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Confirmed Case of Mumps on Local University Campus

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2019

Health Department and Elon University partnering to address illness

BURLINGTON- Alamance County Health Department received notification on September 23 of a single confirmed case of mumps in a student who attends of Elon University. At this time, the cause of the infection is unknown and no other cases have been identified. The individual had previously received age-appropriate MMR vaccinations.

Health Director Stacie Saunders stated, “We are working with our university and state public health partners to identify those who may have had contact with the confirmed case and will provide assessment and additional vaccine, as needed.”

Mumps is a viral illness best known for causing parotitis, a swelling of the salivary glands below the ears and above the jaw. Other common symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The virus is spread through close contact, like kissing, drinking after someone else, coughing or sneezing.

Students who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with mumps should make an appointment with Elon Student Health Services. Appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230. Members of the community who are concerned about symptoms are encouraged to contact their primary health care providers or urgent care. Community members may also call the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.

Alamance County has not had a confirmed case of mumps in the last 10 years.

Alamance County WIC Program Introduces Lactation Stations at Community Events

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – Moms have an opportunity to breastfeed their infant while still being able to enjoy outdoor community events. The Alamance County WIC program has recently introduced a new community initiative, the Lactation Station, to create an environment where breastfeeding moms feel safe and welcomed to breastfeed while attending community events. The Lactation Station is a private, comfortable space that moms can go to breastfeed, pump, or change their infants while out at community events. Amenities provided at the station include chairs, fans, during warmer weather, a changing table, and electric outlets for those who need to express milk.

The space has already been a success at six events since its debut in March 2019, including the St. Patty’s Day Bash in Burlington and Slice of Summer in Graham. In the short time the Lactation Station has been available, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response. Moms with older children have expressed their gratitude and sentiment wishing there had been something available years ago when they were breastfeeding. Dads were also thankful for the space for the support it offers. With scorching temperatures at the last two events, breastfeeding moms have expressed such gratitude that they did not have to go to their car, or sit somewhere with a blanket in the heat. All the organizers of these events have been encouraging of this innovative idea and the service it is providing for the community.

In addition to supporting moms, the Lactation Station is meant to spark conversation about the benefits of breastfeeding in efforts to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates within the County. “We are hoping that by providing a mobile lactation station that we can rally and inform the community around the benefits of breastfeeding and support our moms who are breastfeeding,” stated Sarah Austin, Alamance County WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator

Check out the Lactation Station for yourself, while learning more about the many benefits of breastfeeding, at the World Breastfeeding Week event on August 7 at Burlington Community Health Center and at “Boo in the Park” on October 27 at City Park in Burlington.

WIC, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a service for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. The WIC Program promotes healthy habits for families through nutrition education and counseling services, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals to other health and community resources, and healthy foods.

To be eligible for WIC services, mom or child must:

  • Live in North Carolina.
  • Have a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For a household of two, that would be anything less than an annual income of $31,285. A person receiving Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance (TANF), or assistance from the NC Food and Nutrition Services automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
  • Be at nutritional risk. This will be assessed by a nutritionist or other health professional at no cost to the participant at the WIC office.

For more information about WIC or to make an appointment, visit the Alamance County WIC office, located at the county Health Department, at 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, or call 336-570- 6745. You may also visit the website at https://www.nutritionnc.com/wic/.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Duke Endowment Awards $430,000 School-Based Oral Health Expansion Program Grant to the Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Health.

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center received a $430,000 School-Based Oral Health Expansion grant from The Duke Endowment to provide on-site dental health services in the elementary schools of Alamance-Burlington School System. These services will include classroom education, examinations, x-rays, prophys, fluoride, sealants, amalgam fillings, and case management. For more advanced cases, children will be referred to the Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center office located at 1914 McKinney Street in Burlington or to a pediatric dental health specialist.

“School-based programs are designed to remove barriers by meeting children where they spend much of their days and to help ensure they are healthy, pain-free, and ready to learn,” said Stacy Warren, program officer for health care at The Duke Endowment. “We are proud to support Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center in expanding dental care for children living in rural and underserved areas with few or no treatment options.”

