ALERT

STICKNEY PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT REPORTS THREE CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS

BURBANK – The Stickney Public Health District (SPHD) is reporting Stickney Township’s first three human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2025. The individuals, whose symptoms began in August are all adults.

The Illinois Department of Public Health previously confirmed the first human case of WNV in the state on June 24. WNV is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. West Nile Virus cannot be transmitted from person-to-person. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can affect the central nervous symptom or result in hospitalization or death. Symptoms usually occur within 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms and may never know they were infected. Anyone can develop mild or severe illness.

However, the risk of severe illness increases with age or if you have a chronic medical condition (such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease) or a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medication.

SPHD reminds residents to take precautions against mosquitoes that may carry the virus:

  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
  • Eliminate standing water. This includes emptying water from flowerpots, gutters, pool covers, pet water dishes and bird baths daily.
  • Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.
  • Limit activities outside between dusk and dawn or wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, socks, and shoes. Consider treating clothing with Permethrin.
  • Check that screens, windows, and doors are tight-fitting, free of holes and tears.
  • Regularly check on neighbors who may need assistance, especially the elderly.

    • In an effort to battle West Nile Virus, the Stickney Public Health District has sprayed insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes throughout the Township. The second spraying took place from August 18th to the 29th. Due to weather conditions, final areas will be sprayed the week beginning September 8th.

    Each year, Stickney Public Health District conducts a comprehensive West Nile Virus surveillance, prevention, and control program. In addition to spraying, SPHD releases larvicide in catch basins, which helps limit the number of mosquitoes that can carry the virus.

    We Want to Know How You Feel...

    We want to know more about the mental health needs of our community and need your help...

    We are asking our residents to participate in a short survey offered by the Behavioral Health Division of the Stickney Public Health District.

    Please take a moment  to help your community by answering a few questions.

    Select the link for your language below which will lead to the survey. Your responses will help us improve our services. All responses will remain anonymous. Thank you for your participation!

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    Be advised that Stickney Township transportation programs continue to operate for medical appointments and trips to the grocery store. More information is available here.

    Stickney Public Health District Clinics Are Open for General Health Issues

    To make an appointment call our South clinic at 708-424-9200 or our North Clinic at (708) 788-9100.

    Stickney Public Health District Services the Community

    Since 1946, the Stickney Public Health District has provided community-based public health services to the residents of Stickney Township. Our service area includes the City of Burbank, the Villages of Stickney and Forest View, unincorporated areas of Central Stickney and Nottingham Park, and parts of the Village of Bridgeview (east of Harlem Avenue). We are focused on making Stickney Township a healthy place to live and work.

    Aligned with our mission, the Stickney Public Health District has goals to promote physical activity and healthy eating; reduce obesity; and decrease the level of untreated high blood pressure in our community. We work together with many partners --- community-based organizations, schools, senior homes to name a few – to develop and implement programs and initiatives that make healthy living easier for our residents.


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    Avoid Ticks and Reduce the Chances of Contracting Lyme Disease

    SPRINGFIELD, Warmer weather is “tick season” and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to learn how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease.

    “Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. During the summer months, I encourage our residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.”

    IDPH has created Pocket Cards, a Tick Defense Knowledge Check crossword puzzle and other materials for school aged children that make it fun for everyone in the family to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses.

    Director Vohra said the most important thing people can do to “Fight the Bite” is to diligently check themselves, their pets and children for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks live, such as in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush. Removing ticks within a 24-hour period reduces the risk of potential disease transmission. In addition to Lyme disease, other serious tickborne diseases include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis. Some tickborne illnesses can be life threatening. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is particularly dangerous and may cause death as quickly as five days after symptom onset.

    If you become ill with fever and/or rash after being in an area prone to ticks, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

    IDPH has created an interactive Tick Surveillance Map that documents the counties in Illinois where the different tick species have been confirmed as well as the diseases they may carry.

    Public health officials note that Illinoisans who are travelling out of state should be aware that there is a much higher prevalence of Lyme disease in certain geographic areas, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and parts of Michigan, and across the northeastern United States.

    Following are additional tips for how to avoid tickborne illnesses and have a healthy time in the outdoors: Learn about tick removal and symptom awareness HERE.
  • Walk in the center of trails. Avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Our Camper Checklist provides more details on how to protect yourself.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find. Tuck long pants into socks and boots.
  • Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing 20% DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus according to label directions. The EPA has a search tool that can help you find the product that best suits your needs.
  • Conduct full-body tick checks on family members (underarms, ears, belly button, behind knees, between legs, waist, hair and scalp) every two to three hours. Also check any gear or pets taken on outings.
  • To kill ticks after being outdoors, put clothes in the dryer on high for 10 minutes (or one hour for damp clothes).
  • Bathe or shower within two hours after coming indoors.
  • If you find a blacklegged tick on you that may have been attached for more than three days, then seek medical attention to decide if you need an antibiotic to prevent prevent Lyme disease.
  • It is often helpful to keep the tick for species identification. Place the tick in rubbing alcohol or in a sealed bag/container to bring to your healthcare provider or local health department for submission to IDPH. A submission form can be found HERE on the IDPH website.

    • Measles Protection is Available from Township Clinics

    Measles activity is expanding rapidly in the US and globally. As of April 25, 2025, a total of 884 confirmed measles cases were identified in the United States and 3 deaths as a result of measles infection have been reported. Illinois has 3 cases this year so far, with the first 2 cases in Cook County confirmed on 4/30/2025.

    Measles can cause pneumonia, croup, ear infections, swelling of the brain, brain damage, complications for pregnant people, erase the immune system’s memory of viruses and bacteria increasing the likelihood of infection with other illnesses for years, and can cause death.

    Measles spreads easily from person to person and can stay in the air for hours. Measles is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come into contact with the virus AND do not have protection against it through vaccine or past infection/exposure may become infected.

    The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection with two doses of the MMR vaccine 97% effective against the disease.

    MMR is part of the routine vaccination schedule for children, with the first dose given between 12-15 months of age, and the second dose between 4-6 years of age. In Illinois, one dose on MMR is required for daycare and preschool attendance, and two doses are required for K-12 school attendance.

    Stickney Public Health District, the local health department for Stickney Township, offers MMR vaccinations at no cost for eligible children for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program, $5 for kids with private insurance and low-cost vaccines for adults. If you are insured, visit your healthcare provider or in-network pharmacy.

    When traveling internationally or to areas with measles outbreaks, make sure that travelers are fully protected with the MMR vaccine. In these situations, infants 6 months-12 months can receive an early dose and everyone 12 months and older should have two shots for full protection. After traveling, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning home. Contact your healthcare provider if illness with rash and high fever occurs.

    All Stickney Township residents are encouraged to review their medical records and make sure they are protected from measles and/or are up to date on their MMR vaccine. If unsure, contact your healthcare provider to verify your immunization history.

    Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry (I-Care) can be accessed using IDPH Vax Verify portal. Keep a copy of your vaccination/immunity record handy and in a safe place.

    If you are infected with measles or are identified as a close contact of a person with measles, your local health department will contact you to help you determine next steps, answer questions, and share resources.

    More information can be found on the following site:
    What to Know About Measles and Vaccines | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health

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    Appointments for School Physicals Are Available

    Call now to make an appointment for school physicals, sports physicals and vaccines. Appointments are currently available but will fill up fast.

    To make an appointment call our South clinic at 708-424-9200 or our North Clinic at (708) 788-9100. If you are a new patient with us you will need to provide shot records and any other pertinent information.

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