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McHenry County health officials warn measles risk, extend RSV guidance and report rising influenza B
Summary
County communicable-disease staff told the board they are monitoring measles cases in nearby counties, reiterated updated RSV guidance from Feb. 26, and said influenza B activity is increasing; staff also reported higher breast‑cancer screening and diagnoses tied to outreach and improved detection.
County communicable-disease officials briefed the McHenry County Board of Health on March 16 about multiple respiratory and vaccine‑preventable disease issues and screening activity.
The department reported that acute gastroenteritis outbreaks continue to occur locally and that staff have performed infection‑control assessments. Officials said the Illinois Department of Public Health issued updated guidance for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on Feb. 26 and that RSV activity remains elevated in Illinois and McHenry County.
On measles, board members were told that the first Illinois case since the last meeting was reported in Collinsville in southern Illinois, and DeKalb County reported a measles case on March 12; county staff said those reports prompt monitoring and contact‑tracing preparedness. “We would get notification,” the communicable‑disease lead said, noting cross‑jurisdictional alerts from nearby counties and states.
A physician in the meeting summarized national trends, saying that in 2026 more than 1,000 measles cases had been counted and that 2025 was one of the worst years since 2000 for measles incidence. County staff stressed that measles remains highly contagious and that testing and early detection are critical.
Officials also reported an increase in breast‑cancer screening activity and that the county’s program scheduled more than 80 screening appointments recently; staff said that higher diagnosis counts may reflect improved access and better detection rather than an unexplained rise in incidence.
Board members asked about public messaging; staff said routine immunization guidance is posted on social media and that they will consider targeted measles posts to reinforce vaccination and clinician awareness. The department also noted operational details: mobile WIC and immunization clinics, clinic move‑ins to the Crystal Lake facility, and plans for outreach to schools and community sites.
No new formal policies were adopted; the board asked staff to continue surveillance and return with any recommended changes to outreach or clinic hours.
