On August 18, Alamance County Health Department received notification of its first positive case of monkeypox. The affected individual is currently in isolation at home. To protect the individual’s privacy, no further information about them will be released. Alamance County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts. A close contact is defined as anyone who has sustained close personal physical contact with an infected person.  

According to the CDC, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox. Symptoms can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as a rash that looks like pimples, blisters, or scabs. The rash may be painful or itchy. Symptoms are typically seen within three weeks of exposure, and the illness lasts two to four weeks.

“We have prepared for the potential of monkeypox cases in Alamance County. Our public health response team has been in contact with the affected individual and that person is complying with all necessary control measures and cleaning guidelines,” said Alamance County Health Director Tony Lo Giudice.

The Health Department urges individuals to take the following standard precautions, as directed by the CDC, to help protect themselves and others from this virus:

1. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.

2. Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.

3. Wash your hands often.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Alamance County residents are encouraged to use reputable sources of information to learn more about monkeypox, such as the CDC or NC DHHS. Residents are also encouraged to contact their health care provider if they have any unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms that could possibly be related to monkeypox.

Early experiences shape and build the brain, creating a sturdy foundation, especially during infancy.  Moms have the opportunity to breastfeed and develop their infant’s brains while still being able to enjoy outdoor community events. Because breastfeeding promotes healthy brain development, the Alamance County WIC program has recently been working to get the Lactation Station registered at local community events for the summer.  The WIC team designed the Lactation Station to create an environment where breastfeeding moms feel safe and welcomed to breastfeed while attending community events. The Lactation Station is a private, comfortable space that moms can go to breastfeed, pump, or change their infants while out at community events. That privacy not only allows for strengthening that mother-baby bond, but it promotes a quiet space for back-and-forth interactions (serve and return) between mom and baby, boosting brain architecture and increasing positive responses through reciprocal interactions. Amenities provided at the station include chairs, fans, a changing table, and electric outlets for those who need to express milk.

Alamance County WIC successfully introduced the space in 2019 with appearances at seven community events including the St. Patty’s Day Bash in Burlington and Slice of Summer in Graham. Once made available, there was an overwhelmingly positive response. Moms with older children have expressed their gratitude and sentiment wishing there had been something available years ago when they were breastfeeding. Dads were also thankful for the space for the support it offers. With scorching temperatures during recent events, breastfeeding moms have voiced appreciation that they did not have to go to their car, or sit somewhere with a blanket in the heat. All the organizers of these events have been encouraging of this innovative idea and the service it is providing for the community.

In addition to supporting moms and promoting healthy brain architecture in infants, we want the Lactation Station to spark conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding in efforts to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates within the county. The Alamance County WIC Breastfeeding Team is planning activities for August to celebrate World Breastfeeding Month.  There are currently two full-time peer counselors and two international board-certified lactation consultants on the team.  There will be more information available closer to these activities on the Alamance County Health Department Facebook page.

WIC, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a service for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. The WIC Program promotes healthy habits for families through nutrition education and counseling services, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals to other health and community resources, and healthy foods.

To be eligible for WIC services, mom or child must:

• Live in North Carolina.
• Meet category eligibility (pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman up to 1 year postpartum, postpartum without breastfeeding up to 6 months, infant or child up to the fifth birthday).
• Have a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For a household of two, that would be anything less than an annual income of $32,227. A person receiving Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance (TANF), or assistance from the NC Food and Nutrition Services automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
• Be at nutritional risk. This will be assessed by a nutritionist or other health professional at no cost to the participant at the WIC office.

For more information about WIC or to make an appointment, visit the Alamance County WIC office, located at the Alamance County Health Department, at 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, or call 336-570-6745. You may also visit the website at https://www.nutritionnc.com/wic/.

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

On March 21, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for the year.

On March 18, Burlington Animal Services was notified of a human exposure to a racoon that occurred earlier in the N. Park Avenue area of Burlington. The racoon was sent to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The human exposure identified by the Health Department was recommended for immediate post-exposure treatment. There were also six to eight feral cats identified as coming in contact with the racoon. Because the cats had been previously vaccinated, they will receive booster vaccinations. All appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Burlington Animal Services.

Because this is a feral community and all animals may not have been identified, it is recommended that any outside animals be checked and monitored for bite wounds, and receive a rabies booster vaccination if previously vaccinated or if exposure to the racoon is in question.

If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Burlington Animal Services at 336-578-0343 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

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 four 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.

