The McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road in Woodstock, which houses the McHenry County Health Department | Photo: McHenry County Government

Health officials are warning the public about a significant rise in respiratory illness, including the flu and RSV, across McHenry County which has spiked emergency room visits.

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) said Friday that it has observed a significant rise in respiratory illness activity across the county, with both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at high levels.

COVID-19 is in moderate transmission in the county but an increase in the transmission of the illness has been noted.

Emergency department visits for COVID-19 rose by 57.1% while hospitalizations surged by 200% during the week of December 15 through December 21, MCDH said.

Emergency department visits for influenza increased by 60% and hospitalizations jumped by 450%. Positive influenza A and B tests also saw a 17.5% increase.

Emergency department visits for RSV grew by 16.7%, particularly among children ages 0–4 years, though RSV-related hospitalizations decreased by 11.1%.

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MCDH said RSV continues to be of particular concern for young children and vulnerable populations.

Health officials on December 19 announced the first child RSV death of 2024 in McHenry County.

The MCDH said it advises residents to get vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible.

Residents are also recommended to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, wear masks when sick or in crowded settings, avoid close contact with individuals who are ill and stay home when sick.