Kane County Health Department

09/03/2026

Kane County has made significant investments to strengthen our behavioral health system, expanding access to mental health and substance use services and creating new opportunities for residents to get the support they need.

Watch the video to see how these investments have translated into real improvements across Kane County — from expanding services and strengthening providers to increasing access, addressing barriers to care, and connecting residents with resources.

To learn more about the Kane County Behavioral Health Improvement Initiatives and all of the funded organizations that made these improvements possible, visit: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/BH-Initiatives.aspx

09/03/2026

This Labor Day, thank the workers who keep our communities moving and remember that a healthy community starts with healthy people, including the people who go to work every day.

Happy Labor Day from the Kane County Health Department.

09/03/2026

As of September 2, 2026, there were 71 cases of cyclosporiasis in Kane County year to date. For context:

2025: 9 cases
2024: 13 cases
2023: 8 cases
2022: 9 cases

Learn more about the symptoms of cyclosporiasis and how to lessen your chances of getting a cyclospora infection: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Cyclosporiasis.aspx

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Hunger is happening right here in Kane County.

11.1%, more than 1 in 10 residents experience food insecurity, meaning they don't always know where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity can affect anyone after a job loss, illness, rising grocery costs, or other unexpected challenges.

The good news? Hunger is preventable when communities work together.

This Hunger Action Month, we're joining organizations across Kane County to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect neighbors with resources.

Learn more and find resources: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/KCHRN.aspx

09/03/2026

Need a place to stay cool? Find an area cooling center here: https://health.kanecountyil.gov/Pages/Warming-Cooling-Centers.aspx

09/02/2026

The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is reporting the first two human cases of West Nile virus in Kane County for the 2026 mosquito season. Both individuals are Aurora residents and developed the more serious, neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus requiring hospitalization.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, commonly known as a house mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus and can then transmit the virus to people and other animals.

The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites:

- Use insect repellent. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol according to label directions.

- Wear protective clothing. When outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes.

- Eliminate standing water. Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, children's pools, pet dishes, tires and other containers at least once a week.

- Maintain screens. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair any holes or tears.

- Keep grass and weeds trimmed. Mosquitoes can use vegetation around homes as resting areas.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five people develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. A small number of people develop severe illness that can affect the brain and nervous system, including encephalitis or meningitis. Adults age 60 and older and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for severe disease.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus in people. Prevention of mosquito bites is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.

For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito surveillance and prevention, visit: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/West-Nile-Virus.aspx

09/02/2026

September is Hunger Action Month, and the Kane County Hunger Relief Network is raising awareness about food insecurity and recognizing the organizations working every day to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food.

Throughout the month, we’ll be spotlighting food pantries across Kane County and sharing their stories, their impact and the many ways our community can support their work.

Today, we’re highlighting the Aurora Food Pantry, which has been serving the community since 1981. For 45 years, it has grown into one of Northern Illinois’ largest food pantries, now serving more than 1,500 households each week.

One of the pantry’s newest initiatives is its Mobile Meals Program, which brings fresh, prepared meals to scheduled locations and key touchpoints throughout Aurora. The program helps reach people who may lack access to a kitchen or stable housing, are housebound or are experiencing a crisis.

Neighbors are also seeking healthy, high-protein foods including meat, halal and kosher options, and plant-based proteins, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Volunteers are at the heart of the pantry’s work. With more than 1,500 households served each week, volunteers provide critical support while helping create a welcoming environment that makes the pantry more than a place to receive food - it’s a community hub.

Want to help? The Aurora Food Pantry currently needs:
• Dry, shelf-stable food donations
• Volunteers
• Monetary donations

And sometimes, food pantries receive donations that reflect needs beyond the grocery aisle. The Aurora Food Pantry has received everything from lightbulbs, power strips and nightlights to coffee and household appliances.

During Hunger Action Month, learn more, get involved and help strengthen food security in Kane County. Every donation, volunteer hour and act of support makes a difference. Give Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry a follow to see more of their work, and learn more about the Kane County Hunger Relief Network at: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/KCHRN.aspx

09/02/2026

We were excited to bring together the Kane County AOK Early Childhood Network for our first meeting of the fiscal year, and even more excited to gather in person!

We grounded our time together in an important question: Why does collaboration matter? When we align our goals, share our expertise, and work together across organizations and sectors, we can create stronger pathways and meaningful change for young children and families throughout Kane County.

It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces and welcome new ones to the AOK Network. We’re energized by the connections, ideas, and shared commitment that make this network so valuable.

Here’s to another year of working together to strengthen and improve the early childhood system in Kane County!

Interested in learning more about the AOK Network or getting involved?

Contact us!
https://www.kanehealth.com/AOK/Pages/Contact.aspx

09/02/2026

A pop-up measles vaccine clinic is happening NOW at our Aurora office at 1240 N. Highland Avenue, in the parking lot. If you need a measles (MMR) vaccine, stop by until 5:45pm today. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors who may need FREE measles protection.

If you aren't able to come today but would still like a MMR vaccine, call 630-208-3801 to schedule an appointment.

Una clínica temporal de vacunas contra el sarampión está ocurriendo AHORA en nuestra oficina de Aurora, situada en el 1240 de N. Highland Avenue, en el aparcamiento. Si necesitas la vacuna contra el sarampión (MMR), pásate hasta las 17:45 de hoy. Por favor, comparte esta información con familiares, amigos y vecinos que puedan necesitar protección GRATUITA contra el sarampión. Si no puedes venir hoy pero aún quieres la vacuna triple vírica, llama al 630-208-3801 para concertar una cita.