UPDATE: Test results show case in Winnebago County was not Hantavirus
The resident is no longer considered a potential case of Hantavirus and no further public health action is needed.
Tag: Illinois Department of Public Health
Vaccinations for children in Illinois increased this school year, data shows
The state’s School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard shows that coverage rates for all school-required childhood immunizations are holding steady compared to last year, and all but one of those immunizations is above the state’s 95% coverage goal to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Despite concerns, LaHood doesn’t break with administration over vaccinations
Congressman Darin LaHood is not breaking entirely with the Trump administration on the vaccine question — even while acknowledging he now has more than just concerns.
Case of Legionnaires’ disease confirmed at state-operated developmental center
Shapiro Developmental Center is home to more than 450 with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Flu cases are on the rise in Champaign County, health officials say
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health district is urging residents to get vaccinated and protect themselves as the county is seeing an uptick in flu cases.
Illinois vaccine committee votes to keep recommending hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
Since at least 2018, the state has logged only one confirmed case of a newborn infected with hepatitis B.
Illinois health officials recommend COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, contradicting feds
The new guidance follows an executive order signed by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this month aimed at expanding access for COVID-19 shots and other vaccines across the state.
Unhealthy air alert issued for many Illinois counties due to smoke from Canadian wildfires
Those most at risk of getting sick are people with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as children and adults who are active outdoors, according to the state health department.
First human case of West Nile Virus found in southern Illinois
The state’s health department says the case marks the earliest known instance of a person in Illinois being infected with West Nile virus since 2016.
State reports first measles case in southern Illinois
More than 800 cases have been confirmed in 25 jurisdictions around the U.S.
Investigative reporters discuss possible cancer cluster in Piatt County
Community members say state officials been slow to investigate the possible cancer cluster in Monticello. That’s led advocates to begin collecting data on their own.
Champaign County is short 300 nursing home beds. Health officials want input on how to help
National data shows that beds are disappearing while the need for senior care is growing. This problem will only multiply because of the rapid projected growth of U.S. residents ages 65 and older — from 56 million in 2020 to 81 million by 2040.
Illinois public health director visits Champaign to promote vaccinations ahead of the holidays
Across Illinois, COVID-19 hospitalizations remain relatively low, but the state has experienced a 13% uptick.
Fish in Illinois lakes & streams will no longer be tested for DDT
Illinois is joining a growing list of states that will no longer test fish in lakes and rivers for DDT and other related pesticides. Illinois began testing fish for organochlorine pesticides in the 1970s, a few years after the best-known one, DDT, was banned in the U-S. Up until the ban, the chemicals had been
How are Illinois schools preparing for the next COVID-flu season?
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health said they will spend $30 million on portable air purifiers for low-income schools. Each comes with a two year supply of filters.