EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2010 HOURS OF OPERATION WILL BE 8:00AM TO 4:00PM, CLOSED FROM 11:30AM TO 12:30PM FOR LUNCH

 

 

                                  Date:     8/23/2010

On September 1 or 2, 2010, I will be traveling up to Columbiana County Health Department to pick up the baits assigned for all of Jefferson County.  180 baits will be dropped off at the Toronto city garage.  1620 baits will be taken to the Jefferson County storage shed on Sinclair Avenue.  765 baits are designated to be distributed in Steubenville Region 1 and 855 baits are designated to be distributed in Steubenville Region 2.

Ground baiting will be conducted on September 9, 2010 and September 16, 2010.  All ground baiting will be completed by September 16, 2010. 

The preliminary schedule would be as follows:

·         Steubenville City Health Department has requested that the Jefferson County Health Department bait the city of Steubenville. Baiting in Steubenville will take place on September 9, 2010 and September 16, 2010.  The city of Steubenville is broken down into two regions.  This will allow Region 1 (765 baits) to be baited on September 9, 2010 and Region 2 (855 baits) to be baited on September 16, 2010.  The estimated time required to bait Region 1 and Region 2 is 16 hours.

·         Toronto city employees will bait Toronto any day of the week of September 6.  Baits will be dropped off at the city garage on September 1 or September 2.  Toronto mayor’s office was contacted on August 23, 2010.  The mayor’s office confirmed that Toronto city employees will conduct all baiting within the city the week of September 6, 2010.  Toronto city consists of 180 baits.

A total of 1800 baits will be distributed by hand within Toronto and Steubenville City for 2010.

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RACCOON-RABIES VACCINATION BAITING SLATED FOR Aug. 24 to Sept. 24

Operations May be Extended due to Weather Conditions

 

COLUMBUS – The Ohio departments of Health (ODH) and Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services program and local health departments (LHDs) will begin fall oral rabies vaccination (ORV) operations Tuesday, Aug. 24 in 14 northeast and eastern Ohio counties.

“This local, state and federal partnership is an example of our continued efforts to protect and improve the health of all Ohioans,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “You can help us prevent the spread of the raccoon rabies variant by avoiding the baits and working with your veterinarian to vaccinate your pets.

As in past years, vaccine-bait distribution will take place in all of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Geauga, Jefferson, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties and parts of Belmont, Carroll, Cuyahoga, Harrison, Monroe, Portage, and Summit counties.   Baits will be distributed by various methods in each county, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and LHD staff in vehicles

Residents in the areas to be baited should be aware of low-flying aircraft and should keep children and pets away from the baits

Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals and people.  It is almost always fatal.  Since the mid-1970s, a rabies variant associated with raccoons spread rapidly through the eastern United States.  Rabies vaccine baiting operations are intended to create an immune barrier to prevent the spread of raccoon-rabies variant (RRV) into the rest of the state. These regular rabies vaccination efforts began in 1997 and have been successful in suppressing rabies in affected areas and protecting the rest of the state. As of July 30, 2010, two raccoons and one skunk have been confirmed RRV positive from northeastern Ohio, down from four rabid animals (three from Lake County and one from Columbiana County) during 2009.

Weather permitting, baiting will begin Tuesday, Aug. 24 and will cover 3,736 square miles of the state’s northeastern and eastern border. Aerial distribution should be complete within 10 days; ground baiting may continue beyond Sept. 24 depending on weather

Two types of baits will be used.  Airplanes will drop a small plastic sachet, about the size of a ketchup packet, coated in fishmeal.  In urban areas, the vaccine will be inside a hard, brown, 2-x-2-inch fishmeal block that will be distributed by vehicles staffed by LHD and other local agency volunteers. Most of the 772,868 baits will be distributed by air, with the use of specially equipped white Beechcraft King Air planes from Dynamic Aviation and a helicopter from the ODNR. 

Residents should avoid the baits and keep pets confined during the baiting period.  Dogs in particular are attracted to the baits and will occasionally eat them.  The baits are not harmful to pets. Please keep the following information in mind:

?         Know what the baits look like. The coated sachet, which will be distributed by aircraft, is about the size of a ketchup packet. It is white and rolled in a brown fishmeal glaze.  In urban areas, where baits will be distributed by vehicle, the sachet will be inside a hard, brown fishmeal block, about 2-x-2-inch square.

?         Instruct children to leave the baits alone. 

