The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning to check solar eclipse glasses after some were recalled for potentially not meeting safety standards. The recalled glasses, sold through Amazon and various Southern Illinois retail establishments, are labeled as "EN ISO 12312-1:2022" instead of the proper safety designation of 12312-2. People are urged not to use these glasses to view the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.
A resident in their 90s from suburban Cook County, Illinois, has become the state's first human death related to West Nile virus in 2023. The individual experienced symptoms in early August and passed away shortly after. The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported a total of 12 human cases this year, with seven in Cook County. Health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures, including reducing standing water, using insect repellent, and reporting stagnant water sources to local authorities.
A 3-year-old child died while being transported on a bus of asylum-seekers headed to the Chicago area. The Illinois Department of Public Health is collaborating with local health officials, state police, and federal authorities to investigate the tragic incident. Further details have not been released at this time.
Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to a L.A. Fitness in Niles, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) began an investigation and found Legionella pnemophila S2-14 in samples collected from the facility’s hot tub. The hot tub and associated area will remain closed until additional testing confirms that legionella is no longer detected. L.A. Fitness closed their pool, spa, showers and steam room after being notified. People who work out at the gym said they will take extra precautions going forward.
