Visitor From India Suffers With Drug-resistant Tuberculosis

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports that on April 4 an individual from India, infected with an extensively drug-resistant form of Tuberculosis, also known as XDR-TB,  entered the United States and then traveled to other states. 

On May 18, this individual visited family in McHenry County and, during this visit, sought treatment.  The patient has since been transferred out of state for care. Individuals who were in close contact with the patient have been interviewed and are being monitored.

Tuberculosis is not easily transmissible and XDR-TB, in particular, is also rare.  XDR-TB is a form of TB which is resistant to many of the most powerful anti-TB drugs.  According to the World Health Organization, developing XDR-TB is usually a sign of an active TB patient receiving inadequate clinical care or when a patient doesn’t receive the proper information, counseling and material support to complete their full course of treatment.   

Tuberculosis is spread through the air by an infected person when coughing and sneezing.  people who are nearby may breathe in the TB bacteria and become infected. TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing.

This is the first time MCDH has identified a case of XDR-TB in the County.  MCDH works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health and local public health partners through its surveillance system to identify and monitor reportable infectious diseases in McHenry County. 

In 2014, five active cases of TB (not XDR-TB) and 57 people with latent, non-infectious TB were treated.  MCDH’s Tuberculosis Clinic, located in Woodstock, provides chest x-rays, diagnostic studies, laboratory services and medication to any McHenry County resident in addition to outreach to those populations at high risk for developing TB. If you think you have been exposed to someone with TB, contact your health care provider or MCDH to see if you should be tested. For more information on TB, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program to 815-334-4500.

India Visitor To McHenry County Raises Concern For Tuberculosis

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports that on April 4 an individual from India, infected with an extensively drug-resistant form of Tuberculosis, also known as XDR-TB,  entered the United States and then traveled to other states.  On May 18, this individual visited family in McHenry County and, during this visit, sought treatment.  The patient has since been transferred out of state for care. Individuals who were in close contact with the patient have been interviewed and are being monitored.

Tuberculosis is not easily transmissible and XDR-TB, in particular, is also rare.  XDR-TB is a form of TB which is resistant to many of the most powerful anti-TB drugs.  According to the World Health Organization, developing XDR-TB is usually a sign of an active TB patient receiving inadequate clinical care or when a patient doesn’t receive the proper information, counseling and material support to complete their full course of treatment.   

Tuberculosis is spread through the air by an infected person when coughing and sneezing.  People who are nearby may breathe in the TB bacteria and become infected. TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing.

This is the first time MCDH has identified a case of XDR-TB in the County.  MCDH works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health and local public health partners through its surveillance system to identify and monitor reportable infectious diseases in McHenry County. 

In 2014, five active cases of TB (not XDR-TB) and 57 people with latent, non-infectious TB were treated.  MCDH’s Tuberculosis Clinic, located in Woodstock, provides chest x-rays, diagnostic studies, laboratory services and medication to any McHenry County resident in addition to outreach to those populations at high risk for developing TB. If you think you have been exposed to someone with TB, contact your health care provider or MCDH to see if you should be tested. For more information on TB, call MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.

State's Attorney Bianchi To Seek Re-Election In 2016

Lou Bianchi, in conjunction with the Committee to Re-elect Louis Bianchi, announces that he will seek re-election to the Office of McHenry County State's Attorney in the March 2016 primary and November 2016 general election. He wants to continue serving the citizens of McHenry County to keep the community safe and a peaceful place to raise a family.

Some of his major accomplishments are:

1. Aggressive prosecution of DUI's and sex offenders.
2. Providing non-violent offenders realistic rehabilitative programs such as:
   a. Initiating and creating the Mental Health Court
   b. Working with the Courts to develop the Drug and Domestic Violence      Courts
   
   c. Establishing the “First Offender” diversion program for non-violent         offenders
3. Saving tax payers over a half-million dollars annually by handling civil suits brought against and on behalf of the County, with in-house Assistant State's Attorneys
4. Collecting over $1,000,000.00 (in the last 4 years) in back child support for families from delinquent spouses.
5. Collecting over $350,000.00 in bad checks for local businesses while, at the same time, educating offenders.
6. Working with the Circuit Court Clerk and collection agencies recovering over $890,000.00 in unpaid fines and costs.

