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Fourth Rabies Case of 2021 Confirmed in Alamance County

On December 7, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fourth case of rabies for the year.

On December 6, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a cat bite that occurred on December 4 in the Staley Store Road area of Liberty. Alamance County Animal Control sent the cat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The Health Department did identify two human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment. There were other cats identified in this feral cat community. Some have been vaccinated or quarantined, while others may require euthanasia. All appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Animal Control.

Because this is a large feral community and not all animals have been identified, it is recommended that any outside animals be checked and monitored for bite wounds, and receive a rabies booster vaccination if previously vaccinated or if exposure to the cat is in question.

If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Alamance County Animal Control Department at 336-570-6302 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years. 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

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.

Burn Ban in Effect

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective at 5 p.m. today until further notice.

“It is fall wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state.”

Boil Water Notice for the City of Burlington

E. coli/fecal coliform found in the water distribution system

The City of Burlington has implemented a boil water notice due to E. Coli/fecal coliform bacteria
found at a specific location in the city of Burlington water system.

E. coli/fecal coliform bacteria can cause illness for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of E. coli infection may vary, but could include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and
vomiting.

City of Burlington has advised that residents should boil their drinking water until further notice.
Additionally, the State of North Carolina advises impacted residents to boil all water used for
human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food
preparation) or use bottled water. Residents should boil their water for at least one minute; this
should help kill any disease-causing organisms that are potentially present in the water.

With a positive E.coli, those businesses permitted by the Health Department, restaurants, lodging
and tattoo parlors, and are customers of the city of Burlington must suspend operations until the
boil water notice is lifted and post event procedures are followed.

For general guidelines on how to lessen the risk of infection contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at 1-800-426-479. Any questions or concerns regarding food and lodging facilities can be
addressed by calling 336-290-0653. Alamance County Environmental Health has a hotline
available to assist.

City of Burlington residents can contact the City of Burlington’s Customer Service Line at 336-
222-5100 or monitor the City’s website at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Water.

Practice and Planning Makes Perfect: Alamance County Encourages Preparedness for Tornadoes, Severe Storms

With pandemic lock downs and a cold, wet winter, most of us are looking forward to spring showers and May flowers. However, those showers may come as severe thunderstorms with potential lightning, tornadoes and flash flooding – all of which can develop so rapidly that an advance warning may be impossible. A great activity to take on while still indoors awaiting for the arrival of spring is to get prepared by updating your family emergency plan and supply kit so you are ready should severe weather strike.

To encourage planning and preparation for severe weather, March 7-13, 2021 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina and serves as a reminder to all, the importance of planning for unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes that could impact our state.

Government agencies, businesses and schools will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 10th, at 9:30 a.m. While exercising social distancing and mask wearing we encourage everyone to practice their severe weather safety plan and seek shelter on the lowest floor of your building and away from windows. Practicing now will allow you to respond quickly when severe weather heads your way.

All residents should take this opportunity to practice what to do in the event that a severe thunderstorm or tornado takes place. Tornadoes and flash floods can develop at a moment’s notice; take time now to prepare and keep you and your loved ones safe.

Keep your home a safe haven this severe weather season and use the following safety tips:

  • Develop a family emergency plan and discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household. Make sure your family knows basic safety measures, such as first aid, CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Include a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water. Keep it in a location that is easy to access.
  • Stay alert by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio.
  • Practice your plan. Make sure every family member is aware of where to go, what to do and who to call in case of an emergency.

Find more information on tornadoes, severe storms and emergency preparedness by visiting the ReadyNC website, www.ReadyNC.org.

Alamance County, take time now to prepare; it could make all the difference.