Illinois Department of Public Health
Recent News About Illinois Department of Public Health
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Illinoisans urged to vaccinate as respiratory virus season begins
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents to take preventive measures as the respiratory virus season begins with the onset of fall. The department emphasizes the importance of vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV for those eligible.
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Illinois sees decline in infant mortality but racial disparities persist
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published a report indicating a decline in the state's infant mortality rate. The rate fell to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021 from 6.5 per 1,000 in 2018. Despite this improvement, the report highlights ongoing racial disparities in infant health outcomes.
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Illinois reports first human West Nile virus case of 2024
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2024. The case involves an individual in their 60s residing in suburban Cook County, with symptoms appearing in mid-June. While commercial testing indicates a positive result for the mosquito-borne illness, IDPH has sent the case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.
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Illinois expands mandatory lead testing with additional high-risk ZIP codes
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has expanded its list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory lead exposure testing for children in these areas. This year, 148 new ZIP codes from 60 counties have been added, bringing the total to nearly 1,200.
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IDPH relocates regional offices to improve operational efficiency
As part of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)’s ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, the department announced that the West Chicago Regional Office has relocated from 245 W. Roosevelt Road in West Chicago to the Westbrook Corporate Center in Westchester. The new office is now known as the Westchester Regional Office and has merged with the former Bellwood Regional Office, which moved to Westchester in February.
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Governor Pritzker discusses initiatives for Mental Health Awareness Month
Governor JB Pritzker, along with state leaders and mental health advocates, recently marked Mental Health Awareness Month by discussing ongoing initiatives to enhance services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. The discussion took place on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, an event organized by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative.
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First bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first bird in Illinois to test positive for West Nile virus in 2024. The specimen was collected by Douglas County Health Department staff on April 2 in Villa Grove. This early detection follows a mild winter and spring.
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State agencies urge Illinois residents with private wells to test for contaminants
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are urging private well owners in Illinois to maintain their wells properly and conduct regular tests for potential contaminants.
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Illinois hosts first infectious disease conference since COVID-19
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is set to host its first infectious disease conference in nine years. The event, named "Emerging Stronger: 2024 Illinois Infectious Disease Conference," will take place on April 23 and 24 in Bloomington. This conference is part of IDPH's monthlong celebration of the public health profession.
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IDPH launches 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey to improve public health
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has initiated the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at gathering critical data on health and wellness, as well as identifying areas where public health can be improved. As mandated by Illinois law, IDPH conducts an annual survey to gather reliable data from every county and zip code in the state, thereby establishing a baseline of public health information that enables tracking and measuring progress each year. This marks the first full year for the survey, following a limited pilot project...
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Illinois allocates $2M for reproductive health service improvement
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced a significant step towards enhancing reproductive health services by awarding $2 million in grants to three organizations. These funds are intended to support training initiatives aimed at improving access to safe and high-quality abortion services throughout the state. The grant recipients include the Midwest Access Project (MAP), Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL), and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing.
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Illinois updates sport fish consumption guidelines due to chemical contaminants
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released updated consumption advisories for sport fish caught in the state's waters. These advisories stem from routine testing by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program, which now includes checks for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals."
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Illinois health alert over possible counterfeit Botox leading to illnesses
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a warning to healthcare facilities, particularly hospital emergency departments, to be vigilant for patients displaying symptoms akin to botulism. This follows the identification of two cases in Illinois linked to injections of Botox or a potentially counterfeit product administered in LaSalle County. IDPH is collaborating with the LaSalle County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) on this investigation. A similar cluster was reported by the Tennessee Department of Health,...
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Illinois prepares for solar eclipse with safety guidelines
With a total solar eclipse set to occur on April 8, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents and visitors in Southern Illinois to prioritize safety while enjoying the celestial event. The eclipse will bring total darkness for over four minutes across parts of Southern Illinois, marking the last such event in the United States until 2045.
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Illinois launches firearm restraining order education campaign during National Public Health Week
A new campaign aimed at increasing awareness about Firearm Restraining Orders (FROs) is being launched in Illinois during National Public Health Week. The initiative, named "Pause to Heal," involves a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Brady: United Against Gun Violence, and the Ad Council.
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Illinois celebrates extended public health week during national minority health month
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week throughout April, coinciding with National Minority Health Month. The initiative aims to engage residents and raise awareness about public health's role in maintaining health and safety. The activities will showcase the functions of public health departments, their link to healthcare systems, and career opportunities in the field.
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Respiratory virus levels drop across Illinois; all counties see low COVID-19 hospitalizations
Illinois has reported a decrease in respiratory virus levels, with all counties now classified at a low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time since October. According to CDC data from the week ending March 23, there was a 20% decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state.
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Illinois schools authorized to use undesignated inhalers for student emergencies
Illinois schools have been authorized to keep undesignated asthma inhalers on hand for treating students experiencing respiratory distress, according to a new standing order signed by Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This initiative allows trained school personnel to administer inhalers without a specific prescription for individual students, streamlining the process for both public and private institutions across the state.
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Illinois sees decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations but urges continued precautions
Illinois is maintaining a moderate level of respiratory virus activity, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported that COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased by 16% in the week ending March 9, with the state classified at a low level for these hospitalizations. Two counties in Illinois remain at a medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations.
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Illinois emphasizes importance of colorectal cancer awareness month
March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging residents to increase their understanding of the disease and emphasize the importance of regular screenings.