Press Releases
Year
Whooping Cough on the Rise in Champaign County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Whooping Cough on the Rise in Champaign Count
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Pertussis Vaccination
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) reports a rise in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, throughout Champaign County. Most of the reported cases so far have occurred among high school and university students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pertussis cases are increasing nationwide, with over six times the number of cases reported this year compared to 2023. We are seeing a similar trend in Champaign County, with a total of 26 cases reported so far this year.
Pertussis is a very contagious illness that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, especially in households and indoor settings where people are in close contact with someone who has pertussis. Symptoms typically appear five to 10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. The illness often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold—runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—but can progress to severe coughing fits ending with a "whooping" sound. In some cases, it can lead to complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. Pertussis poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and unvaccinated individuals. People that have been vaccinated against pertussis may have milder symptoms, but it is important to know that they can still spread it to others. If you or a loved one develop symptoms of pertussis, especially after being in close contact with someone diagnosed with the illness, contact your healthcare provider right away.
To prevent further transmission, patients diagnosed with pertussis must avoid daycare, school, work, and public gatherings for at least five days after starting appropriate antibiotic therapy. While most individuals recover completely, complications can be severe for high-risk groups, particularly infants under one year and children who are not fully immunized.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends antibiotic treatment for specific close contacts of someone with pertussis, even if they were recently vaccinated. Close contacts include household members or anyone who has had direct exposure to respiratory, oral, or nasal secretions, or has been within three feet of the infected individual for at least five minutes.
Staying up to date with routine vaccination is the best way to protect against pertussis. Most children are immunized against pertussis with a series of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine doses, but immunity wanes during adolescence. Since 2005, the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster vaccine has been available for children, adolescents and adults. It is recommended routinely at ages 11–12.
Vaccinating women with Tdap during each pregnancy, ideally in the early third trimester, is critical to protecting newborns. This practice shields 9 in 10 babies from hospitalization due to whooping cough during their first months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated.
Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose, followed by a booster every 10 years to maintain protection.
CUPHD provides pertussis vaccines and boosters to individuals of all ages, Monday through Friday, at 201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign. To schedule an appointment, call 217-531-4317.
Taking the following daily actions can also help stop the spread of germs:
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Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
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Stay home and away from others if you feel sick.
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Avoid being around others who are sick.
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Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do the same.
For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/.
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Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Now Offering COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Upcoming Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2024
Contact
Brandon Meline, Maternal and Child Health Director
217-531-4308 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Now Offering COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Upcoming Season
Health District Urges Residents to Stay Protected Against Respiratory Viruses
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is pleased to announce the availability of both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for the 2024—2025 season. As the community prepares for the fall and winter months, CUPHD urges residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from these potentially serious illnesses. It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same visit. It is recommended that everyone six months of age and older received updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
CUPHD will offer flu and COVID vaccinations by appointment only. To schedule, please call 217-531- 4317. CUPHD can bill most insurance plans; however, no one will be turned away due to being uninsured or underinsured. Please note that CUPHD cannot bill Medicare. Individuals with Medicare should visit a pharmacy or contact their primary physician for services. Along with the vaccines offered by CUPHD, individuals can also visit Vaccines.gov to find nearby locations offering both vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation
The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is constantly evolving, and immunity from previous vaccines can diminish over time. Receiving the updated vaccine boosts protection against the most prevalent variants currently leading to infections and hospitalizations across the U.S. Vaccination also helps lower the risk of Long COVID, which can develop after an acute infection and persist for months. Last season, those who received the 2023—2024 vaccine experienced better protection against illness and hospitalization. To date, hundreds of millions have safely received the COVID-19 vaccines under the most rigorous safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Flu Vaccine Recommendation
For most people, a single dose of the flu vaccine each season is sufficient. While the CDC advises getting vaccinated if influenza viruses are circulating, September and October are the optimal months for flu vaccination.
For more information about respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html
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CUPHD Hosts Free Car Seat Inspection Event on September 9 to Promote Child Passenger Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2024
Contact
Christina Ladage, Senior Car Seat Instructor Proxy
217-531-4306 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
CUPHD Hosts Free Car Seat Inspection Event on September 9 to Promote Child Passenger Safety
Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15—21
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is hosting a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the north side parking lot garage of 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor proxy technicians will be available to provide parents and caregivers with complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. No appointment is necessary.
While this event is not part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from September 15—21 this year, it remains an important opportunity for families to ensure their children’s safety in vehicles. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from NHTSA shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues include children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size, and car seats being installed improperly, both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.
"Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
During the inspection, visitors will spend about 30 minutes with a certified expert. Technicians will verify if children are in the correct seats for their ages and sizes, ensure car seats are installed properly, and explain the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of a recall.
For those unable to attend, car seat inspections are available on the second Monday of every month at CUPHD, except on holidays. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. Additionally, individuals can visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#install-inspection to find other inspection events.
In support of child safety, CUPHD’s Maternal and Child Health division is holding a car seat donation drive. An Amazon wish list is available at https://a.co/8de7909, and donated car seats will be provided to low-income families in need. These families will also receive education on proper car seat installation. Donations can also be dropped off in person at the WIC window within the main office lobby.
For more information on child car seat safety, as well as how to find other car seat check events, visit www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat.
