Latest news with #DevSangvai
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NC's Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP
NC's Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Dev Sangvai One of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein's first acts upon assuming office earlier this year was to name a new Secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, and from the looks of things thus far, the person to whom he turned, Dr. Dev Sangvai, was a winning selection. Since taking office, Sangvai — a family medicine practitioner and Duke University professor – has quickly hit the ground running and emerged as forceful voice for commonsense in the often rancorous world of health care policy. Most recently Sangvai has spoken out publicly and energetically in opposition to the massive Medicaid and SNAP food assistance cuts working their way through Congress. And as Sangvai reminded NC Newsline, his concerns about the cuts are about more than mere empathy for struggling families – they're also based on hard data which show the devastating ripple effects the cuts will have on North Carolina's overall health and economic wellbeing. Click here to listen to the full interview with NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NC Health Secretary warns of impact from potential federal cuts to SNAP, Medicaid
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai raised concerns Thursday about how the proposed federal funding cuts could impact residents who rely on critical assistance programs, specifically SNAP and Medicaid. According to the North Carolina Department of Health, approximately 1.4 million North Carolinians currently benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps lower-income individuals and families purchase food. Currently, the federal government funds 100% of SNAP benefits and 50% of administrative costs to administer it, according to the NCDHHS. The proposed federal cuts would significantly alter this funding structure, potentially putting assistance at risk for many recipients. 'Right now, as I mentioned, the program is federally funded,' Dr. Sangvai explained. 'Some of the proposals that are coming out shifts that federal burden to the state level, and our state is already in a pretty tight situation financially. Depending on how the program plays out, it could cost North Carolina anywhere from $140 million to $700 million more per year.' The Health Secretary also expressed concerns about proposed Medicaid changes, which include implementing work requirements and increasing the frequency of eligibility determinations beyond the current annual review. These changes could result in coverage disruptions for North Carolina residents who rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage. While Dr. Sangvai acknowledged that program improvements are necessary, he advocated for a more methodical approach to implementing changes. 'What's going to happen is individuals are going to have to balance: do I pay the heating bill, do I pay rent, or do I eat? It's a pretty precarious situation if these benefits go away,' he warned. The NC Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring the federal proposals closely as they move through the legislative process. For more information on SNAP benefits or Medicaid in North Carolina, visit the NCDHHS website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Mpox Found in North Carolina Sewage: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Health providers and the public have been urged to be on the alert for mpox cases after particles were detected in several sewage samples in North Carolina. The risk to the public is low at this time, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said in a news release on Tuesday. Why It Matters Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a rare disease. Part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox, it is caused by a type of virus typically found in West and Central Africa. It is "primarily spread by prolonged close contact, typically skin-to-skin, often during sexual activity," according to the NCDHHS. Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, headaches and sometimes a sore throat or cough. Those who contract the virus often develop a rash that changes over time (from flat spots to raised bumps, blisters and scabs). The process usually takes between two and three weeks, and those who are infected are contagious until all scabs heal and new skin forms. What To Know North Carolina's detections were found in wastewater samples collected on March 25, March 28 and April 8 from a treatment plant in Greenville. They were all clade I—one of the two genetic types of the virus, the other being clade II. To date, only four clade I cases have been reported in the U.S. "These detections mean there was possibly at least one person with an undiagnosed or unreported clade I mpox infection present or traveling through the Greenville area around the time of these detections," the NCDHHS said. The results were found by the North Carolina Wastewater Monitoring Network, which was launched in 2021 to help improve information about the spread of certain viruses. Samples are collected routinely from 35 wastewater treatment plants across the state and tested for specific viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. This year has already seen two mpox cases identified in North Carolina. Both were clade II. This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows mpox virus particles, green, found within infected cultured cells, blue. The virus particles are in various stages... This colorized electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows mpox virus particles, green, found within infected cultured cells, blue. The virus particles are in various stages of maturity, which accounts for differences in shape. More AP What People Are Saying Dev Sangvai, North Carolina's Health and Human Services secretary, said in the news release on Tuesday: "The detection of clade I mpox virus in wastewater surveillance tells us the virus is potentially here in our state, even though no cases have been reported and confirmed. We encourage health care providers to be on the lookout for mpox cases and we encourage people who are at higher risk to protect themselves by getting vaccinated." What Happens Next The NCDHHS has asked all North Carolina health care providers to consider mpox in patients who show compatible symptoms. If you think you are exhibiting symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has mpox, you should visit your health care provider.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mpox found in North Carolina wastewater, Health Dept. says
