Author: arlindaellison

Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Month? The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) subdivides National Breastfeeding Month with World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), which the theme this year is “For A Healthier Planet”.  According to WABA, breastfeeding is healthier for the planet because “breastmilk is a natural, renewable resource that is environmentally safe and green because it is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste”. For the second year in a row, August 9-15 was recognized as Native Breastfeeding week with the mission to reflect the diversity of Native Breastfeeding experiences. August 16-24 this year put the spotlight on breastfeeding during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. August 25-31 is the 7^th Annual Black Breastfeeding Week, which is celebrated to help prevent black infant mortality and diet-related diseases that Black/African American children have a higher risk of, to increase breastfeeding rates and the number of lactation professionals in communities of color, and to encourage and support Black breastfeeding women.

Alamance County WIC provides breastfeeding support to the community in many different ways. One of those ways is through the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program in which Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Jean and Ismari, provide breastfeeding support and referrals as needed. They are both bilingual in English and Spanish and have had experience breastfeeding while on WIC themselves. The new Breastfeeding Coordinator, Jackie Davis, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Registered Dietetic Technician and here to support clients and to help meet their breastfeeding goals. If you or someone you know needs support or assistance with breastfeeding, please contact Alamance County WIC at (336) 570 – 6745 for more information. 

During this COVID-19 pandemic, many pregnant and breastfeeding women are wondering how safe it is to breastfeed during this time. Rest assured, breastmilk continues to be recommended as it prevents illnesses and limited studies show that COVID-19 and SARS-CoV, another coronavirus infection, is not present in breastmilk of the positive-tested mother according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests COVID-19 positive or suspected positive mothers wash hands and wear a mask when nursing. If a mom who is COVID-19 positive or suspected positive chooses to pump breastmilk, she should not share pumps, wash hands before pumping, wear a mask while pumping, properly clean and sanitize pump parts after every use, and have a healthy person offer the expressed breastmilk to the baby. Recommendations for proper pump cleaning and care can be found on the CDC website.

WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Women, Infants, and Children) program provides supplemental nutrition, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and community or healthcare referrals to women who: are pregnant, have had a baby in the last 6 months, or are breastfeeding and have had a baby in the last 12 months, as well as infants and children up to 5 years of age. To be eligible, the child or mother must: live in the state of North Carolina, live in a household with an income at or below 185% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (see the Table), and have a nutrition-related problem or be at risk of developing a nutrition-related problem. The women and children that meet the criteria listed above who receive Medicaid or Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP) services meet the WIC income eligibility criteria. The WIC Program is available at Alamance County Health Department, located at 319 N. Graham Hopedale Road in Burlington, NC.  For more information or to apply for the WIC Program online, go to https://www.nutritionnc.com/wic or call Alamance County WIC at (336) 570 – 6745.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Income Eligibility Chart (Effective June 22, 2020)

Alamance County Health Department has identified a COVID-19 cluster at The Growing Years Learning Center in Burlington. Currently, seven (7) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among four (4) staff and three (3) children. Three of the four staff are not Alamance County residents so they are not included in the daily COVID-19 case count, however they are included on the biweekly Child Care and School Settings report for NC DHHS.  NC DHHS defines a cluster as minimum of five laboratory-confirmed cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases.

“When we learned of the first case, we immediately closed the center for additional disinfecting, informed our families and staff, and contacted the Public Health Department for further guidance,” stated Regional Director, Krista Hurlbut. “We have followed the instructions we received from that department and are remaining closed longer than required by the health department as an additional precaution. We look forward to welcoming our families and staff back later this month.”

“Through case investigation, we were able to identify the cluster, even with multiple staff members living outside of the county, and recommend testing and assistance to trace close contacts,” stated Alexandria Rimmer Interim Health Director. “We will continue collaborating together to protect the staff and children by working to mitigate the outbreak.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 2643 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 2367 have been released from isolation and 234 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 11 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 42 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the skilled nursing facility Alamance Health Care Center in Burlington. Currently, three (3) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) residents and one (1) staff. The staff person is an Alamance County resident. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two confirmed cases within a long-term care facility.

