Walk-in Flu Vaccines Available at the Health Department Beginning Monday, September 25th

September 21, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Walk-in Flu Vaccines Available at the Health Department Beginning Monday, September 25^th

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illness and hospitalizations.

The circulating viruses of every flu season are different and while many people contract influenza despite receiving the vaccine, the symptoms of those who received the vaccine are much less severe than if they had not received the vaccine. This year’s quadrivalent flu vaccine contains the following four strains of the influenza virus:

• A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus

• A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus
• B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
• B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus

Please review the information available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2022-2023/flu-vaccination-recommendations-adopted.htm and consider the benefits of flu vaccination. You can also visit the website link to view the Vaccine Information Statement.

Ways to help you and your family prevent the flu:

• Get an annual flu vaccine
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Clean and disinfect surfaces often
• Use proper hygiene etiquette by coughing into your elbow instead of your hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick and if you are sick stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone

Beginning Monday, September 25^th, DCHD provides flu vaccines for adults and children starting at 6 months of age, with no appointments needed Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.

A parent or guardian must accompany individuals under 18 years of age. Most PPO insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Part B are accepted with no cost to the client. Please bring all insurance cards and a photo ID. We are a Vaccine for Children (VFC) Provider.

To learn more about flu vaccinations, visit: https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/flu-vaccinations/ or https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html

For more information about the DeKalb County Health Department Services, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/ or follow us on social media.

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Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

September 5, 2023

Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) is reporting that this week mosquitoes collected in traps in all four locations, DeKalb, Genoa, Sandwich, and Sycamore have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
Earlier this summer, DCHD reported WNV positive mosquito samples and several counties have reported WNV positive mosquito samples. To date, there have been no WNV human cases in DeKalb County this year.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on an infected bird. It is important to remember that not all mosquitoes, or birds, carry West Nile virus – most do not.
Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache, and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis have been known to develop. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
“The most effective way to prevent you or your family from being infected is to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes” says Greg Maurice, Director of Health Protection. “This includes eliminating standing water from around your house and using mosquito repellent when outside.” Maurice offers these tips:
•Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
•When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. 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.
•Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish. Turn over any buckets, garbage cans, or other containers that collect water.
For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/nuisance-complaints/

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Positive Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

August 17, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Positive Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that mosquitoes collected in traps in DeKalb and Sandwich have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is in addition to Sycamore which had a positive test for WNV in July 2023.

Several counties have reported WNV positive mosquito samples this year, which is associated with an increased risk of WNV in people. There have been no human cases in DeKalb County this year.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on an infected bird. It is important to remember that not all mosquitoes, or birds, carry West Nile virus – most do not.

Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache, and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis have been known to develop. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

“The most effective way to prevent you or your family from being infected is to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes” says Greg Maurice, Director of Health Protection. “This includes eliminating standing water from around your house and using mosquito repellent when outside.” Maurice offers these tips:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. 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.
• Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish. Turn over any buckets, garbage cans, or other containers that collect water.

For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/nuisance-complaints/  

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DeKalb County Animal Control is advising pet owners to protect their pets from canine distemper

August 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DeKalb County Animal Control is advising pet owners to protect their pets from canine distemper

DeKalb County Animal Control is advising pet owners to protect their pets from canine distemper. The department has seen an increase in cases of confirmed canine distemper virus found in raccoons and skunks tested after displaying abnormal neurologic signs. Canine distemper outbreaks in local raccoon populations can signal increased risk for pet dogs in the area.

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of puppies and dogs.  The virus can also be found in wildlife such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink and ferrets. In wildlife, infection with canine distemper closely resembles rabies.

Puppies and dogs most often become infected through airborne exposure (through sneezing or coughing) to the virus from an infected dog or wild animal. The virus can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies.

All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease.  Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.

Vaccination is crucial in preventing canine distemper.

