Latest news with #Parvovirus
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Douglas County Animal Shelter quarantined amid pneumovirus and parvovirus outbreak
The Brief The Douglas County Animal Shelter is under quarantine due to an outbreak of pneumovirus and parvovirus, with 13 dogs testing positive for Pneumovirus and 3 for Parvovirus. The shelter is implementing strict containment protocols and providing medical care, while remaining closed to the public; only emergency animal control operations will continue. No cats are affected by the outbreak, and cat-related services such as intake, adoption, and rescue will continue as usual. DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - The Douglas County Animal Shelter has been placed under a state-mandated quarantine following an outbreak of pneumovirus and parvovirus, county officials confirmed Thursday. The Georgia Department of Agriculture issued the order after 13 dogs at the shelter tested positive for pneumovirus and three others were confirmed to have parvovirus. What we know According to shelter officials, the parvovirus cases were present in the animals prior to their arrival, but symptoms were not immediately detectable during intake. The shelter, located at 2171 Mack Road in Douglasville, had voluntarily closed earlier in the day as a precaution. The quarantine is now in effect indefinitely as the facility implements strict containment protocols and provides medical care to affected animals. What they're saying "The pneumovirus is significant because it lasts longer, is more contagious, and can sometimes cause pneumonia or other complications," said Vanessa Francikowski, director of Douglas County Animal Services. "While all animals are vaccinated upon intake to prevent disease transmission, some may arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may already be carrying active viruses." Francikowski noted there is currently no vaccine available for pneumovirus, but the shelter is working closely with its in-house and state veterinarians to prevent further spread. What's next During the quarantine, the shelter will remain closed to the public. No animals will be allowed in or out of the facility, except for those being reclaimed by their owners. Animal Control will operate only in emergency situations involving injured, aggressive, or sick animals. No cats at the shelter have been affected by the outbreak. Intake, adoption, rescue, and return-to-owner services for cats will continue as usual. Shelter staff remain in good health. What you can do For more information, contact Vanessa Francikowski at vfrancikowski@ or call the shelter at 770-942-5961. The Source The Douglas County Animal Shelter provided the details for this article.
NDTV
18-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
US Woman Tells How Rare Allergic Reaction From Acne Drug Nearly Killed Her
What began as a routine treatment for teenage acne spiraled into a near-death medical crisis for Elle Dunn, who was just 15 when she was prescribed Minocycline, a commonly used antibiotic. Now 27, Dunn is revisiting the terrifying episode in a viral TikTok video, shedding light on a rare and potentially fatal condition that went undiagnosed for weeks. Her experience underscores the hidden risks of even routine medications - an important reminder for patients and healthcare providers alike. Initially, Dunn experienced seemingly minor symptoms - jaw pain, skin rashes, and fatigue - that rapidly progressed into a full-body reaction. Things took a frightening turn during her sister's wedding, where she developed severe hives and a dangerously high fever. Rushed to the hospital, she was placed in intensive care as doctors struggled to identify the cause. "I remember just feeling like my body was shutting down," she told PEOPLE in an interview. "The last thing I remember is hearing beeping. Everything went black - then I saw myself from above. I saw the doctors, the nurses, and my parents being rushed out. It wasn't scary. It almost felt peaceful, like a dream." For nearly 30 minutes, Dunn was clinically unresponsive - an experience that left her family shaken. Initially misdiagnosed with Parvovirus, her condition continued to worsen over six weeks. Eventually, doctors identified the real cause: DRESS syndrome (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) - a rare but severe reaction to medication. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, DRESS syndrome can affect the skin, blood, and internal organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. The immune system essentially launches an attack against the body - triggered by certain medications, including some antibiotics. "I had never heard of DRESS before," Dunn said. "I had no idea that something prescribed for acne could almost take my life." The treatment was intense: high doses of steroids to suppress her immune response, leaving her weak but alive. Recovery was slow and painful, but she considers herself fortunate. "Yes, I technically 'died,' but I survived without permanent damage. Some patients lose their hair or suffer long-term organ damage. I was lucky." More than a decade later, the experience has left Dunn hyper-cautious about any medication she takes. "I always ask doctors twice now. I don't ever want to relive that," she says.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paxton family devastated by townhouse fire asking for help
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Several families in Paxton are looking for help after losing everything in a fire over the weekend. On Saturday, a fire started at one townhome and quickly spread to four others. Mike and Korey Swan said it's the day-to-day items that are the most important. They lost everything from key fobs to personal IDs. Gibson City swimming pool to open Summer 2025 The Swans hope donations can help replace the material things, but sadly not everything can be replaced. 'It's probably the worst 20 minutes of our lives,' Korey said. The Swans were getting ready to move out of their Paxton townhouse. Mike unplugged the fridge to defrost and clean it. 'About 5 minutes later, we both got up to do something in the house,' Korey said. 'And when I turned around, I saw black smoke coming in from the garage.' Korey said they tried to put it out but couldn't. They were able to get themselves, their two dogs and a few personal items out. 