BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) is out to help you “Tackle the Flu.”  Beginning Monday, September 19, the health department will begin offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

The cost for the seasonal flu shot is $20.00.  The health department will file Medicaid and Medicare Part B only.  Shots will be given on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), at the following times:

• 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. • 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

This year’s seasonal vaccine again contains several strains of influenza, including H1N1.  Therefore, one shot is all most people will need.  Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

Clients with internet access can visit www.AlamanceFlu.com or follow the health department on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute flu clinic updates and information on special clinic hours, if needed.  For general flu vaccine questions or specific questions regarding the filing of a particular insurance or Medicare plan for flu shots, please call the health department at (336) 227-0101.

There is an extra incentive for getting your flu shot this year.  The N.C. Division of Public Health is partnering with Scholastic Sports Marketing, based out of Charlotte, N.C., and high schools across the state this fall for the Tackle the Flu campaign.

People who participate in the Tackle the Flu campaign also can enter the “text to win” contest, giving fans the opportunity to win four tickets to a North Carolina professional sports event of their choice.  Anyone can enter by texting TACKLEFLU to 94253.  For more information, visit www.flu.nc.gov.

Help you and your family stay in the game by getting your flu vaccination today.  Additionally, don’t forget to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or your sleeve, stay home when sick, and don’t forget to text TACKLEFLU to 94253 and enter to win four tickets to your favorite North Carolina professional sporting event.

Students at five Alamance-Burlington schools to receive nutrition-themed book

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2011

BURLINGTON – In the coming days, some Alamance County elementary school students will be feasting on more than just nutritious cafeteria cuisine.  This take home meal will be brain food, full of nutritional nuggets to help students and families develop healthier eating habits.

The Alamance County WIC Program will donate books through a book drop at Andrews, Eastlawn, Haw River, Newlin, North Graham, Pleasant Grove, and South Graham elementary schools.  Each child will receive the book “What’s in Grandma’s Grocery Bag?”  The book, which will be available in English and Spanish, promotes a message of shopping for the right foods.

Information on the WIC Program will also be available at the participating schools.

“WIC truly works in Alamance County and is making a difference in not only the lives of clients and their children, but also the community at-large,” said Nutrition Program Director Michele Herbek.  “The roughly 4,500 clients served through the WIC Program generate approximately $4 million dollars in the county through vouchers redeemed at local retailers.”

WIC is a federally funded special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children that eligible families have relied on for over 30 years.  The program is designed to provide nutrition education and counseling, food vouchers (including cash value vouchers for fruits and vegetables) and breastfeeding promotion and support through the breastfeeding peer counselor program.  Referrals are also provided to other health providers and community resources to ensure program participants get a balanced approach to their healthcare needs.

For more information about the WIC Program, please call (336) 570-6745, or stop by the WIC Office located on the first floor of the Alamance County Human Services Center at 319 North Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.  Special clinic hours are also available for clients, based on need.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Fast Facts – WIC Program Eligibility • Must be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman. • Have an infant or child up to 5 years old. • Must reside in the State of North Carolina • Gross annual household income cannot exceed 185% of the Federal Poverty income guidelines. • Applicant or child must have a nutritional/medical risk, as determined by a nutritionist. • All Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services and Work First recipients automatically meet the WIC income eligibility criteria.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2011

MEDIA ADVISORY Alamance County Health Department Community Rabies Vaccination Clinics

While humans are taking precautions to get vaccinated against the flu, don’t forget about the vaccination your furry tailwaggers and purring felines can’t go without…a rabies shot!

Your pet’s rabies vaccination also protects you and your family members as well.  This year alone, there have been seven confirmed cases of rabies in Alamance County.

Protect your dog or cat…get them vaccinated at our convenient community rabies clinics!  It’s not a choice, it’s the law!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Mountain View Ruritan Club 5161-D Mt. Herman Rock Creek Road Snow Camp, NC 27349

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Buttermilk Creek Outfitters 3860 Fleming Graham Road Burlington, NC 27217

Please have your cat(s) in a carrier and dog(s) on a leash!

The cost is $5.00 per animal.  For more information, please contact the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.

Deadline is Tuesday for year-round calendar, September 23 for traditional calendar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2011
BURLINGTON – The familiar sea of yellow school buses will paint the landscape in earnest next week.  However, for rising sixth-grade students, the trip to school may be short-lived if they are not in compliance with the state’s Tdap vaccination requirement.

