- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
For all persons involved in floodwater clean-up efforts, public health officials recommend that you make sure you are current on your Tetanus vaccine, which is contained in the Tdap shot (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria that affects the muscles and nerves. It enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts and puncture wounds. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus can be fatal.
A Tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years. Protection against tetanus is especially needed if you have worked or are working in flooded areas.
Please be sure to check your immunization history prior to asking for the vaccine, as you may already be protected. You may check with your medical provider, county public health department, workplace employee health service, etc.
For children under age 19, contact your child’s pediatrician.
Pregnant women can be protected against tetanus but should consult with their prenatal healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine.
Tetanus vaccine should not be administered to people who have had a severe reaction to the vaccine. This is very rare, and if you are not protected, working on this clean-up effort should be done with caution. The vaccine information sheet (VIS) provides complete information about the vaccine and is available when you get the vaccine.
For more information on tetanus and the Tdap vaccination, log onto CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/ or contact your local public health department.
- Hits: 3962
- Written by Andrea Martin, Environmental Health County Manager, Gilmer County Health Department
- Category: Media Releases
Now that the recent flood waters in our area have receded and the most immediate safety hazards have passed, it’s time to address the secondary health issues that can develop as the result of floodwater pollutants.
Be sure to protect your home, family and business by following these easy guidelines from Gilmer County Environmental Health.
CONTACT WITH FLOOD WATERS - Swimming and similar recreational water activities are not advised at this time. Flood waters contain large amounts of contaminants of all kinds. Many thousands of dead chickens have been washed into the streams and rivers. These fast flood waters will carry these contaminants downstream quickly but for now do not have contact with flood waters. Fishing and other non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory.
SANITIZING FLOODED AREAS – Floors, walls, equipment and furniture that have been covered with flood waters should be cleaned and sanitized to kill any disease bacteria or viruses. Flood waters usually have sewage from over-running sewers and septic systems, manure and other contaminants. Wear gloves, eye protection and boots when working with contaminated areas and items. An easy sanitizing solution is made from a quarter cup of household bleach and one gallon of water. Items should be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and then sanitized with the bleach solution. This will kill any disease germs and help prevent mold. Do not mix bleach with any ammonia product and work in well-ventilated areas.
- Hits: 3938
- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
Public health officials are cautioning against swimming and other recreational water activities in Gilmer County’s Coosawattee, Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers and their tributaries. Flooding washed large amounts of manure, sewage and thousands of dead chickens into these waters. Fast flood waters will wash these contaminants downstream very quickly, but for now avoid activities that would put you into direct contact with these waters. Fishing and non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory.
Wells and springs that were covered by flood waters, even temporarily, should be considered contaminated and not used for drinking. Contact the Gilmer County Environmental Health Office for directions in disinfecting and testing your well water.
Mold will grow in almost any home materials that were flooded. Remove all wet materials such as sheetrock and allow wood studs to dry completely before replacing.
Throw out any foods that were touched by flood waters. It is not worth the risk.
Treat temporary pools left by flood waters for mosquito larvae using Mosquito Dunks available at any home supply or hardware store.
Click here for more details on our website on how to Prevent Potential Health Problems from Recent Flooding or go to Emergency Preparedness and Response information for Flood Water After A Disaster or Emergency from the CDC.
- Hits: 3663
- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
THE WHIT
FIELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT 800 PROFESSIONAL BOULEVARD IN DALTON WILL CLOSE EARLY FOR MAJOR AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE WHITFIELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7:30 A.M. UNTIL NOON. NORMAL OPERATING HOURS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE EXPECTED TO RESUME ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5.
- Hits: 3683