'It was completely engulfed within five minutes, spread under the roof to the adjoining neighbors, all the way down to the end of the building,' Korey said. Paxton Dog Park reopens after Parvovirus closure She also said everyone was able to get out of the building before it got too bad. The Ford County EMA and Red Cross have been helping people who were affected, and some Paxton businesses chipped in as well. 'The biggest thing that we had to secure that day was my husband's transplant medications,' Korey said. 'Luckily, the local pharmacy was able to get him a couple of days' worth of medications until we could get his medications from the University of Chicago.' But Korey said some things are irreplaceable, especially the ones with sentimental value. 'My sister passed away from cancer, and everything is, it's gone,' Korey said. The Swans have already started replacing driver licenses, car key fobs and more. Now they're asking for money to buy some of the essentials like toiletries and other household items. 'Just trying to reestablish our home,' Korey said. 'You know, everything from spatulas to silverware to clothing.' The goal for their GoFundMe is set for $6,000. Korey said any money they have leftover will be given to one of her neighbors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gibson City swimming pool to open Summer 2025
GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The opening of the Gibson City pool this summer is expected to go on as normal according to its manager. WCIA's partners with the Ford County Chronicle reported that swimming pool manager Randy Ferguson told members of the city's pool board and representatives of the local swim team last week that they should proceed 'as if everything is OK to go forward' with the opening of Gibson City's pool this summer. He also said it is safe to start swim team registration. Paxton Dog Park reopens after Parvovirus closure The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a permit approving the pool's opening earlier this month, but the pool still has to undergo a physical inspection by the IDPH to complete the permitting process. Additionally, Ferguson assured the pool board during its meeting on March 18 that the IDPH has a history of working with him on the issues effecting the pool. 'They don't let us slide on safety or protocols, but they bring ideas and references on how to overcome problems,' Ferguson said. The initial inspection of the pool in March, organized to assess the work required to open it this year, resulted in various repairs being scheduled for this spring. Some of these repairs include the replacement of several broken drain covers, the painting of the inside of the pool and the repair of holes and cracks in the concrete. 'I thought it was normal': Doctor discovers rare uterus condition in Ford Co. woman after decades of pain Ferguson also said he would prioritize the work, with an emphasis on fixing the most pressing problems first, in anticipation of the pool's eventual replacement. Pre-opening work at the pool is expected to start in April. He said that different tasks need to be done at different times, meaning that some of the jobs can't be done until others are finished. For example, no leaks can be detected until the pool is filled, which can't be started until the pool has been painted. 'It's kind of like a dance to get it open,' Ferguson said. For more information on the personnel changes and the budget that was approved for the swimming pool, visit the Ford County Chronicle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Paxton Dog Park reopens after Parvovirus closure
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Two weeks after a pair of dogs tested positive for Parvovirus and the Paxton Dog Park closed, it's back open, the park district announced on Tuesday. The dog park was closed after a 'confirmed cross-contamination incident,' which involved two unvaccinated dogs. PREVIOUSLY: Paxton dog park closes after dogs test positive for parvovirus Park District Director Jordan Chapman said that local veterinarians were contacted to figure out the next steps. 'Because Parvovirus is such a contagious and deadly virus, the only right move was to close the dog park immediately upon notice that a pair of dogs that had visited tested positive for Parvo,' Chapman said. 'We have a responsibility as owners and operators of a dog park to do our best to keep the dogs that come to play safe.' The park district said that Chapman walked the entire dog park and worked to decontaminate it with a bleach and water solution. But, they added that it's important to remember that Parvovirus can remain in the soil for up to a year or longer, which makes it 'extremely difficult to fully eradicate.' Because it's hard to completely decontaminate, the park district recommends that only fully vaccinated dogs visit public spaces like the dog park, to minimize the risk of exposure. 'I thought it was normal': Doctor discovers rare uterus condition in Ford Co. woman after decades of pain To prevent future incidents, the park district is also looking into new safety protocols. The park district is working with Heart Technologies to create a controlled entry system which verifies vaccination records before granting access to the park. Heart Technologies is the same company used by the Champaign Park District for their dog park. And, the park district is working to educate the community on animal welfare. To do this, the Paxton Park District is teaming up with the Animal Clinic of Paxton. They'll host a Low-Cost Vaccine & Wellness Clinic April 30 from 3-6 p.m. at the Paxton Civic Center. The event will offer affordable services for cats and dogs. It'll include vaccines, heartworm tests, microchipping, flea, tick and heartworm prescription requests and spay/neuter consultations. 'Mahomet is open for business': Village's next president wants to prioritize growth, safety 'We're excited to collaborate with Dr. Kim and her team, who have been long-time Park Districtprogram athletes and parents of athletes,' Chapman said. 'It's a great opportunity to step intotheir world and offer an important service to local pet owners.' The Paxton Park District encourages all pet owners to stay up to date on vaccinations and to check out the wellness clinic. To learn more about the clinic, or for more information about the dog park, visit the park district's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