NORTH CAROLINA () — Mpox particles have been detected in several wastewater samples in eastern North Carolina, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. Officials are asking people and providers to be aware of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in the state. So far, there have been two mpox cases in the state; however, a new strain, clade I, has been detected in the wastewater for the first time in NC. Authorities believe this means that there may be undiagnosed or unreported cases. Right now, the risk to the public is considered low. Mpox is typically spread by extended close contact, usually skin-to-skin, and often during sex. There are two genetic types, clade I and clade II. At this time, only four clade I cases have been reported in the United States, not including the particles found in NC wastewater. Officials say clade I mpox is causing a large outbreak in central and eastern Africa, which appears to be from heterosexual contact, leading to cases then being spread to family and children. The NC mpox particles were found in wastewater collected on March 25, March 28 and April 8 in Greenville, NC. No one has reported being infected, so officials say at least one person living in or passing through the area may have been infected. 'The detection of clade I mpox virus in wastewater surveillance tells us the virus is potentially here in our state, even though no cases have been reported and confirmed,' said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. 'We encourage health care providers to be on the lookout for mpox cases and we encourage people who are at higher risk to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.' NC lawmakers debate over bill that would require committee to oversee books in school libraries NCDHHS asks that health care providers consider mpox as a possible diagnosis if a patient's symptoms match, as well as ask about recent international travel. Providers should report any cases to the local health department or the NCDHHS Division of Public Health's 24/7 epidemiologist on-call number at 919-733-3419. These particle findings were a result of the North Carolina Wastewater Monitoring Network, which launched in 2021 to learn more about the spread of certain viruses across the state. The network is a collaboration among NCDHHS, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, wastewater utilities and local health departments. Wastewater samples are tested for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza (the flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). People who have these infections shed particles in their stool, even if they don't have symptoms. The particles aren't infectious anymore, but can be detected in a lab. , NCDHHS says the network has been vital in tracking and responding to viruses as well as a crucial early warning system; however, it is at risk due to proposed federal funding cuts. Officials continue that it is a crucial early warning system to help health officials and providers make decisions, including how to prevent infections. The network results are shared on the . Testing for mpox is done at 18 sites in the state, and the results can be viewed on the . If you think you may have mpox, or could have come in contact with someone with the virus, contact your health care provider or local health department. Symptoms include a rash anywhere on the body, including genitals, hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. The rash can look like pimples or blisters at the beginning and may be painful or itch. The rash will go through several different stages, like scabs, before finally healing. Some people may have flu-like symptoms or just a rash and no other symptoms. Vaccines against both strains of mpox are available and can reduce the severity of the infection if caught. More information can be found on the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolina reports highest number of flu deaths since 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths since reporting began in 2009. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,' NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said. 'These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.' Public health workers are monitoring outbreaks and conducting disease surveillance year-round to make sure that people have access to vaccines and provide guidance to partners across the state. This news happens to fall on National Public Health Week, Apr. 7-13, 2025, which is a time to honor thousands of public health professionals who serve North Carolina in tracking infectious diseases, provide life-saving care, ensure clean drinking water, support maternal and child health, and that public health is a foundation of thriving communities. Recent federal funding cuts have resulted in abrupt termination of several federal grants that caused a loss of more than 80 jobs and at least $100 million for the department with more than $230 million in funding at risk. Here are some of the critical public health work that is halted or reduced because of these federal cuts: Completion of the State Laboratory of Public Health expansion that would better prepare North Carolina for outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Loss of the corrections response team that provided consultation to prisons and jails regarding communicable diseases. Loss of staff who answer the 24/7 Epidemiologist On-Call line, staff who work on communicable disease reporting and staff working on measles education for the public and providers. Support for the NC DETECT early warning system for emerging medical trends. Electronic reporting of lab results to allow for more rapid response and prevention of spread. Community Health Worker outreach in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. NC Quitline cessation services are now limited. Mobile immunization and vaccine outreach through Federally Qualified Health Centers. Partnerships with Tribal Communities that contribute to the health and safety of Tribal members. According to a recent survey, more than 80 percent of North Carolinians trust the NCDHHS and their local health departments to support their wellbeing. 'This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,' Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. 'I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and impact of our public health teams across the state. Now is the time to match that trust with stable, long-term investment in our public health workforce and infrastructure so we can continue to protect our communities for years to come.'For more information on the critical work of public health, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
