SUBJECT: Meningococcal infections in Fort Collins
DATE: June 16, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is investigating several cases of meningococcal disease that have occurred over the past two weeks in Fort Collins, resulting in one death. Three cases have been confirmed as invasive meningococcal infections. Test results are still pending on one case with symptoms of bacterial meningitis.
The Health Department is looking into connections among any of the cases, and this investigation is ongoing.
Meningococcal disease is a severe infection caused by bacteria known as Neisseria menigitidis. These are common bacteria that are found in the throats of 5-15% of the population. It is uncommon for these bacteria to cause disease, but when they do, life-threatening illness can occur and can lead to rapid death in about 10% of cases.
Health Department staff have been notifying people who had close contact with the confirmed cases in the 7 days prior to the onset of illness to recommend preventive antibiotics to decrease the chance of additional cases. The bacteria are spread through secretions from the nose and throat.
“Close contacts would include people in the same household, or anyone in direct and close contact with the infected person such as a family member, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a roommate,” said LeBailly. “These bacteria can be spread between people through large respiratory droplets or contact with the oral or nasal secretions of a person with the infection, though kissing, sharing eating utensils, beverage containers, a toothbrush, a cigarette or other items that would come in contact with the person’s saliva. A person who has had this type of exposure in the past 7-10 days is considered a close contact and should consider taking certain antibiotics to decrease the chance of getting the disease.”
Haiti Disaster, January 14, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Survivors: How you can help
In Larimer County we know that when a disaster strikes it affects us no matter where it occurred. In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, we support the generosity of our community in their effort to give, advocate, and volunteer for the earthquake survivors.
To help you help them, we’ve created these suggestions. Please note that as the situations in Haiti changes so will the appropriate response. Contact United Way 2-1-1 for the most up-to-date way you can help.
Please note that while the disaster survivors are in need of materials items, such as food and clothing, the most immediate and pressing need is financial. Your donation today can go a lot farther to help the survivors by supporting efforts already in place. Disaster response teams are already working to meet these basic needs for survivors and the best way right now that you can support the survivors is by supporting these organizations.
Give:
- United Way Worldwide
- Text “HAITI” to 864833 (UNITED) to make a $5 donation to United Way Worldwide Disaster Recovery Fund.
- Visit www.unitedway.org/worldwide to make a donation on-line.
- Write and mail a check to:
United Way Worldwide Disaster Recovery Fund
PO Box 630568
Baltimore, MD 21263-0568
- Red Cross
- Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.
- Visit www.redcross.org to make a donation on-line.
- Phone: 1-800-733-2767 for English and 1-800-257-7575 for Spanish
Salvation Army (write “Haiti” in check memo)
PO BOX 2145
Fort Collins, CO, 80522-2145
Advocate:
- Keep on top of the news from Haiti. As new needs emerge, you will have the information.
Volunteer:
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster such as the earthquake in Haiti, volunteers for relief efforts and search and rescue are pulled from highly skilled groups such as the armed forces and international disaster relief agencies. Volunteers for recovery will not be necessary until the crisis of the disaster is somewhat resolved. Volunteers may be needed later both locally and in Haiti to help with long-term recovery, please visit the United Way Volunteer Center website: www.uwaylc.org later to learn of volunteer opportunities as they arise.
- If you’re looking for a way to take immediate action around this disaster here are some ideas to help you help the earthquake survivors:
- How to raise money for the survivors:
- Brainstorm an innovative way to raise money such as a silent auction, potluck, or special event.
- Contact a local beneficiary agency to ensure you are working in accordance with their policies and standards and that your idea matches their values and work.
- Plan, promote and host your event
- Give the proceeds to the organization and see how else you can be involved.
- Fundraising ideas:
- Start a school or office competition to see who can donate the most.
- Sell items such as baked goods or homemade goods and donate the money to disaster relief.
- Get pledges* from friends and family to donate to the relief efforts.
- Donate via text or social media (such as facebook), then send a challenge via text, email or social media to 10 of your contacts to donate as well.
*be a good advocate - most benefiting agencies like the Red Cross discourage door to door pledge donations, but it’s a good activity ask for donations from friends and family!
Remember, volunteers, material goods, and donations may be needed in the months to come after this natural disaster. If you can’t give, advocate, or volunteer immediately, your time and energy may be needed in the future to help the people of Haiti. Thank you for your support.
H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU)
Source: Larimer County Department of Health and Environment
HEALTH UPDATE - H1N1 FLU VIRUS
SOURCE: LARIMER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
For more information on H1N1 vaccination and where you can get it in Larimer County, visit www.larimerflu.org and click on “Local H1N1 Clinics.”
For updated and the most reliable information:
Where to get a seasonal flu shot in Larimer County and prices etc
http://www.larimer.org/health/chs/flu.htm
What’s happening in Colorado? Link to Colorado Dept. of Health and Environment
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/
Free, downloadable resources on caring for sick people at home (including kids) and what to do now to prepare are available at:http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/h1n1.html
scroll down to: Colorado Home Healthcare Guides (English and Spanish) and to fact sheets.
9/23/09
CDC Recommendations for Groups that should receive Seasonal Flu Vaccine, Novel H1N1 (swine) Flu Vaccine, and Antiviral Treatment If Flu Symptoms Develop
* Health conditions associated with higher risk include chronic disorders such as diabetes or heart, kidney or lung
disease, or a weakened immune system, such as from medications or HIV infection.
**In addition to persons of any age with health conditions noted above (*), persons at higher risk for medical complications from influenza include young children, pregnant women, and adults over 50, especially over 65.
† In years where seasonal flu vaccine is plentiful, CDC recommends flu vaccination to all healthy adults who want to avoid influenza illness.
1 Allowed under FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization due to pandemic outbreak
******************
The complete CDC guidance is too lengthy to include here. However, key messages to the general public are:
STAY HOME if you are ill with a fever/respiratory symptoms.
- Do not go to work.
- Do not send sick children to school or daycare
- Do not have employees work if they are ill
Avoid crowds and people who are ill if possible
Wash hands frequently
Don’t put your hands to your eyes, mouth or nose
Cough/sneeze into elbow or sleeve, rather than hands
If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw tissue in trash and wash hands.
Disaster Response and 2-1-1
* 2-1-1 collaborates with other voluntary agencies, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency managers to assure coordinated response during community emergencies
* 2-1-1 provides a built in surge capacity for public information during disasters.
* 2-1-1 connects victims of disasters quickly with emergency services.
* 2-1-1 links those offering help during emergencies to the appropriate response.
* 2-1-1 relieves 9-1-1 from callers with social needs allowing 9-1-1 dispatchers to focus on emergency services
