Boone County Watchdog: 02/26/19

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Mumps in McHenry County will Boone County be next?

Mumps outbreak reported in McHenry County

POSTED 4:44 PM, FEBRUARY 26, 2019, BY WGN WEB DESK

MCHENRY COUNTY — The Department of Health in McHenry County is investigating an outbreak of mumps.

According to the health department, eight cases were reported in two locations; six at Crystal Lake church and two at the McHenry County Correctional Facility. Health officials are working to determine if the two locations are related.

Health officials said mumps usually starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Swelling of salivary glands, which causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw, can follow. Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days.

Mumps is contagious viral disease that spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat when infected people cough or sneeze.

Healthcare providers throughout McHenry County and the surrounding areas have been notified of these cases.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to mumps and/or are experiencing symptoms, should contact a healthcare provider.

Above is from: https://wgntv.com/2019/02/26/mumps-outbreak-reported-in-mchenry-county/

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Outbreak-Related Questions and Answers for Patients

Questions and Answers

Q: I got the vaccine but still got mumps. Does this mean the vaccine doesn’t work?

A: MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are about nine times less likely to get mumps than unvaccinated people who have the same exposure to mumps virus. However, some people who receive two doses of MMR can still get mumps, especially if they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the disease. If a vaccinated person does get mumps, they will likely have less severe illness than an unvaccinated person.

Before there was a vaccine, mumps was a common childhood disease in the United States. In some cases, the disease caused complications, such as permanent deafness in children and, occasionally, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which in rare cases resulted in death. From year to year, the number of mumps cases can range from roughly a couple hundred to a couple thousand. In some years, there are more cases of mumps than usual because of outbreaks. See Mumps Cases and Outbreaks for more information.

Q: Is mumps a serious disease?

A: Mumps can be serious, but most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. While infected with mumps, many people feel tired and achy, have a fever, and swollen salivary glands on the side of the face. Others may feel extremely ill and be unable to eat because of jaw pain, and a few will develop serious complications. Men and adolescent boys can develop pain or swelling in their testicles, which rarely results in sterility. Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and loss of hearing can also occur, and in rare cases, this hearing loss can be permanent. The most serious complication is inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to death or permanent disability.

Q: I’ve been told that I need to stay away from people while I’m sick with mumps. What does that mean and why does it matter?

A: When you have mumps, you should avoid prolonged, close contact with other people until at least five days after your salivary glands begin to swell because you are contagious during this time. You should not go to work or school. You should stay home when you are sick with mumps and limit contact with the people you live with; for example, sleep in a separate room by yourself if you can. Staying home while sick with mumps is an important way to avoid spreading the virus to other people. People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away—it can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection

Q: What else should I do to prevent mumps from spreading?

A: In addition to staying away from others when you have mumps, you can help prevent the virus from spreading by

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put your used tissue in the trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
Washing your hands often with soap and water.
Avoiding sharing drinks or eating utensils.
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters.

Q: What should I do during a mumps outbreak?

A: Make sure you are up to date on your MMR vaccine. Visit the Mumps Vaccination page to see recommendations for different groups. Let your doctor know right away if you think that you or someone in your family may have mumps.

In any situation, including when there is a mumps outbreak, washing hands often with soap and water and having good health practices are the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Q: What is CDC’s role in responding to mumps cases and outbreaks?

A: State and local health departments have the lead in investigating mumps cases and outbreaks when they occur. CDC helps and supports health departments in these investigations by—

communicating with public health officials from states with reported mumps cases and providing technical assistance.
gathering data reported by states on confirmed mumps cases and evaluating and monitoring these data from a national perspective.
testing clinical specimens from suspected mumps cases when requested by states.
using molecular methods to determine mumps virus genotypes.
providing technical assistance and answering questions related to mumps molecular and serologic laboratory testing.
providing rapid assistance on the ground during outbreak investigations, often through a formal request by the state health department.
investing in state and local health departments for public health infrastructure and laboratory capacity to support front-line response to suspected and confirmed mumps cases.
alerting clinicians, healthcare facilities, and public health officials around the country about current outbreaks and providing vaccine policy and clinical guidance for healthcare providers.
providing information to public and healthcare providers through a variety of media including the CDC website.

More information about the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases, like mumps

Above is from: https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/outbreaks/outbreak-patient-qa.html

Should Rep Kinzinger have spoken about WI Governor’s decision?

Kinzinger: Border remarks were freedom of speech

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A spokeswoman for an Illinois congressman who doubles as a Wisconsin National Guard pilot says he shouldn't face any discipline for criticizing Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers for withdrawing troops from the U.S. southern border because he was off duty when he made his remarks.

Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger criticized Evers on Twitter and on Fox News on Monday for an executive order pulling Wisconsin National Guard troops out of Arizona. Wisconsin statutes prohibit a commissioned officer from using "contemptuous words" against government officials, including the president and Wisconsin's governor.

Guard officials and Evers' office are looking into whether to discipline Kinzinger.

Kinzinger's spokeswoman, Maura Gillespie, tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Kinzinger was exercising his freedom of speech rights off duty, just as he has done when he has criticized President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama.

Above is from: https://www.nbc15.com/content/news/National-Guard-looking-into-reps-criticism-of-Evers-506385651.html

Kinzinger rips Evers for withdrawing troops

By Todd Richmond / The Associated Press

Posted Feb 25, 2019 at 7:39 PMUpdated Feb 25, 2019 at 8:02 PM

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers ordered the state’s National Guard troops to withdraw from the border with Mexico Monday, drawing the ire of U.. Rep Adam Kinzinger who says he serves in the Wisconsin National Guard and the border mission is honorable.

Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker ordered troops to Arizona in June to assist with administrative duties along the border. Evers, a Democrat, issued an executive order Monday withdrawing them. Evers announced the order late Monday afternoon.

The governor said about 112 troops are currently serving in Arizona but keeping the borders safe and protecting immigrants seeking asylum is the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s job. He said there’s not enough evidence to support Republican President Donald Trump’s declaration that a national emergency exists and there’s no justification for Wisconsin troops to remain.

“I cannot support keeping our brave service men and women away from their families without a clear need or purpose that would actively benefit the people of Wisconsin or our nation,” Evers said.

Kinzinger, a Republican congressman from Illinois, tweeted on Monday that he is a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and criticized Evers for his decision. In a series of tweets, he said he was sent to the border as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and his crew caught a man crossing the border with 70 pounds of methamphetamine.

“Wonder the damage that would do in Milwaukee ...” he tweeted.

He went on to claim that he and his crew “captured a few coyotes, who prey on desperate migrants” and he came across a woman alone in the desert and helped the border patrol rescue her.

He tweeted that stopping illegal immigration is an honorable mission and asked Evers whether his decision to withdraw was a political one. He also asked Evers to reconsider.

Kinzinger echoed those sentiments during an appearance on Fox News, criticizing Evers for not visiting the troops on the border. He accused the governor of lacking the courage to announce the withdrawal earlier in the day.

A Wisconsin National Guard spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking to confirm whether Kinzinger is a Wisconsin National Guard member and whether he would face any military discipline for criticizing Evers, the state National Guard’s commander in chief.

A Kinzinger spokeswoman in Washington, D.C., also didn’t immediately respond to an email.

Above is from: https://www.rrstar.com/news/20190225/kinzinger-rips-evers-for-withdrawing-troops

Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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Before returning from my Air Guard mission in Tucson this weekend, I learned @GovEvers is pulling Wisconsin Guard forces out of Arizona effective March 3rd.
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Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger

FollowingFollowing @RepKinzinger

As a member of the WI Guard, I saw firsthand the amazing work by my fellow guardsmen. Stopping illegal immigration is quite an honorable mission, but since @GovEvers doesn’t agree, let me share a few more things his Guard did this week:

6:00 AM - 25 Feb 2019

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1. Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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  His crew found and directed @cbp to a man crossing the border with 70 lbs of meth. Had we not been there, that deadly drug would be on the streets. Wonder the damage that would do in Milwaukee...
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2. Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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  On the mountains, we captured a few coyotes, who prey on desperate migrants & charge them hefty sums to guide them to the border. Often times, they desert those migrants if they fear getting caught. Coyotes also commit assaults, rapes, & murders to these vulnerable individuals.
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3. Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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  One such example came midweek when I found a woman alone in the rugged AZ terrain and through our coordination, @CBP was able to rescue her from dying alone in the desert.
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4. Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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  .@GovEvers, your guardsmen saved many lives and protected our country on this mission. Did you go visit them on the border to see for yourself? Or did you make your decision based solely on politics?
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5. Adam Kinzinger‏Verified account @RepKinzinger Feb 25
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  I’m grateful to my fellow Wisconsin Guard members, and I’m deeply disappointed you won’t let them do what they are trained to do for the good of the country. @GovEvers, I hope you’ll reconsider.
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Partial Layoff at FIAT/Chrysler Belvidere

By Georgette Braun
Staff writer

Posted at 11:51 AMUpdated at 2:14 PM

BELVIDERE — The Belvidere Assembly Plant will lay off up to 1,371 employees indefinitely starting May 2, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said Tuesday, but local economic development officials say workers should be able to find other jobs.

