Latest news with #IDPH
Axios
15-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Illinois makes HIV drug PrEP more available
As the federal government cuts funding for HIV and AIDS research, Illinois is trying to make HIV prevention meds more available. Why it matters: Better access to the medication could reduce the risk of contraction for those most at risk — men who have sex with men and Black and Hispanic people. Driving the news: The Illinois Department of Public Health issued an order allowing Illinoisans to obtain the medication PrEP, which can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by 99% when taken correctly, directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor's prescription. Flashback: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law in 2022 to allow access to the medication without a prescription, and any pharmacist who wants to offer the medicine must undergo a training program. "With a large-scale change like this, we needed to ensure that the implementation would be safe, effective, and equitable. That meant engaging local health departments, advocacy groups, pharmacist associations, and sister state agencies to shape a responsible rollout," a spokesperson from IDPH told Axios in a statement. "We also worked to identify the best ways to monitor program participation and ensure pharmacists were supported with appropriate training and guidance." The law also specifies that services provided by a pharmacist are covered and reimbursed by insurance at the same rate as when provided by a doctor. What they're saying: "With threats from the federal government to HIV prevention funding (the HHS draft budget proposed eliminating all — yes, all — HIV prevention funding) it's even more critical to increase the access points where people can get PrEP," AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) president John Peller tells Axios in an email. AFC has helped implement the law across the state, including training for pharmacists and setting reimbursement rates through Medicaid. By the numbers: Nearly 23,000 people in Illinois were living with HIV and about 19,000 living with AIDS as of December 2024, the most recent available data from IDPH. There were more than 1,300 new diagnoses of the virus statewide in 2024, down 9% from the previous year. Black men make up the most new cases since 2017 at more than 3,500, followed by Hispanic men at 2,700. The 30-39 age bracket is the most common for both men and women in terms of new cases.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Nile virus found in Rockford mosquito pool, sparking health concerns
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) reported its first mosquito pool in the state, testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). IDPH says the results came in yesterday, May 12. These reports—coming from the city of Rockford in Winnebago County—are also the first time the virus was reported this year. 'The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Vohra said it's important for individuals to prevent the chances of sustaining mosquito bites, especially those who have a weaker immune system. WNV is transmitted from a Culex mosquito bite, also known as house mosquitoes. Most WNV symptoms include fever, upset stomach, headache and muscle aches. However, there are chances someone may not show any symptoms. One practice Vohra suggested to combat the virus surrounds the three R's: reduce, repel and report. In 2024, the state of Illinois saw 69 human cases in relation to WNV, and about 13 people died from the virus. More information about WNV can be found on the health department's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IDPH reports first West Nile positive mosquito pool in 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Department of Public Health announced its first mosquito pool to test positive for the West Nile virus in the state on Tuesday. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. Most infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, but severe cases can lead to death. The sample was taken from Rockford on Friday and tested positive on Monday, according to an IDPH news release. 'The news of the first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Tazewell County In 2024, IDPH reported 69 human cases of the West Nile Virus in Illinois, which led to 13 deaths. Last year, there were 3,108 positive mosquito batches and 54 positive birds. The state health department encourages everyone to practice the three 'R's' to prevent the spread of the virus: REDUCE- 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 or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers. REPEL- when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae. More information on the West Nile Virus is available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Fight the Bite' of Tick Season
Peoria, Ill. (WMBD) – Tick season is here! The Illinois Department of Public Health wants people to learn how to protect themselves, children and pets from the potential of tickborne illnesses. That's because ticks are, 'among the most efficient carriers of disease,' according to the health department's publication on the subject. Most often that's Lyme disease. It's suggested to check for the arachnids after spending time outdoors and best to remove them within the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of disease transmission. 'Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year,' said IDPH Director Sameer Vohra. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to 'Fight the Bite' and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses.' But in any case, 'if you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately,' Vohra said. To help 'Fight the Bite,' the IDPH website includes a tick surveillance map and a place to learn more about tick removal and symptom awareness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
10-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Which Chicago-caught fish you can safely eat
Yes, you can eat fish from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, but not much. And you should lay off the channel catfish. The latest: The Illinois Department of Public Health just released its latest fish eating advisory based on contaminants in the water including heavy metals and "forever chemicals." So we've created a handy clip-and-save guide on some of the most popular local sport fish and how many you can eat before it becomes a health risk. Dive in: Local smelt lovers (like Monica) will be sad to learn that Illinois officials advise limiting consumption to one meal a week due to contaminants in Lake Michigan. What they're saying:"While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about effects of long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury in fish," IDPH officials said in a statement. Zoom in: IDPH issued additional limits, due to PFAS and mercury levels, for Cedar Lake, Chaminwood Lake, Dongola Lake, Dutchman Lake, the Illinois River, Wolf Lake and Indian Creek. But advisories were relaxed for the Big Muddy River, Lake Bracken, Monee Reservoir and Randolph County Lake. Threat level: State officials advise all women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, and children under 15 to limit consumption of predatory fish (e.g., bass, walleye, salmon) to no more than once a week across Illinois, due to mercury concerns.
