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.
Tag: Illinois Department of Public Health
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.
Pritzker announces new IDPH pick, further scales back COVID-19 orders
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon have a new Department of Public Health director and its first electric vehicles coordinator after Gov. JB Pritzker announced those appointments in recent days. Dr. Sameer Vohra, a Springfield pediatrician, will still need approval from the state Senate to become the permanent replacement for former Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who
Water users urged to avoid algal blooms
URBANA – As the temperatures warm and people head out to local waterways, you are warned to avoid algal blooms. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Public Health say you, your family, and your pets should avoid touching, swimming, inhaling, or drinking water that looks like the following: looks like spilled, green
First case of omicron COVID-19 variant detected in Illinois
URBANA – Health officials reported late Tuesday that the omicron COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in a case in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health said the case was confirmed in a Chicago resident. That patient had been in contact with a person from another state who
Judge rules Vermilion County teachers, parents must follow state COVID-19 rules in schools
DANVILLE — Protestors from the group Vermilion County Health Advocates stood outside the Vermilion County Courthouse on Friday afternoon holding signs and wearing t-shirts saying “Unmask our Children” while cars honked in support. Meanwhile — inside the courthouse — Judge Karen Wall ruled against both Danville District 118 teachers and parents from Hoopeston Area School
Only One Elder Care Facility In Champaign-Urbana Is Requiring Staff Vaccinations
URBANA – More than 10,000 residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to state data. But in Champaign County, only one long-term care facility is currently mandating that its staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Clark-Lindsey, a long-term care facility and nursing home in Urbana,