The company said a slowing global market is causing the reduction.

Starting May 6, the plant will return to a more traditional work schedule, with employees working two shifts. Now, three crews work 10-hour days four days a week.

The company “will make every effort to place indefinitely laid-off hourly employees in open full-time positions as they become available based on seniority,” spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said.

The plant is among the region’s largest employers. In June, it employed 5,430 people. The plant assembles Jeep Cherokees. Models include the Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk and Overland.

Assembly of the Cherokee started in Belvidere in June 2017, having moved from Toledo, Ohio.

“This is certainly a disappointment,” said Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain. In 2016, 4,400 jobs were created in Belvidere, and 3,000 of those jobs “had to do with Chrysler and suppliers. So, if we’re losing 1,300 ... it’s never a good thing.”

The layoff has the potential to ripple to other employers, but it’s unclear right now how it will affect jobs at the plant’s largest suppliers such as Magna and Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. Growth Dimensions, which works to create jobs and grow the economy in the Belvidere and Boone County region, has reached out to those suppliers as well as FCA as it looks to help keep as much of the area’s workforce employed as possible after the layoffs. Growth Dimensions has asked FCA to identify where those who will be laid off live so they can try to connect them with new jobs.

Above is from: https://www.rrstar.com/news/20190226/belvidere-assembly-plant-to-lay-off-up-to-1371-workers-may-2An

And what else is FIAT/Chrysler doing?

Business

Fiat Deepens SUV Bet With $4.5 Billion for Jeep, Ram Plants

Gabrielle Coppola

Bloomberg•February 26, 2019

Fiat Deepens SUV Bet With $4.5 Billion for Jeep, Ram Plants

(Bloomberg) -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV plans to invest $4.5 billion to produce new Jeep models and boost Ram truck output, as it banks on selling more high-margin sport utility vehicles even as U.S. sales lose steam and a slew of rival offerings hit the market.

The Italian-American automaker is putting $1.6 billion into its Mack Avenue engine plant in Detroit to produce the next-generation Grand Cherokee, plus a new full-size three-row Jeep with an optional plug-in hybrid engine, Chief Executive Officer Mike Manley said on a call with reporters. It’s also spending $1.5 billion on its Warren, Michigan, truck plant to bring back the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates, and continue production of its Ram 1500 Classic truck through this year.

Those models will hit the market at a time when crosstown rivals General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are relaunching storied nameplates including the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer. An unexpected spike in inventory of Jeep’s iconic Wrangler already is stoking concern that the American SUV boom fueling Detroit automakers’ profit growth is reaching its limits. In an early sign of this potential strain, Fiat Chrysler said later Tuesday that it’ll cut a shift at its Jeep plant in Illinois to align production with demand.

Manley downplayed these concerns on a call with reporters. Entering segments where the company doesn’t have an offering -- such as with the three-row SUV and the Grand Wagoneer -- will allow Fiat Chrysler to keep growing, he said. The automaker’s U.S. shares dipped as much as 0.7 percent after the announcements.

“Even if we see mitigation in the industry in the coming years, entering white space” will expand the addressable market, Manley said. “Notwithstanding the fact that the industry is going to be, in total, slightly down year-over-year, the economic indicators as we see them are still strong.”

Fiat Chrysler was the only one of Detroit’s three automakers to increase sales in a flat U.S. market last year, thanks to record deliveries for its Jeep and Ram brands. The company is looking to build on that momentum in 2019 with redesigned heavy-duty Ram trucks and the new Jeep Gladiator pickup being introduced in the first half of the year.

Still, Fiat Chrysler hasn’t been completely immune from the broader auto market’s slowdown. It started this month with 166 days’ supply of Jeep Wranglers on dealer lots, almost double the inventory of cars and light trucks in stock industrywide. The company said its Jeep Cherokee plant in Belvidere, Illinois, will move to two shifts, from three, starting May 6, leading to indefinite layoffs for 1,371 workers.

The National Automobile Dealers Association expects industrywide deliveries to dip to 16.8 million cars and trucks this year, down from about 17.3 million in 2018. As the market shrinks, showrooms are getting more crowded with new models. Researcher LMC Automotive projects automakers will offer 191 different SUVs by 2024. That’s up from just 100 in 2014.