?         Once your area is baited, keep dogs and cats inside or on leashes for up to five days. Most baits disappear within 24 hours; however, it is important raccoons have every opportunity to eat them.

?         Do not attempt to take bait away from your pet; you may be bitten.

?         Anyone handling baits should wear gloves.  If baits are found in areas frequented by pets or children, toss them into deeper cover.  Damaged baits can be disposed of in the trash.

?         If a person is exposed to the vaccine (red liquid), thoroughly wash any areas of the skin that came into contact with the vaccine with soap and water.

?         If someone has been exposed to the vaccine or has questions about the baiting, call your LHD or ODH’s information line at 1-888-722-4371

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of affected animals, most often raccoons, skunks and bats, and is spread by a bite or scratch.  Bats, raccoons and skunks pose the greatest risk of rabies in Ohio. To protect your family against this still-deadly disease:

?         Avoid contact with wild animals and animals you do not know.

?         Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep them current on their shots.

?         If bitten, call your doctor. If your pet has contact with a wild animal, call your veterinarian.  Rabies exposures should also be reported to your LHD

Ohio’s partners in the multistate baiting are Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, in what is known as the Appalachian Ridge ORV program.  The seven-state effort will involve distribution of about 5 million baits and cover more than 26,000 square miles. ODH has participated in the program since 1997 and almost 13 million baits have been distributed in Ohio over that time.

 

To:        Hospital Infection Control and Emergency Room Personnel

From:    Rabies Program, Ohio Department of Health

Date:     August 2010

The enclosed information is intended to alert hospital staff about the upcoming drop of rabies vaccine-laden baits to orally immunize wild raccoons.  Please disseminate and post this information for a 30 day period so your staff members are aware of this Ohio initiative.  Air distribution of rabies-vaccine laden baits will begin on August 24^th.  Helicopter and vehicle operations start on August 30^th and may take 25 days to complete.

If patients or callers report any exposure to the vaccine (red liquid inside the bait), please instruct them to thoroughly wash their hands or other exposed skin.  If a patient is seen with any rash or skin infection as a result of contact with a rabies vaccine bait in the last 14 days, please call the local health department or the Ohio Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Program  at (888) 722-4371 or (614) 752-1029.

It should be emphasized that children and people who have eczema, are pregnant or are immunosuppressed should not handle any damaged bait.

Thank you.

 

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Subject:            Food Safety During Power Outages

Date:                August 05, 2010

Food Safety During Power Outages

If the power is out for less than 2 hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for longer.

If the power is out for longer than 2 hours, follow the guidelines below:

• For the Freezer section: A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it.
• For the Refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoilable leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers are fine for this purpose.
• Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

For guidelines on when to save, and when to throw out food during a power outage the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided the following information below: 

 

 

FOOD SAFETY:  GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW

DURING AND AFTER A POWER OUTAGE;

 

Never taste a food to determine its safety! Keep the refrigerator and

freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.  The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).  Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below.  Obtain block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time.  Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for 2 days. If the power has been out for several days, then check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer or food thermometer. If the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below, the food is safe.  If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, then check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe.  Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, left over’s, and deli items after 4 hours without power.  Drink only bottled water if flooding has occurred.

 

When in Doubt, Throw it Out!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Unsanitary Conditions Jefferson County

 

The Board of Health of the Jefferson County General Health District asked the Ohio EPA for help to correct unsanitary conditions affecting state waters along County Road 77(known as Permars Run) in Jefferson County.  The unsanitary conditions involve thirty-eight homes that are discharging treated or untreated sewage into a creek running along County Road 77.

The Jefferson County Health Department asked for state assistance since it cannot remedy the situation through correction or replacement of household sewage disposal systems. 

The Jefferson County Health Department will be available to assist in any investigation conducted by the EPA.

 

 

 

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Hot Weather Health Emergencies

 

Four local county health departments remind residents of the dangers of extreme heat, especially this week as we deal with temperatures in the mid 90’s. About 200 Americans die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity every year. And most of them are 50 or older. Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can’t cool down as well as younger ones. Just as important - older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.

The health departments from Jefferson and Harrison in Ohio, and Brooke and Hancock in West Virginia offer these tips for older adults

• Should turn on the air conditioner or go where it’s air-conditioned—a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum, or library.  (Fans aren’t enough

• Should Not walk long distances, lift heavy objects, or do other strenuous things.
• Should drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine (these can “dry you out”).
• Remember: If your urine is a light yellow color, you’re drinking enough water.  If it’s darker yellow, you need to drink more

·        Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramp

• Should take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
• Should wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.  A good choice is clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton.
• Should wear hats.
• Should stay out of the sun.

