IDPH Reports First Measles Case of 2025 in Southern Illinois
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois, according to a news release. The case, involving an adult in far southern Illinois, was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23. This is the only case IDPH is aware of and this is not considered an outbreak at this time. IDPH will update the public should there be any notable developments. The risk of community transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low.

IDPH is working with local health officials to identify all potential exposure locations. The clinic in southern Illinois where the patient sought care is working to identify any possible exposed patients and check the immune status of those individuals. All exposed healthcare staff were wearing masks and are considered immune.

Anyone exposed and not immune to measles should stay alert for any signs and symptoms of measles such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and notify their local health department if they become symptomatic.

Illinois has had no other reported cases of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 that resulted in 67 cases. However, IDPH has been closely monitoring the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in more than 680 confirmed cases, including three deaths, two of them children. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 800 cases of measles have been confirmed in more than 25 jurisdictions around the United States, more than double the national total in 2024.

As part of IDPH’s preparations for potential cases of measles, the department recently unveiled a new data dashboard to help school officials and members of the public assess the potential severity of any school outbreaks of measles, should one occur in Illinois. The new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard makes it easy for the public to find out the measles vaccination rate in any school in Illinois, public or private, and to determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is introduced in their school. 

REGISTER: IHA Ransomware Recovery Webinar on June 3
The healthcare industry remains a top target for ransomware attacks, requiring continuous vigilance and preparedness planning. Gain new insights into ransomware recovery to enhance your preparedness plans during a complimentary IHA webinar about the multi-year journey of Enloe Medical Center in California after a 2020 attack.

The June 3 webinar, from 10-11:30 a.m. CT, will feature the hospital’s chief information officer and chief information security officer, Tom Osteen, as well as its cybersecurity manager, Ryan Cox. Together, they will:

• Discuss lessons learned from the ransomware attack;
• Identify and prioritize key improvement activities in the wake of such an attack; and
• Highlight strategies to strengthen staff retention and leadership buy-in of cybersecurity.

Because of Enloe Medical Center’s post-attack response, the hospital has achieved a world-class, sustainable cybersecurity posture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has classified the hospital as a high-performer, and the hospital consistently maintains 100% HIPAA Security Rule compliance.

The complimentary webinar will benefit hospital leaders and teams responsible for cybersecurity and emergency preparedness. See our program webpage for more information on who should attend and other details. The webinar will not be recorded. Register today.

Staff contact: Keneatha Johnson

BHWC to Host Training Courses to Become Recovery Support Specialists 
The Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) has announced three upcoming in-person training courses to become a certified recovery support specialist in the behavioral health field.

The dates and locations are: 

• May 13 – Heartland Community College, 1500 W. Raab Road, Normal, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CT
• May 14 – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 1 Hairpin Dr., Edwardsville, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CT
• May 23 – Malcolm X Community College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CT

The in-person training will cover: 

• Independent Certification Path
• CRSS/CPRS Success Path
• WRAP®
• Certification 101
• Burnout
• Professional Boundaries
• A job fair to network and meet employers actively hiring for roles in recovery support

To register, click here. For more information, contact Tanya Johnson, LSW, Initiative Coordinator, BHWC at tlojg4m@uic.edu. To learn more about BHWC, click here. 

Not in Our State: Illinois Urgently Calls on Residents to Help Stop Hate 
Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents, according to a news release. Now, the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources. 

Since its launch, Help Stop Hate has emerged as a vital lifeline for survivors, offering immediate relief through anonymous reporting, trauma-informed care and connections to services—such as legal aid—to fill gaps where traditional systems fall short, the announcement said. 

To further drive awareness and action, IDHR and CDHC have launched a statewide, multilingual advertising campaign. IDHR and CDHC are also partnering with local organizations and municipalities across Illinois to help stop hate. 

Victims or witnesses can report acts of hate online anytime at ILStopHate.org or over the phone at 877-458-HATE (4283) between noon-9 p.m. CT weekdays.