Fiat Chrysler is filling out its Jeep lineup to bolster profits after margins in North America fell short of investors’ expectations in the fourth quarter, prompting a stock plunge and slew of analyst downgrades. The company is counting on U.S. sales to sustain earnings while it seeks partners to help cut costs for its ailing European business. It’s also struggling to find its footing in a slowing Chinese market and shore up the Maserati luxury brand.

“They’re more reliant than ever on the good mix in the U.S. and North America in general to offset the foreseeable weakness in Europe and China,” said Pierre Quemener, an analyst at MainFirst Bank AG. “If they falter here, that’s going to be a big issue for them.”

Before today’s announcement, the company had spent $4.9 billion on truck and SUV assembly in the U.S. since 2009, compared with $1.3 billion on passenger cars, according to the Center for Automotive Research.

The investments have helped Fiat Chrysler curry favor with President Donald Trump. The White House has attacked GM for its plans to close factories as it kills off some sedans and frees up resources to invest in electrification and autonomous vehicles.

Fiat Chrysler won plaudits from Trump in January 2017 when it announced a $1 billion investment to build three new Jeeps and shift production of the heavy-duty Ram pickup from Mexico. But Manley said Tuesday the truck’s planned exit from Mexico has been scrapped.

Still, the United Auto Workers praised the move to create more jobs at Fiat Chrysler’s U.S. factories.

“At a time when the Detroit area and our communities have seen auto plants without work and companies continue to ship vehicles into the U.S. from Mexico, China, Korea and other countries, it’s exciting to see now that we can have good union jobs here,” Cindy Estrada, a UAW vice president, told reporters at a press conference.

Here’s a breakdown of Fiat Chrysler’s investments in detail:

Retooling of the Mack Avenue plant will start in June, with the three-row model coming off the production line by the end of 2020 and the new Grand Cherokee debuting in the first half of 2021Production of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models will start at the Warren plant in early 2021 Investments to enable plug-in hybrid and other electrified variants of new Jeep models will be made as demand develops in the U.S. market, Manley saidFiat Chrysler confirms production of all-new Ram heavy-duty will continue in Saltillo, Mexico, reversing an earlier decision to shift output to the U.S.Fiat Chrysler also will spend $900 million to retool another Detroit plant, Jefferson North, to continue production of the Dodge Durango SUV and make the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee The company is also earmarking $400 million in upgrades for stamping plants in Warren and Sterling Heights, Michigan

(Updates with reference to eliminated shift starting in third paragraph. An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the company didn’t identify the full-size three-row SUV model by name.)

--With assistance from Daniele Lepido.

To contact the reporter on this story: Gabrielle Coppola in New York at gcoppola@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Craig Trudell at ctrudell1@bloomberg.net, Chester Dawson

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Above is from: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fiat-plans-4-5-billion-163123411.html

NO SMOKING = No Vaping in Boone County

Boone County expands tobacco ordinance to include vaping, e-cigarettes

6:15 pm
February 25, 2019

BOONE COUNTY (WREX) – Whether it’s cigarette smoke or a vape cloud, it’s no longer allowed in Boone County’s non-smoking areas.

“Now, what we’re discovering is with these electronic cigarettes is that the vapor that cloud, if you will, is not harmless,” Illinois tobacco-free communities coordinator for the Boone County Health Department Ellen Genrich said.

The Boone County Board has changed its tobacco ordinance to make sure e-cigarettes and vape pens are also banned in areas where smoking is already not allowed.

“So, just like you don’t want to exposed to secondhand smoke because someone wants to smoke near you, we want to protect the public’s health by not being exposed to that vape cloud,” Genrich said.

But it’s not just the public the health department is trying to protect; it also wants to send a clear message to young people.

“I think when you clearly lay it out for them that using this products especially in public where you’re not allowed to use traditional products that might make them think twice about what they’re doing,” Boone Conty Drug Prevention Coalition Program Director Alyssa Lazzerini said.

It’s an important message for health officials who say more and more teens are joining this dangerous trend.

“It’s increased 78 percent among high schoolers all across the nation and in our community alone it’s doubled among in numbers,” Lazzerini said.

While it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or use an e-cigarette in the state of Illinois, it’s now also illegal for minors to possess it in Boone County.

“Except for these products, all of these have been confiscated from one of the three high schools we have here in Boone County,” Genrich said.

The Boone County board passed these changes unanimously on Thursday, February 21. They go into effect immediately.

Above is from: https://wrex.com/category/2019/02/25/boone-county-expands-tobacco-ordinance-to-include-vaping-e-cigarettes/