What's
New?
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 30, 2008
|
Contact:
Joe Blubaugh, 785-296-5795
jblubaugh@kdhe.state.ks.us
www.kdheks.gov |
KDHE
Identifies 19 Cases Linked to Harvey County Salmonella Outbreak
The
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the
Harvey County Health Department are continuing to investigate
a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in south-central
Kansas. There are now 19 cases of the illness that have
been linked to the outbreak, in three south-central Kansas
counties.
During
the course of the investigation, the Acapulco Restaurant
in Newton was identified as the probable source of the illness.
KDHE and the Harvey County Health Department are interviewing
patrons who developed symptoms of Salmonella infection,
as well as those who did not become ill, after eating at
the restaurant in the hopes of isolating the source of the
outbreak. The exact cause has not been determined at this
time.
A
food service inspection was performed at the restaurant
on June 17, 2008, in response to the outbreak. The establishment
was cited with four critical violations, including improper
cold holding of food, improper date marking of held food,
improper hand washing and the use of improper containers
for food storage. All violations were corrected on site
and do not require a follow up inspection.
Most
persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea,
fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons
recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the
diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems
are more likely to have a severe illness.
The
Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak is not believed
to be associated with the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella
Saintpaul.
PRESS
RELEASE MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2008
From
the Harvey county Health Department, Rita Flickinger, Director/Health
Officer
The Harvey County Health Department and the Kansas Department
of Health and Environment (KDHE) are continuing to investigate
the Salmonella outbreak in south-central Kansas. As of today,
we have 11 cases.
During
the course of the investigation, the Acapulco Restaurant
in Newton was identified as the probable source of the illness.
The exact cause of the outbreak has not been determined
at this time.
“The
management of the restaurant has been extremely helpful
in providing information throughout the investigation,”
said Charlie Hunt, Deputy State Epidemiologist with KDHE.
“Based on the information we have at this time, we
do not feel that the restaurant poses any immediate health
risks to the community.”
Restaurant
management provided customer information for those who might
have been exposed to determine if they have experienced
any symptoms of the illnesses. Interviews with the customers
will be used to further pinpoint the source of the illness.
There
have not been any onsets of new cases that have eaten at
the restaurant since June 10, 2008. KDHE conducted a food
service inspection on June 17. Although a few violations
were found as part of that inspection, they were corrected
immediately.
“We
apologize to the members of the community who became ill
after eating at our family establishment,” said Salvador
Lujano, owner and operator of the Acapulco Restaurant. “While
we are not sure what caused the illness, we have and will
continuously work to ensure the safety of our patrons. We
continue to be committed in cooperating with local and state
health officials and will do anything we can to help pinpoint
the source of the illness.”
Kansas
Identifies 3 Cases Linked to Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak
As
of June 4, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
(KDHE) has identified three cases that are linked to a nationwide
outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul bacterium infections. Kansas
is currently one of nine states affected by the outbreak.
Two of the cases are in south-central Kansas and one is
in southeast Kansas. [read
more...]
Child
Daycare Needs Survey
The
Family Advocacy Support Team (FAST) is conducting
a survey to determine child daycare needs in the area.
If you live in Harvey County, Kansas, we would appreciate
your participation in this brief survey. The survey
is available in Spanish and English. If you prefer
a hard copy to complete, you may come in to the Health
Department, 316 Oak, Newton, and obtain a paper copy
to take home to complete. Drop off site is at the
Health Department or in the drive by box outside of
the south door of the courthouse. We are asking everyone
to participate. |
Take
the Child
Daycare Needs Survey. |
Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
“The
Health Department has received questions from the public
about methicillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus, or MRSA
because of the recent death of a teenager in Bedford, Virginia
from this kind of staph bacteria,” said Terry Bourlard,
MPH, Assistant Director of Community Services with the Harvey
County Health Department. “We’d like to take
this opportunity to inform the public about staph bacteria
and MRSA.” [read
more...]
Flu
and Pneumonia Vaccinations
Flu
and Pneumonia vaccinations will be offered at the Harvey
County Health Department on a walk-in basis beginning Wednesday,
October 3.
Flu
and Pneumonia vaccinations will also be offered at the following
locations in Harvey County:[read
more...]
Back-to-School
The
Harvey County Health Department is once again reminding
parents to make their back-to-school appointments early
to avoid last minute stress. All children entering Harvey
County Schools are required to have documentation of current
immunizations. New students entering the district are required
to have a school physical. Both services are available at
the Harvey County Health Department (except sports physicals).
Appointments for immunizations
or physicals can
be made by calling 316-283-1637. Immunizations can be done
during our Walk-In Clinics on Wednesdays 8 am - 5 pm. Appointments
are required for physicals. Harvey County Health Department
now accepts co-pays and most insurance plans.
Enforcement
of Kansas booster seat law begins July 1:
Warnings are replaced by citations
Safe
Kids Kansas is reminding parents that a change in the enforcement
of the Kansas booster seat law takes effect on July 1, 2007,
when warnings for violations of the booster seat law will
be replaced by citations carrying a fine of $60 plus court
costs. Motorists are required to properly restrain children
ages 4 through 7 in a booster seat, unless the child weighs
more than 80 pounds or is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. For
information on the law and how to properly secure children
in booster seats, [read more...]
Shingles Vaccination
Available to the General Public (ZOSTAVAX®)
Shingles is a rash that is usually
on one side of the body. The rash begins as a cluster of small
red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles
rashes usually last up to 30 days, and for most people the
pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.
People who have problems with
their immune system may have a greater risk of getting more
widespread rashes and longer-lasting pain. Shingles is caused
by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has
had the chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain inactive,
in one or more nerve roots in your body for many years. For
reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become
active again. Age and problems with the immune system may
increase your risk of getting shingles.
ZOSTAVAX® (pronounced "ZOS
tah vax") is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of
age or older to prevent shingles (also known as zoster). ZOSTAVAX
works by helping your immune system protect you from getting
shingles and the associated pain and other serious complications.
If you do get shingles even though you have been vaccinated,
ZOSTAVAX may help prevent the nerve pain that can follow shingles
in some people. As with any vaccine, ZOSTAVAX may not protect
everyone who receives the vaccine. ZOSTAVAX can be used to
prevent a reoccurance after having a previous shingles episode,
only if given when no symptoms for the disease are present.
If you do get shingles, see your health care provider within
the first few days of getting the rash.
Call the Harvey County Health
Department at 316-283-1637 for more information or an appointment.
The payment for this vaccine is now covered by Medicare Part
D and some private insurances. Otherwise, the cost is $195.
Payment is required prior to vaccination.
