Press Releases
Year
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Responds To Multi-State Outbreak Of Peanut Butter- Related Salmonella Infections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2007
Contact
Rachella Thompson
217-531-5361
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Responds To Multi-State Outbreak Of Peanut Butter- Related Salmonella Infections
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), in addition to state health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a large, multi-state outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to the consumption of peanut butter. The two brands of peanut butter currently linked to the outbreak are Peter Pan and Great Value. The specific jars have product codes beginning with “2111”.
“CUPHD’s communicable disease investigator and epidemiologist are in constant communication with the Illinois Department of Public Health” says Vito Palazzolo, Administrator of CUPHD “Although there have been cases in Illinois, to date, there have been no confirmed cases of peanut butter-related salmonella infections in Champaign County.”
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes much of the food poisoning in the world, including an estimated 4 million cases in the United States, and 1,500-2,000 in Illinois each year.
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons the diarrhea can be so severe that the person needs medical attention. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most likely to have complications.
Persons who suspect they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to contact their health care provider for testing, and contact Rachella Thompson, Communicable Disease Investigator at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Testing involves providing a stool sample to test for the presence of Salmonella.
For more information on Salmonella and other related food-borne illnesses go to the CUPHD website at www.c-uphd.org.
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Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Adopts National Identity For Local Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2007
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Adopts National Identity For Local Public Health
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is one of thousands across the country that has adopted a new identity for local public health that communicates dedication to community health and safety.
“The health department helps everyone in our community, every day” says Vito Palazzolo, Administrator of CUPHD “Yet, much of this work takes place outside of the public view. Adopting the national identity for local public health is part of a national initiative to ensure that people recognize, understand and use the services that public health offers.”
The identity stands for what public health does-and what public health achieves. The symbol of a three pointed shield and stylized plus illustrate a universal recognition associated with health, with protection and with growth. The three point symmetry reinforces the three core functions of public health that are conveyed in the words. The words Prevent. Promote. Protect. are a simple, elegant statement that embraces everything that public health accomplishes and differentiates public health as both a sentinel and responder. The colors stand for integrity, authority and stability. They symbolize the legacy and steadfast qualities of public health.
“We hope that over time, the public will come to recognize the health department in the same way that it recognizes police, fire, EMS and other services that protect and respond to meet the community’s health and safety needs”, says Palazzolo.
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NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY OBSERVED FEB. 7 Communities Nationwide Hold Events to Raise Awareness
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: February 6, 2007
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
DIVISION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT
Media Contact: Candi Crause, Prevention Program Coordinator
T: 531-5372 - F: 531-5378
NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY OBSERVED FEB. 7 Communities Nationwide Hold Events to Raise Awareness
February 7, 2007 marks the seventh annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). This national mobilization effort is designed to encourage African Americans across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated for HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. Special events such as free HIV/AIDS testing, prayer breakfasts, town hall meetings and memorial services will be held throughout the country.
While African Americans represent approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the group accounts for almost half (49%) of the nation’s AIDS cases. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 2006 Report, HIV/AIDS is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for African Americans; and in the same year African Americans accounted for more than half (54 percent) of estimated new HIV infections in the United States.
To address this crisis, the Champaign Urbana Public Health District will be providing free and anonymous testing at four sites throughout the day. Testing will be providing on the Wellness on Wheels Mobile Health unit. All tests will be using an oral swab device. Results will be provided in 20 minutes for adults 18 years of age and older. Youth 13-17 will need to set-up a time to receive results 10 days later. The locations will be as follows:
U of I African American Cultural Center: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Fair Oaks Housing, Danville: 1:00-3:00 PM Canaan Evangelistic Church: 4:00-6:00 PM
TIMES Center: 8:00-9:00 PM:
For more information on testing and sites contact: Arlene Valentine at 531-5364. For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2007, please visit the website at www.blackaidsday.org.
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