December 28, 2024
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Respiratory illness surging in McHenry County, flu hospitalizations up 450%

Officials said there’s a 57.1% increase in ER visits due to COVID-19

By Claire O'Brien
The McHenry County Department of Health has announced the recipients of the Community Health Grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds, totaling $1,215,000, are intended to support COVID-19 recovery projects that align with the health priorities identified in MCDH’s 2022 Community Health Plan.

(Image provided by McHenry County Department of Health)

Respiratory illness is surging in McHenry County, the McHenry County Department of Health announced in a news release Friday afternoon.

The health department said flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, were “circulating at high levels.” COVID-19 transmission remains moderate, but transmission has increased.

Emergency department visits for COVID-19 rose by 57.1%, while hospitalizations climbed by 200% for the week of Dec. 15 to 21, according to the health department.

Flu hospitalizations are up 450%, while emergency room visits are up 60%, according to the health department.

Emergency department visits for RSV are up 16.7%, and the increase has been seen particularly among children up to age 4, according to the health department. RSV hospitalizations are down 11.1%.

The health department announced earlier this month that a child had died from RSV, the first fatal pediatric case of RSV in the county this season.

“RSV continues to be of particular concern for young children and vulnerable populations,” according to the release.

In the release last week announcing the child’s death, the health department emphasized preventive measures such as vaccination for adults 60 and older and the nirsevimab antibody for infants, according to Friday’s release.

The health department recommended that residents:

  • get the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines if they’re eligible.
  • wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.
  • wear masks when sick or in crowded settings.
  • avoid close contact with ill people.
  • stay home when they’re sick.

The health department also said it’s not recommended to visit people in nursing homes while ill.

If symptoms persist or become severe, people should seek medical care, according to the health department.

More information about respiratory illnesses in McHenry County can be found at bit.ly/MCDHrespiratory-surveillance or by calling the health department at 815-334-4500.

The latest report on respiratory illness in McHenry County can be found here: mchenrycountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/118109.

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