Recently the Chicago Department of Public Health identified several cases of measles in Chicago. On March 23,2024 the Lake County Health Department confirmed a case of measles in a Lake County resident. To date, this is the only confirmed case of measles in Lake County. Read the press release for more information.
Measles is a serious respiratory infection that causes a rash and high fever and is capable of leading to pneumonia and other complications. Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, or sneezes. While cases of measles are exceedingly rare due to high vaccination coverage from childhood, reports of measles cases have recently been increasing internationally and in the United States.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is extremely effective at preventing measles and remains by far the best protection against measles for people of all ages. Visit the CDC's page on the MMR vaccine and talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child have not been vaccinated against measles.
Learn more about measles at lakecountyil.gov/measles.
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 National Public Health Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of April to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health. This week we are joining health departments across the nation in celebrating and reflecting on our work to promote our communities health and well-being. At the Lake County Health Department, all our programs work together, and their integration helps elevate care in our communities.
This year’s theme is Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health. This theme focuses on how, "when we all come together to support public health, all of us — individuals, families, communities and the public health field — can achieve more!" Check out our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for more about this year’s themes and daily focus areas.
 On April 8, 2024, Illinois will be in the path of a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. Though Lake County will not experience the Moon completely covering the Sun (totality), there will be a partial eclipse, where the Moon covers most but not all of the Sun.
It is never safe to look at the sun without proper eye protection. If you are planning on watching the solar eclipse, you will need to wear eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer to place in front of your eyes for the entire duration of the eclipse when viewing from outside the path of totality. Those watching in the path of totality are able to safely remove their eye protection during the brief moments of totality. Eclipse glasses are not the same as regular sunglasses; they are thousands of times darker and should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Additionally, do not look at the eclipse through a camera, binoculars, or telescope unless they are fitted with the proper solar filter.
Visit NASA for more information on what to expect for the 2024 solar eclipse.
 Mark your calendars! The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is happening Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Take Back Day is a free event for communities nationwide to properly dispose of old and unneeded medications safely and anonymously. Find a collection site near you at www.DEATakeBack.com.
 Are you prepared to spring into action? An overdose can happen anywhere— that is why it is good to be prepared and always carry naloxone with you. Naloxone can be a life-saving medication that may be able to reverse an overdose from opioids — including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications — when given in time.
If you or someone you care for uses opioids, carry naloxone. Visit Naloxone Saves Live to order free naloxone today!
National Stress Awareness Month
National Stress Awareness Month occurs annually in April to bring attention to the negative impact stress can have on your life. Being able to manage stress can improve both your mental and physical well-being. Stress can cause a number of problems, including feeling different emotions (anger, sadness, worry), changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and physical reactions (headaches, stomach problems). Luckily there are many healthy ways to cope with stress, such as:
- Taking care of your body (eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise)
- Take breaks from the news (including social media)
- Limit alcohol intake
- Connect with others
- Continue with regular health appointments
Visit the National Institute of Health for more information about National Stress Month and the CDC for ways to manage stress.
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World Health Day
April 7 is World Health Day, marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Each year, this day serves as an opportunity to draw attention to a specific health topic with the theme for 2024 being “My health, my right.”
This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Visit WHO for more information about World Health Day.
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STI Awareness Week
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) Awareness Week is April 14-20. STI Awareness Week is a national campaign that focuses on raising awareness about STIs and how they impact our lives; reducing STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination; and ensuring people have the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.
STI's can affect people of all ages; the good news is that STI's are preventable. Reduce your risk of getting an STI by using a condom when intimate, getting tested regularly, and knowing your partner's STI status. Many STIs have no symptoms. The only way you can be sure of your status is to get tested.
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Earth Day— April 22, 2024
Earth day falls on Monday, April 22 and is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the health of our environment and promote changes we can make every day to create a healthier planet. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” calls for everyone to unite to combat plastic pollution to protect our health.
Visit Earth Day 2024 and 52 Ways To Invest In Our Planet for actions you can take, both big and small, to make a difference.
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National Infant Immunization Week
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), occurring April 22-29, highlights the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. By vaccinating infants according to CDC's recommended schedule, parents can protect their babies from 14 serious diseases before they turn two years old. Infants who are not vaccinated are at risk of getting sick as well as getting those around them sick. By getting your infant vaccinated, you’re also protecting your friends, family, and the community.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you might have.
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Where do I find information about...
Who can I contact to ask a question about...
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Lake County Health Department Services: Call (847) 377-8000
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COVID-19 in Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
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