·        Should use a Buddy System

·        When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are age 65 or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

·         

·        Hot Weather Health Emergencies

·        Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun, or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and sun overexposure, and be ready to give first-aid.

·        Heat Stroke

·        Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

·        Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

·        • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)

·        • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

·        • Rapid, strong pulse

·        • Throbbing headache

·        • Dizziness

·        • Nausea

·        • Confusion

·        • Unconsciousness

·        If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

·        • Get the victim to a shady area

·        • Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or, if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously

·        • Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F

·        • Get medical assistance as soon as possible

·        Heat Exhaustion

·        Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

·        Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

·        • Heavy sweating

·        • Paleness

·        • Muscle cramps

·        • Tiredness

·        • Weakness

·        • Dizziness

·        • Headache

·        • Nausea or vomiting

·        • Fainting

·        The skin may be cool and moist. The victim’s pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if the symptoms are severe or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

·        Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:

·        • Cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician

·        • Rest

·        • Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath

·        • An air-conditioned environment

·        • Lightweight clothing

 

 

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JOINT NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2010

 

Contacts: Meghan Scott, FDA, 240-507-0466; Scott Smullen, NOAA, 202-482-6090

 

NOAA, FDA, and Gulf Coast State Officials Affirm Commitment to Ensuring Safety of Gulf Coast Seafood

Federal and State Agencies Will Use a Joint Protocol for Reopening Closed Waters

New Orleans -- Gulf State health and fisheries officials joined with senior leaders from several federal agencies to affirm a shared commitment to ensuring the safety of seafood coming out of the Gulf of Mexico, through closures of affected waters, surveillance, and with an eye toward reopening closed waters as soon as possible, consistent with public health goals.

Representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met last week in New Orleans with state health officers and state fisheries directors from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to coordinate implementation of a joint protocol for sampling and reopening that will apply to both state and federal waters. 

Together, they will implement a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency program to ensure that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is safe to eat. This is important not only for consumers who need to know their food is safe to eat, but also for fishermen who need to be able to sell their products with confidence.

“No single agency could adequately ensure the safety of seafood coming from the Gulf following this tragedy, but in working together, we can be sure that tainted waters are closed as appropriate, contaminated seafood is not allowed to make it to market, and that closed waters can be reopened to fishing as soon as is safe,” said Eric Schwaab, Assistant Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service.

State and federal authorities reached a critical step toward reopening with their agreement on a shared protocol that will be applied as oil contamination abates in federal and state waters. 

State authorities in Louisiana are applying the protocol to consider the possible reopening of two areas and NOAA is applying the protocol to consider the reopening of two closed areas off the coasts of Louisiana and Florida . 

“We understand the devastating effects this spill has had on the Gulf states and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with state and federal partners to ensure that these important protocols are implemented efficiently, effectively, and in a way that makes sense for all involved, while maintaining the number one priority we all share – protecting the health of those in the Gulf Coast and across the country,” said Michael Taylor, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods.

The first and most important preventive step in protecting the public from potentially contaminated seafood is to close fishing and shellfish harvesting areas in the Gulf that have been or are likely to be exposed to oil from the spill. 

In addition, NOAA and FDA are monitoring fish caught just outside of closed areas, and testing them for petroleum compounds, to ensure that the closed areas are sufficiently large so as to prevent the harvest of contaminated fish. So far, fish flesh tested from outside the closure areas have tested well below any level of concern for oil-based contamination.

For more information, visit:

NOAA’s BP Oil Spill Incident Response

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/dwh.php?entry_id=809

FDA’s Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Update

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm210970.htm

Official Statement of Acceptance of Protocol

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm217600.htm

Summary of the Reopening Protocol

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ucm217598.htm

 

#

 

 

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Residents Advised to Prepare for Potential Flooding

 

The Jefferson County Health Department is advising residents who live along flood prone areas to prepare for potential flooding . County health administrator Bruce Misselwitz says residents should bring can foods, appliances, and furniture to higher levels if nearby creek or river waters appear threatening.

Misselwitz also reminds residents if flooding occurs, and you receive a puncture wound, a tetanus shot is needed within 72 hours.  That’s if you have not received a shot within the past five years.  Preventative tetanus shots are administered at the county health department, on 500 Market Street, Steubenville, free of charge.  Those shots are needed every 10 years.

