Latest news with #CityHealth
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
World Hepatitis Day: CoCT urgers parents, caregivers to ensure kids are vaccinated
CAPE TOWN - Monday is World Hepatitis Day, and the City of Cape Town is urging parents and caregivers to make sure their children are vaccinated against the disease. The theme in 2025, 'let's break it down', calls for urgent action to remove barriers to eliminating hepatitis, including stigma and lack of awareness. Hepatitis B is preventable through routine childhood vaccinations, while other forms of the virus can be treated at any local clinic. The MMC for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said simple hygiene practices can help stop the spread. 'Hepatitis is a leading cause of liver cancer, and the numbers are growing. The disease is preventable and treatable, yet the burden continues to rise. City Health's drive in marking World Hepatitis Day is to encourage testing and to ensure a healthy lifestyle, which includes good personal and environmental hygiene.'
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Foodborne illness outbreak in Cape Town restaurant prompts calls for improved food safety
Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle at a Cape Town restaurant. Image: Supplied Food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of a foodborne disease (FBD) outbreak resulting in the closure of a Cape Town restaurant. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) yesterday released the findings of an investigation into circumstances leading to 46 suspected cases of Shigella spp. or enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - closely related bacteria that cause gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in humans. Shigella spp. is highly contagious and can result in asymptomatic infection to severe bloody diarrhoea. Fever, headache, malaise and vomiting are often the initial symptoms. The report details how on February 8, 2024, the Western Cape Provincial Communicable Disease Control Co-ordinator received a notification from the NICD concerning a potential FBD outbreak linked to a restaurant. 'At approximately 10pm, a general practitioner (GP) informed the NICD of two patients who had presented at his practice with severe diarrhoea and high temperatures. The patients reported that they were a party of five, all of whom had consumed prawns during dinner at (the) restaurant." Three of these patrons were admitted to private hospitals with gastrointestinal symptoms. The GP also informed the restaurant of the cases via email. The City Health Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) were informed on February 9, 2024, and an outbreak investigation and response was initiated. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The outbreak investigation and response were conducted to confirm the existence of an outbreak, identify additional cases, identify the source of the outbreak, and implement control measures. On February 10, 2024, two of the hospitalised patients tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.' Overall, 46 suspected cases were identified: 12 staff members and 34 patrons. Clinical specimens (stool or rectal swabs) were collected from 49 individuals, and 33 tested positive for Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) - 6 patrons and 27 staff members. Following the incident, an environmental health inspection was done. Ultimately researchers concluded that food handling practices and inadequate hygiene among staff members may have contributed to the spread of enteric pathogens during the outbreak. Environmental health inspections revealed issues including overstocking of cold storage and non-compliance with the "first-in, first-out" principle. While a definitive source of contamination could not be identified, contaminated food or a food handler was likely responsible. The closure of the restaurant and prompt public and environmental health actions prevented the occurrence of additional cases. Following investigations, several interventions were implemented, including retraining of staff members on food safety, chemical safety, and effective hand and personal hygiene. The restaurant was deep-cleaned and disinfected, researchers said. Lead investigator Janine Bezuidenhoudt said: 'Restaurants, tuck shops, and fast-food establishments can all be sources of these illnesses. I hope this study continues the conversation about the risk and importance of foodborne diseases and how they can be prevented. We urgently need national Shigella guidelines to guide outbreak responses. It is also crucial for individuals with foodborne illness to seek healthcare for proper diagnosis and treatment, including specimen collection.' Cape Times
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Omaha Earns First-Ever CityHealth Medal for Advancing Policies that Promote Community Health
City recognized for leadership in advancing six health-promoting policies The City of Omaha Receives its First CityHealth Overall Medal CityHealth's Akeem Anderson presents a CityHealth Overall Bronze Medal to members of the Omaha City Council. From left: Ron Hug, Don Rowe, Akeem Anderson, Pete Festersen, Danny Begley, Aimee Melton, and Brinker Harding. Photo by Rebecca S. Gratz. Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen accepts CityHealth Overall Medal CityHealth's Akeem Anderson (left) and Tom Martin (right) present Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen (center) with the city's first CityHealth Overall Medal. Photo by Rebecca S. Gratz. Omaha, Nebraska, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OMAHA – MAY 6, 2025 – Today, CityHealth, an initiative of the de Beaumont Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, awarded the City of Omaha its first overall bronze medal — recognizing the city's leadership for advancing six high-quality policies that support the health and well-being of its residents. The announcement was made at today's city council meeting, where councilmembers accepted the overall bronze medal and celebrated this significant milestone. In 2024, Omaha was the only city in the nation to earn its first overall CityHealth medal, joining 46 other cities across the country receiving overall bronze, silver, or gold medals. How Omaha Earned Its Overall Bronze Medal Cities that earn CityHealth recognition show a commitment to using policy to build