Party Planning For Upcoming Weekend

Party planning for the upcoming July 4^th weekend should include more than a menu and invited guests.  Forgetting about food safety can be a recipe for disaster. A metal-stemmed thermometer is as much a party essential as matching plates and napkins.  According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year. Following four simple steps – clean, separate, cook and chill – can help keep your family safe. Learn the risks of food poisoning in the fun new web series Recipes for Disaster at http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/basics/index.html.

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling by keeping “hot things hot” (greater than 135 degrees Fahrenheit) and “cold things cold” (less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce your risk of a food-borne illness. Other safety tips include --

• Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator.
• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.
• Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.
• To avoid cross contamination, use separate plates for raw and cooked meats.
• Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food.
• Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.  Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (see below).
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving time.

 Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH at 815-334-4585, Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30 pm.  For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.

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.

McHenry County Area Beaches Tested Satisfactory

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 37 licensed beaches on Thursday, May 21.  All beaches tested satisfactory. Please check with beach operators to see if your local beach will be open for the Memorial Day holiday. 

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 12 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.    

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, Public Beaches) or call 815-334-4585.

It's Tick Bite Time

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is reminding residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular Lyme disease.  Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush and are typically active April through November. Although the American Dog Tick and the Lone Star Tick can spread disease, the Black-legged or Deer Tick is the most common disease carrier in Illinois and surrounding states and is largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. 

In 2014, 33 cases of Lyme disease were reported in McHenry County as well as three other tick-borne illnesses (Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).  This is a slight drop from the 37 cases reported in 2013.

Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).  In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted so it’s important to check yourself after being outside.  Many cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.  If you experience these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, contact your physician for reporting to MCDH. If physicians have questions regarding testing, please call MCDH’s Communicable Disease program.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes –

•  Educate yourself, family about tick identification, removal and symptom awareness.
• Walk in the center of trails.  Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and  leaf litter (including vacant lots in residential areas).
• Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET (20% or more) to exposed skin.  Follow    label instructions. 
• Conduct full-body tick checks on family members (including underarms, in/around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waists, and especially in the hair). Also check any gear taken on outings.  
• Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect.  Keep pets out of tick habitats like tall grass/brush. Always examine pets before bringing them inside.  Ask your vet to recommend an over-the-counter tick repellent. 
• The CDC recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks.

Staff in the Division of Environmental Health can assist residents with the identification of ticks. Additional information on identification and testing of ticks is available on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info, select Environmental Health, Nuisance, and follow the link to ticks and Lyme disease. 

For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program 815-334-4500, visit www.mcdh.info, select Environmental Health, link to Nuisance, or go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/.

Time To Take Precautions Against Tick Bites

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is reminding residents to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, in particular Lyme disease.  Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush and are typically active April through November. Although the American Dog Tick and the Lone Star Tick can spread disease, the Black-legged or Deer Tick is the most common disease carrier in Illinois and surrounding states and is largely responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. 

In 2014, 33 cases of Lyme disease were reported in McHenry County as well as three other tick-borne illnesses (Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).  This is a slight drop from the 37 cases reported in 2013.

Lyme disease typically occurs 3 to 30 days after exposure to an infected tick. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash (often with a “bull’s eye” appearance).  In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted so it’s important to check yourself after being outside.  Many cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.  If you experience these symptoms, and have had possible exposure to ticks, contact your physician for reporting to MCDH. If physicians have questions regarding testing, please call MCDH’s Communicable Disease program.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illness includes –

• · Educate yourself, family about tick identification, removal and symptom awareness.
•   Walk in the center of trails.  Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter (including vacant lots in residential areas).
• Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET (20% or more) to exposed skin. Follow label instructions. 
• Conduct full-body tick checks on family members (including underarms, in/around ears, inside belly button, behind knees, between legs, around waists, and especially in the hair). Also check any gear taken on outings. 
• Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect.  Keep pets out of tick habitats like tall grass/brush. Always examine pets before bringing them inside.  Ask your vet to recommend an over-the-counter tick repellent. 
• The CDC recommends bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks 
• Staff in the Division of Environmental Health can assist residents with the identification of ticks. 
• Additional information on identification and testing of ticks is available on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info, select Environmental Health, Nuisance, and follow the link to ticks and Lyme disease. 

 For more information on Lyme disease, contact MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program 815-334-4500, visit www.mcdh.info, select Environmental Health, link to Nuisance, or go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/.

Help Available For Treating STD Infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports there are about 20 million new sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections each year in the U.S. with almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age. STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, genital warts, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Most infections have no symptoms and often go undiagnosed and untreated leading to severe health consequences and infertility, especially for women.

