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Lake County Health report: avian influenza monitoring, rising norovirus cases, radon testing urged
Summary
At the Jan. 14 meeting the Lake County Board's Board of Health report flagged H5 avian influenza monitoring, an increase in norovirus cases, and urged residents to test homes for radon during Radon Action Month.
The Lake County Board’s Board of Health report on Jan. 14 advised residents to take basic precautions for avian influenza, norovirus and radon.
Member Park, presenting the Board of Health report, said highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 is widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy herds; several human cases among U.S. dairy workers had been reported but no sustained person-to-person spread has been detected. "No person to person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected at this time," Park said, and added that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the situation closely. The board noted the risk to the general public in Illinois remains low.
On norovirus, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported increases in cases. The report reminded residents that norovirus spreads quickly via direct contact, contaminated food or surfaces, and that handwashing with soap and warm water is the most effective prevention. "Hand sanitizer alone is insufficient to kill norovirus and is not a substitute for hand washing," Park said.
The report also noted January is National Radon Action Month and urged testing. Park said nearly one in 15 U.S. homes has elevated radon and that Lake County residents can buy short-term radon test kits from the Health Department for $10 in person at 500 West Winchester Road in Libertyville or $13 by mail; the $13 kit price includes return postage and lab analysis. For more information the report directed residents to call the health department or visit its website.
Why it matters: H5 avian influenza and norovirus carry workplace and household implications; radon is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and testing is the only way to confirm elevated household levels.
Next steps: The health department continues to monitor H5 developments in coordination with state and federal partners and will provide testing kits and guidance on radon and norovirus prevention.
