The Guilford County Department of Public Health, the Greensboro Fire Department and the Guilford County Emergency Services want residents to know that carbon monoxide poisoning is an important health hazard that can be prevented.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 400 Americans die, more than 20,000 emergency room visits are recorded and more than 4,000 people are hospitalized from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year.  Unborn babies, infants, people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are more susceptible to CO effects. The highest fatality rate is among Americans age 65 and older.
Carbon monoxide (or CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can cause sudden illness or death.  CO is found in combustion fumes or the fumes produced when a fuel, such as gasoline, charcoal or wood are burned.  These fumes can be produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, charcoal grills, gas ranges and heating systems.  CO fumes from these sources can build up in enclosed spaces (garages or other small rooms) and poison people or pets who breathe them. The red blood cells in the body pick up CO faster than oxygen so if there is a lot of CO in the air the body will replace the oxygen in the blood with CO.  Since oxygen is blocked from getting into the body, tissue damage and death can occur.  Common symptoms of CO poisoning are:  headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.  High levels of CO can cause loss of consciousness and death.  Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning or you are experiencing any of these common symptoms.
How to prevent CO poisoning:
Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances checked and serviced every year by a qualified technician.
Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home.  Check and replace the batteries when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and the fall.  If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
Do not use a generator, charcoal grill or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside your home, basement or garage.
Do not run any vehicle inside a garage that is attached to your house, even with the door open.
Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not properly vented.
Do not heat your home with a gas oven.
CO poisoning can be prevented with special attention to caring for the appliances, heating systems and vehicles in around your home.  Buy a CO detector for your home and know the symptoms of CO poisoning.  Protect your family and seek medical attention if the CO detector sounds or you believe someone in your home has the symptoms of CO poisoning.
For more information, call the Guilford County Department of Public Health at 641-7777, the Greensboro Fire Department at 373-2177 or Guilford County Emergency Services at 641-7565.  Additional information can be found at the CDC website:  http://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a cat found on River Forest Lane in Greensboro tested positive for the rabies virus on May 28, 2013.  This is the eighth case of confirmed animal rabies in 2013.  The cat had contact with one human. (more…)

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a raccoon found on  South Road in High Point tested positive for the rabies virus on May 21, 2013.  This is the seventh case of confirmed animal rabies in 2013.  The raccoon had no human contact and no domestic animal contacts are confirmed at this time.
North Carolina law requires that all domestic pets (cats, dogs and ferrets), whether living inside or outside, age four months or older be vaccinated.  Even animals that are confined in outdoor fenced areas should have current rabies vaccinations, because wild animals can get into these areas and attack your pets.
Rabies continues to circulate within our wildlife population, even in the winter months. The best way to protect your family and your pet’s safety is to vaccinate your pets against rabies.   Guilford County Animal Control will be offering low-cost rabies vaccination clinics at various locations within the county for the convenience of our residents.  Rabies vaccines will be five dollars ($5.00) per shot.  Cash and personal checks will be accepted. Clinics are scheduled at the following locations:
Saturday, June 22, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Summerfield Fire Station #9, 7400 Summerfield Road, Summerfield, NC 27358.
Saturday, August 24, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fire District #28.  Station located at 6619 NC 61 North, Gibsonville, NC 27249.
Saturday, September 28, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Pleasant Garden Town Hall, 4920 Alliance Church Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313.
Saturday, October 5, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 12: p.m., Oak Ridge Community Park, 6231 Lisa Drive, Oak Ridge, NC  27310.

The public should report stray animals, animals acting strangely or exposures to sick animals to Animal Control at (336)641-5990 in Greensboro or (641)883-3224 in High Point.  If a person is bitten, he should wash the area immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the bite to local Animal Control Officers.
For more information or to schedule an educational program, please contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777, Guilford County Animal Control at (336) 641-5990 or visit www.guilfordhealth.org

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a fox found on Olmstead Drive in Burlington tested positive for the rabies virus on May 21, 2013.  This is the sixth case of confirmed animal rabies in 2013.  The fox had contact with one human. (more…)