The deadline for sixth-grade students attending Graham Middle School, Alamance County’s only middle school on the year-round calendar, is Tuesday, August 23.  Alamance-Burlington students attending a middle school on the traditional calendar have until Friday, September 23.
After these dates, any sixth-grade student without a Certificate of Immunization showing proof of compliance shall be suspended from school until the parent or guardian provides certification, as required by law, or shows that the child has started the immunization process.
Beginning Friday and concluding September 30, the Alamance County Health Department will implement their Tdap Fast Track system in the Immunizations Clinic for students needing Tdap only.  An appointment is not required.  Tdap Fast Track will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., and again from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.  Parents are required to bring their child’s shot record on the day of their visit.
“Providing this fast track option for Tdap will give parents with busy schedules more flexibility, without having to make an appointment,” said Christie Sykes, Immunizations Coordinator.  “As in years past, as the deadline gets closer, even fast track gets backed up.  The sooner parents get this taken care of, the better it is for everyone,” Sykes concluded.
The Alamance County Health Department is committed to making sure school-aged and college-bound students are ready to learn, by making sure immunizations required by law are up-to-date.  For questions or more information about immunizations, please call (336) 227-0101.

Caged baby fox at a residence may have potentially exposed several individuals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s sixth rabies case for the year in a baby fox on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday, Alamance County Animal Control was called to a residence on Monroe Holt Road just south of Burlington, in response to a report of an aggressive fox.

Upon further investigation by animal control, it was determined that the baby fox had been captured and caged for the past two weeks.  During this time period, two children and one adult have been confirmed to have handled the animal.

Animal control and the Environmental Health division have contacted those individuals that are known to have had an exposure.  Any other individuals in the area who have questions or may have come into contact with the baby fox should contact Environmental Health at (336) 570-6367 immediately.  Rabies is a fatal illness not only for animals, but humans as well.

As people will more than likely spend time outdoors this holiday weekend, there is always the likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.  Incidents such as this further emphasize the importance of not approaching or playing with any wild animal, caged or roaming freely; no matter how cute or innocent it may appear.  Although animals such as foxes and raccoons may not initially exhibit any obvious signs or symptoms of rabies, they still may be carriers of the disease.

Although no dogs or cats were not known to be exposed in this particular incident, owners of dogs and cats should make sure their tailwagger is up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.  The next rabies clinic in Alamance County will be held on July 30 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Burlington Pet Adoption Center, located at 221 Stone Quarry Road in Haw River.  The cost is $5.00 per shot.

If you are bitten or scratched 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 animal

Event designed to foster stronger relationships between fathers and children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2011

BURLINGTON – Father’s Day weekend means more than just gifts and pampering by loved ones.  For some Alamance County fathers, it means building stronger relationships with their children.

The Men’s Empowering Resource Center (MERC) will hold its second annual Father’s Day Rally on Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the North Park Community Center.

The event is a partnership between the MERC, the Alamance County Health Department’s Teen Outreach Program, Burlington Housing Authority, Alamance-Caswell LME, Adolescent Health Partnership, and the Alamance Alliance.

The free event, which will include food, entertainment, competitive games, and interactive educational exhibits, is designed to foster the positive impact of father involvement.

According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers.  That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes.  One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes.  In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.

For more information about the MERC Father’s Day Rally, please contact Zoe Walker (336) 684-8073.

Skunk attacks unvaccinated dog, placed under six month quarantine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s fifth rabies case for the year and second confirmed case in less than a week.

On Tuesday evening, a skunk entered a fenced enclosure in the 1700 block of Whitney Burche Trail in the Pleasant Grove community.  A 3-year-old basset hound housed in fenced enclosure attacked the skunk.  The dog’s owner was able to shoot and kill the skunk during the confrontation.

The dog’s owner transported the skunk to Alamance County Animal Control on Wednesday, where it was subsequently sent off to state laboratory for testing.  The health department and animal control were notified on Thursday evening that the skunk tested positive for rabies.

Upon further investigation, the dog was found not to be current on its rabies vaccinations.  As an alternative to euthanization, state law allows for an animal to be quarantined at a facility approved by the local health director for a period up to six months.  The dog’s owner will be responsible for all costs during the quarantine period.

Earlier this week, two residents and a dog were attacked by a fox in a west Burlington neighborhood.  Both victims were treated at Alamance Regional Medical Center and are undergoing post-exposure treatment.  The dog that was attacked was current on its rabies vaccinations and has received a booster shot.

