Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Foundation at Presence Covenant Medical Center partners with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) to award $10,000 for mammography screenings

Urbana, Illinois (September 4, 2013) - With $10,000 from Presence Covenant Medical Center's Foundation, Robin Newhouse is one of more than 675 names on a waiting list for mammography screenings who now has an opportunity to schedule this vital breast cancer detection procedure. "It's a huge relief to be able to get my mammogram," says Newhouse who doesn't have access to health insurance through either of her part-time... more...

Champaign, IL - Several mosquito samples have recently tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). "This is the time of the year that we expect to see an increase of WNV between the bird and Culex mosquito populations. It is important for people to now take precautions to help prevent WNV," said Jim Roberts, Environmental Health Director at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District... more...

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Peer Counseling Program will be hosting The Mommy and Baby Expo in conjunction with The Big Latch On August 2-3, 2013. This event is to increase awareness for mothers on the breastfeeding support services available to them throughout the community. Additional information will be available including prenatal care, labor and delivery options, postpartum care, infant care and health and wellness information. All events are free and open to the... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Take Precautions

Champaign, IL - A dead bird collected last week just outside the city limits of Champaign has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). "With an increase in the hot and dry conditions we will expect to see an increase of WNV between the bird and Culex mosquito populations. It is important for people to now take precautions to help prevent WNV," said Jim Roberts, Environmental Health Director at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will no longer inspect body art establishments.

See PDF file for the... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Consumers to Check Their Freezers for Recalled Pomegranate Seeds

CHAMPAIGN, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) received notice from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding a recall of pomegranate seeds. IDPH recommends checking the brand of frozen pomegranate seeds or a mixture containing pomegranate seeds purchased since February prior to eating them.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined the most likely source of a multistate Hepatitis A virus outbreak is a common shipment of pomegranate seeds from Turkey used in the Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Blends. These seeds were also used by Scenic Fruit Company to make its Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels. The companies have voluntarily recalled these... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Citizens to Keep Cats Indoors to Help Minimize Tularemia

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is encouraging area residents to keep cats indoors to reduce the likelihood of contracting tularemia. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health Districts has identified two additional cats positive for tularemia in Champaign-Urbana. Previously, five cats were diagnosed with tularemia at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine; one cat from Champaign and one from Urbana; and three cats from two households in Savoy. Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis found in animals (especially rodents, rabbits and hares).

Cats may prey on rabbits and rodents and become infected or they may become infected through tick exposure. Cats may develop a variety of symptoms including high fever, mouth ulcers, depression, enlarged lymph nodes and behavioral changes including not... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District begins
2013Culex Mosquito Abatement

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is starting Culex mosquito abatement this week for the 2013 mosquito season. CUPHD uses seasonal workers on bikes, known as Mosquito Abatement Bikers (MABs), to evaluate and treat public catch basins in Champaign, Urbana and Savoy. The catch basins are treated with a product that disrupts the life cycle of the mosquito and reduces adult mosquito emergence. Catch basins are prime breeding sites for the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (WNV).

Homeowners can also have an impact on mosquito populations by draining standing water on their property. Items such as gutters, abandoned pools, garbage cans, flower pots, toys, tires, trash, bird baths and wading pools can all be potential breeding sites for... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges People Not To Purchase Small Turtles

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District urges people not to purchase turtles with shells of less than 4 inches. With exotic pets becoming more popular, it is important to know how to stay safe and healthy. Reptiles and amphibians often carry Salmonella on their skin and shells. The bacteria do not make them sick, but can make people very sick. Small turtles are a significant source of Salmonellosis - Salmonella infections. There have been eight multi-state outbreaks of Salmonella linked to small turtles since 2011.

Salmonella infections are specifically linked to small turtles because of those who are at risk for infections. For most healthy adults, Salmonellosis causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps that can last from four to seven days and resolves without treatment. Serious cases of Salmonellosis require hospitalization and can be life-threatening... more...

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Citizens to be Knowledgeable of Tick Precautions and Tick-borne Diseases

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) wants to remind people about safe practices to avoid ticks. As the weather warms up, people and pets come out to enjoy outdoor activities. This time of year is also when ticks become active and start to look for food. Areas with tall grass, leaf litter and wooded places are typically where ticks are found.

Several tick species are present in Champaign County. The most common tick is the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). This tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and tularemia to people and their pets. Another tick is the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. This is the main tick species that transmits Lyme... more...