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7/2/2012 STATE OFFICIALS ISSUE HEAT-RELATED PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

High Temperatures Can Cause Heat-related Illness

MADISON – State health officials have issued a public health advisory due to forecasts calling for temperatures this week in the mid to upper 90s, with heat indices ranging from 95 to 105 degrees.

"We are asking everyone to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, and to check on their family, friends and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat," said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer. "By making everyone aware of safety measures and helping them recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion, we can prevent heat-related illness and death."

Most heat-related illnesses involve the elderly or individuals who have chronic illnesses, although children, athletes and outdoor workers are also at risk. People with a history of asthma should avoid strenuous activity and follow the DNR air quality alerts and advisories. (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/AirQuality/).

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fainting, rash, fatigue and nausea, and the skin may become clammy and moist or hot and dry. If these symptoms appear, take immediate actions to reduce body temperature.

When temperatures are above 90° F, the following actions are recommended:

• To avoid dehydration, a conscious effort should be made to drink more fluids during hot weather. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration.

　

• Use fans to increase ventilation unless temperatures exceed 90° F, at which point fans become ineffective in reducing heat-related illness.

　

• Cool showers, baths and sponge baths can be used to reduce body temperatures. Wet clothing also has a cooling effect.

Spend the hottest part of the day in a cool, preferably air-conditioned place. If you do not have air conditioning at home, try to get to a location that does, such as a public library, community center, or a shopping mall, or visit a nearby cooling center. For information about a cooling center near you, dial 2-1-1.

　

• Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors. If necessary, move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.

 

Symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and fatigue are early warning signs that should not be ignored. The onset of heat stroke can be rapid and may progress to life-threatening illness within minutes. Serious cases require emergency medical care.

Never leave anyone unattended in cars, especially children or any pets. The temperature inside a car can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes, even with windows cracked open.

Strenuous activity should be avoided during the hottest part of the day. If such activity is unavoidable, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Consider monitoring body weight and oral temperature. A weight loss of more than 2 lbs. or an oral temperature above 99° F is cause for concern.

For more information on heat-related health concerns, visit these websites: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/WeatherRelated/Heat.htm.

Extreme Heat, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  March 20, 2012

Contact:  Jill Krueger, Director

Phone:  715-478-3371

Re:  Pertussis

 

The Forest County Health Department reports that we continue to have cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in preschool children; school age children, and adults.  Recently, there have been three cases at the Crandon Elementary/Middle School.  The Health Department is contacting those who have been identified as a close contact to recommend the proper follow-up.  Close contact of a case means having direct face-to-face contact; sharing confined space; or having direct contact with respiratory, oral, or nasal secretions.  It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Pertussis. 

 

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) spreads through the air when infected people cough. It usually begins with cold-like symptoms and a dry cough which lasts for a week or two and then slowly gets worse. The next stage, which may last from 4-6 weeks, may be marked by coughing spells that are uncontrollable and may be followed by vomiting. Between spells, the person may appear to be well and usually there is no fever. Vaccinated children, teens and adults may have milder symptoms that can seem like bronchitis. Antibiotics are given to decrease the chance of spreading it to someone else.   After five days of antibiotics, a case is no longer contagious.

 

Frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes will help stop the spread of this disease.

 

If you or your child has a cough and/or other symptoms of Whooping Cough  he/she should be seen by a doctor, be tested for Whooping Cough and should begin antibiotic treatment.  He or she will need to stay home and visitors should be restricted until 5 days of antibiotics are completed. 

 

Infants, pregnant women, and people whose immune system is weak are at a higher risk of getting Whooping Cough. 

 

If your child is not up-to-date with their pertussis vaccinations, or you are unsure, please contact your doctor or the Health Department to receive the needed immunization and therefore provide protection against Pertussis.

 

If you have any questions, please call the Forest County Health Department at 715-478-3371.

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  February 3, 2012

Contact:  Jill Krueger, Director

Phone:  715-478-3371

 

PERTUSSIS IN FOREST COUNTY

 

The Forest County Health Department reports that there are several confirmed cases of Pertussis in the county.  We have been at a high level of surveillance for Pertussis in Wisconsin, including Forest County. 

 

Pertussis is a contagious bacterial disease initially causing cold-like symptoms with a cough that progressively gets worse.  The bacterium that causes Pertussis can infect anyone who is susceptible, but the resulting illness is most serious in infants and young children.  Extreme coughing fits, lack of breath and the "whoop sound" is common in infants and young children.  Pertussis is usually spread by repeated indoor face-to-face contact with an infected person. 

 

The Forest County Health Department recommends that Pertussis should be considered for anyone of any age who has any of the following symptoms: Cough lasting more than 7 days, sleep disturbing cough, coughing fits, whoop, coughing until vomiting, turning blue while coughing, difficulty catching breath (especially in infants) or cough that does not respond to cough medicines. 

 

Antibiotic treatment early in the illness can help reduce signs and symptoms and prevent the spread of the bacteria that causes pertussis.  Patients with Pertussis must be isolated during the first 5 days of treatment. 

 

The best way to protect yourself and your children is to stay up-to-date on your immunizations.  Pertussis (whooping cough) can be fatal for infants and young children and most fatalities occur in this population.  Unvaccinated and under-vaccinated infants and young children are at highest risk of serious complications and death.  Parents of newborns can protect their unimmunized baby by receiving the TdaP vaccine at no cost at the Health Department.  The Health Department also offers free vaccinations for children. 

 

For more information about Pertussis, contact the Forest County Health Department at 715-478-3371.