“These positive test results were discovered among asymptomatic individuals through proactive Point Prevalence Testing conducted August 7,” stated Jonathan Caudill, Administrator at Alamance Health Care Center. “In total, 281 tests were completed (156 patients and 125 employees). All test results have been received and these three cases were the only positives identified.” The center will be conducting another round of specimen collections for COVID-19 testing for all [non-positive] staff and residents at the facility beginning August 14.

“We are grateful for the quick communication from Alamance Health Care Center so that we can collaborate together in order to mitigate the outbreak as quickly as possible and prevent the spread to other staff and residents,” stated Alamance County Interim Health Director Alexandria Rimmer.
Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 2621 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 2349 have been released from isolation and 230 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 11 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 42 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

The community is reminded to limit their social and group interactions and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These important steps can reduce a person’s risk and the risk to their family, friends and neighbors.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the skilled nursing facility Brookdale Senior Living in Burlington. Currently, three (3) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. The confirmed cases are among two (2) staff and one (1) resident. The two staff are not Alamance County residents and they will not be included in Alamance’s COVID-19 case count, but will be included on the biweekly Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) report for NC DHHS. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two confirmed cases within a long-term care facility.

The Health Department deployed public health staff to the facility on July 2 to collect specimen for testing for all remaining residents and staff at the facility. 

“We are thankful for the partnership with Brookdale Senior Living and their prompt notification to us at the Health Department,” stated Health Director Stacie Saunders. “We will continue to work with the facility to mitigate the outbreak and help prevent the spread to others including deployment of public health staff for surveillance testing and implementing daily collaborative communication between Health Department, hospital partners and facility.”

Alamance County previously reported two other LTCF outbreaks, Peak Resources in Graham and White Oak Manor in Burlington. Peak Resources has resolved and has completed two (2) incubation periods as of June 27 with no other cases identified – their total outbreak was three staff and no residents. White Oak Manor is scheduled to resolve next week as long as no other cases are identified prior to the completion of a second incubation period.

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 1215 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 981 have been released from isolation and 197 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 12 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 37 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.

“Alamance experienced a large increase in cases following the Memorial Day weekend and we need your help to reduce the spread of infection as we approach another holiday weekend. As we enter the Fourth of July holiday weekend, please remember to practice precautions,” Saunders reminded. “Limit your social interaction and practice the 3Ws – Wear, Wait and Wash. These simple steps can reduce your risk and the risk to your family, friends and neighbors.”

Alamance County Health Director Stacie Saunders has announced she is resigning her position at the Health Department effective July 31. Saunders will join the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services as Public Health Director effective August 3.

“This is an incredible health department and I am so proud of the work we have done together including improving access to birth control methods, committing to better birth outcomes by making Centering Pregnancy our standard of care for maternity, expanding Children’s Dental Health Clinic services to schools, and combating multiple communicable disease threats, including the current novel coronavirus pandemic,” Saunders said of her time in Alamance. “This health department is filled with dedicated individuals, committed to serving the people of this community. It has been an honor to serve alongside these public health champions every day.”
Saunders began her public health career at Alamance County Health Department in 2007 in a grant-funded position aimed at reducing infant mortality. Saunders has served as the Public Health Director for Alamance County since 2014.

The Alamance County Board of Health will appoint an interim Health Director in the coming weeks.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the skilled nursing facility Peak Resources in Graham. Currently, two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. Both confirmed cases are among the staff. There have been no cases identified in residents at this time. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two confirmed cases within a facility.

“We remain dedicated to the well-being and safety of our residents and employees,” said Jeff Cochran, Administrator at Peak Resources Alamance. “Protecting the health of those we care for and the community we service remains our highest priority. We are making every effort to ensure we stop the spread of the Coronavirus within our facility. We are extremely proud of our staff members and their rapid and diligent response in handling a very unique and difficult situation.”

Cochran further stated, “Since late January, we have been closely following the guidelines established by the CDC, CMS, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the NC Division of Public Health. We will remain in active communication with the local and state health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps,” stated Mr. Cochran.

The Health Department will deploy public health staff to the facility on May 13 to collect specimen for testing for all residents at the facility. Additionally, the health department will deploy public health staff to collect specimen for all facility staff on May 14.

