Briefs: Free HIV/AIDS screening

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center will offer free, confidential HIV testing, counseling services and information pamphlets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, at the Belvidere Medical Building, 2400 Belvidere Road, Waukegan. The health department is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. The theme for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2008 is Honoring Our Sisters: Women Living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, the proportion of estimated AIDS cases diagnosed among women has more than tripled, from 8 percent in 1985 to 27 percent in 2005. For more information about HIV/AIDS among women and girls, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/hiv/NWGHAAD/. To find county and state statistics about HIV/AIDS, visit www.womenshealth.gov/quickhealthdata. The health department's STD/HIV program offers HIV counseling and testing Monday through Friday at the Belvidere Medial Building. Appointments for testing or walk-ins are accepted. For more information, call (847) 377-8450.

County, state flu cases up

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center reports a drastic increase in influenza and influenzalike illnesses since early February. According to physicians who report sentinel flu data, Illinois has seen a fourfold increase in the number of patients seen with influenza symptoms compared to January. Flu is more common in winter months because the virus prefers colder temperatures and low humidity. In addition, people congregate inside helping it spread. An unexpected change in the virus, which decreased the flu vaccine's protection, complicated matters this season, officials said.

'Oz' tickets on sale now

Tickets are now available for Lake Zurich High School's presentation of "The Wizard of Oz." Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 23 through 26 and at 2 p.m. April 26 and 27 at the high school's Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, students and children. To purchase tickets, call the hotline at (847) 540-4740 or order at boxoffice@lz95.org to avoid an additional $2 per ticket at the door.

Impaired drivers targeted

Wheeling police officers will target impaired drivers with a roadside safety checkpoint March 15 and DUI saturation patrols during the St. Patrick's Day weekend. The department reminds party-goers to act responsibly by making alternative travel arrangements if their celebration plans include alcohol consumption.