Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Press Releases

Sep 1, 2015 First 2015 Human West Nile Virus Deaths in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first two human West Nile virus related deaths in Illinois for 2015. The Cook County Department of Public Health reported a resident in their 90's became ill at the end of August and has died. Separately, the Kendall County Health Department reported a resident in their 70's became ill at the end of July and has died.

"Although we're getting closer to the end of summer, you still can be at risk of getting West Nile virus," said Illinois Department of Public Health Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. "It's important for everyone to continue taking precautions like wearing insect repellent and staying indoors between dusk and dawn."

IDPH reported the first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois this year on August 19, 2015. Last year there were 44 human cases, including four deaths. Cases in human are... more...

Aug 4, 2015 Mumps Booster Shot Recommended for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Students
Illinois Department of Public Health, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and University address mumps outbreak

SPRINGFIELD The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), and McKinley Health Center are recommending students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive a booster shot of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine as soon as possible, even if they have already received one or two previous MMR vaccinations.

"We continue to see new mumps infections in students at the University and are working to stop the spread," said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah. "While most cases on campus have already received two doses of MMR, a third dose may help control the outbreak. Although the vaccine against mumps is extremely effective, it is not perfect. This is why it is important for those who can be vaccinated, to take this extra step and potentially help protect those around... more...

Jun 24, 2015 National HIV Testing Day
Champaign, IL - National HIV Testing Day is this Saturday, June 27, 2015 and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages everyone to get tested.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 1.2 million people in the United States that are living with HIV with 50,000 new HIV infections each year in the United States. Almost one in seven people are unaware of their infection. Over half of young people between the ages of 13-24 living with HIV are unaware of their infection. On average, 1,800 people are diagnosed with HIV in Illinois each... more...

Jun 12, 2015 Numbers of Mumps Cases Increase
Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have identified 23 cases of mumps in a local outbreak. Mumps is a contagious, vaccine-preventable, acute viral illness that is spread through droplets of saliva or through mucus of an infected person.

According to IDPH, symptoms of mumps usually appear 14 days to 18 days after infection. They usually include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, loss of appetite and swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, usually the parotid gland (located just below the front of the ear at the angle of the jaw). In mild cases, the swelling may only last for three to four days, but can last up to a week or more. Approximately one-third of infected people do not exhibit symptoms. There is no specific treatment for mumps, but there are treatments that can help relieve some symptoms. Persons with symptoms of mumps should contact their primary care... more...

Jun 10, 2015 Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics
Join the Champaign County Medical Reserve Corp and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District for a Fun and Educational Event

Champaign, IL - The Champaign County Medical Reserve Corps (CCMRC), Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians have teamed up to host a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic and education event on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The event will be held at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District located at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign and the Rantoul Community Service Center located at 520 E. Wabash in Rantoul from 8:30 - 10:30 AM.

This event offers an opportunity for dog and cat owners who may not otherwise be able to provide vet care a more affordable option. The cost of the rabies vaccination plus the county registration fee ranges from $15 - $26. Up to 75 pre-registered individuals are guaranteed a spot. Walk-ins are welcome and will be seen after those who are... more...

Jun 2, 2015 Let's Talk About Sex
To follow up National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (May), the Coalition for Comprehensive Sex Education and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District* will screen James Houston's acclaimed 2009 documentary "Let's Talk About Sex" and host a community panel following the film.

Please join us for a discussion on teen pregnancy/STD prevention and sex education!

When: Tuesday, June 9th at 6:00 pm Panel to begin at 7:15 pm

Where: The Art Theater Co-Op 126 W. Church St. Champaign, IL... more...

Jun 1, 2015 Summer Food Service Program Starts Wednesday, June 3rd
Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is hosting the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) again this year beginning Wednesday, June 3. The program provides free meals throughout the summer months when children are not in school.

SFSP is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and will run through mid-August in the lobby of CUPHD located at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. Breakfast is served from 9:00 am - 11:00 am and lunch from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. All meals are free to children ages one to 18 regardless of income or... more...

May 14, 2015 C-UPHD Alerts Public to Widespread cases of Shigellosis in Champaign County
Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (C-UPHD) is alerting community residents of widespread increase in shigellosis in Champaign County. Since January of 2015, C-UPHD has been alerted to 20 lab confirmed cases of shigellosis. C- UPHD has requested that the medical community and emergency departments increase testing and treatment of shigellosis. C-UPHD has notified and sent informational letters to Champaign County daycares, educational facilities, pools, day camps, and restaurants.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5-7 days. Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to... more...

Apr 20, 2015 Jesse White to Present Certificate of Support
Champaign, IL - Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White, will present a Certificate of Support to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) for their support of the Organ /Tissue Donor program on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. The event will be held in the main conference room at CUPHD, 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign, at
10:00 AM.

April is National Donate Life Month. According to Life Goes On, there are currently more than 5.7 million people registered to become organ/tissue donors in Illinois; however, more than 5,000 are on the waiting list and about 300 people die each year waiting for an organ transplant. More than 25 people can benefit from single... more...

Apr 15, 2015 Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics
Champaign, IL - The Champaign County Medical Reserve Corps (CCMRC), Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians have teamed up to host two low-cost rabies vaccination clinics and education event on Sunday, April 26, 2015. The event will be held at the Champaign- Urbana Public Health District located at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign and the Rantoul Community Service Center located at 520 E. Wabash in Rantoul from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

This event offers an opportunity for dog and cat owners who may not otherwise be able to provide vet care a more affordable option. The cost of the rabies vaccination plus the county registration fee ranges from $15 - $26. Up to 75 pre-registered individuals are guaranteed a spot. Walk-ins are welcome and will be seen after those who are... more...