Health department reports RSV uptick, gastroenteritis clusters and explains new state outbreak coordination

Communicable-disease staff told the McHenry County Board of Health that respiratory illnesses have ticked upward over the last week, with RSV levels particularly rising in children aged 0–4, while COVID‑19 and influenza inpatient and ER visits have declined.

"We've seen a wave of clusters of acute gastroenteritis recently, and we're planning to send a memo out to local schools this week regarding that," the communicable-disease staff said, outlining a near-term follow-up to inform school administrators. Staff also reported that COVID‑19 and influenza patient visits are down even as RSV increases.

At the state coordination level, staff and a board physician noted that IDPH has endorsed the 2026 child and adolescent immunization schedule aligned with CDC/AAP guidance and that Illinois joined the WHO global outbreak alert and response network to improve awareness of international threats. One speaker characterized a multi-state public-health alliance as a means for states to clarify guidance if federal recommendations shift; the speaker said "the CDC has moved somewhat away from science based, recommendations." The transcript does not record a factual rebuttal to that assertion.

Staff also announced outreach opportunities: the health department will appear on the Huntley Radio Show on March 22 (an audience the speaker estimated at 50,000) to highlight department services and will hold two epidemiology-led data meetings followed by a stakeholder vote on health priorities in March, with an implementation plan expected by July or August.

Board members were informed of these surveillance and outreach actions and the department's intent to keep schools and partners informed as cluster investigations continue.