Cook County Animal and Rabies Control is advising pet owners to prepare and protect their pets from the distemper virus. The department has seen an increase in cases of confirmed canine distemper virus found in raccoons tested after displaying abnormal neurologic signs.

The distemper virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of dogs. Symptoms can include ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. Death can occur from secondary pneumonia or non-responsive seizure activity.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today was joined by Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Brad Schneider, Representative-elect Sean Casten, Representative-elect Lauren Underwood, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, and Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry to encourage Cook County residents to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The enrollment deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, December 15.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements today between the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as well as a number of local municipalities. The intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are designed to bolster economic development and quality of life throughout Cook County.
 
Trucking Study

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Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was sworn in for her third term of office today by Chief Judge Timothy Evans. Preckwinkle was reelected to her position after running unopposed in the November 6 election.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the region. Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is monitoring conditions and is ready to deploy all resources necessary to keep the 1,500 lane miles the County maintains safe for drivers. 

DoTH advises drivers to take extra precautions when driving during storms – slow down and watch for snow plows. Also keep an emergency kit in each of your vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during severe weather. 

A basic safety kit should include the following items:

Food Drive to Benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced a countywide Holiday Food Drive today benefitting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 

Preckwinkle and the Depository’s Executive Director and CEO Kate Maehr urged Cook County residents to help feed the hungry in our community.

“We have a responsibility to help our neighbors in their time of need,” President Preckwinkle said. “We are working to curb hunger in our community and I am excited to invite our residents to join me in this effort.”

Winter weather is here. Cook County Animal and Rabies Control offers the following tips to keep pets safe and healthy during the winter months.

Bring all pets indoors: All dogs and cats, whether they are acclimated to outdoor living or not, must be brought indoors during sub-zero weather. As the responsible caregiver of a pet, you should provide an indoor heated shelter for your animal. 

The Cook County Board of Commissioners today approved a balanced $5.94 billion FY 2019 budget that confronts the County’s financial challenges while avoiding new taxes, fines and fees.  

The unanimous vote, with two absent, approving the budget follows a month of departmental hearings, commissioner questions and public meetings.

Cook County’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar has been appointment to the board of directions of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Arunkumar’s leadership at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (CCMEO). She played an instrumental role in implementing new policies and procedures and shaping the culture of the office while upgrading operations and technology. The Office received full accreditation from NAME in 2016. 

Dr. Arunkumar was recognized by the Cook County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

The first snowfall of the season is on track to arrive this evening. Cook County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) is monitoring conditions and is ready to deploy all resources necessary to keep the 1,500 lane miles the County maintains, safe for drivers. 

DoTH advises drivers to take extra precautions when driving during storms – slow down and watch for snow plows. Also keep an emergency kit in each of your vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during severe weather. 

A basic safety kit should include the following items: