To see previous Releases visit our archives:

2/5/05...Vermilion County residents will have an opportunity to speak out about their health status and needs over the next month. Northern Illinois University's Public Opinion Laboratory, under the direction of the Illinois Department of Public Health, will be conducting a telephone survey of adult health behaviors in Vermilion County over the next month. Those asked to respond to the random sample of households must be 18 years of age and older and Vermilion County residents. "The data we receive from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System survey allows us an opportunity to better understand and respond to needs within our county," says Vermilion County Health Department Administrator Stephen Laker.

"Illinois is one of the few states in the nation consistently obtaining this type of valuable, county-level data, enabling health departments and other local agencies to respond more efficiently and effectively to community needs," says Community Relations Coordinator Linda Bolton. Laker agrees, saying, "With limited budgets, we all must do a better job of identifying needs and understanding the health-habits of residents in our community".

Because there can be uncertainty about the legitimacy of survey calls, Laker and Bolton encourage residents who are contacted to question the caller's validity. Individuals being called should feel comfortable discussing their concerns with the caller, and should be provided with a toll-free telephone number to verify the legitimacy of the call. "All information obtained during the survey will be kept confidential," Laker says. "We will not be given data regarding individuals," Laker says, "We will receive only a summary report of the total responses."

Anyone with questions about the survey can: contact Laker or Bolton at the Vermilion County Health Department, 431-2662 contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, 785-1064; directly contact Northern Illinois University, (815) 753-0950; or visit the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System website to view the data.
##########

1/28/05...With the lifting of state and national restrictions on influenza vaccine, Vermilion County Health Department is making flu shots available to anyone from February 1st through the 10th. "We are fortunate to still have some vaccine available for the general public," says Community Health Services Director Lynn Galloway. She says anyone wanting a flu shot can receive one at the health department's main facility in Danville, 220 South College Street, Monday through Friday, (February 1st - 10th) from 9am to Noon, and from 1pm to 4pm. No appointment is necessary. Cost is $18.00. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday lifted restrictions, allowing anyone wanting a flu shot to receive it, regardless of their health status, in those areas of the country where vaccine is still available. Most of the United States experienced a shortage of influenza vaccine last fall, when anticipated shipments of vaccine were not received. Because of the vaccine shortage, Illinois and other states restricted flu vaccinations to those people most at risk from flu because of existing health conditions and age.

Illinois Public Health officials today are joining the CDC in broadening vaccine use in those counties where supply is sufficient. State Public Health Director, Dr. Eric Whitaker says, "Local health care providers have done an outstanding job in making sure those at highest risk of serious illness from flu were first provided the opportunity to be vaccinated." Dr. Whitaker adds, "It is now appropriate to use what's left of the limited vaccine supply to offer protection to as many people as possible".

The CDC is reporting that flu activity was low across the United States through early December, but is increasing steadily. Flu activity generally peaks in January-February. "Unless you've already had the flu," says Dr. Whitaker, "It's not too late to get a flu shot."

Galloway agrees, but says, the vaccine is available at Vermilion County Health Department for only a limited time. "We will only offer these open, walk in flu shot clinics through February 10th," she says. For more information, call Galloway at 431-2662.

###############

1/4/05...In keeping with directives from the Department of Public Health and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, the Vermilion County Health Department is offering flu immunizations to individuals age 50 and up. "Until now we have provided flu shots only to those Vermilion County residents considered to be most at risk from influenza," says Community Health Services Director Lynn Galloway. She adds, "Some of our vaccine has been re-allocated allowing us the opportunity to provide immunizations to those who are age 50 and up". Flu shots will be available on a walk in basis at the Danville facility, 200 South College Street, during regular hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30), until further notice. Cost for a flu shot is $18.00. In addition, Galloway says, the health department has extended its contract with the State of Illinois through the end of February. "This will allow us to provide flu shots to state employees here in Vermilion County," she says.

A shortage of vaccine last fall forced health departments across the state and nation to limit flu shots to those considered to be most vulnerable to flu illness. Galloway says, "Certainly we are pleased to have had sufficient vaccine to immunize our most at risk population," adding, "And now we have the opportunity to protect an even larger portion of the population." As of this week, a directive from the Governor's office is encouraging those health departments in Illinois with adequate supplies of vaccine to offer flu shots to additional groups beyond high risk, including people age 50 and older and those who are potentially in close contact with high risk individuals.

