Jackson County Health Department - Illinois

06/18/2026

Your septic system works hard. Follow these tips to keep your system healthy and your water protected!

• Keep water, cars, and trees off your drainfield.
• Only flush toilet paper—trash, wipes, and diapers go in the garbage.
• Limit grease, fats, and harsh chemicals down the drain.
• Stagger laundry and dishwasher use to avoid overload.
• Have your tank inspected and pumped regularly.
• Test your well water to keep it clean and safe.

06/17/2026

Quitting to***co on your own can be a challenge. The Illinois To***co Quitline is a free resource to help people quit smoking, va**ng, or other to***co use. It’s designed to be fully customizable to your specific needs.

No matter who you are or what you might be going through, our goal will always be to help you find the support and resources to succeed at quitting.

Find free resources customized to fit your needs and schedule to help you quit smoking.

06/16/2026

Did you know most people who misuse prescription opioids get them from friends or family? One of the easiest ways to prevent this is by safely disposing of unused medications.

👉 Jackson County Health Department offers free, prepaid medication return packages from MedTakeBackIllinois.org. Pick one up at our office — or request one online to be mailed to you.

Keep your family and community safe. Don’t let leftover meds become tomorrow’s problem.

06/12/2026

Meet the Tick: Lone Star Tick Edition ⭐

🏷️ Name: Lone Star Tick
🔬 Scientific Name: Amblyomma americanum

🔍 How to Spot It
Adult females have a distinctive white dot on their backs
Adult males have scattered white markings around the edges of their backs
Aggressive biters that actively seek hosts

📍 Found in Illinois?
✅ Yes! Lone Star ticks are present in Illinois and have become increasingly common in many parts of the state.

⚠️ Why They Matter
Lone Star ticks have been associated with:
Ehrlichiosis
Tularemia
Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy linked to tick bites)

🛡️ Fight the Bite
Reduce your chances of a tick bite by:
✔ Using EPA-registered insect repellent
✔ Wearing long sleeves and long pants in tick habitat
✔ Performing a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors
✔ Checking children and pets for ticks
✔ Showering soon after coming indoors

💡 Did You Know?
Unlike some tick species that wait for hosts to pass by, Lone Star ticks can actively move toward people and animals after detecting body heat, movement, and carbon dioxide.