Health Department News and Upcoming Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 28, 2009

The Kansas Department of Health & Environment announced on April 25, that two cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Kansas involving two adults residing in the same household in Dickinson County.  Neither of the adults has been hospitalized and is being treated successfully.  One of the adults had recently been in Mexico.

Because of the case reported in Kansas, the medical and emergency agencies in Ellsworth

County have met and have the following suggested for Ellsworth County citizens.

The symptoms of the swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

·         Fever greater than 100 degrees           

 ·         Body aches                                  

·         Coughing                                               

·         Sore throat                                              

·         Respiratory congestion                        

·       In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their physicians.

As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce the spread of the virus:

·         Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

·         Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.                                   

·         Cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.                                      

·         Stay healthy by eating a balance diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

The flu does not usually require hospitalization and is treatable.

For further information or questions, you may contact the Ellsworth County Medical Center 24/7 at 478-472-3111, Ext. 351, The Ellsworth County Health Department at 785-472-4488 or the Ellsworth County Public Information Officer at 785-472-4161

Top 3 reasons to get your flu vaccine

1. Prevents influenza-related death.

Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu—most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.

2. Prevents severe illness.

In the U.S. influenza puts about 200,000 people in the hospital each year. Children younger than 2 years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older.

3. Protects other people.

You should get vaccinated if you live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Getting a flu vaccination yourself can help protect your family members, including seniors and young children.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Website www.cdc.gov/flu

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Please contact the Health Dept. at 785-472-4488 for more information on Flu Shots.

Helpfull Links

Meningococcal Vaccine Q&A - PDF

HPV Vaccine Q& A

Ellsworth Co. Health Dept. Notice Of Privacy Practices

*The Ellsworth County Health Dept. is also collecting for the Food Bank. If you could bring in a non-perishable item it would be appreciated.