CHAMPAIGN COUNTY BIRD POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, has reported that a dead crow collected in Rantoul in Champaign County has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the third bird in Illinois to test positive for West Nile virus since the state’s surveillance for the mosquito-borne disease began on May 1. The crow found in Rantoul was submitted for testing by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and confirmed positive Friday by the University of Illinois Veterinary School Laboratory in Urbana-Champaign.

ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL RECEIVES PEDIATRIC CARE AWARD

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, has presented St. John's Hospital of Springfield with an excellence in pediatric care award for its dedication to meeting the special health care needs of children.

GOV. BLAGOJEVICH HONORS INDIVIDUALS FOR HEROIC ACTS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has joined the Illinois Department of Public Health in recognizing 22 Illinois citizens, including state Senate President Emil Jones, for acts of courage as part of the state’s 17th Annual Emergency Medical Services Awards.

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR WEST NILE VIRUS CONTROL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has announced the state has awarded grants to local health departments totaling $2.3 million as part of this year's efforts to detect and control mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases.