PEORIA

Gene Hube

Health department has new public health administrator

A 20-year veteran of the Peoria City/County Health Department is its new public health administrator.

The Peoria County Board of Health has announced the appointment of Gene Huber, MA, MPA. Huber served as director of finance for the past 12 years and grants manager for the previous eight years at the Peoria City/County Health Department. Huber conveys a wealth of public health knowledge, as well as financial and administrative oversight, for this position, according to a statement by the Board of Health. Huber’s public health accomplishments include securing state and federal grants and providing leadership and communication among board members, staff, and the community.

“I look forward to working with the Peoria County Board of Health to design a long term strategic plan for the Peoria City/County Health Department,” Huber said in a statement. “I am also eager to increase collaborative partnerships throughout the community to assure a sustainable effort in implementing identified strategic public health initiatives. Overall, I want to assure efficient and effective programs and services that positively affect population health in Peoria County.”

Joyce Harant, president of the Peoria County Board of Health said, “Gene brings extensive experience in public health and governmental affairs to the administrator position. The Board of Health members have confidence in Gene’s vision and look forward to her leadership at the Health Department and in our community.”

For more information on important public health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.

Water rate increase to cover infrastructure work

Illinois American Water has filed an application with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to hike rates for water and sewer service in all of the company’s operating districts, including Peoria. If approved, the new rates would go into effective in January 2017.

The company’s investments in water and sewer system improvements are the primary driver behind this rate request, according to a company prepared statement. From Oct. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2017, Illinois American Water will have invested approximately $342 million in water and sewer infrastructure statewide, according to the statement. These improvements to local water and sewer plants, pumps and pipes help to enhance service quality, reliability, environmental performance, public health and fire protection for customers. Rates will not change until January 2017, after the ICC completes a comprehensive review of the request. The 11-month process includes opportunities for public comment.

Illinois American Water’s last rate increase was in 2012.

“The communities we serve rely on us to provide reliable, quality water and wastewater service to support the local economy and to provide a high quality of life for residents,” said Illinois American Water President Bruce Hauk. “These investments will help ensure we are able to keep that commitment to the health and prosperity of our customers and communities in Illinois.” Hauk added that the company had reduced its operating expenses by about 3 percent since its last rate order.

More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

STATE

Zika virus a health risk for travelers

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is alerting the public of the potential of contracting the Zika virus while traveling abroad.

The Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites, similar to West Nile virus or dengue fever, according to the department’s news release. While illness is usually mild and severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, there is a possible link between Zika virus infection in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects, the release states.

According to the department, two pregnant Illinois residents who recently traveled to countries where Zika virus is found have tested positive for the virus. Physicians are monitoring their health and pregnancies.

“There is virtually no risk to Illinois residents, since you cannot contract Zika virus from another person, but only through the bite of an infected mosquito,” IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah stated in the release. “But since this is a time of year when people travel to warmer climates and countries where Zika virus is found, we are urging residents, especially pregnant women, to take preventive measures when traveling in affected countries and check health travel advisories.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Until more is known, CDC recommends that pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women, women trying to become pregnant, or women who are thinking about becoming pregnant and must travel to one of these areas should talk with their doctor or other health care provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes).  Symptoms can last from several days to weeks.  There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection.

When traveling to countries where Zika virus has been reported, all travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. CDC has developed interim guidelines for health care providers in the United States caring for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak. These guidelines http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6502e1.htm  include recommendations for pregnant women considering travel to an area with Zika virus transmission and recommendations for screening, testing, and management of pregnant returning travelers. Updates on areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission are available online (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/).

CHILLICOTHE

Teddy bear drive spreads good cheer

A teddy bear can be a great source of comfort, and Illinois Valley Central (IVC) sophomore Taylor Larson wants to spread those good feelings to patients at Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Larson is again asking the public to donate teddy bears and various other stuffed animals for the hospital’s patients. Last year, she collected almost 700 donations. The following local sites are collecting the toys until Feb. 5: Pearce Community Center, Evolutions Hair Salon in Peoria, Little Tykes Learning Adventures in Mossville, Chillicothe First United Methodist Church, Build a Bear in the Northwoods Mall, Prairie Home Alliance in Washington, Slater Wealth Management in Peoria, Monical’s in Chillicothe, Maple Shade Dental in Peoria, Center Stage Academy of Dance in Morton, Chillicothe Junior High and Elementary Center, Mossville Junior High and Elementary School, Chillicothe South Primary School, IVC and Riverside Chevy, which will attempt to stuff a car with bears.

After Feb. 5, the drive will continue by its main sponsor, the 97.3 NASH FM studios, 120 Eaton St., Peoria.

For more information on the drive, contact Larson through 97.3 NASH FM Teddy Bear Drive for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois Facebook page or at (309) 274-4237.

–Peoria Area News Briefs–