Latest news with #HealthDistrict
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health District confirms measles case in McLennan County
Waco, Tx (FOX44) – The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District has confirmed one case of measles in an unvaccinated minor child. The district says it has not been determined where the child might have picked up the disease. There are no reported local public exposures related to this case at this time. The patient was tested at a Central Texas medical facility where infection control protocols were implemented. 'Measles is more than just a rash – it's a serious disease that can lead to severe complications,' said Stephanie Alvey, Interim Director of the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. 'Vaccination is our strongest tool to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities.' The Health District is conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who may have been exposed and is coordinating with healthcare providers to monitor and manage the situation. The Health District strongly encouraged area residents to take these steps: Check their vaccination status and ensure they are up to date with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. Monitor for symptoms if they have been in contact with an infected individual. Seek medical care if symptoms develop but call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to prevent potential exposure to others. The District pointed out that measles is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. People who are infected will begin to have symptoms within a week or two after being exposed. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the telltale rash breaks out as flat, red spots on the face and then spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after. People who could have measles should stay home during that period. The District said the most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Individuals needing a vaccination should consult their healthcare provider or visit the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District's Immunization Clinic. MMR vaccines are available at the Health District Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Staying healthy after floods, advice from Health District
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita County Public Health District offers tips for those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. Many health and safety risks come with the unfortunate conditions of flooding and the WFWCPHD keeps the community informed as to how one can keep safe as weather conditions develop. Throw away food that has come into contact with flood waters or was in the fridge without power. Food does not have to smell bad to be bad: unrefrigerated/contaminated food can lead to serious illness due to bacterial growth. Avoid skin contact with contaminated materials or water in a flooded home. Children and pets must be kept away from flood waters. Let water recede completely before being tempted to clean the area. Open wounds should not be exposed to flood water. Get a booster for a tetanus shot. Tetanus vaccines should ideally be administered within the 48-72 hour window of an open wound exposed to flood waters. If you or anyone you know has come into contact with flood waters and may need a tetanus shot, the Health District building is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to receive one. Hepatitis A vaccines are also available for anyone exposed to sewage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls hosts free classes for Stress Awareness Month
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita Falls – Wichita County Public Health District will offer stress management classes in honor of National Stress Awareness Month. The classes will be held at the Health District, located at 1700 3rd St, on both Thursday, April 24, and Wednesday, April 30, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and are free of charge. Help those in need in Texoma's Largest Baby Shower Each class is designed to increase knowledge, skill sets, and overall well-being, and to help attendees take practical steps to manage the stress in their lives. Attendees will also learn how to cope with the impact of stress and make positive lifestyle changes at any stage of life. April has been marked as National Stress Awareness Month since 1992. Common issues related to stress include headaches, stomach disorders, anxiety/depression, stroke and heart disease. Registration can be done online or by calling (940) 761-7699. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Warren City sets childhood immunization clinic
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A children's immunization clinic is happening next week in Warren. It's set for Monday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Warren City Health District, 258 E. Market St. (3rd Floor). You must bring your child's updated shot records to the clinic. Services are available to Warren City residents as well as the surrounding areas. Ohio follows the CDC's guidelines for childhood immunizations, including for diseases such as hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella, among others. Children get most of their immunizations by their second birthday, with many occurring in the first year. Following the infant vaccine schedule, from birth through 12 months, is very important. Recently, a measles case was reported in Ashtabula County, and measles cases are on the rise, according to the CDC. As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 confirmed measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. Children typically get their first dose of the measles vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps and rubella) at 12 months. For more information, call 330-841-2596. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Spokane proposes spending plan for $1.5 million in opioid settlement funds
Mar. 17—Spokane leaders are planning to allocate $1.5 million of opioid settlement funds towards efforts against addiction in the city. Over the next 13 years, the city will receive approximately $13.3 million related to settlements with opioid distributors. Having already distributed $1 million of the funds, the new $1.5 million allocation proposed by Mayor Lisa Brown and Council President Betsy Wilkerson would fund the Spokane Regional Health District's opioid treatment services, local sobering beds and invest in planning for the future. "It is not lost on me that the opioid crisis has profoundly impacted our community, and it is why I strongly advocate for using opioid settlement dollars to invest in behavioral health treatment," Wilkerson said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, is a critical time to transform these funds into vital resources for those in need." Should the proposal be approved, the city would have $2.2 million opioid settlement dollars remaining on hand. The plan would send $350,000 to expand SRHD's treatment hours and take more walk-in patients. Health District spokesperson Kelli Hawkins said the funds would keep more people from being turned away at treatment services. "We want to help everyone. We know when they come to treatment services, they are ready to get the help they need," she said. Another $500,000 would be directed to Spokane Treatment and Recovering Services for the purchase of additional sobering beds. Earlier this month, Spokane County approved $775,000 for the same program. County Commissioner Mary Kuney said she was "super excited" the city is "coming along with us." "We'd love the city to come along and do more," she said. In a statement, Brown said she hopes to coordinate opioid settlement funding between the city and county. "This regional partnership with Spokane County ensures that opioid settlement funds are used effectively to address both the immediate crisis and its long-term impacts," Brown said. "Together, we are strengthening our community's response to the opioid epidemic and investing in proven solutions." The proposed funding would also help the city plan for future allocations. A project manager would be hired to track the performance of opioid settlement dollars for $139,000. Another $500,000 would support the planning and launch of culturally specific behavioral health treatment. "People of color, and I believe Black men in particular, have some of the lowest rates of success in treatment. And so we need to figure out how we not only expand services but do so in a way that is effective for everyone across the community," said deputy city administrator Maggie Yates.
