Reports of insect bites or stings with unusual reactions that required medical care — whether they occurred on or off the Argonne site — are wanted by Argonne Health and Employee Wellness (HEW).
There have been two on-site and three reported personal incidents of possible bug bites or stings that led to infections. The reactions were unusual enough that HEW is working with the DuPage County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Health to determine if additional study is needed.
Employees should contact Argonne Medical Director Jamie Stalker directly via e-mail if they have currently have, or have had in the last two months, a rash or lesion that:
- Suddenly appears (typically as a bruise or blood blister that feels itchy or burning), whether or not you are aware of a bug bite in that area
- Rapidly becomes worse with redness and swelling over eight to 24 hours
- Feels warm or hot to touch
- Is associated with a fever
Stalker will ask for additional information. If the symptoms fit the profile, the information would be reported confidentially to the county and state health departments. Those agencies may follow up with you as part of their investigation.