Hepatitis A Outbreak Information
Since September 2017, Butler County has 86 laboratory confirmed Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) cases. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver and suppresses the immune system. HAV is transmitted from person-to-person via the fecal-oral route; typically from ingesting contaminated food or drink. For more information and weekly updates concerning Butler County’s Hepatitis A cases, please see our Facebook page by clicking the link located on the right menu bar. The links below provide further information from the Center for Disease Control regarding Hepatitis A Virus information, signs and symptoms, and recommended immunization schedule for adults and children.
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#C1
Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Information
During the summer months, it is recommended to avoid the excessive heat by staying in an air-conditioned environment. Illnesses resulting from excessive exposure to the heat include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke (life-threatening). Butler County Health Department is a Cooling Center for individuals who may not have access to an air conditioned facility; hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Centers for Disease Control’s link below.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hyperthermia/heatprecautions.php
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hyperthermia/relatedlinks.php
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Tick-Borne Illness Information
Missouri is home to a large population of ticks; tick-borne diseases can pose an increased risk for individuals who work or play outside. At least six (6) different types of tick-borne diseases have been reported in Missouri residents; these diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Lyme disease, and disease caused by Heartland and Bourbon virus. The majority of cases occur during the months of May, June, and July. Symptoms of each disease typically includes headache, sudden fever, and body aches; symptoms can begin within two weeks of being bitten by an infected tick. Not all ticks are infected, therefore, a tick bite does not necessarily mean you will get a disease. Taking precautions such as using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, avoiding infested areas, and checking for ticks after being outdoors reduces the chance for tick-borne diseases. The links below provide information from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Center for Disease Control concerning tick-borne illnesses.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tickscarrydisease/repellentqa.php
https://www.cdc.gov/Features/StopTicks/
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tickscarrydisease/index.php
Mosquito-Borne Illness Information
With summer season right around the corner, many Missouri residents will enjoy the parks and other outdoor adventures our state has to offer; mosquitoes are commonly found during the months of June, July, and August. Mosquitoes spread diseases including Zika and West Nile Virus; however, Zika virus is not commonly found among Mosquito-Borne Illness cases reported in Missouri because the main type of mosquito, known for spreading the virus, is not generally found in this area. Symptoms of being bitten by an infected mosquito include fever, rash, joint pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting, however, in more severe cases meningitis or encephalitis can occur. Taking precautions such as wearing insect repellant, wearing loose fitted clothing, securing windows and screens, and eliminating standing water around the home can decrease the chances for mosquito-borne illnesses. For more information click on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or Centers for Disease Control link below.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/zika/
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tickscarrydisease/repellentqa.php
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/symptoms/index.html
To qualify for the One Call System, individuals must have medical needs requiring special assistance in the event of a disaster. Click the link below to register.
