Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Hospitalizations are up statewide as the holiday season arrives.

Congenital syphilis cases have been surging in recent years both nationally and in Illinois.

While hospital admissions remain low, there is concern COVID-19 is circulating.

There have been 12 human cases confirmed in the state so far this year.

The variant EG.5 is causing about 17% of new cases in the country, compared with 16% for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, according to the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and IDPH are monitoring COVID-19 trends by measuring the presence of the virus in wastewater in addition to other existing surveillance methods.

IDPH has been supporting pharmacies and healthcare providers in efforts to increase their inventories of the various FDA-authorized treatments.

Illinois Department of Public Health Health’s Connie Austin joins moderator Molly Lamb to discuss infectious disease and animals, including recent developments with the deer population around Lake Springfield.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) discusses how the health system has handled the pandemic and equity in the system.

Illinois Department of Public Health Health’s Connie Austin joins moderator Molly Lamb to discuss infectious disease and animals, including recent developments with the deer population around Lake Springfield.