Skunk fights with three dogs, one dog placed under six month quarantine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2012

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s third rabies case for the year and eighteenth confirmed case since April 2010.

On Wednesday, a skunk entered an area at a residence on Gilliam Church Road in northwest Alamance County, where three dogs were contained by an underground fence system.  The skunk was killed during the confrontation and was subsequently sent to the state laboratory for testing.

The health department was notified on Thursday that the skunk tested positive for rabies. So far this year, all three documented cases of rabies have involved skunks.

Two of the dogs were up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, but one was not.  The vaccinated dogs received booster rabies vaccinations within five days, as required by state law.  State law requires that the unvaccinated dog be euthanized, or as an alternative to euthanization, it may be quarantined at a facility approved by the local health director for six months. The dog’s owner has opted for quarantine and will be responsible for all costs during the quarantine period, which will last until September, if the dog does not develops rabies and subsequently dies from the exposure.

“This clearly illustrates the importance of making sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations,” said Carl Carroll, Alamance County Health Department Environmental Health Director.  “If your pet’s rabies vaccination has lapsed, get them vaccinated immediately to protect them and protect others.  Dogs and cats are at an increased risk to come in contact with rabid animals and if not properly protected, they may contract rabies and expose human to this deadly virus.”

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

Free Tdap vaccine to be offered at special Mebane clinic on March 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2012

BURLINGTON – Officials from the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) announced additional plans today to address a community pertussis outbreak, now into its third month.

Since mid-December 2011, there have been 82 laboratory confirmed, probable, or epidemiologically-linked cases of pertussis (whooping cough) affecting 14 schools and child care centers throughout Alamance County.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that often starts with typical cold symptoms (runny nose, low grade fever, and possibly cough) and over 1-2 weeks, usually develops into prolonged bursts of coughing, often with a whooping noise at the end. The person usually feels well between attacks. “The health department continues to monitor and investigate new reports of pertussis.  However, as a part of outbreak response measures, a greater emphasis on the need for vaccination is necessary to prevent further spread of pertussis in the community,” said Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, MD, ACHD Medical Director.

For a limited period of time, restrictions have been lifted as to who can receive the Tdap vaccine.  The shot, which is normally $35.00, is now being offered for free.

The Tdap vaccine is strongly recommended for the following populations:
• Children 11 or 12 years of age (in North Carolina, this is required for students entering the 6th Grade.
• Adults who have not already received the Tdap vaccine (Tdap did not become available until 2005.
• Those with family members at risk for severe disease, if they develop pertussis, including:  Infants less than 12 months of age  Immunocompromised individuals
•   Pregnant women ( > 30 weeks gestation)

Free Tdap is being offered on a walk-in basis at the health department, Monday-Friday, from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., and again from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.

In addition, a community-wide Tdap vaccination clinic will be held on Friday, March 2, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., at the Mebane Arts and Community Center.  The center is located at 633 Corregidor Street in Mebane.

Receiving the Tdap vaccine will help prevent infection not only in children and adults, but also in infants.  Ultimately, receiving the Tdap vaccine significantly decreases the risk of pertussis in newborns and infants.

For additional information about pertussis or the Tdap vaccine please call the health department at (336) 227-0101.

Deadline to schedule an appointment moved to February 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2012

BURLINGTON – As a part of National Children’s Dental Access Day, the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) and the Alamance-Caswell Dental Society will once again partner to Give Kids a Smile.

The event, now in its ninth year locally, will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., at the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center.  The Children’s Dental Center is located at 1914 McKinney Street, at the corner of North Graham-Hopedale Road and McKinney Street in Burlington, across from Eastlawn Elementary School.

Since the event’s inception in 2003, participating dentists have preformed over $1 million in free dental services for Alamance and Caswell County children in need of dental treatment.

Appointment scheduling for free limited dental exams, cleaning, fluoride, and sealants has been extended until February 3.  Anyone residing in Alamance or Caswell County interested in scheduling an appointment for their child(ren), should call the Give Kids a Smile appointment line at (336) 513-5518 between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.  Individuals speaking Spanish may call (336) 513-4869.  Please note that appointments are required.

To be eligible for Give Kids a Smile, children must meet the following criteria:

• Be in Preschool – 8th Grade
• Reside in Alamance or Caswell County
• Reside in a family that has a financial need
• Have NO Dental Insurance
• Not currently enrolled in the N.C. Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice program.

