Public Health Department

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Can Be Prevented! (Health Information)

Sandy Ellington — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:30:29 +0000

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

June 17, 2013 Board of Health Meeting Cancelled (Health Information)

Connie Lawson — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:38:45 +0000

The Guilford County Board of Health meeting scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2013 at the Dr. Marcus L. Aderholdt, Jr. building, 501 E. Green Drive in High Point has been cancelled. Our next regularly scheduled Board of Health meeting will be held on July 15, 2013 in that same location. The public is invited to all scheduled Board of Health meeting.

Ninth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Sandy Ellington — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:39:37 +0000

      The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a fox found on Madison Farm Road and later on Alamance Church Road tested positive for the rabies virus on June 1, 2013. This is the ninth case of confirmed rabies in 2013. The fox had contact with one human and one domestic animal.
      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�
    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 641-5990 in Greensboro or 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

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Eighth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Lynne Beck — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:25:29 +0000

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.
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

Seventh Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Lynne Beck — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:01:32 +0000

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.

Sixth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Lynne Beck — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:45:33 +0000

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.

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 (336) 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

Fifth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Connie Lawson — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:56:38 +0000

Fifth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County
      The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a fox found on Guyer Street in High Point tested positive for the rabies virus on May 14, 2013. This is the fifth case of confirmed rabies in 2013. The fox had contact with two humans.
       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 641-5990 in Greensboro or 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

�

Fourth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

Connie Lawson — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:06:34 +0000

      The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a raccoon found on Foxcreek Court in High Point tested positive for the rabies virus on May 10, 2013. This is the fourth case of confirmed rabies in 2013. The raccoon had contact with one dog.
       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 641-5990 in Greensboro or 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

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Mosquito & Tick Season Is Here! (Health Information)

Lynne Beck — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:48 +0000

Guilford County Department of Public Health is reminding residents that warmer weather and spring rains bring ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry dangerous diseases. Simple steps can be taken to reduce insect breeding conditions around your home and reduce the threat of insect bites.
“We are thankful for any rainfall we get, but standing water can create mosquito breeding areas. We must remember to empty water from containers around our homes,” states Merle Green, Health Director. “Rainfall also gets our grass growing, so it’s important to mow our yards regularly to reduce ticks.”
Tick prevention tips include keeping grass around your home mowed and bushy vegetation in your yard thinned out. Remove plants that will attract wild animals, such as deer and rodents. When hiking, stay close to the center of the trail (so you don’t brush up against any vegetation) and don’t sit on the ground or any logs in brushy areas.
Exposure to both ticks and mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their family members for ticks after being outside.
Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing any infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks. Get the tweezers as close to the head of the tick as possible and pull steadily. Note the day that you removed the tick on a calendar. If you become ill within the next three weeks, tell your health care provider the date you removed the tick.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne illness in North Carolina. Guilford County reported one case of RMSF in 2012.
La Crosse virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) are common mosquito-borne illnesses found throughout North Carolina. Fortunately, Guilford County reported none of these disease cases in 2012. Mosquitoes can breed in just two teaspoons of stagnant water. Following these simple steps can help reduce the chance of mosquito breeding:
• Discard all containers that hold water such as tires, bottles, flowerpots and saucers, small pools, buckets and tarps. Empty them as least every seven days.
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair.

• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

• Screen or cover any outside rain barrels used for water conservation.

• Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly and are not torn.

Insect repellents can also be helpful, particularly against mosquitoes. Be careful and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Following these tips can help prevent insect breeding areas and lessen the chances of

insect bites. For more information, contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Happy Mother’s Day (Health Information)

Lynne Beck — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:51:47 +0000

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching; the day we salute those who gave birth to our future. Flowers, cards, hugs and kisses are all gifts of love and expressions of gratitude for what mothers mean to us. While this is a joyous occasion to celebrate, we should pause to say a prayer for those families whose children are not here to celebrate, and then reflect on the success for those babies born healthy.
North Carolina was one of four states with the steepest decline in Infant Mortality, dropping by more than 20% from 2005-2010 (most recent data available). The Guilford County Coalition on Infant Mortality pays tribute to its many partners and a true collaborative effort for impacting the decline in this community. The Coalition’s Adopt-A-Mom Program is celebrating 22 years of ensuring that all women in Guilford County have access to prenatal care, and proudly reports that 99% of births in this area have the benefit of this critical healthcare - translation: healthier babies.
“Healthy women are more likely to give birth to healthy babies, so let’s support women before they get pregnant. Then, let’s celebrate being a healthy mother when they are ready”, says Charmaine Purdum, Coordinator for the Guilford County Coalition on Infant Mortality. All women of child bearing age should consume 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily; every day for some day they hope to be a mother. Families need to plan and space their children 2 years apart for optimum health, and early and adequate prenatal care is essential. Healthy food choices, moving more, and helping pregnant women to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and exposure to second hand smoke are messages we can share this Mother’s Day and always. Women who have had a previous preterm delivery should inquire if they are a candidate for 17 P, a weekly injection that has been shown to significantly reduce a subsequent delivery prematurely. Children should be placed on their back to sleep and properly immunized against preventable diseases. All children should be restrained properly in child safety seats when riding in a car, and children should never be left unattended in a vehicle, regardless of the outside temperature.
Pregnancy and motherhood come with great responsibility – individually, and as a community. We celebrate Mother’s Day because of the important job they have in giving birth and the role they have in raising the next generation. Let us celebrate our mothers by sharing these messages, and continue the success we’ve had for the sake of all babies and families. Happy Mother’s Day to all!
For more information on healthy pregnancy or the Coalition on Infant Mortality, contact Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777.