Vol. #1 Issue #19 October 27, 2026

Welcome to the October edition of the DuPage Health Bulletin newsletter!

Happy Halloween!

Children are welcome to wear their costumes and enjoy a variety of activities, including a coloring station and fall‑themed games. Instead of candy, kiddos can pick out a fun treat such as stickers, pencils, bubbles, and more, all designed to promote a healthy, inclusive Halloween for every family.

This event is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the WIC program, connect with staff, and enjoy a family‑friendly celebration filled with smiles, not sugar.

Measles in DuPage County

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed a measles case in a vaccinated DuPage County resident who recently returned from international travel. This is a rare breakthrough infection.

While measles after vaccination is uncommon, it can occur when there is intense or prolonged exposure to a person with measles. Even when breakthrough infections occur, there are benefits to vaccination. Vaccinated individuals who develop measles usually have a milder illness and are less likely to experience complications. They also may be less likely to spread the virus to others. 

“Our community’s safety is our priority. Our team is actively working on following up with individuals who may have been potentially exposed,” said Adam Forker, Executive Director, DuPage County Health Department. “Vaccination continues to provide strong protection, even in a rare breakthrough case.” 

DCHD is working with healthcare and public health partners to contact anyone who may have been exposed. 

Read the full release on DCHD's website.

Wings of Hope

DuPage Health Matters (DHM) hosted its second annual Wings of Hope fundraiser this month at The Morton Arboretum, bringing together more than 100 attendees, including community partners, advocates, and supporters dedicated to strengthening behavioral health crisis resources in DuPage County.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors, the event raised more than $45,000 to directly support programs and services at the Crisis Recovery Center (CRC).

During the event, we announced a new annual honor that DuPage Health Matters will present to individuals who have played a vital role in supporting the Crisis Recovery Center. We named it the Wings of Hope Award, recognizing leaders who champion this work with heart, purpose, and unwavering commitment.

Sam Tornatore, DHM and Board of Health President, presented the inaugural Wings of Hope Award to DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy, whose leadership has guided this effort from its earliest days.

We appreciate the dedication of our volunteers, event partners, and sponsors, including Electri‑Flex for contributing to the success of the evening. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or helped promote this year’s event.

This year’s Wings of Hope fundraiser demonstrated the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when staff, partners, and the community come together in support of behavioral health. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event a success and for your continued dedication to the mission of the Crisis Recovery Center and the DuPage County Health Department.

Medicaid Changes

Medicaid is an important part of keeping people healthy in DuPage County. It

helps make sure that everyone can get basic care, like check‑ups, vaccines, mental health support, and help managing long‑term health problems.

The Impact DuPage Access to Care Action Plan looks at ways to help people learn about and access health insurance. One of these steps is teaching the community about changes happening in Medicaid. The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) also helps people sign up for Illinois Medicaid and connect to doctors, care teams, nutrition programs, and other services that help prevent sickness and keep families healthy.

By helping more people enroll in Medicaid, the plan supports a healthier community where everyone can get care when they need it.

For more guidance on Medicaid or other benefits, visit Health Insurance and Other Benefit Resources | DuPage County Health, IL.

Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illness season begins each year in early fall, when viruses such as flu, COVID‑19, and RSV typically start to increase as temperatures drop. As we enter the 2026–2027 season, DCHD encourages residents to stay informed and take simple steps to protect themselves and their families.

DCHD monitors respiratory illness activity across DuPage County each week through emergency department visits, lab reports, and other indicators. These trends are available on the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard, offering a quick snapshot of how widely respiratory viruses may be circulating.

According to Your Local Epidemiologist, flu activity is already picking up nationwide. In the western U.S., 9.5% of flu tests are currently positive, an early start to the season. Because it takes about two weeks for the body to build protection after vaccination, getting your flu shot sooner rather than later is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones are protected as activity increases.

Regardless of how levels change throughout the season, everyday prevention measures remain important. This includes:

• staying home when you’re sick
• practicing good hand hygiene
• improving indoor airflow when possible
• keeping up with recommended vaccinations.

These simple steps help reduce the spread of illness in homes, schools, workplaces, and community settings.

Residents are encouraged to check the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Dashboard periodically for updates. DCHD will continue to share information throughout the season to help the community stay prepared as conditions evolve.

View DCHD's Respiratory Illness Dashboard.

Gun Safe Give Away

On Saturday, October 3, DCHD participated in the Sheriff’s Safety Saturday event, where staff provided free gun safes to DuPage County residents as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting community safety. The event was a success and more than 400 gun safes were distributed.

This outreach aligned with new firearm storage requirements enacted by the State of Illinois, effective January 1, 2026. Under this legislation, firearm owners are required to secure firearms in a locked container or use a properly engaged trigger lock or cable lock whenever a minor (under 18), an at‑risk individual, or anyone prohibited from possessing a firearm could potentially access the firearm. Strengthening safe storage practices is a key strategy in preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths.

DCHD’s participation and distribution of gun safes support our mission to reduce preventable injuries and promote a safer, healthier community.

A Health Check-up for DuPage County

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is in DuPage County! NHANES is the longest-running nationwide survey that measures the health of adults and children across the United States. It is sponsored by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NHANES has collected data since 1960 on critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

“NHANES serves as the nation’s ‘health check-up’ by going into communities throughout the country to collect health information.”

¾Carolyn Greene, MD, Acting Director of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)

A random sample of DuPage County households will receive a letter inviting them to participate. The households that receive letters will then be asked to complete a brief survey to see if anyone in their home is eligible to take part. Eligible participants will complete an interview at their home, followed by a health exam at the NHANES Mobile Exam Center at a convenient time. To thank them for taking part in NHANES, participants receive:

• Free health exams at the NHANES Mobile Exam Center and results that can be shared with their health care providers
• Compensation for transportation and child or adult care costs
•  A generous token of appreciation for their time

Participation in the survey is by invitation only, so be on the lookout for your household’s invitation letter. You can spot the NHANES Mobile Exam Center at the Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge from early October through mid-December. 

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/.

Career Opportunities

Employment at DCHD represents a unique opportunity to serve and make a difference in our community. We are seeking qualified individuals who are dedicated to the mission of optimizing health and health equity for all residents of DuPage County.

Calendar of Events

October 30

8:15 AM - 4:00 PM



WIC Halloween

Non-Candy Trick or Treat



Your local DuPage County Health Department WIC Office

Real Life Brings Challenges.

DuPage County Health Department offers real help.

Additional Resources Where do I find information about...

• DuPage County Health Department: dupagehealth.org



• Other resources in DuPage County: CALL 211 to speak with someone who can help, or visit 211dupage.gov