In addition to expanding to serve preschool-age children this year, the community at-large can also help to brighten the smiles of those who have the greatest need.  The Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation, a newly formed 501(c)(3), whose primary goal is to provide supplies and materials to encourage additional dentists to become involved in this much-needed program.  Contributions to the Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation ultimately will allow more children with dental needs to be treated through this worthwhile program.  Tax deductable contribution can be made to the following address:

Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation PO Box 3113 Burlington, NC 27216-3113

For more information or for further details about the Give Kids a Smile event, please call the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center at (336) 570-6415.

With increased awareness of symptoms, more cases likely to be identified in the community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2012

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) is investigating a new, lab confirmed case of pertussis in a student at Audrey W. Garrett Elementary School in Mebane.  Due to confidentiality laws, the name of this individual will not be released.

Within the next 24 hours, the health department, with the assistance of the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) will have notified affected parents and staff at Audrey W. Garrett.  In addition, medical and health care providers in the community have been notified.

Also on Tuesday, health department officials updated the status of the previously suspected case of pertussis in a Western Alamance Middle School to a confirmed case, based on epidemiological linkage.

“Now that residents and medical providers in Alamance County have a heightened awareness of the signs and symptoms of pertussis, we expect that additional cases will be identified,” said Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, MD, ACHD Medical Director.  “Regardless of how many cases are confirmed or suspected, getting appropriate tetanus and pertussis vaccine is the most effective way to protect our community.  Elementary and middle school students are required to receive timely immunizations to attend public school.  It is equally important for adults to make sure their own immunizations are up-to-date,” concluded Shapley-Quinn.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that often starts with typical cold symptoms (runny nose, low grade fever, and possibly cough) and over 1-2 weeks, usually develops into prolonged bursts of coughing, often with a whooping noise at the end.  The person usually feels well between attacks.

For additional information or specific questions, please call the Alamance County Health Department Communicable Disease Hotline at (336) 516-7715.   If you are unable to reach a nurse on duty, please leave a message and your contact number.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Health officials advising parents to monitor text message, social media activity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2012

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department is still investigating a suspected case of pertussis at Western Alamance Middle School.

As of 4:30 P.M. Friday, health department staff have made contact with approximately 95% of affected parents and staff members.

During the course of the investigation, health department officials have learned that there are students posting information about their health status, which may or may not be accurate, as well as the condition of others via text message, Facebook, and Twitter.  Parents are strongly advised to monitor texting and social media activity to limit the spread of inaccurate information that may affect the investigation.

Lab results for the suspected case are still pending and are expected after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that often starts with typical cold symptoms (runny nose, low grade fever, and possibly cough) and over 1-2 weeks, usually develops into prolonged bursts of coughing, often with a whooping noise at the end. The person usually feels well between attacks.

If your child develops the symptoms described above (runny nose, cough, etc), please take your child to their doctor for an evaluation.  This is particularly true if your child has symptoms that begin before February 1, 2012.

For additional information or specific questions, please call the Alamance County Health Department Communicable Disease Hotline at (336) 516-7715.   If you are unable to reach a nurse on duty, please leave a message and your contact number.  Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Vaccine is very effective, but protection fades over time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 11, 2012

BURLINGTON – While many county residents spent the days leading up to Christmas welcoming family and finishing last minute shopping, staff from the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) and the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) spent long days and nights, including Christmas Eve, tediously racing against the clock to contact families whose children may have been exposed to pertussis and call in preventive antibiotics.

Since the first pertussis case linked to B. Everett Jordan Elementary School was identified on December 14, over 600 children and adults were interviewed and prescribed antibiotics.  During the investigation, an additional seven cases were confirmed, with an additional 23 probable cases.

A case labeled as “probable” identifies someone with symptoms which meet the CDC requirements for a person having symptoms of pertussis, but this person hasn’t had laboratory testing or been in close contact with a laboratory confirmed case of pertussis.  Therefore, we will never definitively know if these individuals had pertussis.

As the investigation concludes, health and school system officials want to use this opportunity to teach a valuable lesson.  Although all of the confirmed and probable cases had been vaccinated against pertussis, this recent outbreak illustrates the importance of Tdap vaccination and boosters for children and adults.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that often starts with typical cold symptoms (runny nose, low grade fever, and possibly cough) and over 1-2 weeks, usually develops into prolonged bursts of coughing, often with a whooping noise at the end.  The person usually feels well between attacks.

