Latest news with #DrOlusimboIge
CBS News
8 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Chicago officials detail preparation efforts, offer tips ahead of this weekend's extreme heat
With the extreme heat approaching, pools and waterparks will be busy, but according to city officials, taking a dip will not be the only precaution people will need this weekend. Scorching temperatures and high humidity are a bad combo, especially when that's the forecast for three days in a row, making heat stroke a real possibility. On Friday, city officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, discussed the measures they're taking ahead of and during the first heat wave of the year. The city said it plans to operate cooling centers, but beware that many of them are only open on weekdays. In that case, libraries, park district buildings, and police stations are some spots where people can find some relief over the weekend. Officials also shared some alarming numbers showing how dangerous a heat wave can be. "Over the last three years, we have recorded 485 heat-related deaths in Chicago and more than 700 heat-related emergency department visits," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said. She added that men are more likely to experience a heat-related emergency than women. OEMC executive director Francisco Velez said they are monitoring the heat closely. "OEMC is working directly with the National Weather Center 24/7 to monitor the weather events and will alert residents if conditions worsen. OEMC is coordinating with city departments and sister agencies to ensure services and resources are available in response to the heat," he said. Mayor Johnson also stressed the importance of staying informed and checking on those with health conditions. "Over the next few days, make sure that we check in on our loved ones and neighbors, especially our seniors and those with health conditions, individuals with disabilities. We do have cooling locations all over the city, we have street outreach workers who are available as well to connect the unhoused Chicagoans with those resources," Johnson said. Doctors said seniors and anyone who takes beta blockers, diuretics, and sedatives are the most at risk. If you are worried about someone who lives in Chicago and can't make contact with them, you're encouraged to call 311 and request a well-being check.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
First batch of West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in Chicago, health officials say
The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Friday that the first batch of mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile virus were found in the city. This comes after other batches tested positive for the virus in Glenview and in McHenry and DuPage counties. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first positive batch in the state on May 13. However, no human cases have been reported in Illinois so far this year. What is West Nile virus? How to prevent it. West Nile virus is spread to people from infected mosquitoes, most commonly in the summer. Eight out of 10 people infected do not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The public is advised to do their best to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and, if possible, avoiding peak mosquito feeding times, typically around dusk and dawn. "As the weather gets warmer, all Chicago residents are encouraged to Fight the Bite and protect themselves against mosquito bites so they can remain safe and healthy this summer," CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said. It is also encouraged to check often overlooked places that may contain water, such as bird baths, water pails, and flower pots. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? While most people infected with the virus do not feel sick, about one in five will develop a fever and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can occur in about one in 150 people and is most likely to occur in people over age 55 or with weakened immune systems. The department said there are no specific medications to treat the virus in people. The best way to prevent getting sick is to prevent mosquito bites.