“Peak Resources has been in contact with our staff for several weeks now receiving technical assistance, consulting on guidance, implementing precautions and taking steps to help prevent illness in the facility,” stated Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is unfortunate that the facility has experienced two cases among its staff. We commend Peak Resources for promptly notifying the health department of risks and proactively working with our health department to collect specimen for testing from asymptomatic residents and staff in order to help prevent further spread.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since that time, a total of 183 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 90 have been released from isolation and 85 remain active and in isolation. Included in the remaining active cases, ten are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been eight COVID-19 related deaths.

“We continue to see newly confirmed cases in our general population, as well. As collection and testing access increases in our area, we are likely to identify more cases,” states Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is important to use the precautions like washing your hands, wearing face coverings, and keeping your distance from others in order protect yourself and also those you care about.”

On May 5, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for the year.

On May 2, Burlington Animal Services was notified that a raccoon and a dog were in an altercation on Center Street in Burlington; however, the dog lives on Chandler Court in Burlington. Burlington Animal Services sent the raccoon to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the raccoon was positive for rabies.  The dog was not up-to-date on vaccinations and was euthanized. Two adults were exposed to the raccoon. The health department is assisting both individuals with accessing post-exposure treatment.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this raccoon and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.

If you are bitten by any animal:

• Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
• Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control.  If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address.  Give this information to animal control or the health department.
• Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Last year, Alamance County had seven confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the skilled nursing facility White Oak Manor. The Alamance County Health Department collected 120 specimen from residents at the facility earlier in the week. Of those collected by the health department, 12 were positive results. In addition, two (2) employees have been confirmed as cases and receiving follow-up in their counties of residence. The Health Department continues to work with White Oak Manor to conduct testing on residents and staff to protect uninfected individuals and ensure current guidance is followed. To protect the privacy of individuals, no further information about the facility will be released.

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, there has been a total of 116 confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 52 have been released from isolation and 62 remain active and in isolation. Included in the remaining active cases, four are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been two COVID-19 related deaths.

“As collection and testing increases in our area, we are likely to identify many more confirmed cases,” states Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is important to use the precautions like washing your hands and keeping your distance from others. Please only make necessary outings because each interaction you have with another person could be an opportunity for the virus to spread.”

On May 1, Alamance County Health Department is partnering with Elon University to conduct a COVID-19 collection event for Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) staff, per current guidance from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, as LTCFs are a high-risk, high-priority group. This event will take place in the Schar Center parking lot at Elon University and is not open to the public. Access to the site will be restricted, and university facilities in the area remain closed. Elon Athletics staff have been advised to work remotely during the operation, but masks and gloves will be available for those staff members who must access offices in the area.

Further questions about the operation should be directed to Arlinda Ellison at the Alamance County Health Department at arlinda.ellison@alamance-nc.com.

Alamance County Health Department received notification of the county’s first death associated with COVID-19. The individual was greater than 65 years old with underlying conditions and receiving care at a hospital. To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, no further information about the individual will be released.

“We are deeply saddened by this news and our hearts are with their precious family who have lost someone they love and cherish. This loss affects our entire community,” said Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is so important that each of us take steps to protect ourselves and others to prevent the spread of this virus, especially to our most vulnerable populations. We urge the community to continue to practice social distancing and the recommended general precautions in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our neighbors.”

The Health Department urges individuals to take the following standard precautions to help protect themselves and others from this respiratory illness:
o Follow the Governor’s Stay at Home guidance and Executive Order that limits gatherings
o Practice social distancing by keeping more space between individuals
o Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
o Avoid close contact with people who are ill & stay at home if you are sick
o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
o Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
o Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
o Have a plan in place to care for yourself or a sick family member due to illness
o People over 65 or who have chronic health conditions or with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness from the virus, and should avoid contact with anyone that doesn’t live in the household
o If you must leave home for a necessary outing, the CDC recommends wearing a cloth mask or face covering

Media Partners: Please note the Health Department will not issue future press releases regarding COVID-19 related death notifications. COVID-19 related deaths will be added, beginning tomorrow, to the daily updates provided on our website and Facebook page. Many thanks for your attention.