“While we want to prevent discomfort and disease in all of our residents, we especially want to keep pertussis from affecting children less than 12 months old, said Kathleen Shapley-Quinn, MD, ACHD Medical Director.  “Alamance County has been tremendously successful in decreasing our infant mortality rate and it would be absolutely tragic if one or more infants died of pertussis, a preventable disease.”

The Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, acellular Pertussis) vaccine is designed for specifically this purpose.  Tdap is mandatory for children to enter the sixth grade, but the health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourage all adults and children age 11 and older, to receive the vaccine.

For adults planning to have a family, it is especially important to prevent pertussis.  Ultimately, receiving the Tdap vaccine significantly decreases the risk of pertussis in newborns and infants.

With the assistance of a major vaccine manufacturer, the health department offers a program to assist uninsured adults, age 19 and older, with obtaining the Tdap vaccine at no cost.  Eligibility is contingent upon family size and income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

For additional information about the Tdap vaccine, the vaccine assistance program, or to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, please call the health department at (336) 227-0101.

Alamance County Health Department, Healthy Alamance, Alamance Regional Medical Center, United Way of Alamance County jointly release health and social findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2012

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Community Assessment was released to the public today, during a mid-morning press conference at Alamance Regional Medical Center.

Every four years, Alamance County completes a comprehensive community assessment.  The assessment allows community members to gain an understanding of the health and quality of life of the community by identifying, collecting, analyzing and disseminating information on community asset, strengths, resources and needs.  The assessment process is meant to capture statistics, attitudes, beliefs and the overall environment (physical, cultural, economical and political) of Alamance County.

The lead agencies understand that there is a reciprocal relationship between the health and social conditions in a community, thus the unique partnership exists between the United Way of Alamance County and the health leaders (the Alamance County Health Department, Healthy Alamance and Alamance Regional Medical Center).

The assessment team has been hard at work over the past year and a half to collect, compile, and analyze local data and study how it measures up within the state.  Four methods were used in the data collection process.

The report has been submitted to the state in order to fulfill accreditation requirements for Alamance County Health Department and IRS requirements for Alamance Regional Medical Center.  The United Way of Alamance County will use the findings from the assessment process to drive their community grant program and Healthy Alamance will evaluate how community coalitions can work to address the emerging issues from the assessment.

If you ask the residents of Alamance County what the focus should be, you would yield many responses that reflect the political, ethnic, geographic and economic diversity of our community.

In order to capture as many of these opinions and voices as possible, the assessment team involved residents using three modalities: statistically-verified random selection telephone survey of 846 English speaking residents, focus groups to capture segments (Latinos, newcomers and ex-offenders) potentially under-represented in the survey, and community leaders and the general public in two open, participatory forums with over 100 participants.

Taken together, we learn that our residents are concerned about four key issues in particular: healthcare access, education, substance abuse, and immigration.

Looking separately at the most frequently identified health and social issues (while acknowledging that it’s rarely easy to separate or define these categories), we find the following priorities reported from the forum:

“After the community assessment information is made fully available to the community, our agencies plan on working together to devise action plans on how we can address the top health and social issues identified in the assessment,” said April Durr, Director of Healthy Alamance.

The entire 232 page document is now available online at: 2011 Community Health Assessment (CHA)

In addition, 14 printed copies will be strategically places throughout the community at libraries, organizations and educational institutions.

Requests for specific presentations at businesses, agencies, and community groups can be scheduled by contacting designated assessment team partners.

For more information, please contact:

• April Durr, Director, Healthy Alamance
• Barry Bass, Director, Alamance County Health Department
• Eric Nickens, Jr., Health Education Supervisor and Media/Public Affairs Officer Alamance County Health Department
• Marcy Green, Assistant Director Public Relations, Alamance Regional Medical Center Ronnie Wall, President, United Way of Alamance County

Appointment scheduling begins January 18, event on February 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2012

BURLINGTON – As a part of National Children’s Dental Access Day, the Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) and the Alamance-Caswell Dental Society will once again partner to Give Kids a Smile.

The event, now in its ninth year locally, will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., at the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center.  The Children’s Dental Center is located at 1914 McKinney Street, at the corner of North Graham-Hopedale Road and McKinney Street in Burlington, across from Eastlawn Elementary School.

