Latest news with #StateLab
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Federal funding freeze halts construction at North Carolina State Health Lab
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In a space that should be closer to completion, Dr. Scott Shone, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services State Public Health Laboratory director, described what can be seen under plastic sheeting. 'You can see new benches and vial safety cabinets, which are designed to keep our staff safe from what their working on.' But the reality is if there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall won't be finished in time. Last month, construction came to an abrupt halt after the Trump administration cut $230 million dollars due to the NCDHHS. Within that funding was around $2 million dollars to be used to complete the construction of testing space at the State Lab in Raleigh. 'The federal funding cuts and the unpredictability of them really present a challenge with how we can navigate each day, much less the next,' Shone said. It's at the State Health Lab that threats like avian flu, measles, and other infectious diseases are tracked and identified, blood work for every newborn in the state is tested, as well as potential human exposure to things ranging from lead to rabies 'We are here to keep North Carolina safe,' Shone said. 'We have the staff and the expertise to respond to the threats that we currently face. The reality is that federal funding cuts jeopardize the sustainability of that response.' Staff members were moved into a fraction of the space they were using prior to construction until work could be done. They are able to keep up with the demand so far, but any sudden and large outbreak could be a different story. Another issue is the cuts also hit the CDC and its labs that states rely on. 'That does shift the burden to the states and where we have to look at testing that was previously done in Atlanta,' Shone said. 'Is that something we now need to pick up here in Raleigh and is that funded?' A lot of expansion funded by the government at the State Lab has been completed since COVID exposed the real need. But they're not there yet. Phase 1 of renovations began in 2021. The actual renovation work in the space current construction area began in October 2024 as part of the final phases of the overall renovation plans for the State Lab. 'All of this work started with COVID, but it's addressing these long-standing infrastructural challenges in public health and public health laboratory sites,' Shone said. The solution may be up to the courts. In the meantime, officials are weighing a number of options including whether the burden to make up the financial difference falls on state lawmakers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Forsyth County, officials say
Forsyth County officials captured a raccoon this week and after tests, officials say the animal tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found alive roadside along Castleberry Road in the City of Cumming, near the city fairgrounds, according to Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown. 'Upon discovering the injured animal roadside on Sunday, a resident attempted to crate the raccoon,' Brown said. 'The racoon bit the individual during the process and was subsequently tested and confirmed positive for Rabies after testing at the State Lab.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Anyone believed to have come into contact with the animal was referred to their healthcare provider and subsequently treated for any exposure. Officials say encounters between wild animals and domestic pets have increased recently and they are encouraging neighbors to ensure their pets are vaccinated against the virus. 'It is highly discouraged for anyone to attempt handling a wild animal without professional guidance,' Brown said. 'We ask that anyone encountering a similar situation with a wild animal to contact the Forsyth County Animal Services team as rabies can be life-threatening if not treated.' TRENDING STORIES: Man dead after shooting inside DeKalb County apartment complex lobby Metro Atlanta college football player dies after battle with cancer, team says Major crash shuts down all I-75/I-85 SB lanes in midtown Atlanta To report a wild, or domesticated, animal acting strangely, avoid the animal and contact Forsyth County Animal Services at (770) 781-2138. If it is after business hours, you're asked to contact the Forsyth County 911 Center after-hours line at (770) 781-3087. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
