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214 S. Wagner Ave. Wapakoneta, OH 45895 Phone: (419) 738-3410 Fax: (419) 738-7818 |
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Auglaize County Health Department |
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Communicable Diseases |
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Contact Info:
Phone: 419-738-3410 Fax: 419-738-7818 Communicable Disease Nurse: dscheer@auglaizehealth.org |
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Auglaize County to make a clean break from illness… The Auglaize County Health Department is kicking off a hand washing campaign with posters we hope you’ll be seeing every time you use a public restroom.
Hand washing is the single most important act you can do to prevent getting sick and making others sick. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 5,000 people die each year from food borne illnesses. 78 million become ill, and between 79,000 and 96,000 die from hospital infections each year.
Page-sized posters that can be hung in restroom areas can be downloaded here: |
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Foreign Travel Program Auglaize County Health Department provides residents with information on required and recommended immunizations for traveling outside the United States. Adult immunizations can be given at the Auglaize County Health Department although some may need to be referred to foreign travel clinics or surrounding health departments for vaccines such as typhoid and yellow fever. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) now has a listing of travel clinics around Ohio that offer yellow fever-see www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/ and click on Ohio. Residents are given information about precautions they can take to avoid disease and illnesses so they may have a more enjoyable trip. Residents are urged to call as soon as they know their itinerary to ensure that they are fully immunized before departing. Residents should check information on outbreaks of concerns prior to departure for international travel.
For more information on international travel: www.cdc.gov/travel/ |
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Head Lice:
General Info: Pediculosis, also known as head lice, is caused by tiny wingless insects that only live on a human scalp. Head lice are about the size of a sesame seed. Nits are the eggs of head lice, they are small oval shaped and whitish-gray eggs in color. A person gets head lice by coming in direct contact with another individual that has head lice or their belongings. Head lice do NOT hop, jump or fly. Head lice are annoying, however they are not life threatening. They do require effort to get rid of them. Time, effort and persistence will pay off.
The Facts about Common Misconceptions: · Poor hygiene and dirt do not cause head lice. · Lice actually prefer clean environments. · Pets do not spread head lice. · Some people do not itch. What do I do if my child has head lice? 1. Make sure your child actually has head lice. 2. Start treatment to kill the live lice · Many people first try a lice killing shampoo or crème rinse. Most of these products contain a pesticide and must be used very carefully. Additionally, you can use olive oil to smother the live lice-see the Sawyer Mac website. 3. Clean the home environment · Wash clothes and bed linens in hot water and dry for 20 minutes in a hot dyer. · Use a vacuum to remove nits from furniture, rugs, and car seats. · Put pillows, toys, and other items that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 10 days. · Soak brushes and combs in hot (not boiling) water for 10 minutes. 4. Check for and get rid of the nits. · In bright light, separate the hair into small sections. Remove all attached nits. This step should be done daily until there are no more nits. *For a persistent case of head lice, olive oil will smother lice. Refer to the Sawyer Mac website. *Please note that CDC does NOT recommend the use of sprays to get rid of lice. Schools and Head Lice All the schools in the county work with the Auglaize County Health Department and follow the same policy in dealing with head lice.
Websites: Sawyer Mac Productions www.headliceinfo.com. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/2005_PDF_Treating_Head_Lice.pdf |
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Antibiotic Resistant Organisms
What is the difference between bacteria and viruses? Bacteria are very small organisms that are normally found all over in the environment, even on people. A lot of bacteria are completely harmless and are actually good for the body. Some bacteria cause infections like strep throat and pink eye. Viruses even smaller than bacteria and cause many types of illnesses like the flu and colds. What is Antibiotic Resistance? Infections that are caused by bacteria are often treated with antibiotics. When taken correctly, antibiotics usually will kill the bacteria and stop the infection. However, when the antibiotics are not taken or prescribed correctly, the antibiotics no longer kill the organisms and antibiotic resistance organisms develop. How do bacteria develop antibiotic resistance? Some people do not finish all of the antibiotics because they begin to feel better and believe the bacteria that caused the infection are dead. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed for illnesses that are not caused by bacteria, like the flu. When bacteria are exposed to the antibiotics, they will change enough so the antibiotics do not work very well and eventually they become immune to many different types of antibiotics. Why are we worried about Antibiotic Resistance and antibiotic resistant organisms? Once the bacteria become resistant to many different types of antibiotics, traditional medicines will not fight and kill the bacteria. These “super bugs” keep causing infections in people and none of the antibiotics will stop them. Even worse, it is possible for these infections to be spread to a lot of people and there will not be any treatment available. What are some common types of antibiotic resistant organisms? Staphylococcus aureus are one type of bacteria that can cause skin infections and even pneumonia. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one type of antibiotic resistant organism that is being found very frequently in hospital and community settings. It can be spread through close contact with an infected person, especially by skin infections that are not covered and sharing the same towels or sports equipment.
Tips to avoid antibiotic resistance.
1. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY! 2. If you have a skin infection, always cover with a bandage so others do not come in contact with the wound, especially if you play sports. 3. Do not share personal items like razors, deodorant, and towels. 4. Do not expect to get a prescription for antibiotics when you go to the doctor. If you have a viral infection, which most colds and a lot of respiratory illnesses are, antibiotics will not cure the illness and taking antibiotic will increase the likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance. 5. Finish all of the antibiotics you are prescribed even if the symptoms disappear. Just because you begin to feel better does not mean all the organisms have been killed.
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Norovirus
Norovirus, incorrectly called the “stomach flu”, is a virus that affects the stomach and intestines and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus. Some people also have a headache, muscle aches, and fever/chills. Usually, symptoms last only 1 to 2 days; however, people can be contagious for as long as two weeks even though they feel better. This virus has been the cause of many food-borne disease outbreaks on cruise lines and in local nursing homes and restaurants.
How is Norovirus spread? Norovirus is found in the vomitus and stool of infected people. If people do not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom or after cleaning up after someone who is sick, they may have the virus on their hands and spread it to things they touch, especially food. It only takes a few particles of the virus to spread this illness. People can become infected with the virus when: · Drinking liquids or eating food that are contaminated with the virus · Eating foods, beverages, and even ice that has been handled by someone who has come in contact with the virus and not properly washed their hands. · Touching objects such as door handles, telephones, etc. that are contaminated with the virus then placing their hand in their mouth.
How can you prevent Norovirus? Proper hand washing is the best protection to keep you and your family safe from Norovirus. Make sure you and your family, especially small children, always wash hands after going to the bathroom and before preparing foods. It is extremely important to have kids wash their hands frequently. Always cook foods to proper temperatures and store them at correct temperatures and wash fresh produce before using.
What can food handlers and establishments do to prevent the spread of Norovirus?
Individuals who prepare and serve food can easily contaminate the food they handle. This can make their customers ill and result in an outbreak. To prevent an outbreak of illness from norovirus, follow these simple guidelines:
Do not allow a person with the symptoms of norovirus to work while they are sick. Some establishments do not allow the infected person to return to work until 2 or 3 days after they begin feeling better. Under the Ohio Administrative Code, persons who are food handlers and have diarrhea must be excluded from work and can only return when diarrhea has stopped. Adopt a strict hand washing policy and enforce it. This means washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Because the virus can be shed for up to two weeks in the stool, it is critical that proper hand washing be enforced. In addition, proper and frequent hand washing will prevent the spread of other diseases to your customers and will help keep your entire workforce healthy.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/rr5009.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-factsheet.htm |
