations made in Chicago's May 3, 2019 [Measles HAN alert](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/107461/CDPHMeaslesMay32019.pdf/dc4d216e-db3f-40ec-8b7c-5d101db960e1) . IDPH and CDPH continue to collaborate closely as we prepare for local measles activity. The testing algorithm tool presented in this SIREN alert will be posted on [www.chicagohan.org/measles](http://www.chicagohan.org/measles) for download. Please refer to the Chicago measles HAN page for local reporting and vaccination guidance. **Summary and Action Items** 1. Provide updated awareness about ongoing measles outbreaks occurring nationwide. 2. Review current vaccine guidance for children, adults, and healthcare personnel 3. Recommend that healthcare providers and facilities take steps to ensure that their patient populations are up to date on their vaccines. 4. Remind providers to immediately report to public health any suspect cases at the time of clinical testing, and outline appropriate steps for diagnosis and isolation. 5. Remind health-care facilities that all persons who work in their facilities should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles. **For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000** . For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.) Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. Please refer to the Chicago measles HAN page ([www.chicagohan.org/measles)](https://www.chicagohan.org/measles) for local reporting and vaccination guidance. Please see the attachment for more information.true2019-05-16T15:50:0446655488Vaccine PreventableLowUpdated Measles prevention guidance and healthcare personnel immunity<div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Updated Measles prevention guidance and healthcare personnel immunity</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">This IDPH guidance reinforces recommendations made in Chicago&rsquo;s May 3, 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/107461/CDPHMeaslesMay32019.pdf/dc4d216e-db3f-40ec-8b7c-5d101db960e1">Measles HAN alert</a>&nbsp;with additional details on considerations for healthcare personnel. This document will be posted on&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/measles" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/measles&nbsp;</a>.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Recommendations and Action Items:</strong></span></div> <ol> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Healthcare personnel1should have documented evidence of measles immunity or be offered two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Healthcare facilities should maintain lists of immunity status of all health care personnel</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Healthcare facilities and providers are encouraged to enhance efforts to ensure their patient populations have received on time, age-appropriate MMR vaccine</span></li> </ol> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Measles outbreaks continue to occur nationwide. As of May 10, 2019, 839 cases of measles have been identified in 23 states. Illinois has had seven known cases, with no known ongoing outbreaks. Previous health alerts have provided testing, reporting, and prevention guidance to local health departments, facilities, and providers. A new IDPH health alert has been sent today that summarizes current vaccine recommendations, reinforces testing and isolation guidance, and encourages facilities to enhance vaccine efforts, focusing on age-appropriate, on-time vaccination of children, and high-risk adults.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong style="font-size: 14px;">For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">.&nbsp; For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.)&nbsp; Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours.&nbsp; Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please refer to the Chicago measles&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">HAN page (</span><a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/measles" style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">www.chicagohan.org/measles)</a>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 14px;">for local reporting and vaccination guidance.</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see the attachment for more information.</span></div>**Updated Measles prevention guidance and healthcare personnel immunity** This IDPH guidance reinforces recommendations made in Chicago's May 3, 2019 [Measles HAN alert](https://www.chicagohan.org/documents/14171/107461/CDPHMeaslesMay32019.pdf/dc4d216e-db3f-40ec-8b7c-5d101db960e1) with additional details on considerations for healthcare personnel. This document will be posted on [www.chicagohan.org/measles](https://www.chicagohan.org/measles). **Recommendations and Action Items:** 1. Healthcare personnel1should have documented evidence of measles immunity or be offered two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine 2. Healthcare facilities should maintain lists of immunity status of all health care personnel 3. Healthcare facilities and providers are encouraged to enhance efforts to ensure their patient populations have received on time, age-appropriate MMR vaccine Measles outbreaks continue to occur nationwide. As of May 10, 2019, 839 cases of measles have been identified in 23 states. Illinois has had seven known cases, with no known ongoing outbreaks. Previous health alerts have provided testing, reporting, and prevention guidance to local health departments, facilities, and providers. A new IDPH health alert has been sent today that summarizes current vaccine recommendations, reinforces testing and isolation guidance, and encourages facilities to enhance vaccine efforts, focusing on age-appropriate, on-time vaccination of children, and high-risk adults. **For Measles questions or to report Cases contact CDPH at 312-743-9000** . For questions during non-business hours call 311. (312-744-5000 if outside the City of Chicago.) Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 Hours. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. Please refer to the Chicago measles HAN page ([www.chicagohan.org/measles)](https://www.chicagohan.org/measles) for local reporting and vaccination guidance. Please see the attachment for more information.true2019-04-19T18:00:1246654780VFCLow*REMINDER* 2019 Chicago VFC Regional Meetings & Re-enrollment<div> <span style="font-size: 22px;"><strong>2019 Chicago VFC Regional Meetings</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Reminder to register by May 1st!&nbsp;</span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 14px;">NEW REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div> <ul> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Registration in Eventbrite is now closed. For all new registrations, please register via the Health Alert Network (<a href="https://bit.ly/2G1OlvM">https://bit.ly/2G1OlvM</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">You do not need to register via the Health Alert Network if you already registered in Eventbrite.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Each attendee should register for only one meeting and changes should be emailed to ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org. In the event of duplicate registration, only the latest registration will be valid.&nbsp;</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Each attendee must use a unique email address, please do not use an email address shared by your clinic. Attendees must register prior to the meeting.</span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please email Chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org with any questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">2019 Chicago VFC Program Re-enrollment</span></strong></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;">VFC Re-Enrollment forms were due Monday, April 15th. In order to continue being a part of the VFC program and receiving no-cost vaccine for your clinic, fill out the 2019 re-enrollment form in I-CARE and fax in a signed provider agreement to 312-746-6220. Don&rsquo;t hesitate to email <a href="mailto:chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org">chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org</a> with any questions.