The United States Congress designated
January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During January,
you may wish to highlight issues related to cervical cancer,
HPV disease and the importance of early
detection.
The best way to protect yourself and your
family againist the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu shots
are available in our immunization clinic for children 6 months
and up to their 19th
birthday.
Tools-hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, pry
bar, wrenches
Cash in
small denominations including coins for pay phones
Rabies Cases in Nebraska
There have been
some cases of rabies in Nebraska. Some of those cases have
been in the Southeast District Health Department counties.
Animals looking to reestablish or
aggressively defend their territory after floodwaters recede
may contract the deadly but preventable disease from other
animals during fights.
Rabies is a viral disease that inflames
the brain and is typically spread through animals bites and
exposure to open wounds.
Symptoms can
include headaches, fever, malaise, sensory changes,
excitability, spasms and paralysis, but they may not appear
for up to seven days. Symptoms can last up to six days in
humans before death.
Your local health depart offers these tips
to prevent rabies.
Water Chief: Take Action Before Flooding
to Protect Drinking Water
Lincoln -
Private water well owners in
soon-to-be-flooded areas should take precautions to prevent
their drinking water from being contaminated, according to
Jack Daniel, administrator of the Office of Drinking Water and
Environmental Health at the Nebraska Department of Health and
Human Services.
"Well owners who expect flooding can take
actions to make it harder for contaminants to enter their
wells," Daniel said. "Wells are direct conduits for
contaminants to enter groundwater."
Well owners should
take the following steps if they believe their well will be
impacted:
Before taking the
well out of service, store a supply of clean water;
Disconnect the
power supply for the well. Consult a Nebraska-licensed well
driller or pump installer if help is needed;
Perform actions
necessary to make the well water-tight, including removing
the well vent and replacing it with a water-tight plug, and
sealing any visible joint openings with water-tight caulking
or equivalent material;
Cover the top of
the well with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag or equivalent
protective covering and tightly secure it, making it as
water-tight as possible to keep out dirt, debris and
contaminants.
"Sealing won't eliminate the need for
testing and possible disinfection, but it will provide the
best chance for the well to come on-line quickly and minimize
repair costs and maintenance," Daniels said.
Water
test cards to get the kits are available at the
Health
Department.
Call 877-777-0424
**********MoldMany people consider mold an inconvenience
in a wet basement or poorly ventilated bathroom. But molds can
be much more than just an inconvenience - they can affect the
health of you and your house.
If you are involved
in flood recovery or assistance, think about the last time you
had a tetanus vaccination. Tetanus organisms are found in the
soil and intestinal tracts of animals and humans.Transmission occurs primarily by contaminated wounds
that are major or minor.If you have not had a shot
in the last 5 to 10 years, or if you have injured yourself
while working in the water or mud, you should consult your
physician.If you have questions about
tetanus and about whether you need to be immunized, call the
Health Department.
**********
West
Nile
Standing waters compound the threat of
West Nile Virus.Spray with insect repellent
containing DEET before you go outside.
FACTS ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS * West Nile
Virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. * Some birds carry the
virus however, they cannot transmit it to humans. * Report dead blue
jays, crows and raptors to the Health Department. * The virus cannot be
spread from human to human. However, a pregnant woman
can transmit it to herunborn child.
SYMPTOMS * Symptoms
of West Nile Virus may be mild to severe. * Mild symptoms may
include: fever, headache, body aches, rash, or swollen
glands. * Severe symptoms
include: high fever, severe severe headache, stiff neck,
muscle weakness, confusion,
tremorsconvulsions, paralysis or
coma.
If you have these symptoms contact your
doctor.
PREVENTION * Mosquitoes lay their
eggs in standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing
water. * Keep mosquitoes
off of you. Avoid being outside at dusk, dawn and other
times of heavymosquito
activity.
* Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks. Light
colored clothing is best.
* Keep door and window screens in good repair. * Wear insect repellant with
DEET(35-50% for adults, 10% or less for children. Do not
use for children under 2 years old)
For
further information contact The Southeast District Health
Department at
877-777-0424
Good nutrition and healthy habits are
especially important during stressful times such as flood
response and recovery. These simple habits can help manage
stress:
Stay hydrated
Eat well-balanced
meals
Follow safety precautions to minimize
injury
Protect your
skin
Take time to re-charge
Free & Confidential Rural Response Hotline
1-800-464-0258
? 2007 SE District
Health Dept All Rights
Reserved
Smoke Free Housing Agencies in Southeast
District Health Department
District.
Auburn Housing Agency 1017 H
St
Auburn, Ne
68305
402-274-4525*****Falls City Housing
Agency800 E 21st
StFalls City, Ne
68355402-245-4204*****Nebraska City Housing
Agency200 N
3rdNebraska City, Ne
68410402-873-5451*****Syracuse Housing
Agency990
WalnutSyracuse, Ne
68446402-269-2851*****Tecumseh Housing
Agency800
BroadwayTecumseh, Ne
68450402-335-2866
Flu
Season 
