Randolph County Health Department-IL

12/22/2025

No one puts “stomach bug” on their holiday wish list - but viruses like norovirus and rotavirus spread easily this time of year, especially with gatherings, travel, and shared food.

We’re starting to see increases in outbreaks, hospitalizations, and detections in wastewater across Illinois. The good news? Simple steps can help protect you and the people you’re celebrating with.
Stay home if you’re sick. Vomiting or diarrhea = skip gatherings.
➡️ Don’t prepare food for others when sick. Wait 48 hours after symptoms stop before cooking.
➡️ Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (hand sanitizer doesn’t work well for stomach bugs).
➡️ Clean surfaces with bleach-based or norovirus-effective cleaners.

Stomach bugs spread fast, linger on surfaces, and can be especially serious for young kids. Parents: rotavirus vaccination is part of routine childhood vaccines and helps prevent severe illness.

Choose wisely. Protect your plans and your people.
Learn more: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/diseases/noroviruses.html

12/22/2025

The Randolph County Health Department will be closed Wednesday, December 24th, and Thursday, December 25th. We will reopen on Friday, December 26th.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday! 🎄

12/18/2025

12/17/2025

Many people may experience pain and loneliness around this time of year. Look out for the people around you, offer a kind word, and check in on those who might be feeling isolated. A simple act of kindness can make a real difference.

If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. samhsa.gov/find-help

Need help with housing? Utilities? Food? Caregiving? Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for help connecting to local resources.

12/16/2025

Illinois Department of Public Health released its first ever report on alcohol use in Illinois.

This report serves as a critical foundation for a more informed, coordinated response to the growing public health challenges posed by alcohol misuse across Illinois.

12/12/2025

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your friends, and your family from getting sick. Keep yourself healthy this holiday season by simply washing your hands!

12/11/2025

Randolph County Health Department is an official Drug Overdose Prevention Program Site! We are now able to provide vital overdose prevention resources to our community. The following resources are available for free at our office in Chester.

- Free Naloxone (Narcan): a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses
- Training: on how and when to administer Narcan
- Fentanyl/Xylazine test strips: to help detect dangerous substances
- Information on local recovery meetings and support groups

12/10/2025

🚭 Reminder for All Illinois Businesses! 🚭

Since January 1, 2008, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act has been helping keep our air clean and safe from secondhand smoke. As of January 1, 2024, the Smoke Free Illinois Act started to cover e-cigarettes as well.

To help protect everyone’s health in Randolph County, remember that smoking and va**ng are not allowed within 15 feet of any business entrance, exit, window, or air intake.

Let’s continue keeping our communities healthy, happy, and smoke-free!

For any questions or concerns please check out: http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov/complaints.HTM

12/09/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday, Marcy! 🎉

Help us wish a happy birthday to Marcy, our WIC Nutritionist! We’re so glad to have her on our team at RCHD.🎂

12/08/2025

🧼 It's National Handwashing Awareness Week!🧼

No one wants to be sick around the holidays. Proper hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.

🤲Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
🧼Scrub all parts of your hands including underneath fingernails, in between fingers, and up to your wrists.
💧Use soap and water, or hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
✨Wash before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing.