Perry County Health Department

03/19/2026

🚨 Health Advisory Update:
RSV Season Extended in Illinois 🚨

The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus season has been extended through the end of April due to higher-than-expected activity. Current positivity rates (8%) remain well above the 3% threshold typically used to mark the end of the season.

📊 What this means:

• RSV is still actively spreading in our communities
• Infants, older adults, and high-risk individuals remain especially vulnerable
• Vaccination rates are currently low, increasing the risk of severe illness

💉 Who should consider RSV protection?

• Infants under 8 months (especially if mom was not vaccinated during pregnancy)
• High-risk children (8–19 months) entering their second RSV season
• Adults 75+ and high-risk adults 50–74
• Pregnant individuals (32–36 weeks) — vaccination is now encouraged through the end of March

🛡️ Protect Yourself & Your Family

These prevention strategies help reduce the spread of RSV, Influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses:

✅ Core Prevention Strategies

• Stay up to date on vaccinations (RSV, flu, COVID-19)
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover coughs and sneezes (elbow or tissue)
• Stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness
• Avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms

➕ Additional Prevention Measures

• Improve indoor ventilation (open windows, use air filtration)
• Consider masking in crowded indoor spaces, especially during high transmission
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth)
• For infants: limit exposure to large crowds and sick contacts

⚠️ Important Reminder:

RSV and other respiratory viruses are still circulating at significant levels. Taking simple precautions can make a big difference in protecting yourself, your family, and your community.

For questions about vaccines or risk, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.
Perry County Health Department
618-357-5371 ext.108

03/18/2026

Perry County Health Department is proud to serve as a draw site for both Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp.

We are here to meet all of your laboratory service needs in a professional and timely manner.

To schedule an appointment, please call Amanda Warden at 618-357-5371 ext. 110.

We look forward to serving you.

03/16/2026

Help Us Care for our Community- Apply Today!!

03/12/2026

Thanks to a grant that crosses county lines Jackson county has included Perry county to provide moms with more education, resources and support for their breastfeeding journey.

Together, we’re working to make sure families in our community have the knowledge and encouragement they need. ❤️

Perry County welcomes all to the meeting and we are here to support all breastfeeding Moms.

03/11/2026

Spring is just around the corner!!
Let's get the immunity up in the community 💪. Call 618-357-5371 ext.108 to make an appointment!! We are open Monday thru Thursday 8-5!

03/05/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the Perry County Health Department is proud to wear blue in support of raising awareness and encouraging prevention. 💙

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Regular screenings and paying attention to changes in your health can save lives.

Join us this month by wearing blue, spreading awareness, and encouraging your friends and family to stay up to date with their screenings. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against colorectal cancer.

03/03/2026

03/02/2026

Don’t let RSV keep you from enjoying life! 💛
RSV cases are still circulating, and protecting yourself (and the people you love) matters. Getting vaccinated is a simple step that can help prevent serious illness — especially for older adults and those with underlying conditions.
Take control of your health today!

📞 Call 618-357-5371 ext. 108 to schedule your appointment.

Stay healthy. Stay active. Stay protected.

02/19/2026

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