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A mosquito “pool” (batch of mosquitoes) sampled on June 24, 2025 at a Southlake Mosquito Abatement District (SLMAD) trap in Highland Park tested positive for West Nile virus. This mosquito pool is the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus presence in Lake County in 2025.
 Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness. However, some may become ill, usually 3 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle ache. In some individuals, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
Find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus at FightTheBiteNow.com.
Due to water quality concerns, many of our beaches and inland lakes are under a beach advisory. Before heading out, visit lakecountyil.gov/2385 to check the beach’s advisory status and make sure the water is safe to swim in. Checking takes just a few seconds and can help protect you and your loved ones from harmful bacteria.
Here at the Lake County Health Department, we are constantly testing and monitoring the beaches and inland lakes to keep you informed. Watch this video to see how we make sure they are safe to enjoy. |
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 Last week, the Lake County Health Department, in partnership with Senator Julie Morrison, hosted a bipartisan legislative forum to discuss the current state of public health in Lake County. Our experts shared about disease investigation, responding to public health threats, and had a conversation about legislative challenges and opportunities.
Senator Darby Hills, Senator Adrian Johnosn, Rep. Dan Didech, Rep. Bob Morgan, Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, Rep. Nabeela Syed, and Rep. Tom Weber were also in attendance at the forum.
Last month, the Health Department and its partners concluded Lake County's first-ever Operation Dropbox. Thank you to everyone who collaborated, volunteered, or donated to help make the event such a resounding success. We are excited to share that we were able to provide 4,507 pounds (290 boxes) of much-needed donations to local Veterans. Together with McHenry County, we collected a total of over 11,400 pounds! |
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This operation was not only an opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of Veterans, but also a valuable training exercise for a potential real-world medical countermeasures distribution event. It was a fantastic chance to strengthen our partnerships and build essential skills in logistics, teamwork, and emergency preparedness.
Visit the Health Department's Facebook and Instagram for a video wrap-up of the event! View more photos from our Operation Dropbox events.
On June 25, the Mental Health Group Home celebrated its grand reopening after the it temporarily closed for renovations. The updated interior provides a trauma-informed living environment where clients can feel safe and empowered. Nearly all spaces were a part of the renovation, including common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices.
As a supervised residential setting for up to 14 adults with mental illness, the Group Home provides individuals with assistance in improving interpersonal skills and daily living skills, which will lead to living in a less-structured environment. Learn more at lakecountyil.gov/707/Mental-Health-Group-Home.
World Hepatitis Day occurs annually on July 28, aiming to focus attention on the impact of viral hepatitis infection globally—with more than 350 million people worldwide living with either chronic hepatitis B or C. |
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The Health Department’s Need2Know Lake County program offers testing, treatment, and case management. To learn more, visit our Need2Know or call (847) 377-8450.
For more information about hepatitis, vis the CDC’s ABCs of Viral Hepatitis page.
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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