• A series of vaccinations is administered to puppies to increase the likelihood of building immunity when the immune system has not yet fully matured.
• Avoid gaps in the immunization schedule and make sure distemper vaccinations are up to date.
• Avoid contact with infected animals and wildlife
• Use caution when socializing puppies or unvaccinated dogs at parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy day care and other places where dogs can congregate.
• Pet ferrets should be vaccinated against canine distemper using a USDA-approved ferret vaccine.

DeKalb County Animal Control responds to sick/injured wildlife during normal working hours (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) as time permits, with the exception of skunks (removal service must be utilized). After hours calls for sick/injured and all nuisance wildlife will need to be managed through a wildlife removal service for a fee.  A list of wildlife removal companies can be found on our website. https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/animal-control/

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Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing

August 1, 2023

DATE:                    August 1, 2023

TO:                        DeKalb County News Media

FROM:                  DeKalb County Health Department 

Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing

The DeKalb County Health Department now has Rapid Point-of Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing available. This new method of testing will allow clients to receive same-day or next-day results. If the test is positive, clients can receive same-day treatment (when they receive same-day results).

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and Niesseria gonorrhoea, respectively.  Both types of bacteria are spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact.

The CDC reported a total of 1,644,416 cases of Chlamydia infection and a total of 710,151 cases of Gonorrhea infection, making them the two most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States for 2021.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea often have no symptoms, meaning individuals and their partner(s) could be infected and have no idea.  Among other health concerns, untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections can cause serious and permanent health problems in both men and women. They may lead to conditions such as:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),
• tubal factor infertility,
• ectopic pregnancy,
• and chronic pelvic pain.

Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. The CDC recommends yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active men and women younger than 25 years, as well as older individuals with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.

“We are really excited about this new service. We anticipate less reliance on the Emergency room and better compliance with treatment” says Holly Kuhn, Family Planning Program Coordinator.  “These STI’s are in our community and we want to be part of the solution by helping provide quicker treatment and education on safer sex.”

Medicaid and private insurance are billed when applicable; clients must check with their medical insurance carrier for eligibility benefits in- and out-of-network. No HMO plans are accepted. Payment is requested at the time of service, and can be made by cash, checks and credit/debit cards with valid identification.

For any questions, contact the Family Planning staff at 815-748-2420. For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/family-planning-reproductive-health-services/. To learn more about the many programs and services of the Health Department, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/. 

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Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing

Positive Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

July 25, 2023

DATE:    July 25, 2023

TO:         DeKalb County News Media

FROM:    DeKalb County Health Department  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Positive Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that mosquitoes collected in traps in Sycamore have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive tests for WNV in DeKalb County since September 2022.

Several counties have reported WNV positive mosquito samples this year, which is associated with an increased risk of WNV in people. There have been no human cases in DeKalb County this year.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on an infected bird. It is important to remember that not all mosquitoes, or birds, carry West Nile virus – most do not.

Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache, and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis have been known to develop. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

“The most effective way to prevent you or your family from being infected is to reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes” says Greg Maurice, Director of Health Protection. “This includes eliminating standing water from around your house and using mosquito repellent when outside.” Maurice offers these tips:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. 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.
• Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish. Turn over any buckets, garbage cans, or other containers that collect water.

For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/nuisance-complaints/ To learn more about the many programs and services of the Health Department, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/ or follow us on social media.

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Positive Mosquito Samples Reported by DeKalb County Health Department

DCHD Back- to-School Immunization Mobile Clinics

July 12, 2023

DATE:    July 12, 2023

TO:         DeKalb County News Media

FROM:    DeKalb County Health Department  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCHD Back- to-School Immunization Mobile Clinics

DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) is collaborating with our community partners to provide back-to-school immunizations using the Health Department’s Mobile Unit. The DCHD Mobile Unit will be able to provide additional convenient opportunities for parents and guardians to schedule their child’s back-to-school immunizations. COVID-19 vaccines will also be available at the mobile clinic sites.

Low-cost vaccines are available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC)Program. Uninsured children will not be turned away due to the inability to pay for required childhood immunizations. Cash or check, Medicaid, and most PPO plans are accepted.