“In the past week, we’ve seen where a dog being current on its vaccinations saved its life and unfortunately, now we’re seeing the consequences of not having animal up-to-date, said Carl Carroll, Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health Director.  “These events clearly illustrate the importance of making sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.  If your pet’s rabies vaccination has lapsed, get the booster immediately to protect them and your family from contracting rabies.”

Thursday’s lab confirmation also marks the third case of rabies in the Pleasant Grove area of northern Alamance County in the past 90 days.

Since April 2010, thirteen documented rabies cases have occurred in Alamance County.  Of those thirteen, ten involved dogs were not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Eight of those dogs were euthanized, one was quarantined for six months and now another is under six month quarantine. The cost alone to quarantine two dogs for six months could provide rabies vaccinations for hundreds of dogs and cats.

As more people spend time outdoors, there is an increased likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.

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

Incident marks fourth confirmed case for 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s fourth rabies case for the year in a fox.

On Sunday, a resident of Coachlight Trail in Burlington was out walking his dog at about approximately 8:30 A.M., when a fox wandered down the street, came into the driveway, and attacked the family dog.  The dog’s owner kicked the fox and was bitten on the leg.

About a half hour before the incident on Coachlight Trail, less than a half mile away, a resident on Garden Road saw a fox attempting to attack her dogs.  After yelling at the fox, it proceeded to chase her.  Before she could escape into her residence, the fox bit her on the leg and ran away.

Burlington Police and animal control officers responded to the area.  After searching the area, the fox was located and killed.  The health department and animal control were notified on Tuesday that the fox tested positive for rabies.

Both victims were treated at Alamance Regional Medical Center and are undergoing post-exposure treatment.  The dog that was attacked was current on its rabies vaccinations and has received a booster shot.

Although this attack was certainly frightening for those involved, this incident should not deter the public from venturing outside.  However, since outdoor temperatures are getting warmer, there is an increased likelihood of encountering wild and possibly rabid animals.  Therefore, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing outside.  Pet owners should also make sure that their dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations.

Additionally, residents in this area that have outside pets should closely examine them for wounds that they might have received from this fox and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367, if they have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten or scratched 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 animal

Unvaccinated dog involved in fight with rabid fox on Wednesday night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2011

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third rabies case for the year late Friday afternoon.

On Wednesday evening at approximately 10:30 P.M., an unvaccinated dog was involved in a fight with a fox at a residence in the 4400 block of North NC Highway 62.  The fox was killed by the dog’s owner, but the incident was not reported until Thursday morning.  The animal control division of the Alamance County Sherriff’s Office responded to the residence where the fox was found and collected for testing.  The dog was also removed from the property and taken to the animal shelter for quarantine.  On Friday, upon positive lab confirmation lab of rabies in the fox, the dog was euthanized.

For the purpose of rabies control in Alamance County, several veterinary offices in Alamance County will host rabies vaccination clinics this upcoming week.  Rabies shots for dogs and cats will be available for $5.00 per animal, from May 2 through May 7, at the following locations:

Alamance Animal Emergency Hospital 2643 Ramada Rd. Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 228-7226

Animal Hospital of Mebane Mebane Ridge Marketplace 1935 NC Hwy 119 South Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 304-1600

Creekside Animal Clinic 626 N First St Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 563-9663

Graham Animal Hospital 851 South Main St. Graham, NC 27253 (336) 228-1600

Mebane Veterinary Hospital 1938 Jones Dr. Mebane, NC 27302 (919) 563-5006

Tri-County Veterinary Service 7716 NC Hwy 87 South Graham, NC 27253 (336) 376-6838

Please contact the veterinary office for details and special hours for vaccination.  An appointment may be needed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2011

Spring has sprung!  As everyone spends more time outside enjoying warmer temperatures, there’s also an increased chance of coming into contact with rabid animals.  Make sure you and your furry tailwaggers are protected by getting them vaccinated!

Last year, there were eight confirmed cases of rabies in Alamance County.  Seven of the eight cases involved dog or cats whose rabies vaccination had lapsed, resulting in their untimely euthanization.

Rabies is easily preventable.  As a part of Public Health Month activities, you can get your dog or cat (four months or older) vaccinated at our convenient Saturday rabies clinic!  It’s not a choice, it’s the law!

WHAT:      Alamance County Health Department Rabies Vaccination Clinic

COST:       $5.00 per animal   WHEN:      Saturday, April 9, 2011                 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.

WHERE:    Alamance County Environmental Health Office                 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd.                 Burlington, NC 27217

Please have your cat(s) in a carrier and dog(s) on a leash!

For more information, please contact the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.