Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Department

05/29/2026

Most people know ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease. But fewer people know that some tick bites can trigger a red meat allergy.

This condition is called Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). It occurs when the body develops an allergic reaction to a molecule called alpha-gal after a tick bite.

People with AGS may have allergic reactions hours after eating foods like beef, pork, lamb, or venison. Symptoms can range from mild itching to severe allergic reactions that require medical care.

AGS has been increasingly recognized in the U.S., and cases have been reported in Illinois.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of Alpha-gal syndrome - and other tick-related illnesses - is to prevent tick bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent, avoiding tall grass and brush, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors

05/22/2026

Think Lyme disease is only something you have to worry about when traveling out of state? Think again.

Lyme disease is reported in Illinois every year, and the ticks that carry it are found in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas across the state.

This post breaks down some of the most common tick myths that can actually increase your risk of illness — and what’s true instead.

The most important takeaway:
Early tick removal and daily tick checks are two of the best ways to reduce your risk of Lyme disease. And using EPA-registered repellent helps prevent tick bites from the start.

Help us spread accurate information by sharing this post with friends and family before the next time you head outdoors.

05/20/2026

🇺🇸In honor of those who have served our offices will be closed for Memorial Day Monday May 25th! We will resume regular business hours May 26th

05/18/2026

We provide TB skin testing. Call (815) 872-5091 to schedule an appointment.

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

Bureau, Putnam & Marshall County Health Departments can meet all of your required vaccine needs.💉
Bureau County accepts most Private & VFC insurances. Schedule by appointment Mon-Fri (815) 872-5091
Putnam accepts Private insurance appointments scheduled on Thursday (815) 872-2324
Marshall County accepts VFC by appointment Mon-Fri (309) 246-8074

05/11/2026

Kindergarden Vaccine Checklist ✅💉

05/08/2026

Vaccine Checklist 💉

05/06/2026

Infant formula recall ‼️link provides Product Photos

Boulder, CO – May 2, 2026 – The a2 Milk Company (“a2MC”) has voluntarily recalled three specific batches of its imported a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months (“Product”) due to the presence of cereulide. The Product is sold only in the United States. Cereulide is a he...

05/01/2026

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, when interest in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment is high. Hopefully you’ve learned something new from The Skin Cancer Foundation that can help keep you and your family safe. Skin Cancer Awareness Month is also a good time to go back to basics. Here’s a quick refresher on the major types of skin cancer: how they form, what they look like and their prognoses.

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/back-basics-understanding-worlds-common-cancer/