Since the event’s inception in 2003, participating dentists have preformed over $1 million in free dental services for Alamance and Caswell County children in need of dental treatment.

Appointment scheduling for free limited dental exams, cleaning, fluoride, and sealants will begin on Wednesday, January 18, and end on Friday, January 20.  Anyone residing in Alamance or Caswell County interested in scheduling an appointment for their child(ren), should call the Give Kids a Smile appointment line at (336) 513-5518 from 9:00 A.M. until noon and from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.  Individuals speaking Spanish may call (336) 513-4869. Please note that appointments are required and limited to the first 100 children.

To be eligible for Give Kids a Smile, children must meet the following criteria:

• Be in Preschool – 8th Grade
• Reside in Alamance or Caswell County
• Reside in a family that has a financial need
• Have NO Dental Insurance
• Not currently enrolled in the N.C. Medicaid or N.C. Health Choice program.

In addition to expanding to serve preschool-age children this year, the community at-large can also help to brighten the smiles of those who have the greatest need.  The Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation, a newly formed 501(c)(3), whose primary goal is to provide supplies and materials to encourage additional dentists to become involved in this much-needed program.  Contributions to the Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation ultimately will allow more children with dental needs to be treated through this worthwhile program.  Tax deductable contribution can be made to the following address:

Alamance-Caswell Give Kids a Smile Foundation PO Box 3113 Burlington, NC 27216-3113

For more information or for further details about the Give Kids a Smile event, please call the Alamance County Children’s Dental Center at (336) 570-6415.

State and locally supplied flu vaccine now free and unrestricted for ages six months and older

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2012

BURLINGTON – The grip of the flu season is starting to take hold throughout North Carolina, but it’s still not too late to protect yourself from being sidelined.

Starting today, the time for putting off getting the flu shot has officially run out, as Alamance County Health Department (ACHD) begins giving flu shots for free, to everyone six months of age and older.

“Now that the holidays are behind us, this is an ideal time to protect yourself against the flu,” said Gayle Shoffner, Interim Nursing Director.  “Unfortunately, with many individuals being in close contact over the holidays, germs were transmitted very easily and many people are now getting sick.  By getting vaccinated, in addition to proper hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you are sick, the risk of catching or spreading disease is greatly reduced once antibodies have built up in the body.  This usually takes between two and three weeks after being vaccinated.”

Shots will be given on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), from 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. and from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Again, this year’s seasonal vaccine contains several strains of influenza, including H1N1.  Therefore, one shot is all most people will need.  Children under age 8, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

Free flu vaccine is available on a first come, first serve basis until the supply is exhausted.  For general flu vaccine questions, please call the health department at (336) 227-0101.

ACHD becomes seventh designated site in North Carolina, third in Triad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2012

BURLINGTON – It’s official.  Expectant mothers in Alamance County now officially have access, closer to home, to one of the latest prenatal care options that has been proven to improve birth outcomes.

The Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI), based in Boston, recently granted the Alamance County Health Department full certification as a provider of the CenteringPregnancy® program.  By achieving certification as an official provider, the health department has successfully implemented all 13 Essential Elements of the CenteringPregnancy® model of care.

CenteringPregnancy® is an innovative prenatal program that  allows patients to see the same provider throughout their pregnancies, participate in their own care, eliminate wait time, and meet other pregnant women with similar due dates.  Women are given the chance to discuss topics important to them during their pregnancies and form friendships and support that last beyond the pregnancy, while at the same time receiving high quality prenatal check-ups.

The program has been implemented in a wide range of settings nationally from private OB offices to local health departments and has been associated with lower preterm delivery rates, increased breastfeeding rates, and higher patient satisfaction.

Previously, those seeking an officially designated CenteringPregnancy® provider had to travel to Durham or Winston-Salem.

“Certification has been a long process, but we are absolutely delighted that CHI has bestowed this achievement on the health department’s program,” said Karen Saxer, nurse midwife and director of the CenteringPregnancy® at ACHD.  “CenteringPregnancy® has been proven, in multiple locations around the country, to improve outcome of some of the most vulnerable babies, as well as creating supportive communities for pregnant women.  It is programs like this which will help us continue to improve the health of women and children in our community.”

For more information about CenteringPregnancy® or other services provided by the ACHD Maternity Clinic, please call (336) 227-0101.