School immunizations are required for:

• Kindergarten
• 6^th grade
• 16-year-olds

For more information about the required vaccinations, please visit: CDC Resources: Immunization schedules (immunize.org)

Back-to-School Mobile Vaccine Clinics

Saturday, August 5^th from 9:00am-12:00pm                         Wednesday, August 9^th from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Walnut Street Daycare Center                                                    Prairie View Elementary School

201 Walnut St. Genoa, IL.,60135                                                1201 Castle St., Sandwich, IL. 60548

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, please call (815) 748-2460.

If you are unable to attend the mobile clinic events, DCHD also offers appointments 5 days a week at the Health Department. Please call (815) 748-2460 for more information.

To learn more about the many programs and services of the Health Department, visit health.dekalbcounty.org or follow us on social media.

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DeKalb County Pilots New Recyling Site

June 8, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DeKalb County Pilots NEW Recycling Site
The DeKalb County Health Department will be piloting a new DeKalb County recycling site located in the parking lot of the Health Department near the DeKalb County Community Outreach Building. This new location is a piloted site to measure how many items the area receives and that the site remains contamination free. This requires residents to ensure the correct items are in the bins. The acceptable recycled items do not need to be sorted at this site as it is a single stream recycling bin. For a list of acceptable items, please view the images at the end of the news release.

Greg Maurice, Director of Health Protection, “hopes that this site will give residents that live in apartments and townhomes the opportunity to recycle at a location that is closer than the current rural recycling programs in Genoa or Somonauk.”With this site, there are now three recycling locations throughout DeKalb County:

DeKalb Location
2550 N. Annie Glidden Rd. DeKalb, IL. 60115
Located in the parking lot between Health Department and Community Outreach Building
Bin accessible year-round 24/7

Genoa Location
220 E. Railroad Ave. Genoa, IL. 60135
Across from ComEd
Bin accessible year-round 24/7

Somonauk Location
2990 Council Rd. Somonauk, IL. 60552
Located at the Southeast Corner of Pine and Council Roads
Bin accessible Saturdays from 8am-12pm

If you have questions, please contact James Carlin, Solid Waste Associate, at 815-748-2408 or email recycle@dekalbcounty.org.

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DeKalb County’s Hosting of Free Household Electronics Collection

May 26, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DeKalb County’s Hosting of Free Household Electronics Collection

The DeKalb County Health Department will be hosting a free household electronic, textile, shoes, aerosol products and latex paint collection available to DeKalb County residents only. Proof of address is required. The event will be held at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport on Saturday June 24, 2023 from 9:00a.m. until 12:00p.m. The DeKalb Airport is located at 2200 Pleasant Street in DeKalb. Residents will enter Pleasant Street from Peace Road and will be directed to the entrance of the event. To avoid long lines, we strongly encourage residents of Sycamore, Genoa and Kirkland to use the “At Your Door Program” provided by Waste Management (1-800-449-7587).  Residents within limits of the City of DeKalb are encouraged to utilize the collection services provided by Lake Shore Recycling Systems (815-770-7550). Staff will be onsite to assist with traffic flow, and to remove items from vehicles.

We are partnering with Flat Can Recycling, which accepts a variety of products, including different kinds of aerosol spray cans like paint, hairspray, baking spray, and asthma inhalers. Flat Can Recycling also accepts small propane tanks (size 14.1 &14.4 oz and 16 & 16.4 oz) and latex paint. For more information email hello@flatcanrecycling.com.

Most electronic items are acceptable, however items not accepted include smoke detectors, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, large appliances (stove, washing machine, and dryer), lightbulbs, refrigerators, wooden speakers, alkaline batteries, car/marine batteries, and hazardous waste.

There is another electronics recycling collection event September 30th 9:00a.m. until 12:00p.m. and a Household Hazardous Waste Collection September 9th from 8:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. These events will also be held at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.

If you have questions, please contact James Carlin, Solid Waste Associate, at 815-748-2408 or email  recycle@dekalbcounty.org.

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Local Influenza Activity on a Rise

November 21, 2022