The grants are part of a multi-year initiative to address oral health in the state, with an early focus on school-aged children. To learn more about the School-based Oral Health Expansion Program, please visit https://dukeendowment.org/our-work/supporting-oral-health. The Duke Endowment is working with partners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina to develop an initiative to improve oral health in the Carolinas. This multi-year initiative will help health departments, safety-net providers and non-profit organizations expand dental services into rural and underserved schools to ensure that all children receive dental care.

The goals of this initiative are to:

  • improve access to preventative and restorative dental care for school-aged children
  • improve meaningful oral health outcomes for school-aged children
  • proliferate school-based programs that have viable business plans that lead to sustainability

The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center offers a variety of oral health treatments including cleanings, fluoride treatment, infant oral care, nutrition counseling, extractions and emergency treatment up to the age of 21 years old. They currently serve 3,500 to 4,000 children annually.

The grants are part of a multi-year initiative to address oral health in the state, with an early focus on school-aged children. To learn more about the School-based Oral Health Expansion Program, please visit https://dukeendowment.org/our-work/supporting-oral-health. The Duke Endowment is working with partners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina to develop an initiative to improve oral health in the Carolinas. This multi-year initiative will help health departments, safety-net providers and non-profit organizations expand dental services into rural and underserved schools to ensure that all children receive dental care.

The goals of this initiative are to:

  • improve access to preventative and restorative dental care for school-aged children
  • improve meaningful oral health outcomes for school-aged children
  • proliferate school-based programs that have viable business plans that lead to sustainability

The Alamance County Children’s Dental Health Center offers a variety of oral health treatments including cleanings, fluoride treatment, infant oral care, nutrition counseling, extractions and emergency treatment up to the age of 21 years old. They currently serve 3,500 to 4,000 children annually.

County Preps for Upcoming Weather Event

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, C-Com, County News, Emergency Management, EMS, General News, Health, Public Information Office, Public Safety, Shelters, Social Services, Storm Information.

Due to the impending winter storm, the County is currently working to ensure that services remain available to residents.

The County is planning to activate the Emergency Operations Center early Sunday morning staffed with emergency services departments and community partners. The Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and Central Communications (911) are working to up-staff in order to accommodate the anticipated bad weather.

At this time, Social Services and the Health Department are preparing to set up a shelter in case there is significant weather that impacts power. The County will provide information once the decision is made to open the shelter to the public.

For assistance pertaining to the winter storm, please call the Alamance County Emergency Operations Center at 336-290-0362.

Fifth Rabies Case Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On October 19, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fifth case of rabies for the year.

On October 19, Alamance County Health Department was notified that a dog came in contact with a bat on Hickory Lane in Burlington. The health department sent the bat to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the bat was positive for rabies. The dog was reported to be current on its vaccinations and did receive a vaccine booster. There was no direct human contact with the bat.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, you should examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

“The best way to protect your pet from rabies is by vaccinating them and keeping up-to-date on vaccinations,” states Environmental Health Director Terri Craver. “It is the law in North Carolina.”

Tractor Supply on Garden Road vaccinates cats and dogs every Saturday. Call 336-586-9222 for more information. In addition, Pet Supermarket on South Church Street vaccinates dogs and cats every other Sunday. Cost is $21.00. For more information, call 336-584-8044.

Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

Health Department Begins Offering Vaccinations for 2018 Flu Season

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, General News, Health.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Arlinda Ellison
October 1, 2018 Office: (336) 229-3665

Health Department Begins Offering Vaccinations for 2018 Flu Season
Flu Shots Available Monday, October 1, 2018

BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department wants you to protect yourself and your family. Beginning Monday, October 1, the health department will begin offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

This year, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

  • Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
  • Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
  • High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last. One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The cost of the Quadrivalent vaccine is $30.00. The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $40.00. Uninsured children less than 19 years old are eligible for free vaccine. Insured children less than 19 years old whose insurance does not cover the cost of a flu shot may be eligible for free flu vaccine.

The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. The flu vaccine will be available by appointment only at the following times:

Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)

  • 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
  • 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For an appointment or more information, call the health department at 336-227-0101.

