News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Additional Mosquito Batches Test Positive for West Nile Virus in DeKalb County, IL. The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that additional mosquito batches collected through routine surveillance have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The most recent positive mosquito batches were collected in Sandwich, Genoa, and Sycamore. At this time, […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Positive Mosquito Batches Reported by DeKalb County Health Department for 2026 The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that mosquito batches collected from surveillance traps in the cities of DeKalb and Sycamore have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). At this time, no human cases of West Nile virus have […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DeKalb County Health Department Confirms First Rabid Bat of 2026 The DeKalb County Health Department has confirmed that the first bat to test positive for rabies in DeKalb County in 2026 was found in a private residence in Leland on June 18. Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois. Since […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pertussis “Whooping Cough” The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) is notifying the community of an increase in confirmed and reported pertussis cases, with five cases reported within the last week. Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing and can cause symptoms […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DeKalb County to Host Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event In collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the DeKalb County Health Department will host a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, May 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is open to all Illinois residents. The household […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First Confirmed Case of Measles Identified in DeKalb County Illinois The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed the first case of measles in DeKalb County in 2026. The case was confirmed through laboratory testing. To protect patient privacy, no other personal information will be shared. DCHD staff are investigating the case […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOpen Enrollment for Marketplace Insurance Deadline January 15, 2026 Did you have a Marketplace insurance plan for 2025? If so, your healthcare.gov account wasmigrated to Get Covered Illinois (GCI), the new state-based Marketplace system. DeKalb County Health Department encourages community members who were enrolled in a2025 Marketplace Insurance plan to check your new […]

Starting Monday, September 29, flu vaccines will be available on a walk-in basis—no appointment necessary—Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DeKalb County Health Department. Flu shots are available for adults and children aged 6 months and older. “Getting your annual flu shot is one of the most effective steps you […]

In recognition of National Preparedness month, the DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) is launching a month-long initiative to raise public awareness for emergency preparedness. This year’s national theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” emphasizes the role individuals and families play in staying safe during emergencies. Throughout September, the DCHD Emergency Preparedness Team will engage with the […]

The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that mosquitoes collected in traps in the City of Sandwich have tested positive for the first time this year for West Nile Virus (WNV). There have now been five identified positive WNV traps in DeKalb County. There have been no human cases in DeKalb County so far this […]