The Illinois Department of Public Health encourages the following to seek flu immunization: children 6 months - 23 months; people age 50 and older; anyone age 2 years - 64 years with medical conditions; pregnant women; those living in long term care facilities; children ages 6 months - age 18 on long-term aspirin therapy; household contacts of individuals in high risk groups; health care workers providing direct patient care; household contacts of children younger than 6 months; out-of-home caregivers.

Galloway says, "Anyone who has questions about whether they should seek a flu shot can call us at 431-2662, or stop by the health department".

########

12/29/04...The number of confirmed cases of whooping cough in Vermilion County stands at seven (7), and climbing. "Each day is bringing us additional people who may have been exposed," says Communicable Disease Coordinator for the Vermilion County Health Department Sherrie Shoemaker. The seven people to date who are confirmed as having pertussis range in age from two months to 25 years.

"We expect the situation may worsen," Shoemaker says, "Because we're probably only scratching the surface of determining how many people may be exposed." She adds, "We have alerted the local medical community, walk in clinics, and emergency rooms to notify us if they are testing individuals for pertussis so we can do the follow-up". Shoemaker says once she is notified that someone is being tested for pertussis, she begins seeking information on any family members and/or acquaintances that may have also been exposed. "If someone has been directly exposed, they may need to receive treatment from their physician," Shoemaker says.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is caused by a bacterium (germ) that lives in the mouth, nose and throat. The germ is highly contagious and is easily spread from person to person. Pertussis is usually treated with an antibiotic. People in close contact with children or adults with pertussis usually also need to be treated with antibiotics. Anyone who has not had pertussis previously or who has not received the pertussis vaccine can get the disease. Half of the cases occur in children younger than 1 year of age. Older children and adults can carry the germ and spread it but have only mild symptoms; effectiveness of the vaccine may diminish with age.

Whooping cough symptoms can appear in from five to twenty-one days following exposure; they can include a long series of coughs or coughing 'fits', followed by a whooping noise. Older children, adults, and infants may not develop the 'whooping' sound. Generally there is little or no fever with pertussis, but coughing can be followed by vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin coloring may take on a shade of blue. Usually, coughing increases at night, and does not decrease with the use of cough medicines.

Anyone exhibiting cold symptoms that worsen in one to two weeks should contact their medical provider for testing and treatment. For more information, call Shoemaker at 431-2662.

###

12/20/04...Following confirmation of a fifth case of pertussis in Vermilion County, public health officials are urging parents to use some caution this holiday season at family gatherings and other events where groups of people are likely to assemble. Public Health Nurse Pam Hull encourages people to use common sense when it comes to holiday gatherings. "Obviously, if a child is sick keep him or her home," Hull says.

To date, there are five people in Vermilion County with confirmed cases of pertussis; one is a probable case; and five have tested negative for pertussis. Their ages range from infant to teenagers. The health department continues to interview family and friends of the individuals who have been confirmed as having pertussis. "The infant was too young to have received pertussis immunization," Hull says.

Commonly known as 'whooping cough', pertussis usually affects children if they have not been vaccinated. But Hull says even adults who received their childhood vaccinations may become infected if the effectiveness of their immunization has waned.

Whooping cough symptoms can appear in from five to twenty-one days following exposure; they can include a long series of coughs or coughing 'fits', followed by a whooping noise. Older children, adults, and infants may not develop the 'whooping' sound. Generally there is little or no fever with pertussis, but coughing can be followed by vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin coloring may take on a shade of blue. Usually, coughing increases at night, and does not decrease with the use of cough medicines.

Anyone exhibiting cold symptoms that worsen in one to two weeks should contact their medical provider for testing and treatment. For more information, call Hull at 431-2662,

#######

12/14/04.......The number of confirmed cases of pertussis in Vermilion County continues to mount. Public health officials say they now have two confirmed cases of whooping cough. "Symptoms can appear in from 5 to 21 days," according to Communicable Disease Coordinator Sherrie Shoemaker, who adds, "We are still in the early stages of identifying potential cases."

To date, the Vermilion County Health Department reports one probable case; two confirmed; two negative; four additional individuals are awaiting test results; and one individual is considered to be a 'suspect' case, awaiting the results of further testing.

