Press Releases
Year
First Mosquitoes to Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Champaign County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2011
Contact
Jeff Blackford, Program Coordinator
(217) 373-7900 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
First Mosquitoes to Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Champaign County
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Continue to Take Precautions
Champaign, IL – A mosquito sample collected last week in the City of Urbana has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). “As West Nile virus activity increases during the summer months, it is important for people to take precautions when outdoors and to eliminate sources of standing water around their property,” said Jeff Blackford, Program Coordinator at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD).
The best way to prevent WNV infection or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions include:
- Try to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn, dusk and in the early evening.
- When weather permits, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Apply insect repellent that contains active ingredients which have been registered with the EPA. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. Empty water from bird baths, flowerpots, wading pools, pet dishes and swimming pool covers at least once or twice a week. Remove old tires and other items that could collect water. Contact CUPHD at (217) 373-7900 to report areas of stagnant water.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Only about two people in 10 who are infected with WNV will experience any illness. Illness from WNV is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
As of August 9, 2011, there have been 10 counties in Illinois reporting either a positive West Nile virus bird or mosquito pool. No human cases have been reported.
Additional information about WNV can be found on the CUPHD website at http://www.c-uphd.org/west-nile-virus.html.
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August is Breastfeeding Promotion Month in Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2011
Contact
Nicole Wente, Program Coordinator
(217) 531-4305
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
August is Breastfeeding Promotion Month in Illinois
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Supports World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2011
Champaign, IL – Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, has declared August 2011 as Breastfeeding Promotion Month in Illinois. The proclamation aims to increase public awareness of breastfeeding as the normal and expected way to feed all babies in Illinois. It works in conjunction with breastfeeding advocates in more than 170 countries worldwide who will celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2011. The 2011 theme is “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding - a 3D Experience!”
The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, well known, and research based. Babies who are breastfed are protected against respiratory and ear infections, asthma, allergies, childhood cancer, and obesity. Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
This year’s theme “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding - a 3D Experience!” focuses on the importance of communication in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding as the normal way to feed babies. Creating and expanding communication about breastfeeding through social media outlets is leading to wider outreach and support in the community. Surfing the web for accurate breastfeeding information or sharing knowledge and experiences is just a click away.
Another opportunity to increase communication is through the Peer Counselors at local WIC agencies or health departments like the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD). Peer counselors are women who have breastfed their own babies and want to help other women successfully breastfeed. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors receive regular training so they are able to provide quality support and assist breastfeeding women. Many peer counselors use text messaging and social media outlets such as Facebook to answer questions from breastfeeding moms and to provide continuing support.
Sixty-eight percent of WIC moms in Champaign County choose to breastfeed. The most recent statistics show 32 percent of local WIC mothers breastfeeding for six months and 15 percent breastfeeding for one year. CUPHD has one Peer Counselor, 10 Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC), and one Internationally Board Certified Lactation Counselor (IBCLC) on staff.
“Breastfeeding is a special time to bond with your new baby. Benefits of breastfeeding your baby include a lower risk of obesity and childhood cancer, fewer ear infections, and a lower risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Breast milk is specially made for your baby and is easier to digest than infant formula. There are also benefits for mom including a lower risk of developing Type II diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. Breastfeeding does not have to be painful or difficult. If you know someone who is breastfeeding, providing support is one of the most important things you can do,” said Nicole Wente, WIC Program Coordinator at CUPHD.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Survey, 70 percent of mothers in Illinois start out breastfeeding. The newly established Healthy People 2020 goals aim to increase breastfeeding initiation to 81.9 percent, to increase breastfeeding at six months to 60.6 percent, and exclusive breastfeeding at three months to a target of 46.2 percent. The Healthy People 2020 goals also focus on increasing the number of employers who have worksite lactation support programs and strive to increase the number of babies born at hospitals that provide recommended care for breastfeeding moms and their babies.
Local events and activities have been planned to promote breastfeeding knowledge and awareness which include two radio segments on 93.5 FM on August 2nd, a Breastfeeding Appreciation Luncheon and Swim at Sholem Pool August 3rd from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, and the WCIA Morning Show on August 31st. In addition, a breastfeeding resource list is now available on Chambana Mom’s website, www.chambanamoms.com.
The Illinois Breastfeeding Blueprint provides action plans to support, advocate, and educate on the benefits of breastfeeding and can be found at www.ilbreastfeedingblueprint.org.
For more information, please contact CUPHD at (217) 531-4292 or (217) 531-4319 and check us out on Facebook at Champaign Urbana Public Health: Learn About Breastfeeding and Twitter @Cuphdbreastfeed.
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July 28th is Recognized as World Hepatitis Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2011
Contact
Rachella Thompson, CD Investigator
(217) 531-5361
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
July 28th is Recognized as World Hepatitis Day
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Honors Today as World Hepatitis Day
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) honors July 28th as World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. World Hepatitis Day was launched by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2008.
The alliance is a non-governmental coalition of advocacy groups that serves as a global voice for the 500 million people worldwide living with chronic viral hepatitis B or C. According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, one in 12 people are living with either chronic hepatitis B or C which surpasses the number of individuals living with HIV or any cancer. The goals of the alliance are not only to raise awareness, but to extend existing support for the disease with long-term goals of preventing new infections and delivering improvements in health outcomes for people living with hepatitis.
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a wide range of things. One of the most common causes of chronic hepatitis is viral infection. Together, hepatitis B and C virus kill approximately one million people per year and one in three people have been exposed to one or both viruses.
Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with infected blood as well as most major bodily fluids; hepatitis C is spread through direct contact with infected blood, but in rare cases, it may be passed through bodily fluids. Many people do not have any symptoms but can still transmit the viruses to others. If left untreated or unmanaged, both viruses can lead to advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis) and other serious complications including liver cancer or liver failure.
Viral hepatitis can be prevented by taking the following steps and encouraging others to do the same:
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis B (no vaccine available for hepatitis C)
- Practice safer sex
- Use only clean needles for tattoos and body piercings
- Do not share needles
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, or other personal items
- Get medical care if you are exposed to blood or needle sticks
CUPHD co-sponsors a hepatitis support group to those of all ages. Anyone with hepatitis and their friends and family members may attend. The group meets at the Carle Forum in the Fritz Room at 611West Park Street in Urbana the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 PM.
For more information on hepatitis, please call (217) 239-7827 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
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