Alamance County Shelter Closing Wednesday, September 19 at 1 PM

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Departments, Emergency Management, General News, Health, Public Information Office, Public Safety, Shelters, Sheriff, Social Services, Storm Information.

Local officials charged with operating and staffing Alamance County’s emergency shelter, have decided to close the operation by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19.

At 1:00 p.m. today (9/18), the shelter was serving 14 clients. Directors of Alamance County’s Social Services and Public Health, along with their respective staffs, have initiated a closure plan with the American Red Cross, to relocate the clients.

Based on current weather conditions, and waters of area creeks and the Haw River beginning to recede, emergency shelter needs are no longer at a critical stage.

For the same reasons the shelter is closing, the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will also cease 24 hour service. The Office of Emergency Management will close the EOC today (9/18), at 5:00 p.m. The EOC call center line, 336-290-0362 will remain active. A recording directing residents to local resources will be placed on the call center phone.

Aside from shelter and EOC operations, only one road in the county remains closed due to storm damage. A culvert on Greenwood Drive, near Isley School Road (in the vicinity of Indian Valley Golf Course), was washed out. The road will remain closed until North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) staff can make repairs. (Inquiries for a timetable should be directed to DOT).

After 5:00 p.m. today, information requests for county storm-related matters and resources may be directed to Public Information Officer Michelle Mills, or Emergency Management Director, Debbie Hatfield.

Friday, September 14, 2018: Health Department and Social Services Closed

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, County News, Emergency Management, Employees, General News, Health, Public Safety, Social Services, Storm Information.

The Alamance County Health Department and Social Services will be closed Friday, September 14, 2018.

For assistance pertaining to Hurricane Florence, please call the Alamance County Call Center Line at 336-290-0362.

Additional Alamance County Government information regarding Hurricane Florence is found at https://www.alamance-nc.com/emergency-information/.

Third Rabies Case Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in County News, Environmental Health, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On September 11, 2018, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third case of rabies for the year.

On September 10, Alamance County Health Department was notified that a cat killed a bat on Quaker Ridge Road in Mebane. The health department sent the bat to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the bat was positive for rabies. Following current state guidelines, the cat will remain under observation for 45 days. There was no report of human contact to the bat.

If you live in either of these areas and have outside pets, you should examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

“The best way to protect your pet from rabies is by vaccinating them and keeping up-to-date on vaccinations,” states Environmental Health Director Terri Craver. “It is the law in North Carolina.”

There is an upcoming rabies clinic at the Spay and Neuter Clinic on South Church Street on October 20, 2018 from 9-11:00. Cost is $5.00 per animal.

Tractor Supply on Garden Road vaccinates cats and dogs every Saturday. Call 336-586-9222 for more information. In addition, Pet Supermarket on South Church Street vaccinates dogs and cats every other Sunday. Cost is $21.00. For more information, call 336-584-8044. Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

Alamance County WIC Celebrates Black Breastfeeding Week

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, General News, Health, Public Events.

BURLINGTON – All are invited to join in a celebration in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, which will take place August 25th through August 31st at Alamance Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Black Breastfeeding Week was created six years ago to help recognize and change the gap in breastfeeding rates between white and black women. There are many reasons to focus on increasing the breastfeeding rate among black mothers during this weeklong celebration, such as the high rate of infant mortality, high rates of diet-related disease, lack of diversity in the lactation field, unique cultural barriers, and a lack of community resources where women of color can seek support.

This is the first year that Alamance County community partners have to come together to take part in the celebration of African American breastfeeding women. The theme this year is #LoveOnTop; lifting up children and women in unison throughout the nation. The Alamance County WIC Program, along with the Lactation Department at ARMC, is hosting a community-wide maternal and child health fair focusing on the health of African American women and their families, and the positive promotion of breastfeeding as a normal and important strategy for building healthy families. The event will be held in the educational classroom at ARMC on Friday August 31st from 10am-1pm. There will be raffle prizes and free food for participants, as well as breastfeeding and nutrition vendors.
The Alamance County WIC Program has one Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and two Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, and the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program has been running for almost 10 years.

For more information about this event or for breastfeeding support please contact the Alamance County WIC Program at 336-570-6745.