Becky Howell, Director of Nursing for the Jefferson County Health Department, says hepatitis is also a concern if flooding occurs.   Howell says hepatitis shots will be available at the health department with a $5 fee for adults.  For additional information, call Becky Howell at 740 283-8530.

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JCGHD ENCOURAGES OHIOANS TO GET VACCINATED

DURING NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK

 

–As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) from January 10-16, the Jefferson County Health Department is encouraging those who have not received their H1N1 vaccination to do so.

“The flu virus will be less likely to spread in the coming months if more people are vaccinated,” said JCGHD Director, Dr. Frank Petrola.  “Vaccination has proven to be the safest and most effective way to fight the flu so I encourage all Jefferson County residents to get vaccinated.”

NIVW is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine, after the holiday season and into January and beyond.    

The Jefferson County Health Department is offering free H1N1 flu shots every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9-11 am and 1-3 pm, Room 704, 500 Market Street, Steubenville.

 

 

 

Jefferson County Administers 4,500 H1N1 Shots in 2009

 

·        The Jefferson County Health Department has administered 4,500 H1N1 nasal and flu shots at 20 clinics in 2009. 

·        More Free H1N1 Flu Shot Clinics will be held throughout the county in 2010 as well as the free clinics every Tuesday and Thursday (9-11 am and 1-3pm), Room 704 in the health department office at 500 Market Street, Steubenville.

·        16% of the population in the region (which includes Jefferson, Harrison, Belmont, Guernsey, Monroe and several nearby counties) has already received their H1N1 shots.

 

 

A Summary of Center for Disease Control Key Public Health Messages this Season

·         CDC received reports of 285 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths in 2009….241 deaths due to 2009 H1N1.

·         Flu activity is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses, although levels of activity are expected to vary during the season.

·         CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu:

o   vaccination;

o   everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick;

o   and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

·        There is no way to accurately predict the course of influenza epidemics.  Right now is a window of opportunity for more people to get vaccinated for 2009 H1N1 flu. Supplies of 2009 H1N1 vaccine are increasing.

 

 

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Comments on Public Hearing For Food Service License Fees

 

The Jefferson County Health Department held a public hearing on December 29, concerning the 2010 food program licensing fees.  The Ohio Department of Health provided a formula as to how the fees were calculated.

 

The Jefferson County Health Department will accept written comments concerning the licensing fees until January 15, 2010.  Those interested should send their written comments to the Jefferson County Health Department, 500 Market Street, Steubenville, 43952.

 

 

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Jefferson County Likely Affected by Nasal Swine Flu Recall 

 

The Jefferson County Health Department says the recall is a potency issue and not a safety issue.

Drugmaker Medimmune is recalling nearly 5 million doses of swine flu vaccine because the nasal spray apparently lost strength over time.

Becky Howell, Director of Nursing for the Jefferson County Health Department, says the county has used the vaccine from  Medimmune but she has not been notified of the specific lot numbers that have been recalled.  Howell says the county has more than likely distributed some of the recalled doses.

The Food and Drug Administration said that the vaccine is safe and patients who received the product should be protected from the H1N1 virus.

 

 

 

 

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Public Hearing For Food Service License Fees

 

The Jefferson County Health Department is holding a public hearing on December 29, concerning the 2010 food service operation license fees.  The hearing will be held at 10 am in the boardroom, on the second floor of the Jefferson County Health Department.  The building is located at 500 Market Street, Steubenville.

 

 

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Jefferson County not affected by H1N1 Recall

·          

Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Pediatric (for 6-35 month olds) Vaccine

The Jefferson County Health Department has received doses of the vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur, but none of the vaccines are involved in the recall.

·          Summary: As part of its quality assurance program, Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., performs additional routine, ongoing testing of influenza vaccines after the vaccine has been distributed to health care providers to ensure that vaccines continue to meet required specifications.  In recent testing of the amount of antigen in its influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur found four distributed lots of single-dose, pre-filled syringe pediatric (0.25 mL.) vaccine with antigen content lower than required potency levels. The manufacturer is conducting a non-safety related voluntary recall of these affected lots of vaccine.

