Latest news with #SameerVohra
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm on a potential measles exposure at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In a news release on April 30, the department identified two confirmed measles cases in Cook County. These are the first two cases in the county, following the state's first confirmed case in a southern Illinois adult on April 23. Measles Outbreaks Emerge Across Us: See Which States Have Reported Cases One case was identified as a suburban Cook County adult with an unknown vaccination status who sought medical care at a local hospital on April 28. The second case was identified in a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through O'Hare Airport in April. Read On The Fox News App Measles Outbreaks Now Declared In 8 States, Including Michigan's First In 5 Years The patient, who had one prior dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, reported a rash onset on April 25. Both individuals have been isolated at home since being diagnosed. The state health department listed the following locations where there was potential for public exposure: Monday, April 21, 2025: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Rd. Tuesday, April 22, 2025: O'Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1 Wednesday, April 23, 2025: O'Hare Airport, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., especially Terminal 1 Friday, April 25, 2025: Aldi: 7235 39th St, Lyons, IL 6053, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025: Shell: 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, IL 60402, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2025: Mobil: 2945 S. Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402, 10:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter IDPH urges all people over the age of 12 months to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally. Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure of prior vaccinations. If symptoms arise, they should notify the healthcare provider before arriving at a facility to ensure "special arrangements" that will prevent others from infection, according to health officials. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air, IDPH noted, adding that 90% of people close to an infected person will also become infected if not immunized against it. As of May 1, there have been 935 total cases of measles confirmed across the U.S., according to CDC data. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra wrote in a press release statement that while Illinois public health officials are working to prevent further spread, being fully immunized "remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love." For more Health articles, visit "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective," he said. "We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots." Interim Cook County Department of Public Health COO Dr. Kiran Joshi added that there is a resurgence of measles in the U.S., despite the effectivenes of the MMR vaccine. "Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks," he said. "The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives."Original article source: Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure
Fox News
02-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Measles scare at major airport: What to know about potential exposure
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm on a potential measles exposure at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In a news release on April 30, the department identified two confirmed measles cases in Cook County. These are the first two cases in the county, following the state's first confirmed case in a southern Illinois adult on April 23. One case was identified as a suburban Cook County adult with an unknown vaccination status who sought medical care at a local hospital on April 28. The second case was identified in a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through O'Hare Airport in April. The patient, who had one prior dose of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, reported a rash onset on April 25. Both individuals have been isolated at home since being diagnosed. As of May 1, there have been 935 total cases of measles confirmed across the U.S. The state health department listed the following locations where there was potential for public exposure: IDPH urges all people over the age of 12 months to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine prior to traveling internationally. Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and notify their healthcare provider if they are unsure of prior vaccinations. If symptoms arise, they should notify the healthcare provider before arriving at a facility to ensure "special arrangements" that will prevent others from infection, according to health officials. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air, IDPH noted, adding that 90% of people close to an infected person will also become infected if not immunized against it. As of May 1, there have been 935 total cases of measles confirmed across the U.S., according to CDC data. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra wrote in a press release statement that while Illinois public health officials are working to prevent further spread, being fully immunized "remains the best and most effective way for everyone to protect themselves and those they love." For more Health articles, visit "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective," he said. "We encourage anyone who is unvaccinated, or under-vaccinated, to speak with their medical provider and take appropriate steps to get up to date on the recommended shots." Interim Cook County Department of Public Health COO Dr. Kiran Joshi added that there is a resurgence of measles in the U.S., despite the effectivenes of the MMR vaccine. "Misinformation has contributed to declining vaccination rates and fueled recent outbreaks," he said. "The MMR vaccine has been in use for over 50 years, is highly effective, and has protected millions of lives."
