Health officials seek community feedback through e-survey

WOODSTOCK Ill. – McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) would like the public’s assistance in shaping future education and prevention efforts about West Nile virus (WNV) and tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, in McHenry County. Funded by a grant from the State Health Department, MCDH has designed an anonymous, confidential online survey that will be available on its website at www.mcdh.info from Sunday, December 1 to Saturday, December 14.    

Available in both English and Spanish, the survey is looking to measure what residents know about the two illnesses, where they may have heard or read about West Nile or ticks – such as media, school, workplace, the Internet – and whether residents know how to protect themselves.  Standard demographic information will also be gathered. 

MCDH first reported cases of West Vile virus in 2001 and it continues to monitor activity of bird, mosquito and human cases through its surveillance system. Two human cases of WNV were reported this year, while 2012 had five human cases. Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever have become more prevalent in recent years with 36 cases reported in 2013, 39 cases in 2012 and 20 cases in 2011.

Survey results will assist MCDH staff in the design of program materials and outreach campaigns. For more information about West Nile virus and tick-borne illness, visit www.mcdh.info or call 815-334-4510.

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“Working to prevent disease and promote health and safety for all people of McHenry County since 1966.”