Shoemaker says so far, all but one of the individuals tested are either from the same families, or are school-related illnesses. She says those individuals tested earlier either had never been vaccinated against pertussis or did not receive the full series of pertussis immunization. "That's why we continue to urge parents to be certain their children receive proper immunizations." She says those awaiting tests this week had either had whooping cough or had been vaccinated as children but the effectiveness of their immunization may have waned with age.

Symptoms can appear in from five to twenty-one days following exposure; they can include a long series of coughs or coughing 'fits', followed by a whooping noise. Health officials say older children, adults, and infants may not develop the 'whooping' sound. Shoemaker says there is generally little or no fever with pertussis, but coughing can be followed by vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin coloring may take on a shade of blue. Usually, coughing increases at night.

Shoemaker says anyone exhibiting cold symptoms that worsen in one to two weeks should contact their medical provider. For more information, call Shoemaker at 431-2662.

########

December 8, 2004
Contact: Stephen Laker, Sherrie Shoemaker, 431-2662

Public health officials are alerting healthcare providers in Vermilion County to be on the lookout for pertussis symptoms. The Vermilion County Health Department has confirmed the disease in one person; another is considered to be probable; and three individuals have been tested and are awaiting results. Commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is very contagious and can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. "We are asking the Vermilion County medical community to heighten surveillance for symptoms of pertussis in their patients," says health department Communicable Disease Coordinator Sherrie Shoemaker.

"We associate whooping cough with children," Shoemaker says, "But teens and adults can routinely be infected if they have not been vaccinated, or if the vaccination is no longer effective enough to protect them from the germs." Shoemaker says the vaccine may wane with age. "Researches are currently working to develop a booster to extend protection for older children and adults," she says. Children receive their last pertussis vaccination before they turn age seven. Shoemaker says at this time, confirmed and suspect cases of whooping cough in Vermilion County range in age from middle school to adult. She says the parents of potentially exposed students have been directly informed of the situation by school officials.

Symptoms can appear from five to up to twenty-one days following exposure; they can include a long series of coughs or coughing 'fits', followed by a whooping noise. However, Shoemaker says older children, adults, and infants may not develop the 'whooping' sound. "With pertussis," Shoemaker says, "There is generally little or no fever, but coughing can be followed by vomiting, difficulty breathing, and skin may take on a shade of blue". She says coughing worsens at night, and cough medicines usually do not alleviate the coughing.

Typically, pertussis is treated with antibiotics. Adults and others who are in close contact with someone diagnosed as having whooping cough may need preventive treatment. Death from whooping cough is rare, but infants less than one year of age can be most vulnerable to its infection. Public health officials say anyone who has not previously had whooping cough, or who has not been vaccinated can get the disease. Adults vaccinated as children can carry (and spread) the germ, while showing only mild symptoms themselves. Shoemaker says anyone exhibiting cold symptoms that worsen in one to two weeks should contact their medical provider. For more information, call Shoemaker at 431-2662.

########

The Vermilion County Health Department will offer flu immunizations for high risk individuals (age 19 and up with chronic illness, and individuals age 65 and older) on a walk in basis Friday, December 10th, Monday december 13th, Tuesday, December 14th, and Wednesday, December 15th from 8 am to 4 pm at their Danville facility, 200 South College Street. Cost is $18.00. For more information, call 431-2662.

########

As of 11/22/04, the Vermilion County Health Department continues to accept phone calls to pre-screen adults 65 years of age and up with chronic illness for flu shot appointments Nov 15-17th. With the arrival of the remainder of VCHD's vaccine, walk in flu clinics (no appointments necessary) will be held for the second risk category (those ages 19 and up with chronic illness the week of November 22nd. Those who qualify must contact their physicians to verify eligibility. A thrid flu clinic is planned the week of November 29th for anyone ages 19 and up with chronic illness, and senior citizens ages 65 and up whether they have a chronic illness or not.....for more information, call 431-2662, or link to our Bulletin page.

###

 

As of 11/4/04, the Vermilion County Health Department will accept telephone calls to pre-screen adults for flu shots. Only Vermilion County (IL) adults age 65 and older with documented chronic illness are eligible for this first round of immunizations by appointment, according to Director of Community Health Services Lynn Galloway. Those who qualify will be scheduled for immunization later this month.

No walk-in flu immunizations will be available. "Based on the telephone screenings, we will allocate specific amounts of vaccine to be used in both the north and south areas of the county as well as at our Danville site," Galloway says." She adds, "We hope to make flu immunizations as accessible as possible to those who most need it." The cost of flu shots is $18.00.

The health department has received one half (2,750 doses) of the of flu vaccine originally ordered. "Once we knew we would receive a partial order, we began to look at how we can effectively ensure those who are most at risk will be immunized," says Administrator Stephen Laker. He adds, "We are not comfortable having to set such specific priorities, but with only limited vaccine available, we have no choice".

According to Galloway, the health department has established three levels of priority within the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Level One - those ages 65 and older with documented chronic illness; Level Two - those 19 years of age and older with documented chronic illness; Level Three - those individuals who are over the age of 65. Galloway says the health department will begin immunizing the Level One risk group this month, and then include other risk categories as vaccine is available. "Following careful consideration," Galloway says, "We believe this plan will enable us to immunize much of the Vermilion County population considered most vulnerable to the effects of flu." She says the plan has been designed to prevent the elderly and those with health problems from waiting in long lines. "We feel the pre-screenings will prevent problems that could have arisen by offering shots on a walk-in basis as was done in the past when the vaccine supply was greater."

Laker says a portion of the vaccine will be held for local nursing homes. "We continue to be told there is vaccine available for nursing homes," he says, "But we are keeping some vaccine in reserve in case we need to help out vulnerable nursing home residents and home-bound individuals."

Those 65 and over with chronic illness who have not received a flu shot should call the health department at 431-2662 for a pre-screening. As vaccine is available and additional clinics are set, local media will be notified and information will be posted on this site.

#########

10/18/04.............Vermilion County health officials say they now expect to receive at least a limited amount of influenza vaccine. "Late last week we received word a limited supply of vaccine will be available for us to distribute to high risk populations in Vermilion County during December," says Public Health Administrator Stephen Laker. "Once we received word of the limited availability," Laker says, "We began working to determine how to best utilize it". The health department will announce how the vaccine will be distributed in a few weeks. "Giving flu vaccine in December is later than normal," Laker says, "But well within the traditional December through March flu season."

Laker says Vermilion County has been assured 2,750 doses of influenza vaccine - one half of the county's original request for the coming flu season. He says last year's records show the health department gave over 5,400 flu vaccinations. "We also know that about 4,000 of those flu shots - 75% - went to those most at risk according to CDC guidelines." This year, Laker says, he anticipates a greater demand for flu shots, since there is such a limited supply. "Anytime there is a declared shortage it increases demand," Laker says, adding, "But our obligation to Vermilion County residents is to ensure that we protect those populations most vulnerable to influenza".

Laker says he encourages healthy adults to forego flu shots this year, and he is encouraging Vermilion County health providers to follow the recommended guidelines for those who should be immunized. "We will have such a limited supply of vaccine, we want to make sure it gets to those who most need it," adding, "We may even have to prioritize those priorities already set by the CDC."

CDC guidelines say those most at risk are: children age 5 to 23 months; adults age 65 and older; people age 2 to 64 with underlying medical conditions; women who will be pregnant during flu season; nursing home and long term care residents; children 6 months to 18 years who are on chronic aspirin therapy; health care workers in direct patient care; out of home caregivers and household contacts with children less than 6 months of age.

Flu shots will cost $18.00, as previously announced by the health department. "I urge people to use common sense and not fall prey to exorbitant prices for flu shots," Laker says. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan last week urged consumers to watch for price gouging as has occurred in other states where flu vaccine is in short supply.

The health department will not establish a waiting list. Information on Vermilion County flu clinics will be posted on their website and announced through the local media.

Community Health Services Director Lynn Galloway says, "This will be a difficult year in which our residents will have to rely on good, old fashioned preventive medicine." She says, as the flu season approaches, public health reminds people to use greater care in washing their hands frequently and correctly. She urges parents to take the time to teach their children to correctly wash their hands often to reduce the spread of germs. In addition, keep alcohol-based hand cleaner for a back up if hot water and soap are not available; cover your mouth when you cough, but not with your bare hand; clean and disinfect surfaces at home and work; avoid contact with people who are sick; do not go to work of school if you are sick; if you do not feel well, please do not visit hospitals or long term care facilities; if you feel sick, call your doctor. Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, tiredness (extreme), dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches.
The Vermilion County Health Department will have pneumonia vaccine available by appointment only. Call 431-2662 for information, or to make an appointment.

#########

2003 Flu Clinics Set to Open....10/9/03

Vermilion County Health Department opens its annual flu immunization clinics next week. The first immunization clinics of the 2003 flu season will be Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14th and 15th from 8:30am to 4pm at the Vermilion County Health Department, 200 South College Street in Danville. The health department's annual round of flu clinics at sites out the county will begin in Hoopeston on Thursday, October 16th from 9am to 12:30 at the Hoopeston Multi-Agency. And the health department's annual flu clinic at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home will be Friday, October 17th from 9am-1pm.
No appointments are necessary at any of the scheduled flu clinics. Cost of flu shots this year is $15.00; pneumonia immunization will be $26.00. Medicare cards are accepted, and must be presented at the time of vaccination.

Community Health Services Director Lynn Galloway says flu clinics usually begin at the end of September, but kickoffs for the clinics have been delayed. "While there is no shortage of vaccine this year," she says, "Our consortium supplier has been unable to ship the larger quantities of vaccine that we need in a timely manner". Galloway says vaccine is now arriving, and she expects it to be delivered to the health department on a regular basis. Galloway says the delay in opening flu clinics is not a problem. "Flu season typically runs from November through April," Galloway says, "And with the height of the flu season coming in January, getting immunized in October and November is advisable".

On average, 36,000 people in the United States die each year from influenza. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends flu shots for anyone age 50 and older; and anyone at risk from chronic illness. Public Health is also recommending flu shots for children age six months to 18 years old. "Flu is extremely contagious," Galloway says, "And the push is on to prevent it from spreading through families, and at home, work and school." The Vermilion County Health Department will be offering flu shots for children for the first time this year. However, flu shots for children will only be given by appointment at the health department's Danville facility. For information, or to make an appointment for your child, call 431-2662.

To view the 2003 flu clinic schedule for Vermilion County, click here

Return to the Top

West Nile cases in Illinois rise to 33....10/8/03

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, Tuesday announced three new cases of West Nile disease have raised to 33 the state's total this year for the mosquito-borne disease. Dr. Whitaker said the cases are: a 70-year-old man from Chicago, who became ill Sept. 20, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and has since been discharged; a 56-year-old man from Will County, who became ill Sept. 7, was hospitalized with West Nile fever and has since been discharged; and a 32-year-old woman from Winnebago County, who became ill Sept. 15, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and has since been discharged. This years cases have been from the city of Chicago (3), suburban Cook County (12), DuPage County (2), Sangamon County (3) and one each from Champaign, DeKalb, LaSalle, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, McLean, Piatt, St. Clair, Vermilion, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago counties. (10/8/03)

PERTUSSIS OUTBREAK PROMPTS PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING
At least 56 sickened in Rock Island County ...10/6/03

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today urged parents to ensure their young children are properly immunized against pertussis and asked that anyone exhibiting symptoms of this highly contagious disease to immediately consult a health care provider.

Dr. Whitaker's warning was prompted by an ongoing outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, that has sickened at least 56 people in Rock Island County since July 1, including the recent illness of 12 coaches and members of a local athletic team. Other reports of pertussis illness have been received from Iowa counties located across the Mississippi River from Rock Island. Although it generally is not a severe disease for adults, it can be a critical illness and can cause death, particularly among children younger than 1 year of age," Dr. Whitaker said. "In an outbreak such as this, it is important that infants, especially those under 2 months of age who have yet to be immunized, be completely isolated from persons exhibiting symptoms."

The Rock Island outbreak is being investigated by the Rock Island County Health Department with the assistance of the Department's infectious diseases Rapid Response Team. Cases range in age from 2 months to 61; there have been no deaths. Dr. Whitaker called on health care providers in northwestern Illinois to promptly report suspect cases to their local health departments to assist public health workers to make sure those who are ill receive the appropriate treatment - usually erythromycin - and close contacts of those who are infected are identified and treated with antibiotics to stop the disease from spreading.

Pertussis, which is a bacterial disease, is easily spread from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing and an infected person is contagious from just before the onset of symptoms until up to three weeks after symptoms start. Syptoms usually appear five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms to appear are similar to a common cold - runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs.

