Coronavirus Information Center
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 827,000 people and killed more than 40,000 worldwide. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. As of April 5, more than 11,000 people in Illinois have been […]
Illinois COVID-19 Cases Grow To 11; Disaster Proclamation Declared
CHICAGO – Illinois now has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19. On Monday afternoon, Governor JB Pritzker announced four new cases of the coronavirus in the state. He also formally declared a disaster proclamation. That opens up pathways to federal and state resources, including money and medical expertise. While the risk of getting coronavirus remains low, Pritzker […]
U Of I Student Isolated After Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis
URBANA – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reported Friday that a student is being treated for bacterial meningitis, but there is a low risk of the illness spreading in the general population. That’s because the student lived in off-campus housing and has been isolated in a hospital during treatment. In a notice to the community, […]
US Reports 1st Case Of Person-To-Person Spread Of New Virus Is In Chicago
NEW YORK – Health officials Thursday reported the first U.S. case of person-to-person spread of the new virus from China. The man is married to the Chicago woman who got sick from the virus after she returned from a trip to Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak. There have been cases reported of the […]
Coronavirus Concerns Empty Local Stores Of Masks
URBANA – Health officials continue to say that the best protection against the novel coronavirus is hand washing and cough-covering. But if you’re looking for more protection, say in the form of a respiratory mask, you’ll be hard pressed to find one in Champaign-Urbana. On Sunday and Monday, we checked with pharmacies, big box stores, medical […]
Concern & Solidarity Leads To Cancellation Of Local Lunar New Year Celebration
CHAMPAIGN – Concerns about the spreading coronavirus and a desire to express solidarity with people in the Chinese city of Wuhan have led to the cancellation of one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in the midwest. Yaguang Lian is the president of the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois. His group has cancelled […]
Illinois To Expand Number Of Physician Assistants Allowed By Law
Illinois is on track to expand the number of physician assistants allowed to treat patients, especially in many rural areas. Senate Bill 2904 increases the number of physician assistants a doctor is allowed to collaborate with. The bill, which passed both houses of the state legislature, also removes the upper limit on physician assistants in […]
For Chronic Pain, A Change In Habits Can Beat Opioids For Relief
There’s a growing consensus among pain specialists that lifestyle changes can be more effective than drugs in managing chronic pain. But the alternative approach requires patient commitment.
Soaring Popularity Of Grass-Fed Beef May Run Into Roadblock: Less Nutritious Grass
A few years ago, Kansas City restaurateur Anton Kotar surveyed the local and national restaurant scenes and concluded his town’s reputation as a…
Rural School Districts Shortchanged In Rush To Attract Wind Turbine Investors
Mark Buck can see some of the 314 turbines in Kansas’ largest wind farm from his office window in Medicine Lodge, where he is superintendent of the…
Treatment Court Offers Second Chance for Veterans
Illinois Circuit Courts will be required to have a special treatment court for veterans, starting next year. The initiative aims to reduce recidivism…