Village election petitions challenged. See page 2. SPORTS
SCHOOLS
Cougars on fire in win over Romeoville
Great Read 2013 focuses on Lincoln
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T HE ENTERPRISE Your Complete Source For Plainfield News Since 1887
Volume 125 No. 24
www.enterprisepublications.com
Serving Will and Kendall counties
28 pages
Flu outbreak hits Chicagoland area Illinois influenza strain has been more severe, causing more hospitalizations and deaths By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter
Clean. Cover. Contain. That is, clean your hands; cover your cough, cover your sneeze; and contain your illness. These three “Cs” just may be the best prevention in addition to a flu shot against an outbreak that is wreaking havoc across the nation, with 27 flu-related deaths reported in Illinois alone. The Illinois Department of Health reports that the strain of flu predominately circulating throughout Illinois has historically been a more severe strain, causing increased numbers of hospitalizations and deaths than in previous years, with 368 flurelated intensive care unit (ICU)
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“There is no doubt we are experiencing a severe flu season. However, we have seen severe flu seasons before, and we will continue to work to reduce the number of people who become ill.” Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Illinois Department of Public Health. hospitalizations so far this year. The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are of people in their 50s and older. Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital alone reports that since the start of January, 195 people have been tested due to flu-like illness. Of those, 67 of them came back testing positive for flu. And not every person who comes in displaying flu-like symptoms is tested. Some people may be
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treated and sent home because they don’t require hospitalization. Valley View School District, one of the largest school districts in Will County, has seen attendance dip significantly, with peaks in November and the last weeks of December. “There is no doubt we are experiencing a severe flu season. However, we have seen severe See FLU, page 4
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