The characteristic high-pitched "whoop" comes from breathing in after a coughing episode. During such an attack, the patient may turn blue, vomit and become exhausted. Between coughing attacks, the patient usually appears normal. Some patients do not have "whooping" and may only experience a persistent cough. The attacks tend to increase in frequency for a couple weeks, then remain at the same level for two to three weeks, and then gradually decrease. Coughing may last as long as 10 weeks and occasionally longer. Recovery is gradual and coughing episodes can recur with subsequent respiratory infections for months after the onset of pertussis. The five-dose pertussis vaccine is recommended for every child beginning at 2 months of age. Other doses are given at 4, 6 and 15 months and a final dose at 4 to 6 years of age. The vaccine is given in the same shot with diphtheria and tetanus and is required for school attendance. The vaccination provides protection when children are most susceptible to serious illness. Immunization, however, begins to wane three years after the last shot and its protection can be fully gone 12 years after the last shot. Over the past five years, Illinois has averaged about 160 cases of pertussis a year.

Return to the Top

WNV caseload continues to rise....10/6/03

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - The number of human cases of West Nile disease this year has increased to 30 with the announcement today by Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, that new cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been identified in Cook and Madison counties. Dr. Whitaker said the latest cases are: a 70-year-old woman from suburban Cook County, who became ill Sept. 23, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and remains under hospital care. a 46-year-old woman from Madison County, who became ill Sept. 4, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and has since been discharged.

Illinois WNV Caseload continues to rise.....10/2/03

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, Thursday reported that two suburban Cook County residents are the latest Illinoisans to be identified this year with West Nile disease. Dr. Whitaker said the cases are: a 54-year-old man, who became ill Sept. 15, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and has since been discharged and a 45-year-old woman, who became ill Sept. 17, was treated for West Nile encephalitis, but did not require hospitalization. So far this year, the state has recorded 28 cases of the mosquito-borne disease, including one death - a 78-year-old woman from suburban Cook County who passed away Tuesday. The cases have been from the city of Chicago (2), suburban Cook County (11), DuPage County (2), Sangamon County (3) and one each from Champaign, DeKalb, LaSalle, Macon, Macoupin, McLean, Piatt, St. Clair, Vermilion and Whiteside counties.

Illinois reports its first WNV human death in 2003......(10/1/03)

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, Wednesday announced an elderly suburban Cook County woman has been identified as the state's first fatality this year from West Nile disease. Last year, Illinois led the nation with 66 West Nile disease deaths, including 41 in Cook County. Dr. Whitaker said the 78-year-old woman, who first became ill Sept. 17 and was hospitalized three days later with West Nile encephalitis, died Tuesday (Sept. 30). In addition to the woman's death, Dr. Whitaker also reported another suburban Cook County case has pushed the state's total number of human cases this year to 26. The 47-year-old woman, who became ill Sept. 10, was hospitalized with West Nile encephalitis and has since been discharged.

Return to the Top

Vermilion County man identified as having West Nile Virus….(9/29/03)

Illinois Department of Public Health officials have confirmed a Vermilion County man has tested positive for West Nile encephalitis. Vermilion County Health Department Administrator Stephen Laker says it is unknown where the individual was when he was exposed to West Nile. "The individual traveled for his work," according to Laker, "And he may have been exposed to the virus in another county". Laker says the man was hospitalized for treatment locally after he showed signs of the illness; the individual has since been released from the hospital. Last September, Vermilion County public health officials reported the first of two positive cases of human West Nile disease in 2002.

Illinois public health officials say the mosquito season is expected to continue in Central Illinois until the first hard frost. Laker reminds everyone to use common sense precautions while outside between dusk and dawn:
>Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts
>While outdoors, wear insect repellant containing 25% DEET
>Keep home screens in good repair
>Eliminate stagnant, standing water around residences

To date this year, twenty-four (24) people in Illinois have tested positive for West Nile disease; no human deaths have been attributed to West Nile in 2003. Last year at this time, the state was reporting 573 human cases of illness and 32 deaths.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. For more information, contact the Vermilion County Health Department at 431-2662, or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.idph.state.il.us, or call the state's WNV Hotline at 1-866-369-9710.

Return to the Top

###########################

19th Human case of WNV identified....(9/23/03)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Public Health Monday reported a northern Cook County woman has been identified as the state's 19th case of West Nile disease this year. Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, said the 61-year-old woman was hospitalized Sept. 12 with West Nile encephalitis and remains under hospital care. She is the seventh Cook County case of West Nile disease this year compared with 634 in 2002. The state's other cases of the mosquito-borne disease this year have been from the city of Chicago (2), suburban Cook County (4), DuPage County (2), Sangamon County (3) and one each from and Champaign, DeKalb, LaSalle, Macon, Macoupin, Piatt and Whiteside counties