Per CDC Key points Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious neurologic condition. It causes the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. Most AFM cases have been in young children. Symptoms The most common symptoms of AFM are: Sudden onset of arm or leg weakness Loss of muscle tone Loss of reflexes Signs and Symptoms of AFM Causes AFM can be caused by viruses, including enteroviruses. AFM can also be caused by other viruses, including flaviviruses (West

Per CDC Key points Bacteria called Clostridium tetani cause tetanus. Tetanus is a serious disease and requires immediate medical attention. Vaccines are the best way to protect against tetanus. Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about a tetanus vaccine. Signs and symptoms Symptoms typically occur between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days) after someone is exposed to C. tetani. The first sign is most commonly spasms of the jaw muscles, or "lockjaw." Other symptoms ca

Per CDC Key points Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by the variola virus. Smallpox has been eradicated, with no cases occurring since 1977. The disease caused rashes and could spread through coughing and sneezing. Smallpox no longer occurs naturally, but it is possible that variola virus could be used in a biological attack. Although unlikely, public health authorities prepare for the possibility of smallpox being used as a weapon. Overview Before smallpox was eradic

What to do after a Boil Water Advisory has ended When a food service establishment is notified that the boil water advisory has ended and the drinking water supply is safe, the following actions need to be taken before you consume the water. 1. FLUSH WATER • Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen) • Turn on each cold-water faucet/tap slowly • Run cold water for five minutes • Clean and reinstall aerator 2. HOT WATER TANKS/BOILERS To clear hot water pipes and water heat

Per CDC Key points Rubella spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and usually causes a rash that first appears on the face. Rubella is very dangerous during pregnancy and for developing babies. The best protection against rubella is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. What it is Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Rubella is sometimes called “German measles,” but it is caused by a different virus than measles. The disease is no longer endemic

Boil Water Advisory Guidance for Restaurants What should I serve patrons? Serve patrons tap water than has been boiled for 3 minutes, bottled water, or an alternative beverage. Can I use my appliances and water/soda dispenser? Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer, coffee makers, ice machines, and water/soda dispensers. Use boiled or bottled water to make coffee and ice. Filters d

Bathing and Showering Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water. Brushing Teeth Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first. Washing Dishes If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory. Sanitize all baby bottles.

Per CDC Key points Vaccination has helped eliminate wild poliovirus in the United States. Maintaining high immunity (protection) against polio through vaccination is the best way to continue keeping people safe from polio. The polio vaccine is safe and effective. What it is Polio was once one of the most feared diseases in the United States. Thanks to the polio vaccine, wild poliovirus has been eliminated in this country. The best way to keep people safe is through vaccinatio

Per CDC Key points Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. Symptoms Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they've been vaccinated or not. Symptoms of Whooping Cough Risk factors Age and underlying medical condit

Board of Health Meeting Agenda: October 19, 2026 Meeting will be held Virtually via Zoom at 4:00pm. Call to Order/Opening Comments -Teresa McCabe Approval of Agenda- September 2026 Departmental Reports: Epi Report – Robert Deener Nursing Report – Tanya Manley Environmental Report – Mickayla LaCour Threat Prep Report – Jennifer Schetrompf Administrator Report – Cara Harding Financial Report – Karen Young Health Officer Report – Dr. Kevin McLaughlin Public Comment: Unfinished B

Per CDC: Key points HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. Stigma can lead to discrimination, treating people with HIV differently than those without HIV. HIV stigma can affect people’s health and wellbeing, and discourage people from engaging in HIV testing, prevention, and care. What you can do to help Talk about HIV with your friends and family Talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct mi

The FDA says fresh produce, including pumpkins, can become contaminated with the harmful bacteria through contact with soil, water, and during handling. In 2025, CBS News reported on a baby in Texas who ended up with salmonella after pumpkin activity at day care. That same summer, a salmonella outbreak linked to pumpkin seeds infected 81 people in France, hospitalizing six. What can you do to ensure loves are kept safe while enjoying fall pumpkin traditions? wash the outside

Per CDC Key points Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can be serious. Common symptoms include painful swelling of the jaw, fever, tiredness, appetite loss, and headache. Get vaccinated for mumps with the MMR vaccine, especially before travelling internationally. Signs and symptoms People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection. Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.

Per CDC Key points Measles is very contagious and can cause serious health complications. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide the best protection against measles. Signs and symptoms Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include: High fever (may spike to more than 104° F) Cough Runny nose (coryza) Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye)

Per CDC Key points Bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae can cause many types of infections. Some of these infections are mild, while others are serious. Despite its name, H. influenzae doesn't cause the flu. Learn about how vaccines can prevent infections from one type of H. influenzae, type b or Hib. Types H. influenzae can cause many different types of infections. These infections range from mild, like ear infections, to serious, like bloodstream infections. Serious infec

Per CDC Key points Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin produced by some strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against diphtheria. Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines. Risk factors Close contact Close contact with someone with diphtheria increases the risk of getting infected. Close contact with someone with diphtheria includes Living with

Per CDC Key points Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Signs and symptoms The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, before it spreads to the res

Per CDC What to know Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and adults who are older or have certain risk factors are more likely to develop severe RSV illness and need hospitalization. CDC recommends immunizations to protect infants, some young children, and adults who are older or have certain risk factors that increase the risk for severe RSV illness. RSV can be dangerous for infants and older a

Per CDC Key points MERS is a viral respiratory illness. Most MERS cases have been detected in countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. MERS represents a very low risk to the general public in the United States. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus can spread from camels to people through direct physical contact. Limited human-to-human transmis

Per CDC Key points Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Some people are at higher risk for more serious flu illness. Most experts believe that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk Getting a flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu and serious flu complications. Symptoms Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Fl