healthier communities where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, better lives. CityHealth annually assesses cities on the presence and strength of 12 health-promoting policy solutions that provide an evidence-backed framework that cities can use to promote health equity and address key public health concerns such as affordable housing, greenspace access, smoke-free indoor air, and more. Cities that earn at least five gold, silver, or bronze individual medals across the 12 policies receive an overall medal. Omaha earned six policy medals (complete results below), including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes, qualifying the city for an overall bronze medal. It joins 17 other cities earning an overall bronze medal in CityHealth's most recent assessment. What Leaders are Saying About Omaha's Achievement 'CityHealth's policy solutions harness the greatest strengths of our cities — their innovation, collaboration, and deep commitment to the people they serve,' said CityHealth Executive Director Katrina Forrest, JD. 'Today, we proudly celebrate Omaha's leadership and momentum in creating a healthier future. This recognition is not just about what the city has achieved — it's also about building a legacy of health that can benefit communities for generations to come.' 'It's inspiring to see Omaha's leaders come together with a shared commitment to making their city healthier for all,' said de Beaumont Foundation President and CEO Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH. 'City leaders understand that policy isn't just a response to challenges — it's a proactive, powerful tool that can help build a healthier, thriving future for all. Congratulations to Omaha for leading the way and setting an example for communities across the country.'
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Noise complaints surge in Cape Town
At the height of load-shedding in 2023, generator noise complaints too increased dramatically. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency(ANA) THE City's Environmental Health Practitioners have recorded a 57% increase in noise complaints in the past two years. The top sources of noise complaints are places of late-night entertainment, events with amplified sound and residential business/workshop noise. At the height of load-shedding in 2023, generator noise complaints too increased dramatically. This, along with the launch of an online service request system resulted in a 57% increase in noise complaints in the 2023/24 financial year, from 1 216 to 1 905, the City said. In the current financial year, the number of complaints is yet again nearing the 2 000 mark. 'Noise ranks as one of the top complaints to City Health. Our specialised health services work to resolve as many complaints as possible, but this is a shared responsibility. It starts with understanding what constitutes noise, how we are potentially contributing to it, and what can be done practically to mitigate the impact on others. 'It is also important to make a distinction between noise pollution and noise disturbance, as one is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and the other is the responsibility of City Health,' said mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham. City Health's Noise Control Administration has a team of technicians who ensure compliance with the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations (2013), including considering applications for building plan approvals, business licence approvals, planning approvals or environmental authorisations, investigating technical complaints and making determinations through calculations or measurements, and taking enforcement actions to ensure compliance with permissible noise limits. 'International Noise Awareness Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of April, and serves to highlight the risks of noise as a health hazard. It is a call to action to preserve our hearing and enhance our quality of life,' the City said. This year's theme is 'Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Permanent Yet Preventable'.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Noise complaints surge in Cape Town
At the height of load-shedding in 2023, generator noise complaints too increased dramatically. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency(ANA) THE City's Environmental Health Practitioners have recorded a 57% increase in noise complaints in the past two years. The top sources of noise complaints are places of late-night entertainment, events with amplified sound and residential business/workshop noise. At the height of load-shedding in 2023, generator noise complaints too increased dramatically. This, along with the launch of an online service request system resulted in a 57% increase in noise complaints in the 2023/24 financial year, from 1 216 to 1 905, the City said. In the current financial year, the number of complaints is yet again nearing the 2 000 mark. 'Noise ranks as one of the top complaints to City Health. Our specialised health services work to resolve as many complaints as possible, but this is a shared responsibility. It starts with understanding what constitutes noise, how we are potentially contributing to it, and what can be done practically to mitigate the impact on others. 'It is also important to make a distinction between noise pollution and noise disturbance, as one is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and the other is the responsibility of City Health,' said mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham. City Health's Noise Control Administration has a team of technicians who ensure compliance with the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations (2013), including considering applications for building plan approvals, business licence approvals, planning approvals or environmental authorisations, investigating technical complaints and making determinations through calculations or measurements, and taking enforcement actions to ensure compliance with permissible noise limits. 'International Noise Awareness Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of April, and serves to highlight the risks of noise as a health hazard. It is a call to action to preserve our hearing and enhance our quality of life,' the City said. This year's theme is 'Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Permanent Yet Preventable'.