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported communicable disease in McHenry County, with 590 cases in 2013 and 484 cases in 2012. Thirty-two (32) cases of gonorrhea and five (5) cases of syphilis were also reported in 2013. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the County had 131 people living with HIV as of December, 2014, with 73 who have advanced to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Despite this news, there are effective ways to diagnose and treat STD infections. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) offers affordable comprehensive STD testing by appointment (815-334-4500). The test consists of a urine sample and a blood draw. Clients also receive free confidential or anonymous rapid HIV testing for those at high risk for infection. Consulting and education are included with all HIV and STD testing.

The CDC recommends annual testing for:

• sexually active women under 25 years of age for chlamydia and gonorrhea;
• older women who have a new or multiple sex partners or a partner infected with   an     STD infection;
• gay and bisexual men or other men who have sex with men for chlamydia, gonorrhea,   HIV and syphilis;
• anyone who has unsafe sex or shares needles to inject drugs for HIV.

Call MCDH at 815-334-4500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  To learn more about STDs, visit CDC www.cdc.gov/std.

Openings For January Quit Smoking Class

Registration is still open for the January quit smoking class offered by the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) and Centegra Health System.  The seven-week class will be held from 9am-10:30am beginning Tuesday, January 13, at Huntley Health Bridge Fitness Center, located at 10450 Algonquin Road, Huntley.  A $25 course fee is refundable if all sessions are attended. Class members will also receive a free 3-day pass to Centegra’s Health Bridge Fitness Center. To register, call MCDH at 815-334-4510 or 1-877-CENTEGRA. Classes will teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction through group support and behavior modification.  It will also review nicotine replacement products that are currently on the market. Instruction is provided by MCDH staff which is trained in the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program. This program is considered the “gold standard” and has helped tens of thousands of smokers quit over the last 30 years.  Evaluation studies have shown that individuals who participate in Freedom From Smoking®:

• Experience immediate health benefits;
• Learn to address the physical, mental, and social aspects of their addiction
• Are six times more likely to be smoke free one year later than those who quit on their own.
• Call today to reserve your seat.  To speak with a counselor immediately, call the Illinois Tobacco Quit Line at 1-866-QUIT-YES.

Deadline Extended -- Annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has extended the deadline to January 16, 2015, for high school and college students to submit an entry for the 11^th annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest.  Since 2004, the contest has sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the ill health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.  The theme this year is “the dangers of nicotine”.  This project was made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health.  

Entries are judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design.  Students can work individually or as partners.  Making the final selection are teens from McHenry County Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, MCDH’s Health Promotion staff, as well as representatives from health departments throughout northern Illinois.  Three designs will be chosen.  Winning entries will have the student’s name, design and school name displayed on billboards, community posters and signs throughout McHenry County. 

Past winners have included students from Woodstock High School, Woodstock North High School, Marengo Community High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, Cary Grove High School, McHenry County College and Crystal Lake South High School. 

For a contest announcement and entry form, students should contact their school’s art teacher.  For more information about the contest, call MCDH 815-334-4851. Get the latest news from MCDH at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.

Added Flu Shot Clinics

There is still time to get your flu shot before the holiday get-togethers with family and friends.  As flu cases have already been reported in the County, college students returning home for the Christmas break are also reminded to get the flu vaccine.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has scheduled additional vaccination clinics to protect residents against the flu.  The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.  Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at 815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info for the following clinics –

·         4pm-6pm, Thursday, Dec. 18: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue

·         4pm-6pm, Monday, Dec. 29: MCDH Woodstock, 2200 N Seminary Avenue

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. Even healthy people can get the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. The flu vaccine protects not only you but those around you who are most vulnerable like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the immune system to build the antibodies the body needs to protect against flu virus infection.  Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. 

For more information on protecting yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Easy Nutrition On A Budget Seminar

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will present “Easy Nutrition on a Budget” and “Cooking for One” at the Harvard Community Senior Center, 6817 Harvard Hills Road, on Monday, November 24 at 10am. The program is free and open to the public. Beverages will be provided.
 

This is the 2nd presentation in a series of health-related topics geared to older adults.  This program is made possible by a grant from the American Heart Association.  More information is available from the Senior Center by calling 815-943-2740.

Insurance Informational Sessions -- English and Spanish

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has scheduled English and Spanish informational presentations at local libraries to discuss insurance enrollment options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  The “Enroll McHenry” open enrollment kick-off begins on Saturday, November 15, from 10am-4pm, at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock, in McHenry.  In-Person Counselors (“navigators”) are trained and licensed by the State of Illinois, Department of Insurance, to raise awareness and educate residents about their new insurance options through Medicaid or Marketplace.

The following libraries will host presentations – 

Tuesday, Nov 11, 7pm (English) – Harvard-Diggins Library, 900 E McKinley Street

 Wednesday, Nov 19, 7pm (English) – McHenry Public Library, 809 Front Street

 Monday, Dec 1, 7pm (English) – Algonquin Public Library, 115 Eastgate Drive

 Tuesday, Dec 2, 7pm (Spanish) – Harvard-Diggins Library, 900 E McKinley Street

Thursday, Dec 4, 7pm (English) – Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St (register 815-459-1687)

·Wednesday, Dec 10, 7pm (Spanish) – McHenry Public Library, 809 Front Street

MCDH and its partners, Centegra Health System, Family Health Partnership Clinic, and Pioneer Center for Human Services, received a state grant to provide education and enrollment assistance to residents who need affordable health care coverage.  The grant period ends April 15, 2015. “Enroll McHenry” has provided 12,000 assistance sessions and has helped 3,061 residents apply in either Marketplace or Medicaid plans. For residents who have lost their employer-based benefits, discuss your options with a licensed Navigator to compare the cost of COBRA or Marketplace plan pricing. 

Call MCDH at 815-334-4510 or go online www.mcdh.info to schedule an appointment with a licensed Navigator or contact the Get Covered Illinois Call Center at 866-311-1119 for an appointment location near you.  

Cholesterol Screening Offered November 15

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will offer a cholesterol screening at Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street, in Woodstock on Saturday, November 15 from 9am-11:30am.  Appointments are required at 815-334-4082.  The cost is $35.  The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, heart age assessment and cardiovascular education.  A nursing consult is available once results are received.

Why is cholesterol important? High cholesterol has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.  Although it usually has no signs or symptoms, it can be treated. In fact, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes are all major risk factors for heart disease.  Certain lifestyles such as being a smoker, being overweight and lack of exercise can also put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Everyone can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. 

 By quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, you can keep blood cholesterols down. For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/what_you_can_do.htm. 

April 7-13 Is National Public Health Week

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will join communities around the country in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week (NPHW) to draw attention to the need to help protect and improve the nation’s health.  Since 1995, communities from across the country have celebrated NPHW each April to draw attention to the need to help protect and improve the nation’s health.

This year’s theme is "Public Health: Start Here”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states seven in ten deaths in the U.S. are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Only three percent of health care dollars go toward prevention while 75 percent of health care dollars are spent on treating such diseases.

“We need to recognize that improving our nation’s health can be done with small changes to our daily routine,” said Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH’s Public Health Administrator.  “We can all make a difference in helping people live healthier and longer lives.”  NPHW messages will be focused on --

Monday, April 7th – Be Healthy from the Start: From maternal health and school nutrition to emergency preparedness, public health starts at home.

Tuesday, April 8th – Don’t Panic: Disaster preparedness starts with community-wide commitment and action. 

Wednesday, April 9th – Get Out Ahead: Prevention is now a nationwide priority.

Thursday, April 10th – Eat Well: The system that keeps our nation's food safe and healthy is complex. 

Friday April 11th – Be the Healthiest Nation in One Generation: Best practices for community health come from around the globe. 

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit www.nphw.org.

Recipient of Nursing’s 2013 Lina Rodgers Award

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) announces the recipient of the 2013 Lina Rodgers Award honoring excellence in the school health profession.  This year’s recipient is Jennifer Paolini, RN from Chauncey H. Duker School in McHenry.  Mrs. Paolini was nominated by her school principal and staff.  In their nomination, school representatives praised Mrs. Paolini for being the “front line” nurse that shows sensibility, good judgment, discretion, and enthusiasm to promote wellness and reduce the spread of illness in her school and community.  In addition to working closely with students, parents and school staff, Mrs. Paolini collaborates with MCDH’s Health Promotion and Communicable Disease Programs. 

MCDH hosted its annual school nurse conference at McHenry County College on October 29. This year’s conference focused on behavioral health Issues in school aged children. Speakers included Dr. Michael Feld from Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health, Dr. Zack Sikora and Shira Greenfield from Centegra Behavioral Health, Chris Colosimo, School Psychologist from Nippersink District #2 and Jessica Gerdes and Michele Carmichael from the Illinois State Board of Education. Over 100 registrants attended the conference including surrounding counties. 

Since its inception 111 years ago, school nursing has had an enduring partnership with public health. Lina Rodgers spent her nursing career advocating the importance of disease prevention by promoting nutrition, exercise, health education, dental and hearing screenings, and the introduction of paper towels for hand drying. She authored the first book for school nurses, published numerous articles on school health, and continued to speak at domestic and international conferences until her death in 1946.

Health Department hosts “Cover Your Community” Day event

Learn more about Affordable Care Act as part of Get Covered Illinois

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is scheduled to host “Cover Your Community” Day, an educational event, on Saturday, November 2, for residents seeking information about the new health insurance options available through Get Covered Illinois.  Locations include:

·        8am-11am, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital (Main Entrance), 450 W Highway 22, Barrington

·        12pm-2pm, Woodstock Library, 414 W Judd St (informational table in Lobby)

·        12pm-3pm, Crystal Lake Library, 126 W Paddock St (information table in Lobby)

This event is the largest ever statewide effort to educate Illinois residents about Get Covered Illinois and the range of health insurance options and community resources that are available to McHenry County residents. Specially trained Navigators will be on-site to assist and answer questions.

Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Administrator states, “We’re here to support community members as they learn more about the affordable health insurance options available and to get them the information and assistance they need to sign up for the plan that is best for them.” 

Under the Affordable Care Act, thousands of Illinoisans who were previously unable to get insurance can now get covered.  All plans in the Marketplace cover recommended preventive services free of charge, include a cap on out-of-pocket costs, have no lifetime or yearly dollar limit on coverage and will not reject anyone on the basis of pre-existing conditions.  For more information about the Affordable Care Act, contact MCDH at 815-334-4510 or visit www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov.

"Significant Increase In Mosquitoes" -- McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports a significant increase in mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Fifteen mosquito batches from August 27-September 5 tested positive as compared to five positive batches over a four month period (May-July). The recent trap locations were from Algonquin Township, Harvard, Hebron, Lake in the Hills, Nunda Township and Spring Grove.  The recent dry hot weather is the perfect breeding environment for the Culex mosquito which carries WNV.  Residents are urged to take precautions to reduce their risk of becoming infected with WNV.

As of today, MCDH has tested 426 mosquito batches, with 20 testing positive.  The State Health Department reported 55 counties with WNV activity on September 4, with three human cases.  McHenry County reported its first human case of WNV for 2013 on August 21; six human cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2012.  MCDH has submitted 21 birds this year for testing, with nine testing positive for WNV.   

It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October).  Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.  Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. 

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible.  Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease.  For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.

McHenry County Beach Testing Results

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 38 licensed beaches on Thursday, August 29.  Sunrise Ridge beach, located at 3800 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake is CLOSED due to high bacteria levels and will be re-sampled today. Also the beach at Cumberland Lane in Lakewood (CCAPOA-7) has been placed on an ADVISORY due to high bacteria levels. All other beaches are open for the Labor Day weekend. 

An advisory means there is an elevated health risk. To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.    

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, quick links, “beach testing results”) or call 815-334-4585.

McHenry County Bat Number Two Found By An Island Lake Homeowner

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports its 2nd rabid bat, found by a homeowner, on August 13 outside a dog run at an Island Lake residence.  There was no human exposure.  This incident supports the need for pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations. 

In order to test bats for rabies, it is important they be in good condition (i.e. head is intact) – either alive or recently deceased.  Specimens in good condition and test negative for rabies eliminates the need for rabies treatment following human exposure.  State-wide, 23 rabid bats have been reported in eight counties and the city of Chicago.  Last year, McHenry County reported two rabid bats -- bats reported statewide totaled 63.  Following reporting guidelines from the State Health Department, only in cases of confirmed exposure will bats be submitted for testing.      

The best way to avoid rabies is to avoid exposure.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and can only be confirmed in a laboratory.  Keeping cats and dogs current with vaccinations will not only keep them from getting rabies but also provide a barrier of protection for you if your animal is bitten by a rabid animal. Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate so these are the best times to "bat-proof" your home. A fact sheet on bat exclusion can be viewed at www.mcdh.info.

Residents are encouraged to take a “hands off” approach to wild animals to reduce their risk of exposure.  Children should also be educated about the dangers. A bat that is active by day, found in a place where bats are not usually seen (such as in your home, in a swimming pool or on the lawn) or is unable to fly, is more likely than others to be rabid. To learn more about rabies prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Questions about exposure should be directed to MCDH’s Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.

Heavy Rains Affect Use Of Beaches

Due to elevated bacteria levels from recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health reports several beaches are either closed or placed on advisory. 

 Closed beaches include:

• Wooded Shores, 3221 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 1, 3701 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 2, 3925-3927 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Center, 4100 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 2 North, 4519-4603 NW Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 1, 5622 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 2, 5606 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 45200 Wonder Woods Drive, Wonder Lake
• Sunrise Ridge, 3800 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Highland Shores, 3500 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Lookout Point, 5206 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Hilltop Beach Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• Indian Trails Beach, Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• WillOaks Campground Beach, 14304 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock

 Beaches on advisory are:

• Veterans Park, 332 W State Road, Island Lake
• Lake Park Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
• LeVilla Vaupell 1, 1115 N Northeast Shore Drive, Griswold Lake

Beaches will be re-sampled with results posted on the MCDH webpage.  Residents are encouraged to check with beach operators and the MCDH webpage for the latest information. The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increase risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.

Beach Sampling Reports

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 38 licensed beaches on Wednesday, June 6.  There were no reports of increased bacterial levels.  All beaches will be open.

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.    

Water sampling results are reported to the appropriate beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, quick links, “beach testing results”) or call 815-334-4585.