MCHD investigating salmonella cluster

17 June 2010

During the past week and a half, Madison County Health Department has seen an increase in positive tests for Salmonella in the community.   Six cases have so far been confirmed and are all of the same type    Epidemiologists believe that the cases may be a cluster with a common source of infection.  However, the source has not yet been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Health care providers in Madison County received word today from the health department to be on the alert for symptoms of Salmonella among their patients and to test those who have symptoms. 

While the severity of symptoms may vary, most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, nausea and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.  The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.  People with diarrhea usually recover completely with no treatment except oral fluids to prevent dehydration.  The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.   Anyone who has severe symptoms or symptoms that do not improve may need to see their health care provider.

The Salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are most commonly contaminated, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated.

To help prevent Salmonella, avoid eating raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or meat.  Thorough cooking kills Salmonella.  Produce should be washed and care should be taken to avoid cross-contamination of foods when cooking.  When preparing foods, uncooked meats should be kept separate from produce and other ready-to-eat foods.  Always wash hands, cutting boards, counters, and utensils after touching uncooked meats.

Reptiles, such as turtles, lizards, and snakes, are particularly likely to carry Salmonella. Many chicks and young birds carry Salmonella as well. People should always wash their hands immediately after handling a reptile or bird, even if the animal is healthy. Adults should also make sure that children wash their hands after handling a reptile or bird, or after touching their cages or living areas.

Epidemiologists and Environmentalists are continuing the investigation to determine the source of the Salmonella cases in the community.  Madison County Health Department will provide more information as it becomes available.

To learn more about Salmonella and how to prevent it, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/salmonella, or contact the health department.  In Richmond, call 859-623-7312.  In Berea, call 859-986-1192.

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Madison County's
2nd Annual
International Day of Play

Fun for all ages
Games and Activities from Around the World

Friday July 9, 2010 1-3pm
Paradise Cove

Activities Free with Pool Admission
Lake Reba
274 Lake Reba Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
Hosted by Richmond Parks & Recreation
Contact: Erin Moore
Phone 859-623-8753
Email Richmond Parks & Rec

Wednesday July 14, 2010 1-3pm
Berea City Park
(to the right of the pool)

No Admission Fee
6 Pirate Parkway
Berea, KY 40403
Hosted by Berea Parks & Recreation
Contact: Maggy Kriebel
Phone 859-986-9402
Email Berea Parks & Rec

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Recession Hits Local Public Health

28 May, 2010

As local health departments go through their budget planning for the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2010, they are having to find ways to manage the biggest cuts in state allocations in recent memory.  Madison County Health Department(MCHD) is no exception; it is facing a 20% reduction in state funding.  The state Department for Public Health(KDPH) was forced to cut a total of $8.3 million dollars from its allocations to the fifty-seven local health departments in Kentucky.  The health departments had already received four separate cuts in state funding during the current fiscal year. KDPH was able to minimize two of the cuts, partially due to federal funds provided for the response to the H1N1 pandemic.

The Madison County Board of Health, faced with $225,000 in cuts to state allocations, and a $533,000  increase in personnel costs for insurance and Kentucky Retirement, must find a way to balance their budget.  Balancing budgets are always difficult.  However, the Board of Health must now find ways to significantly reduce costs or increase revenues, and the Public Health Director is not aware of any possibilities for relief from Governor Beshear’s special budget session.  Federal and state cuts represent about 2% of MCHD’s current $13.5 million budget. 

“The health department provides a safety net of preventive services for those without other resources.  We are also responsible for inspecting restaurants, public pools, and other areas where people may be at risk for food or water-borne illnesses,” said Jim Rousey, Public Health Director.  Local health departments also host rabies clinics.  They give immunizations for children and adults.  If there is a disease outbreak in the county, such as whooping cough or e.coli, they help find out where it came from and how to keep anyone else from getting sick.  They manage birth and death certificates for the county.  These are just a few small examples of what public health means at the local level. 

There are over thirty public health program areas that MCHD provides locally.  For many of these, there are state allocations and general fund dollars.  However, in no case are the state allocations adequate.  “We never have enough funds to provide all the services needed in the community,” states Rousey.  “We are always challenged to make the most responsible use of state allocations and local public health tax dollars.  We must be as careful as possible with our funding, and be good stewards of our local tax dollars.  Only after we have applied all other funds to our budget do we use local tax dollars.” 

This upcoming budget year brings unprecedented stress on local agencies across the state that struggle to carry out mandates of ensuring the public’s health in ever-changing physical, social, and political environments.  It is challenging, but Rousey points out that “despite the challenges that this year brings, we remain committed to our mission of protecting, promoting, and improving the health of our community.”

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