Press Releases
Year
Champaign County Confirms Case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2024
Contact
Dawn Carson, Communicable Disease Investigator
217-531-2917 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Champaign County Confirms Case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Advises Residents to Stay Vigilant in Their Efforts to Combat the Spread of Tick-Borne Illnesses
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has confirmed a recent case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in an individual in Champaign County.
RMSF is a tickborne illness transmitted in Illinois primarily by the American dog tick and is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. The disease can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated, even among individuals previously considered healthy. Symptom onset is one to four days and includes high fever, severe headache, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands. Additionally, a distinct rash may emerge several days after onset, typically appearing as small, flat, pink spots initially located on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, which can extend to the trunk and occasionally manifest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is important to note that some individuals may not present with the rash at all, or the rash may have an atypical appearance. RMSF is not transmitted person-to-person.
Ticks inhabit grassy, brushy, or wooded environments, and may also be found on animals. Engaging in outdoor activities such as walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting can potentially expose you to ticks. It is common for individuals to encounter ticks in their own yard or local neighborhood.
Individuals can protect themselves against tick bites by following these tips:
- Talk to a veterinarian about tickborne diseases and prevention products for pets and livestock. Check pets for ticks after coming indoors.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent), picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2- undecanone, making sure to follow product instructions.
- Apply products containing 0.5 percent permethrin to clothing and equipment. Permethrin can effectively treat boots, clothing, and camping gear, maintaining its protective properties through multiple wash cycles. Alternatively, consider purchasing clothing and gear already treated with permethrin.
- Do a body check after returning from the outdoors. Use either a hand-held or full-length mirror to inspect all parts of their body. Once indoors, tick-infested clothing should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to eradicate ticks from dry garments.
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check
Information on how to remove a tick can be found on the CDC’s tick removal page.
Individuals who become ill with a fever and/or rash after spending time in areas inhabited by ticks
should contact their health care provider immediately.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has collaborated with the Illinois Natural History Survey to develop an interactive tick surveillance map. This map documents the counties in Illinois where various tick species have been confirmed, along with the diseases they may carry. Additionally, IDPH has issued a press release urging the public to educate themselves on tick protection measures and to actively engage in efforts to "Fight the Bite" this season.
For more information on RMSF, visit https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/. Additional information on avoiding ticks can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/.
###
Free Car Seat Check Event in Tolono
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024
Contact
Christina Ladage, Senior Car Seat Instructor Proxy
217-531-4306 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Free Car Seat Check Event in Tolono
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Offer Free Car Seat Checks by Certified Technicians
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is pleased to announce a comprehensive car seat check event scheduled to take place at the Tolono Fire Protection District, located at 214 North Bourne Street in Tolono, on May 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event aims to ensure the safety of children traveling in vehicles by offering expert guidance and assistance in properly installing and using car seats. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in this vital initiative to safeguard their little ones during travels.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 49% of car seats are misused. In Champaign County in 2023, 82% of installed car seats were improperly used. Common issues are 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. An average of two children under 13 were killed every day in 2021 while riding in vehicles, and another estimated 318 were injured. "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."
Visitors will spend about 30 minutes with a certified expert, during which technicians will let caregivers know if their children are in the right seats for their ages and sizes, make sure car seats are installed correctly, and explain the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer so they can be notified if there is a recall. If individuals are unable to attend but would still like to have their car seats checked, they can visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#install-inspection. The
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District also offers free car seat inspections on the second Monday of every month, except for holidays. Appointments are not required but encouraged and can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. Drive-ups are also welcome.
For more information on child car seat safety, as well as how to find other car seat check events, go to www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Reminds Residents to Think, Test, and Treat for Tuberculosis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2024
Contact
Dawn Carson, Communicable Disease Investigator
217-531-2917 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Reminds Residents to Think, Test, and Treat for Tuberculosis
World Tuberculosis Day is March 24
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) joins the global community in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24, 2024. This year’s theme, “Think. Test. Treat TB.” emphasizes the critical steps of considering one’s chance for TB infection, getting tested, and ensuring timely treatment for those affected.
Despite advancements in healthcare, TB remains a global health threat and continues to be a concern in the United States and Champaign County. Over 13 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have inactive, or latent, TB infection, and there are over 8,000 cases of active TB each year. Eighty percent of those active cases arise from reactivated latent TB. In 2023, Champaign County investigated a total of 169 TB cases, with over 95% identified as latent TB. The key to eliminating the threat of TB is screening for and treating latent TB.
- Those at higher risk for tuberculosis infection for which testing is recommended include:
- People born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB is common, including those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Those who live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or jails.
- People who have recently spent time with someone with active TB disease.
- People who work in places with high risk for TB transmission, such as hospitals, homeless
shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.
It is recommended that that people discuss with their healthcare providers whether tuberculosis testing and treatment are appropriate for them. People with a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV are at higher risk of progressing to active TB if infected.
Treating latent TB benefits both the general public and the individual. Without treatment, one in 10 people will develop active TB in their lifetime, with the chances higher for those in vulnerable populations. When a person develops active TB, the symptoms may be mild for many months, which can lead to delays in seeking care and transmission of the bacteria to others. Individuals ill with TB have the potential to transmit the infection to approximately 10-15 other individuals through close proximity within a year. With testing and treatment, however, TB is preventable and curable.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health Districts remains committed in its efforts to end TB, ensuring equitable access to TB services, and building a healthier, more resilient community.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm
###