WHAT- COVID-19 vaccination clinic will operate Mondays 8am to 5pm and Fridays 8:30am to 5:30pm ONLY

DATE- Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022

LOCATION- Alamance County Health Department, Enter at 1913 McKinney Street

To make an appointment, please call 336-290-0650 or go to www.VaccinateAlamance.com. Vaccinations are available for ages 5 and older.

On December 14, the Alamance County Board of Health held its annual awards ceremony at the Alamance County Health Department recognizing the work of employees and community partners.

The Board of Health recognized Betsy Meeks as the recipient of the Alamance County Health Department’s 2021 Employee of the Year Award. The 2021 Employee of the Year award is selected by the Board of Health from nominations from health department staff.

The Board of Health also recognizes outside agencies, organizations, or individuals that have partnered with the health department with the Public Health Partnership Award and the Public Health Champion Award. The Board of Health recognized the City of Burlington as the 2021 Public Health Partnership Award recipient.  The City of Burlington was recognized for its continuous support to the health department, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, in assisting with media, safety, and staffing during indoor and outdoor mass vaccination clinics. The Board of Health recognized Jason Witherspoon as the 2021 Public Health Champion Award recipient. Jason is an employee with Alamance Parks. Jason played a pivotal role in the Health Department’s community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Health Director Tony LoGiudice recognized Rob Snow with the Health Director’s Living Our Values Award. This award is presented to an employee who exemplifies the core values of the health department: Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Communication, and Accountability. 

Also recognized were retirees Donna Dotson, Cathy Stephenson, and Carol Wood in appreciation of their years of service to Alamance County.

On December 7, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fourth case of rabies for the year.

 On December 6, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a cat bite that occurred on December 4 in the Staley Store Road area of Liberty. Alamance County Animal Control sent the cat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The Health Department did identify two human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment. There were other cats identified in this feral cat community. Some have been vaccinated or quarantined, while others may require euthanasia. All appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Animal Control.

 Because this is a large feral community and not all animals have been identified, it is recommended that any outside animals be checked and monitored for bite wounds, and receive a rabies booster vaccination if previously vaccinated or if exposure to the cat is in question.

 If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Alamance County Animal Control Department at 336-570-6302 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

 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 nottry to catch any wild or stray animal

Last year, Alamance County had three 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.

Health officials urge residents to keep their pets up-to-date on rabies vaccinations

The Alamance County Health Department will be hosting a drive-thru rabies vaccination clinic on November 13 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Health Department (Human Services Center) located at 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington.

The cost of the rabies shot at the clinic will be $5.00 per pet- CASH ONLY. The vaccination clinic will be a drive-thru clinic with all owners staying in their cars. Dogs will be vaccinated in the cars and cats MUST be in carriers that health personnel may take them into the building to be vaccinated.

North Carolina state law states that every owner of a cat or dog over four months of age is required to have the animal vaccinated against rabies.

To date, there have been three confirmed cases of rabies in 2021 for Alamance County. In 2020, there were three confirmed rabies cases in the county. For more information or questions about rabies control, vaccination requirements, or upcoming clinics, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for anyone ages 5 and older. On November 2 the CDC approved and recommended that pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine be made available to children ages 5-11. The vaccine is to be administered in a two-dose injection series at least 21 days apart.  

COVID-19 vaccination appointments for first, second, third, booster, and pediatric doses can be made through the online appointment system located at www.vaccinatealamance.com. For those without internet access, the COVID-19 vaccine call center is available Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm to schedule appointments. The number to call for an appointment is 336-290-0650.

Alamance County Health Department is administering COVID-19 vaccines to the public at the Human Services Center. Please enter through the 1913 McKinney Street entrance.

If you make an appointment and are unable to keep it, or if you choose to receive your vaccination elsewhere, please call 336-290-0650 to cancel the appointment. This will help to alleviate the possibility of vacant appointment times.

The public will be informed of any changes and updates through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media.  

Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department wants you to protect yourself and your family. Thursday, October 7, the health department will begin offering appointments for seasonal flu shots to the public.

This year, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

• Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
• Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
• High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last.  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.

The flu shot is available this year at no cost to the public by appointment only at the following times:

• Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)
  • 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
  • 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For an appointment or more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

On September 28^th, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third case of rabies for the year.

 On September 27th, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a cat that was picked up on Snow Camp Road in Snow Camp. The cat was transported to this location from another residence on Stockard Road in Graham. Burlington Animal Control sent the cat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The Health Department did identify four human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment for these individuals. There were five other animals who were exposed to the rabid cat, and appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Animal Control.

 If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Alamance County Animal Control Department at 336-570-6302 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

 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 three 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.