Grundy County Health Department
1716 Lincoln / Trenton, MO 64683
PH: 660.359.4196 FAX: 660.359.5470
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Grundy County Health Department 1716 Lincoln / Trenton, MO 64683 PH: 660.359.4196 FAX: 660.359.5470
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Public Health PostJuly - September 2003
Contents
Prevent Rabies This SummerThe summer months bring many outdoor activities and the opportunity for contact between humans and wild or stray animals. This increases the possibility for exposure to rabies, a deadly viral infection of the central nervous system and a serious health threat to people and animals. This virus is a disease of mammals and is transmitted primarily through bites. Over 90 percent of reported rabies cases are wild animals that are commonly seen in neighborhoods and backyards, such as bats, skunks, and foxes. Dr. Howard Pue, Missouri State Public Health Veterinarian with the Department of Health and Senior Services urges pet owners to update their pets' rabies vaccinations. "Pet owners need to understand how close the threat of rabies is to their families. It’s often as close as the skunk that walked through the back yard." In Missouri, all areas of the state can experience cases, with bats and skunks making up the majority of rabid animals seen each year. "Rabies remains a persistent threat in Missouri and should not be taken lightly," said Pue. Animal bites should be reported to your local public health department. Persons bitten by wild animals or stray pets should consult a physician. If your pet has encountered a skunk, bat, or other animal that might be rabid, consult your veterinarian and make sure your pet's shots are current. Signs and symptoms which should lead one to suspect an animal may be rabid include:
Ways to prevent rabies include:
Prevent Food PoisoningIf you have an upset stomach, abdominal pains, diarrhea, perhaps a headache, you may think you are coming down with a cold or the flu. You may have contracted a food-borne illness. Food borne illness is caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria, that can thrive under the right conditions. There are many safeguards along the food chain from the farmer to the grocery store designed to protect you from illness. Food inspections are made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Food and Drug Administration, state or local health agencies, such as the Grundy County Health Department, to insure food safety. Once the food is in your home, safe food handling practices are important to protect your family from bacteria that can cause illness.
Practice Safe Food HandlingIn the store
At home
Well-Child ExamsWhat is the importance of a well-child checkup? A well-child checkup is a preventative health examination of a well child or adolescent. Routine health examinations can find health problems early and also assure you that your child is growing and developing normally. A well-child exam is not an office visit when your child is ill or injured and needs to be treated. Children should receive well-child exams every 2-3 months until age two years, then every year at age three, four and five. After turning five, checkups should be every two years. Health problems or developmental delays that are detected can be treated more effectively and at less cost when caught early. Students that participate in school sports are required to have a "sports physical" by the Missouri High School Activities Association. Although a sports physical is important for safe athletic participation, it is not considered comprehensive health examinations. You may check with your physician to see if a sports physical could be completed as part of the comprehensive physical exam. For children under age 5, the Grundy County Health Department offers complete well-child exams, including routine immunizations, at no charge.
Meningitis VaccineBacterial meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and the brain; it is a serious illness that can sometimes result in death if not treated quickly. College students living in dormitories are at increased risk for meningitis, but there is a vaccine that can help reduce the danger of contracting this illness. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that health care providers give information about meningitis and the vaccine to students entering college. The vaccine is NOT routinely given to children but many universities now ask that parents consider the vaccine for incoming freshmen. If you are the parents of a student that is college-bound, the Grundy County Health Department has information to share with you about meningitis and can now offer the meningitis vaccine.
Temporary MedicaidTemporary Medicaid is a state program for pregnant women. This program provides healthcare coverage, including sixty-day postpartum coverage, for pregnant women within certain income guidelines. Once eligible, the coverage continues through the postpartum period despite subsequent increases in income. To be eligible you must be a woman who:
You may apply for a temporary card while your permanent card is being processed. This card is good for a month and may only be used for pregnancy-related health care. For more information, Jeri or Sherry at 359-4196.
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Grundy County Health Department is an Equal Opportunity
Provider.
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