Latest news with #ErieCountyDepartmentofHealth
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Erie County mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus
(WJET/WFXP)– Erie County has confirmed the first group of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this year. The sample was collected in Harborcreek Township on May 28, with additional monitoring conducted in the area where the samples were collected, along with control work based on the number and types of mosquitoes that tested positive. See an increase in bugs? Here's what they are Certain mosquito species carry West Nile virus and can cause an infection in humans that can inflame the brain, and can affect any age group of people, though older adults and those with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of developing severe illness. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods, the Erie County Department of Health recommends getting rid of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and following the following tips: Dispose of any refuse that can hold water, such as tin cans, containers, and, in particular, used tires. Tires have become the most important mosquito breeding site in the country. Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, and check uncovered junk piles. Clean clogged roof gutters every year, and check storm drains, leaky faucets, and window wells. Empty accumulated water from wheelbarrows, boats, cargo trailers, toys, and ceramic pots. If possible, turn them over when not using them. Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths, ornamental pools, water gardens, and swimming pools or their covers. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with fish. Swimming pools should be cleaned and chlorinated when not in use. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Erie County Department of Health hosts MMR vaccine clinic
(WJET/WFXP) — Measles, mumps and rubella… oh, my! To help protect the community from these diseases, the Erie County Department of Health is hosting a free MMR vaccine clinic this week. Postal workers 'Stamp Out Hunger' with help from local food bank On Thursday, May 15, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., adults can go to the Eastside Family YMCA, located at 2101 Nagle Road, for a free vaccine. Those under 18 are not eligible for this event but can receive the vaccine from their healthcare provider. They can also go to the Erie County Department of Health at 606 W. 2nd Street. Appointments can be set up by calling 814-451-6777. The bees knees! EHCA hosts annual spring fundraiser with 1920s flair Also, those born before 1957 do not need the MMR vaccine, as they are already considered immune. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles must quarantine for 21 days. By receiving a vaccine at this clinic, they can avoid that. Vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine if exposed to measles. You can register for the event ahead of time by calling 814-451-6707 or by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Erie County DOH holds MMR vaccine clinic amid measles outbreak
The Erie County Department of Health is taking action in response to a measles outbreak in Erie County. The director of public health, Erin Mrenak, said Erie County entered outbreak status according to the CDC's definition, and provided a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine clinic to the community. Erie County DOH declares measles outbreak amid fifth reported case The clinic, which took place at the Zem Zem Shrine Club, allowed additional vaccination resources. The director said pre-registration is available, and about 60 people have signed up as of Tuesday morning, when the clinic started. Erie Co. High School students participate in Teen Driver Safety Competition 'MMR vaccine is really important to get if you're not vaccinated or not sure of your vaccine status. It prevents you from getting disease in 97% of cases, and it's a very safe and effective vaccine,' said Mrenak. The clinic continues until 6:30 p.m Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Erie County DOH declares measles outbreak amid fifth reported case
The Erie County Department of Health has officially declared an outbreak of measles in the region, after confirming the fourth and fifth cases of the virus since March. These cases were directly connected to exposures from a local positive case of measles back on March 30, not due to international travel. ECDH confirms case of measles in Erie Co. child A slow, spread of measles to unvaccinated people in Erie County continues to be documented with now five cases made public. The three most recent cases stem from local spread. 'When we just had the one case at the childcare facility, that did not count as an outbreak. Now that we have two cases linked to the exposure to that individual, that's what the cdc would define as an outbreak,' said Erin Mrenak, director of public health for Erie County. More than 200 people who were at creative learning childcare and Fitness U on March 30 were reached out to for contact tracing. It's from this group that these most recent case came from. Measles outbreak confirmed in Ashtabula County 'We ended up putting a list together of all of those individuals and then our team, which consists of contact tracers, nurses, supervisors, public health preparedness coordinators, worked really hard to reach out to all of those individuals to talk about their vaccination status. Those who are vaccinated do not have any quarantine despite exposure because the risk of getting measles if you're vaccinated is very small, only 3%,' Mrenak said. This time around, people who were at UPMC Hamot's emergency department on Saturday, April 5 between 5:30 and 9:00 p.m. Should monitor for symptoms of measles until April 26. Mainly those who are unvaccinated. At this time, the Erie County Department still doesn't consider there to be a high risk of community spread or exposure with these cases but any symptoms can take weeks to develop. 'What we're finding is that there's a lot of people that didn't realize that they didn't have access to their vaccine records. Before electronic medical records were as prevalent, you either had your parent might have had your paper vaccine record or your PCP office, but a lot of those offices have closed for a lot of people that are in their late 30s, 40s, 50s, and so people are insistent that they're vaccinated but don't have a way to show that they are,' Mrenak explained. Erie CRIZ nearing it start in downtown The health department will be hosting an MMR vaccine clinic next Tuesday, April 22 at the Zem Zem Shrine Club from 11 until 6:30 p.m. They can vaccinate anyone older than 18 who is looking to get their vaccine, or for people who are unsure of their vaccination status. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two new cases of measles reported in Erie County
(WJET/WFXP)– The Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) has reported two new cases of measles saying they're linked to a previously reported case. According to the ECDH, the two new cases are linked to a case of measles reported on March 30 and contact tracing efforts are underway. The three cases being linked define the situation as an outbreak per the CDC, health officials do not believe there is a high risk of community spread or risk of further exposure to them. Health officials are also advising anyone who was at the UPMC Hamot Emergency Department on Saturday, April 5 between 5:30 and 9 p.m. may be at risk if they haven't been immunized to measles. This marks five total cases of measles reported in Erie County this year. In response to the outbreak and community interest, the ECDH said there's work being done to put on a mobile MMR vaccine clinic along with another clinic set for April 22. That clinic is set for Tuesday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Zem Zem Shrine Club located at 2525 W 38th Street. You can pre-register for that Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
