H1N1 Pandemic Flu Update

The global spread of H1N1 pandemic flu continues.  There are now over 40,000 confirmed cases in the US, and it is estimated that at least 1 million people have been actually gotten the disease.  CDC, state and local health departments are transitioning to a less intensive resource method for tracking the spread of H1N1.  We will only be reporting the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to H1N1.  And instead of counting individual cases, which are underreported, we’ll be using the same tracking system for H1N1 that we use for seasonal flu.  This will still allow us to determine when and where flu activity is occurring, track flu-related illness, determine what flu viruses are circulating, detect changes in flu viruses and measure the impact of flu on hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. 

For additional information on H1N1 and what you can do to  protect you and your family from both seasonal and H1N1 flu click HERE.

It is Mosquito Season.

August is peak season for mosquito activity. A few ways that you can assist in controlling the mosquito population are to get rid of old tires, cans, bottles, jars, buckets and any other containers that hold water. You should also check the gutters on your home to make sure that they are clean and working properly. Anywhere that water collects is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Be sure to review the mosquito spraying map on the FCBH website to find the mosquito spraying schedule for your area.

If you have questions, want to report a complaint or need additional information about mosquitoes, call the Franklin County Board of Health’s Mosquito Bite Line at (614) 462-BITE (2483) and leave a message; your call will be returned. You can also click HERE for more information.

 Are You Up-to-Date?

With school just around the corner, it is important to have your children’s immunizations current. The Franklin County Board of Health offers child and adult immunizations at 13 clinic sites throughout Franklin County. Required immunizations are available for a $10.00 administration fee to children ages one month to 18 years of age. In addition, there is a $15.00 assessment fee that will be charged each visit. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Please be sure to bring your child’s shot record with you to the clinic. A completed consent form is required if a parent or legal guardian is not present at the clinic. Click HERE for the consent form.

Adult immunizations are also available at the clinic and vary in price according to the vaccine however international travel immunizations are not available.

A meningitis vaccination is recommended for all college and college-bound students. The cost is $105 for students 19 years of age and older. Students, 18 years old and younger, only pay the $10.00 administration fee and $15.00 assessment fee. The meningitis vaccination is available at all of our clinic locations. Click HERE for additional information from the CDC regarding the importance of the vaccination.

For additional information and a complete list of our monthly immunization clinics, click HERE or call (614)462-6674.

Bed Bugs are Here.

We have all heard the expression, “Sleep tight.  Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”  But, did you know that bed bugs are real and they are right here in Franklin County? 

Bed bugs are wingless insects that feed off of the blood of humans and other mammals mostly at night.  They cause red itchy welts on the skin through bed bug “bites”, which is actually caused by the bed bug drawing blood.

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be picked up almost anywhere. Unfortunately, they are also the houseguests who never leave.  An integrated pest management (IPM) approach of sanitation and chemical and non-chemical measures are required to get rid of bed bugs, which includes a licensed commercial pesticide applicator.   Remember this on your next vacation, your visit to the thrift store, or the next time you have friends over for dinner.   These are all ways bed bugs can invade your home.

Prevention is crucial when it comes to bed bugs.  For tips to help protect you and your family from bed bugs, click HERE.