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County health department warns of measles, cyclospora counts and first West Nile activity
Summary
The county health department reported monitoring multiple outbreaks: 2,371 confirmed measles cases nationwide (as of July 30), more than 10,468 cyclospora cases under investigation (as of Aug. 6), and confirmed West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Ottawa on July 29; the department continues vaccine clinics and outreach.
A county health department representative told the committee the department has filled two open positions but continues to monitor multiple infectious-disease threats. She reported 2,371 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of July 30 and said the cyclospora investigation included more than 10,468 confirmed cases with an additional 12,000 under further investigation as of Aug. 6.
The official also reported that mosquitoes collected in Ottawa tested positive for West Nile virus on July 29 — the county’s first confirmed West Nile activity this season — and said the county will likely see an active West Nile season if hot, wet conditions persist. The department is offering extra after‑hours vaccine clinics and supporting WIC and summer-safety messaging; radon test kits remain free through a grant and the lab-processing costs are covered, the official said.
Committee members asked whether school-based vaccine programs were feasible; the official said constraints on cold-chain storage, staff availability and state-contracted providers make off-site school clinics difficult but that Illinois has a contractor schools can use for on-site vaccination.
