2024-2025 Respiratory Virus Season
Respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and COVID-19, are contagious infections that can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. While many individuals may experience mild symptoms, some may face severe illness or complications. It’s important to stay informed and take precautions during respiratory virus season.
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Click here for information on prevention, vaccination, symptoms, and treatments.
Luther Center Fire
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, there was an electrical fire at the Luther Center. Residents were evacuated and placed in temporary housing. WCHD assisted the Luther Center in facilitating the return of residents to their homes once the building was declared safe for occupancy.
PFAS Health Notice
PFAS are chemicals that build up in the body and can cause health impacts. PFAS can be found in a variety of consumer products and in water.Â
Residents should reduce their exposure to PFAS. Drinking water should be protected, especially in the area around 1418 Sandy Hollow Rd, Rockford, IL 61109. Residents that live in this area should take extra precaution to test any wells not hooked up to City water and take steps to remove PFAS from drinking water. City water is not impacted by this health notice.
Exposure to PFAS in water can be reduced through home water treatment systems or through using the right carbon filters.
Click here for more information on PFAS.
Heighten Rabies Awareness
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.
Bats are the primary species identified with rabies in Illinois. The likelihood of human-bat contact increases during summer because of bat migration and feeding patterns.
Click here for more informationÂ
MEASLES
Measles is a serious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily through the air. Measles is a very contagious to unvaccinated adults and children. Make sure you and your family are up to date on your MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine.
Click here for more information.
MPV (Monkeypox)
MPV (monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by the orthopox virus.
Click here for information on prevention, vaccination, symptoms, and treatments.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness.
Click here for information on prevention, vaccination, symptoms, and treatments.
Opioid Overdoses
The opioid epidemic in Winnebago County is impacting both residents of all genders, races, and ages.
Maternal and Infant Mortality
In Winnebago County, there are significant disparities by race in the infant and maternal mortality rates.
Chemtool Fire
On June 14, 2021, there was a large fire at Chemtool Incorporated which lead to a Disaster Proclamation being declared for Winnebago County.Â
Click here for information connected to this fire.
