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1st Rabies Case for Howell Co in 2008
Howell County and the state of Missouri have had its first rabies case of 2008.
A skunk got into a pen with a Beagle dog and her pups and was killed. Lab testing confirmed the skunk to have the rabies virus.
The Beagle and her pups were not vaccinated for the rabies virus and as a result had to be euthanized. An adult and child had to receive shots for also being exposed.
Please protect the health of your pets and your family by getting your pets vaccinated for rabies.
TICK REMOVAL
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or notched tick extractor, and protect your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or latex gloves. Persons should avoid removing ticks with bare hands.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick; this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. (If this happens, remove mouthparts with tweezers. Consult your health care provider if illness occurs.)
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.
4. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids may contain infectious organisms.
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The symptoms may go in cycles where you may start feeling better only to then feel worse before it ends. If you are having diarrhea you should not work at child care facilities, food service or any other group activity where you could present a risk to others. Most people will recover without treatment. Cryptosporidiosis can be serious for individuals with weakened immune systems.
How can you prevent getting or spreading Cryptosporidiosis? By taking some simple steps:
ü Avoid drinking untreated & improperly-filtered surface water
ü Dispose of sewage waste properly so it doesn’t contaminate ground or surface water
ü Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating
ü Wash hands for at least 30 seconds:
Ø After using the restroom
Ø Before preparing foods
Ø After preparing food
Ø After handling animals, especially cattle, or their feces
Ø After working in soil
For more information contact the Howell County Health Dept Communicable Disease staff at 417-256-7078.
Baked Potatoes
Potatoes are a simple, low cost and satisfying food. They are great sources of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Wash and scrub potatoes before baking, so you can eat the potato skin to get the most nutrition. Potatoes are easy to bake. Bake clean potatoes in a 400° oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until soft when pierced with fork. Baked potatoes can be the start of a fast and tasty meal.
Top with one of the following toppings and dinner is ready!
! Broccoli Cheese Potato: fill a baked potato with steamed broccoli,
cheese sauce and shredded cheddar cheese.
! Mexican Potato: top a potato with taco flavored meat (hamburger,
chicken or steak), refried beans, salsa and shredded cheddar
! Fajita Potato: stir fry chicken or steak strips, green or red peppers,
and onions in a small amount of oil. Season with Cajun seasonings.
Top potato with fajita mixture.
! Seafood Potato: top a baked potato with imitation crabmeat,
shredded swiss cheese and sliced mushrooms. Heat and eat!
! Pizza Potato: top a baked potato with pizza sauce, chopped ham
or smoked turkey breast and mozzarella cheese. Heat and eat!
! Ham and Cheese Potato: fill a baked potato with chopped deli ham,
chopped tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat and eat!
Nutrition Matters, Inc. www.numattters.com
State Health Department Stresses Easy, Effective Prevention During
Missouri Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month
Easy, effective prevention is the key message the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is sending to Missourians during Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month. Gov. Matt Blunt recently signed a proclamation naming May 2008 as “Missouri Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month” to emphasize and underscore the risk of tick-borne disease and the importance of prevention.
“The old saying ‘an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure’ certainly holds true when talking about tick-borne disease,” says Dr. Howard Pue, State Public Health Veterinarian. He says preventing tick-borne illness is much easier than curing it. "Individuals should follow some basic measures that help prevent tick bites and the illness they can cause. Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month is a great opportunity for Missourians to be reminded that warm weather brings out ticks, and by following basic recommendations that they can prevent tick bites."
Missouri ticks can carry a variety of microorganisms that can cause serious or even deadly disease. While not all ticks carry these microorganisms, and not all tick bites lead to illness, learning and following simple but effective prevention measures is the best way to avoid tick bites that could lead to illness:
· Reduce tick habitat around the home and avoid heavy brush and tall grass
· Keep ticks off your skin
· Perform tick checks
· Promptly remove attached ticks
· Prevent family pets from bringing ticks indoors
Pue says a common misconception about ticks is that they are only found in the countryside in deep woods, pastures or thick brush. However, ticks are probably closer than most people think and can be found in the yard of an average home, as well as in bushes and tall grass around the property. This makes it important for anyone spending time outdoors to learn how to prevent tick bites, especially families with children who play outside.
“People also need to realize that ticks can be found nearly anywhere there is grass, bushes, brush and leaf litter, including suburban backyards and city parks. So it’s important to keep up your guard even if going out to do yard work or taking the kids to a soccer game,” adds Pue. He says while tick-borne diseases can become serious if left untreated, there is no reason for people to dramatically change their lifestyles or panic if they find a tick attached to themselves or their child. “By following some very easy but effective prevention measures, people can protect themselves against tick-borne disease and enjoy Missouri’s outdoors through the warm weather months.”
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