Press Releases
Year
Warmer Weather Brings Mosquitoes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2010
Contact
Michael Flanagan, Environmental Health Specialist I
(217) 531-2908
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Warmer Weather Brings Mosquitoes
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Residents to Take Simple Precautions against West Nile Virus
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages everyone to be aware of West Nile virus (WNV) and the simple precautions to take to avoid the virus. Viruses are most likely to be spread during the warm-weather months when mosquitoes are most active, usually beginning in the spring and lasting until the first hard frost. Most human cases occur in late summer and fall.
West Nile virus is a disease that can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, in humans and other animals. People get West Nile encephalitis from the bite of a mosquito (primarily the Culex group of species) that is infected with WNV. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. WNV is not spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to people. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Environmental Health routinely tests dead birds in Champaign County as part of the WNV surveillance program.
Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of the illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Only about two out of 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Symptoms of West Nile virus are usually mild and include fever, headache, body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph glands. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, or severe headaches. Serious illness, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and death are possible in extreme cases. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
The best way to prevent West Nile encephalitis or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. A few suggestions to help avoid WNV include:
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening. If outdoors at these times, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best.
- Use repellent specifically labeled as mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, apply sparingly to exposed skin or clothing, as indicated on the repellent label. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children.
- Eliminate stagnant water in bird baths, ponds, flower pots, wading pools, old tires, and any other receptacles in which mosquitoes might breed.
- Check for and repair any tears in residential screens, including porches and patios. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
For additional information on mosquito surveillance or West Nile virus, please contact the CUPHD Environmental Health division at (217) 373-7900 or visit http://c-uphd/westnile-virus.html.
###
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Gives Illinois Communities Top Honors for Maintaining Fluoride Levels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2010
Contact
Alicia Ekhoff, Program Coordinator
(217) 531-4538
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Gives Illinois Communities Top Honors for Maintaining Fluoride Levels
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District applauds local measures to improve overall community health.
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) Children’s Dental Clinic recognized eight community water systems for maintaining state-mandated fluoride levels every month in 2009. State-recommended fluoride levels are 0.9 to 1.2 parts per million, in standard drinking water.
The community water systems recognized included:
- Dewey Public Water District, 2 consecutive years
- Fisher Water Department, 2 consecutive years
- Gifford Water Department, 2 consecutive years
- IL American Water Co. Champaign, 26 consecutive years
- Mahomet Water Department, 2 consecutive years
- Ogden Water Department
- Rantoul Water Department
- Royal Water Department, 4 consecutive years
Fluoride in drinking water helps improve the quality of life through less tooth decay; reduced time lost from school and work; and less money spent to restore, remove or replace decayed teeth. In Illinois, 99 percent of those served by public water systems receive the benefit of fluoridated drinking water, compared to the current national average of 72 percent. Fluoride is found naturally in water, but in many communities the amount of the mineral is too low and does not meet the required standards. Water operators will add fluoride to fulfill optimal health benefits to the communities. Of the 1,850 water supplies in Illinois, 853 systems adjust fluoride levels.
Illinois communities have practiced water fluoridation for more than 60 years and fluoride continues to prove beneficial in the battle against tooth decay. In fact, drinking fluoridated water from birth can reduce tooth decay by 40 to 65 percent.
“Water fluoridation is a proven way to prevent tooth decay and improve overall oral health for both children and adults,” said Alicia Ekhoff, Dental Program Coordinator for CUPHD. “CUPHD appreciates the care that these local water companies are taking to ensure better oral health for the members of their communities.”
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s Dental Division provides a dental home for Champaign and Urbana children covered by All Kids or Medicaid State Insurance beginning at 1 year of age. Appointments are available by calling 217-531-4279. Children enrolled in the Urbana School District may also be seen at the Urbana School Health Center located in the Urbana High School, 217-239-4220.
For more information on the importance of fluoride in drinking water or any CUPHD service, please call (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
###
Immunization Initiative to Begin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2010
Contact
Brandon Meline, Director Maternal & Child Health
(217) 531-4308
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Immunization Initiative to Begin
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Takes Part in an Immunization Initiative Program
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has accepted a one-time grant to assist with costs associated with expanding the availability of specific vaccines to new target populations through the end of 2010.
CUPHD is providing free vaccinations to adolescents, ages 11-18, including Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Menactra (meningococcal), and Varicella (chickenpox). Varicella (if history of disease is not present) and Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis vaccines are required for school entry and a Tetanus booster is required every 10 years. Menactra vaccine is an elective vaccine that is important in protecting adolescents from meningococcal infection. Although rare, meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that includes meningitis (the inflammation of the protective layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood poisoning). Between 1,000 and 2,600 cases of meningococcal disease occur in the United States annually. Every year, the disease quickly ends the lives of children and can leave its survivors permanently disabled.
This initiative is funded through the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). Vaccinations will be given regardless of the clients’ VFC (Vaccines for Children Program) eligibility or other insurance status.
To schedule an appointment, contact CUPHD at 217-531-4304.
###