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October 3, 2024
As we approach the peak of the 2024-2025 respiratory season, we want to provide an important update on the current respiratory illness trends within our community and offer guidance on best practices for testing and management.
Key Observations and Trends
Increased Emergency Department (ED) Visits for Respiratory Illnesses
In the past two respiratory illness seasons, Lake County has seen higher ED visits for respiratory illnesses than the state average, particularly during peak months.
Rising Pertussis Cases
From January to September 2024, pertussis cases in Lake County are 4.5 times higher than the same period in 2023, highlighting an urgent need for timely diagnosis and treatment. From January 1 to September 26, 2024, there have been 1,087 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis reported in Illinois. The state has not seen a similar increase in pertussis cases since 2016. For more information from the Illinois Department of Health, see their SIREN.
Outbreaks
Current respiratory pathogen outbreaks are affecting long-term care facilities and K-12 schools, emphasizing the need for community-wide vigilance.
Diagnosis Delays
Many patients are returning to their healthcare providers two or three times before being tested and diagnosed for pertussis. Early diagnosis (via a PCR test) can lead to quicker treatment initiation, improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of the disease.
Call to Action
Testing Considerations
When faced with respiratory illness symptoms, especially in patients with coughing fits, please consider the possibility of bacterial infections like pertussis, in addition to viral causes (COVID-19, RSV, flu).
Antibiotic Treatment
Diagnosed bacterial infections require prompt antibiotic treatment. For diagnosed pertussis, it is important to treat the person infected and provide prophylaxis to household members to prevent spread. Early intervention not only aids in the patient’s recovery, but also minimizes transmission in the community.
Vaccination Advocacy
We continue to see lower vaccination rates, which is contributing to the current increase in pertussis cases. Please encourage patients to stay up to date on all vaccinations, particularly for pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19.
Return to Work/School Guidance
Encourage patients to remain home while symptomatic to prevent the spread of infections in schools and workplaces.
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Strep Throat or Mycoplasma Infections: Patients should remain home until they have been on antibiotics for 12-24 hours and are fever-free without the use of medication.
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Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Patients should stay home until they have completed five days of antibiotics or are cleared by a doctor.
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Viral Illnesses (e.g., Flu, RSV, COVID-19): Patients can return to school or work when they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and feel well enough to participate in normal activities.
Symptom Overview and Testing Guidance
 If you have any questions or require additional resources, please contact the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program at (847) 377-8130. Thank you for your continued dedication to the health and safety of our community.
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