Golf And Tennis For Children Ages 6-10

The Racket Club has a super combo summer camp program just for children ages 6-10 years. Golf and tennis are two life sports that appeal to athletes who are comfortable in either individual, team settings or both. Kids at Golf and Tennis Camp will learn these sports the right way from a young age, getting them off to a great start.

Campers will alternate throughout the morning between tennis and golf, with plenty of variety to keep things interesting. Kids are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but anything that is needed will be provided. Dimensions of playing areas and equipment will be scaled down so that players can enjoy the sport at their smaller size and slower pace. Remember, we want it to be a game before it’s a sport! 

The Racket Club is located at 9109 South Route 31, Algonquin, IL 60102.  Questions may be directed to Rob Laue at 847-658-5688.

Register online:

Crystallakeparks.org (codes listed below)

If you prefer to register in person or via mail:

Register in person at the Crystal Lake Park District, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL

Golf & Tennis Combo Summer Camp

Fee: $99 (resident), $139 (non-resident), per program code

Location: The Racket Club, 9109 South Route 31, Algonquin, IL 60102

Code 6112-0 Jun 9-11, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6113-0 Jun 16-18, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6114-0 Jun 23-25, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6115-0 Jun 30-Jul 2, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6116-0 Jul 7-9, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6117-0 Jul 14-16, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6118-0 Jul 21-23, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6119-0 Jul 28-30, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6120-0 Aug 4-6, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6121-0 Aug 11-13, 9 AM-Noon

Code 6122-0 Aug 18-20, 9 AM-Noon

For more information contact Rob Laue at rlaue@crystallakeparks.org, (847) 658-5688

Music Programs At Crystal Lake Park District

The Crystal Lake Park District is pleased to offer expanded programs in the area of Music this summer. Registration in advance is required for all classes. Register online at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. For more information contact Sam Thompson at (815) 459-0680, ext. 1220.

 Violin: Brain Development through Music (ages 3-5), Code 4505-0

Learning the violin can be a lot of fun! Mr. Martin Lopez focuses on discipline, confidence, hand/eye coordination, position and tone throughout these 12 lessons.

Location: Admin. Bldg. Art Room, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Dates/Time: Thursday, June 4-September 3 (Register by June 3), 11 AM-Noon

Program Fee: $396, Resident Discount Fee: $342

 Private Voice Lessons (ages 12 & up)

Looking for one-on-one instruction? Private lessons are 30 minutes/5 sessions. To schedule, first complete the Private Lesson Request Form and submit at least one week in advance of when you wish to start. CRYSTALLLAKEPARKS.ORG/REGISTRATION/FORMS

Location: Woodscreek Building, 850 Willow Tree, Crystal Lake

Dates/Time: to be scheduled (register by June 8)

Program Fee: $97per date, Resident Discount Fee: $87 per date

 Kiddy Keys (ages 3-5), Code 4715-2

Kiddy keys is a fun, creative and highly educational program that teaches piano concepts and music appreciation to preschoolers. With this program as a foundation, your child will be able to move confidently to piano lessons, if desired.

Location: Admin. Bldg. Art Room, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

Dates/Time: Tuesday & Thursday, August 4-27 (Register by August 1), 10-10:45 AM

Program Fee: $124, Resident Discount Fee: $114

'Operation Playground' Celebration June 15

Back in 1993, a dedicated group of volunteers came together to form ‘Operation Playground’ in order to construct Woodscreek Playground over the period of several days.

 

The Crystal Lake Park District would like to invite the Operation Playground volunteers back for a Volunteer Recognition Picnic and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the newly renovated Crystal Castle Playground and Splash Pad at Woodscreek Park. Volunteers will get to view the legacy of the playground they established and also see the happy faces of the next generation enjoying the new Crystal Castle and Splash Pad. Operation Playground volunteers and their families are encouraged to attend, bring your photos/ scrapbooks to share and enjoy hot dogs, burgers, chips, dessert and beverage provided by the Crystal Lake Park Foundation. For more information contact Ann Viger, (815) 459-0680, ext. 1205, aviger@crystallakeparks.org

Dates: Monday, June 15

Time: 6:30-8 pm

Location: Woodscreek Park, 1416 Willow Tree Drive, Crystal Lake