·          Background:  After performing these tests, Sanofi Pasteur notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the antigen content in one lot of pediatric syringes that had been distributed to providers was later found to have dropped below a pre-specified limit. As a result of this finding, Sanofi Pasteur tested additional lots and found that three other lots that had been distributed also had an antigen content that had fallen below pre-specified limits. This means that doses from these four vaccine lots no longer meet the specifications for antigen content. 

o   Approximately 800,000 doses of vaccine in these lots were distributed to providers. Again, none of the doses were sent to the Jefferson County Health Department

:

·          There are no safety concerns with these recalled lots of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and there is no need to revaccinate persons who have received doses from these lots.

·          The Jefferson County Health Department is still encouraging everyone to take advantage of their free H1N1 clinics.  To find out the places and times, log onto jchealth.com.

 

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Free H1N1 Flu Shot Clinics For Everyone

 

The Jefferson County Health Department is urging everyone to get their free H1N1 flu shots this holiday season.  

The free shots and nasal spray will be given out at Eastern Gateway Community College, in Steubenville, on Wednesday December 16, from 4-7 pm, in the quiet lounge in the main building.

The Jefferson County Health Department is also offering free clinics every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9-11am and 1-3pm.  On December 15 and 17, the shots will be given out on the first floor of the Tower Building, 500 Market Street, Steubenville. No appointment is necessary.  For more information call 282-H1N1.

Children under 10 should get two doses of the vaccine, about a month apart.

The Jefferson County Health Department is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the free clinics and avoid getting the H1N1 influenza, which could lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses.  

 

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HALLOWEEN HAZARDS

 

Below are facts you can use to help make families more aware of Halloween Hazards, along with practical products (on the left) to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. (Ask us about customizing products to feature your program by calling 1-877-669-7233, ext. 202 or 206.)

Hazard #1  Pedestrian-Car Collisions: Child pedestrians are four times more likely to be killed on Halloween than on any other evening of the year. ²  Parents need to accompany children, make sure they are visible, and model safe pedestrian behaviors themselves.

Hazard #2  Non-Intersection Crossings:  Well over half of the Halloween pedestrian fatalities involving children occur at non-intersections, suggesting that mid-block crossings, darting out from between parked cars and other unexpected crossing behaviors may have contributed to their deaths. ³

Hazard #3  Drunk Driving: Drunk driving over Halloween has surpassed drunk driving on New Year's. On Halloween night in 2008, 58% of all highway fatalities involving a driver or a motorcycle rider were alcohol-related. ⁴

Hazard #4  Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury on Halloween night. While it is important to make sure costumes are "fall-proof," it is also important to clear walkways, yards and driveways of tripping hazards in advance and to carry a flashlight.

Hazard #5 Burns and Eye Injuries:  Medical professionals cite an increase in eye and burn-related injuries on Halloween night. Paying attention to children's costumes, using face paint instead of masks and using "soft" toy weapons can help reduce these risks.

1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2. CDC Wonder, "Childhood Pedestrian Deaths During Halloween -- United States, 1975-1996, MMWR 46(42); 987-990 (7/24/1997)
3. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as quoted by the Independent-Mail, 10/27/2008, www.independentmail.com/news/2008/oct/27/officials-halloween
4. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Adapted from : www.imsafe.com

 

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For Immediate Release – Apr. 26, 2009

 

OHIOAN TESTS POSITIVE FOR SWINE FLU

 

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today confirmed a case of swine flu involving a 9-year-old boy from Lorain County. The patient is considered to have a mild case of the disease and is recovering at home.

Because this combination of strains of the influenza virus is new, ODH and local health departments remind Ohioans of the precautions they should take to avoid exposure. As with all newly emerging flu strains, no vaccine has yet been developed.

“I urge Ohioans to be alert to information about this new flu,” said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. “In addition, the tried-and-true saying about washing hands and covering one’s cough remains sound medical advice.”

Symptoms of this swine flu virus closely resemble seasonal flu, and include fever, weakness, coughing and lack of appetite.

ODH and local health departments are working with health care providers and hospitals around the state to determine if there are other cases. According to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all health care providers who see patients with flu-like symptoms and learn that the patient traveled to Mexico, affected counties in Southern California or Texas during the 7 days preceding their illness onset, should have nasal swab samples from the patient tested.  Recommendations from ODH and CDC include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, see your doctor and CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Additional information is available on the ODH and CDC Web sites at http://odh.ohio.gov and http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ .  The Ohio Department of Health will be providing additional updates as information becomes available.   

 

SWINE FLU HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-866-800-1404 available 8:00am to 5:00pm

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