Hepatitis A Outbreak Information
Since September 2017, Butler County has 81 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
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 outdoors. Mosquitos, found during the summer months, spread diseases including Zika and West Nile Virus. According to the Center for Disease Control 1 in 150 cases, reported to have been bitten by an infected mosquito, typically develop severe illnesses such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). 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. The links below provide more information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Center for Disease Control.
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/zika/controlling-mosquitoes.php
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/zika/transmission.php
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.
