Illinois DPH Issues Guidance on Acute Respiratory Illness Outbreaks in LTCFs
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released updated guidance following a sustained rise in acute respiratory illness (ARI) outbreaks across long-term care facilities statewide.
The department’s alert, shared by the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA), called for renewed vigilance and enhanced infection-prevention strategies to help contain and prevent further spread of respiratory viruses among residents and staff.
Recommended Precautions
IDPH advises long-term care and skilled nursing facilities to implement the following measures immediately:
- Broader use of masking in resident care areas and during outbreaks
- Reinforced visitor screening and education to ensure awareness of symptoms and prevention practices
- Improved indoor ventilation to reduce airborne transmission risk
- Review and update of facility outbreak policies to ensure rapid identification, reporting, and containment
These steps align with IDPH’s Preventing and Controlling ARI Outbreaks in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Other Facilities Providing Nursing Care framework, which outlines protocols for surveillance, communication, and mitigation.
Why It Matters
With ongoing circulation of respiratory viruses—including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—long-term care residents remain among the most vulnerable populations. Prompt response and adherence to IDPH guidance help reduce the risk of widespread outbreaks, hospitalization, and staff shortages.
Facilities are urged to review the complete guidance and reinforce prevention measures as part of ongoing infection-control efforts.
