Since September 28, 2025 (Week 40) to date, Lake County intensive care units (ICUs) have reported: 

• 6 influenza-related admissions 
• 8 COVID-19–related admissions 
• 0 RSV-related admissions 

No pediatric deaths have been reported. 

For patients presenting with febrile respiratory symptoms, please document: 

• Exposure to others with diagnosed infections. 
• Recent exposure to poultry, wild birds, or dairy products (relevant for zoonotic pathogens such as H5N1 or Q fever). 
• Occupational exposures, including farming, animal handling, or healthcare roles. 

• Conduct respiratory pathogen testing, including influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory viruses. 
• Collect appropriate specimens (e.g., nasopharyngeal swabs or lower respiratory samples) to ensure accurate diagnosis. 
• Labs should send influenza specimens from individuals in the ICU who have tested positive for influenza A, but the specimen has not been subtyped at the facility OR those untypeable to the IDPH laboratory. Prior to specimen submission, laboratories must contact the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program to obtain an authorization code. Authorization can be obtained by calling (847) 377-8130, selecting option #1. Once authorization is granted, the specimen may be forwarded to IDPH for subtyping. See Resources below for details. 
• Prioritize additional pathogen-specific testing when zoonotic or other high-risk exposures are suspected. If suspected, contact the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program at (847) 377-8130, selecting option #1. 

• Initiate prompt antiviral therapy when indicated (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza, Paxlovid for COVID-19) or antimicrobial treatment for suspected secondary bacterial infections. 
• For severe, atypical, or unusual cases, consult infectious disease specialists for targeted management. 

• Influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on those at higher risk of complications. 
• COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for all eligible individuals, ensuring they are up to date or starting the series if not yet immunized.
• RSV vaccination for adults aged 70 years and older, and for adults aged 50 to 69 with risk factors, to prevent severe RSV-related illness. 
• RSV monoclonal antibody prophylaxis for infants under 8 months old during their first RSV season, and for children over 8 months old during their second RSV season. 

• Ensuring appropriate ventilation in patient care areas. 
• Considering masking for staff, patients, and/or visitors during periods of heightened respiratory illness transmission. 
• Considering restriction of visitors to individuals aged 18 years and older, with a maximum of two visitors per patient, and enforcing entry symptom screening. 
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff managing suspected or confirmed ARI cases, including fit-tested N95 respirators, eye protection, gowns, and gloves.
• Educating staff on infection prevention and control practices, including awareness of zoonotic disease risks. 
• Consulting with the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program at (847) 377-8130.