</span></div>**2019 Chicago VFC Regional Meetings** Reminder to register by May 1st! NEW REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS: * Registration in Eventbrite is now closed. For all new registrations, please register via the Health Alert Network (<https://bit.ly/2G1OlvM>). * You do not need to register via the Health Alert Network if you already registered in Eventbrite. * Each attendee should register for only one meeting and changes should be emailed to ChicagoVFC@cityofchicago.org. In the event of duplicate registration, only the latest registration will be valid. * Each attendee must use a unique email address, please do not use an email address shared by your clinic. Attendees must register prior to the meeting. * Please email Chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org with any questions. **2019 Chicago VFC Program Re-enrollment** VFC Re-Enrollment forms were due Monday, April 15th. In order to continue being a part of the VFC program and receiving no-cost vaccine for your clinic, fill out the 2019 re-enrollment form in I-CARE and fax in a signed provider agreement to 312-746-6220. Don't hesitate to email [chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org](mailto:chicagovfc@cityofchicago.org) with any questions.false2019-05-13T21:46:4346655090InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 18<div> <div> The Chicago Flu Update for Week 18 has been published.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Based on CDC <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm" target="_blank">FluView</a> data, influenza-like illness at the national level was at or above baseline for 21 weeks this season, making it the longest influenza season in a decade and CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm" target="_blank">estimates</a> that more than 500,000 people have been hospitalized from influenza and over 36,000 people have died due to influenza. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated.</div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> For the week of April 28 - May 4, 2019, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <div> Since September 30, 2018, 343 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 324 were positive for influenza A (130 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 169 unknown subtype [subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested]) and 19 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 20 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued guidance on reporting influenza associated ICU hospitalizations stressing the importance of prompt and complete reporting.</div> </div> <p> Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</p> <p> For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza</a>.</p>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 18 has been published. Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Based on CDC [FluView](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm) data, influenza-like illness at the national level was at or above baseline for 21 weeks this season, making it the longest influenza season in a decade and CDC [estimates](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm) that more than 500,000 people have been hospitalized from influenza and over 36,000 people have died due to influenza. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease. For the week of April 28 - May 4, 2019, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported. Since September 30, 2018, 343 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 324 were positive for influenza A (130 H1N1pdm09, 25 H3N2, and 169 unknown subtype \[subtyping not attempted or not all subtypes tested\]) and 19 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 20 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities. The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued guidance on reporting influenza associated ICU hospitalizations stressing the importance of prompt and complete reporting. Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report. For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at: <https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza>.true2019-05-07T21:02:3846655480VFCLowVFC News Bulletin: May 7, 2019 Edition: IDPH updated I-CARE to version 3.0<p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) I-CARE team successfully updated I-CARE to the newest version, I-CARE 3.0, on Monday, April 29th. This platform has a fresh new look and exciting new functionality. Since its launch we are working hard to learn the new system and pass that knowledge along to our providers.<br /> <br /> Please join EverThrive Illinois and IDPH for a webinar that will review the new features of I-CARE.<br /> <br /> What: I-CARE 3: New Features of the IL Immunization Registry<br /> When: Monday, May 20th, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm CDT<br /> Register: <a href="https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3593351732675039500">https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3593351732675039500</a><br /> <br /> If you require additional training please register for one of the Chicago Department of Public Health upcoming I-CARE trainings. The next training takes<br /> place on May 21st. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Please see attachments for more information and I-Care 3.0 guide.</span></p>The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) I-CARE team successfully updated I-CARE to the newest version, I-CARE 3.0, on Monday, April 29th. This platform has a fresh new look and exciting new functionality. Since its launch we are working hard to learn the new system and pass that knowledge along to our providers. Please join EverThrive Illinois and IDPH for a webinar that will review the new features of I-CARE. What: I-CARE 3: New Features of the IL Immunization Registry When: Monday, May 20th, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm CDT Register: <https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3593351732675039500> If you require additional training please register for one of the Chicago Department of Public Health upcoming I-CARE trainings. The next training takes place on May 21st. Please see attachments for more information and I-Care 3.0 guide.true2019-05-03T21:34:4446655085InfluenzaLowWeekly Flu Update Week 17<div> <div> The Chicago Flu Update for Week 17 has been published.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are&nbsp; detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a list of City of Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/health-protection/immunizations_walk-inclinics.html">Walk-In Immunization Clinics</a>&nbsp;available on the city website and by calling 311. To locate the closest City of Chicago clinic or retail pharmacy, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagoflushots.org/" target="_blank">www.chicagoflushots.org</a></div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Currently, the risk of influenza infection continues to decrease.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <div> For the week of April 21-27, 2019, three influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations were reported.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> </div> <div> <div> Since September 30, 2018, 339 influenza-associated ICU hospitalizations have been reported; 322 were positive for influenza A&nbsp; and 17 were positive for influenza B. The median age of reported cases is 59 years (range 1 month-92 years); one pediatric death was reported and 19 cases were admitted from long-term care facilities</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The Chicago Department of Public Health recently issued guidance on reporting influenza associated ICU hospitalizations stressing the importance of prompt and complete reporting.</div> </div> <p> Please read the attached Flu Update for the entire report.</p> <div> For questions on influenza reporting requirements please contact (312) 746-5911. Current and prior Chicago Flu Updates can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza" target="_blank">https://www.chicagohan.org/influenza.org/influenza</a>.</div>The Chicago Flu Update for Week 17 has been published. Influenza activity continues to decrease in Chicago; however influenza viruses are detected throughout the year at low levels and can cause disease. Vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza infection and all Chicagoans six months and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about