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| Lewis County Public Health Issues 2017 Annual Report Breaking Down Investigations and Activities 02/24/18 12:15pm |
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Report, breaking down cases investigated and other activities and actions for the agency during 2017. The report lists communicable disease and sexually transmitted disease investigations for the county during the past year (included in the graphic below). Excluding flu cases, the agency totaled 361 investigations. Note that these are the number of cases that triggered an investigation and further testing to confirm or rule out any specific disease. Not all investigations result in a positive diagnosis for any of the diseases. Actual number of positive results were not included.
Communicable Disease Nurse and the Public Health Animal Control Officer investigated each report, providing education and follow up as needed. There were 6 positive specimens including 2 skunks, 1 raccoon, 2 cats, and 1 fox. LCPH and the County Rabies Control Officer addressed the human and animal needs related to these outcomes. Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) was administered to 21 people due to exposures to bats and rabid, or suspected rabid, animals. Nine rabies clinics were held throughout the year in several different locations within the county. 862 pets were vaccinated. The clinics are provided in collaboration with Countryside Veterinary Clinic. An aerial rabies bait drop occurred over most of Lewis County in August, 2017. This rabies bait drop will serve to vaccinate wildlife in areas vulnerable to rabies and enhance protection for residents and domestic animals. This bait drop is done in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, Cornell University, USDA, and the New York State Department of Health. Lyme disease is indigenous to Lewis County, and all ticks are considered vectors of Lyme disease, according to the report. Public Health staff investigated 59 reports of suspected and/or confirmed Lyme disease cases throughout the year. Surveillance was conducted with physician practices and the emergency room for any meningitis or encephalitis type illnesses that occurred throughout the mosquito season. Zika virus became a public health priority in the spring of 2016. LCPH was responsible for authorizing Zika testing for individuals who traveled to affected countries who either were pregnant or had developed symptoms of Zika virus. Lewis County Public Health authorized 1 pregnant woman for testing. A total of 844 individuals were vaccinated with the Immunization Program through weekly clinics, travel clinics, walk ins, and employer sponsored clinics. Public Health bills several insurance plans for privately funded vaccines and for administrative costs associated with state-funded vaccines. 11 uninsured adults received free vaccines through the Vaccines for Adults program. 145 children who were uninsured or receiving Medicaid received free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. A total of 324 adults and 104 children received flu vaccines throughout the year. Six private flu clinics were held at various businesses throughout the county, immunizing a total of 264 individuals. Travel counseling and vaccines were provided to 28 people through the International Travel Immunization Clinic. The entire 2017 Lewis County Public Health Annual Report can be viewed here. |
