The Israeli Ministry of Health is reporting an outbreak of leptospirosis in persons with exposure to natural water sources in the Golan Heights region of northern Israel after July 1, 2018. As of September 6, 2018, three persons with leptospirosis who traveled to Israel have been identified in the United States, with additional suspected cases reported and under investigation. Early symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, conjunctival suffusion (conjunctival redness without exudates), jaundice, and sometimes a rash. Clinicians should consider leptospirosis as a diagnosis in any patient who develops an acute febrile illness within 4 weeks of travel to one of the areas in northern Israel listed below since July 1, 2018.
Archives for September 2018
Flood water exposure not sufficient cause for tetanus shot. All need Tdap.
With talk of flooding in the media, the issue of tetanus comes to the forefront. Exposure to flood water is not sufficient cause for a person to obtain a tetanus vaccination.
Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a nerve disease caused when tetanus bacteria contaminates a wound. The tetanus bacteria is commonly found in soil. It enters the body through any opening, from a slight scratch to a severe wound. It can cause convulsions, painful muscle spasms and even death.
PCHD offering flu vaccinations
The Putnam County Health Department is currently offering influenza vaccinations. Vaccinations are available at the health department, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.