McHenry County, IL
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What We Do
The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is responsible for investigating potential outbreaks of illness within the county. Our team of public health professionals works diligently to:
- Identify and Stop the Spread: We prioritize evaluating the risk of illness and take steps to prevent further transmission. This may involve measures such as suspending health permits, closing recreational areas, or excluding sick individuals from contact with others.
- Find the Cause: Through interviews, data analysis, and sample collection, we aim to identify the cause of the outbreak, such as a specific foodborne illness or a contagious disease.
- Prevent Future Outbreaks: Based on our investigation findings, we recommend corrective actions to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
As an Illinois Certified Local Health Department, the McHenry County Department of Health is required to investigate concerns or issues related to illness transmission, including illness outbreaks. The Department also has the authority to require that measures and corrective actions be put in place to stop the spread of illness and to prevent further illness transmission.
The Department’s authority and responsibility to investigate illness outbreaks is found in the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance, Illinois Administrative Code Part 600 (Certified Local Health Departments), and Illinois Administrative Code Part 690 (Infectious Diseases).
How We Investigate
The priorities of an illness investigation are to evaluate the ongoing public health risk, implement interventions to stop the spread of illness (i.e. suspension of health permit, closing a recreational area, exclusion of ill individuals or contacts, etc.), collect and analyze data to identify a causative agent, determine how the illness was transmitted, and to ensure the implementation of corrective action to prevent future illnesses.
Illness complaints are received in a variety of ways, including:
- Individual complaints
- Electronic surveillance (IDSS)
- The medical community
- Establishments (schools, long-term care facilities, food establishments)
- Through epidemiological surveillance (clusters)
Unveiling the Cause: The Role of Communicable Disease Staff in Outbreak Investigations
Outbreaks can be like puzzles - a jumble of symptoms and potential exposures. To solve them, we rely on the expertise of our Communicable Disease staff, Registered Nurses specially trained in infectious diseases and infection control. Let's delve into their crucial roles and the process of uncovering the cause of an outbreak.
Uncovering Clues in Our Surroundings
Illness outbreaks can sometimes be linked to environmental factors. Here's where our team of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioners (LEHPs) comes in. Think of them as environmental detectives – using their scientific training and keen observation skills to find potential sources of illness in our community. Let's explore how LEHPs contribute to a successful outbreak investigation.
Unveiling Connections with Epidemiology
Epidemiology might sound complex, but it's all about connecting the dots. Our team of epidemiologists, specialists with Masters in Public Health, play a vital role in outbreak investigations. They act like puzzle masters, analyzing data from various sources to uncover the transmission patterns and ultimately, the cause of the outbreak. Let's see how they achieve this.
Communication
MCDH is committed to transparency throughout the investigation process. We share information with those affected, relevant establishments, businesses, policymakers, and the general public. However, we may limit details to protect confidentiality and avoid hindering the investigation.
Our communications are crafted by the Community Information Coordinator (CIC) in collaboration with experts from the communicable disease, epidemiological, and environmental health teams. All communications are approved by the Public Health Administrator prior to release.
When illness outbreak investigations involve other agencies or investigative partners (such as the IDPH, CDC, schools, etc.), the CIC works closely with these partners to ensure that accurate and consistent information is provided to the public.
Media inquiries during illness outbreak investigations are managed by the CIC, who collaborates with Department health experts to provide accurate responses. The CIC ensures that information released to the media is factual and relevant.
How You Can Help
- Stay Informed: Follow MCDH on social media and our website for updates on illness outbreaks.
- Public Input: In some cases, we may request public input during investigations. Look for announcements in news releases and social media posts.
- Preventative Measures: Practice good hygiene and follow food safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness.
Once an investigation is concluded, the investigation findings are released to the partners involved in the investigation as well as those affected by the outbreak. Then a news release is issued to announce the completion of the investigation and direct general public/ interested parties where to find the final investigation report.
Additional Resources
- Communicable Diseases Data and Reports: This webpage provides access to reports from past and current illness outbreak investigations.
By working together, we can maintain a healthy McHenry County. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the McHenry County Health Department.