CCHD Reminds Residents how to Protect Themselves from Hantavirus

With the recent tragedy regarding a young woman contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) wants to remind residents that there are steps they can take to protect themselves against infection from Hantavirus.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by Hantavirus. It is a very serious illness that is present in the environment and we want to make sure all residents know the steps they can take to reduce their chances of contracting this illness,” said Alicia M. Thompson, Health Officer. “For your safety, take all recommended steps to control rodent populations and clean up rodent waste properly. If you have been around rodents and start to exhibit illness symptoms it is crucial to seek medical care immediately and let your provider know you have been exposed to rodent waste.”

Hantavirus is carried by infected deer mice and can be passed on through their urine, saliva, or droppings. The percentage of infected deer mice is highly dependent on environmental factors and can vary greatly between seasons. Cascade County had two cases in 2012, and there have been two cases in Montana so far in 2013. It is possible that other infections could occur if people don’t take steps to protect themselves. Common tasks such as sweeping and moving boxes can disturb areas that have dried saliva, urine, or droppings from infected deer mice. As infected material is moved around, tiny particles with the virus in them get kicked up into the air. It is these tiny particles that can make you sick when they are inhaled or get into your eyes, mouth, or broken skin.

Symptoms can begin one to six weeks after being exposed to the virus. The illness typically starts with 3-5 days of “flu-like” symptoms including fever, sore muscles, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Within a few days the illness rapidly progresses to severe shortness of breath.

Early diagnosis of Hantavirus and immediate medical care increase the likelihood of a full recovery. Individuals exposed to rodents or their waste who experience symptoms should immediately seek medical treatment and notify their provider that they have been around rodents or rodent wastes. Providing this information to your provider will help him or her to look closely for any rodent-carried disease, such as Hantavirus.

The best way to prevent Hantavirus transmission is by controlling rodent populations in areas where you live and work.

• Seal up cracks and gaps in buildings that are larger than 1/4 inch, including window and door sills, under sinks around the pipes, in foundations, attics, and any rodent entry hole.
• Trap indoor rats and mice with snap traps, and remove rodent food sources.
• Keep food (including pet food) in rodent-proof containers.

If you find places where rodents have nested, or if you find rodent droppings or waste, follow these steps to help prevent exposure to Hantavirus while cleaning:

• Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
• Thoroughly spray/soak area with a disinfectant or mixture of bleach and water to reduce dry dusty conditions in the area being cleaned (visit http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html or call 454-6950 and ask for a Public Health Nurse for specific mixing instructions).
• Wipe or mop the area with a sponge or paper towel (throw away items after use).
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing gloves.
• Never sweep or vacuum in these areas as this can stir up dust and aerosolize the droppings.

More information on Hantavirus and its prevention can be found on our printable fact sheet or by calling 454-6950 and asking to speak with a Public Health Nurse.

CCHD Reminds Residents to Avoid Bats

The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) wants to remind people to exercise caution around wild animals, especially bats. “Bats are beneficial in many ways, including insect control, but are also known to be carriers of rabies in Montana,” says Alex Dachs, Environmental Health Sanitarian for CCHD. He goes on to add that “as more people attend summer camps, recreate outside, and open their houses to the warmer air of summer, the possibility of coming into contact with bats increases. We just want to remind people of the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.”

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks an individual’s nervous system, so it is imperative that people understand the importance of protecting themselves. Here are some preventative steps that can be taken to make sure that contact with wild animals is limited and outdoor time is safe and enjoyable.

• Enjoy wild animals (racoons, bats, foxes) from afar. Never handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
• Bat-proof your house. Close all outside openings larger than 3/8″ in the walls, roof, and floors. Put screens on all windows, doors, and chimneys to prevent bats from entering structures where they might come into contact with people and pets. For more tips and information, visit www.cchdmt.org.
• Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies and make sure they have a current rabies certificate. Cats are especially susceptible to rabies exposure from bats because cats catch more bats more often than dogs do.
• If you find a dead bat or other animal, don’t touch or handle it and make sure you dispose of it properly. Without touching the animal, use a scoop or shovel to pick it up and place it in a plastic garbage bag. The bag containing the remains can then be placed in an outside garbage can.
• If a bat has made its way into your home, use caution and call animal control. It is important that the bat is captured, sent in, and tested for rabies.
• Healthy bats will naturally be drawn to areas like the eaves of a house, under a porch overhang, or hidden behind shutters or gutters; seeing them in one of those areas is not necessarily cause for concern.

If you have been bitten by an animal, please contact your physician, report to a local Emergency Department, or contact CCHD at 454-6950 to ensure that you receive proper treatment.

For more information please visit our website at www.cchdmt.org or call CCHD at 454-6950 and ask to speak with an Environmental Health Sanitarian.

Free Radon Testing Kits Available at CCHD

The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) is pleased to announce that they have a limited number of free radon test kits available to the public. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “radon is the number on cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.”

“Since radon is odorless and colorless, and it is difficult to  identify immediate symptoms related to exposure, testing is important to know if it is present in a home,” states Bruce Treis, Sanitarian for CCHD. “CCHD is participating in the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) radon program to gather statewide radon data by offering these free short term radon kits to the public. Knowing if radon is present in a home can allow individuals to take steps towards protecting their family from this potentially toxic substance.”

Anyone interested in obtaining a free testing kit can stop by CCHD’s main campus at 115 4th Street South from 8am-noon and 1-5pm. These kits can be obtained via request at the front desk. Numbers are limited and will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. Instructions are included for how to use the 48 hour test canister and how to mail it to the data collection location.

For more information on radon testing kits, please call Bruce Treis at 791-9273 or visit CCHD’s Air Quality page.

Free HAZWOPER Training Course

In response to OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Program that protects workers at hazardous sites, a 40 hour HAZWOPER training course will be held the last week of February 2013. The course has been designed and is required for workers that will potentially be exposed to hazardous substances including during:

• Clean-up operations
• Operations involving hazardous waste at facilities
• The storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous substances
• Emergency response operations

 In preparation for the future removal of soils on properties located in the Neihart Superfund site, EPA and the Cascade City-County Health Department are offering this course to area contractors and their employees at no expense to the participant other than travel and food costs.

 The course will be held in Neihart at the Neihart Community Center on Main Street on February 25-March 1 from 8am to 5pm. Class size is limited; register no later than February 18, 2013.

 For questions or to register contact:

• Sandy Johnson, City-County Health Department, 406-791-9275
• Tillman McAdams, EPA, 406-457-5015
• Michael Lasher, Pacific Western Technologies, 406-457-5495

 Click here for a course agenda.

To view a printable flyer advertising the course, click here.

Two Bats Test Positive for Rabies in Great Falls

In the past week, two bats submitted from the city of Great Falls have tested positive for the Rabies virus at the Montana Department of Livestock Diagnostic Lab in Bozeman. Previously, 23 animals have tested positive for Rabies in Cascade County since 1983: 19 bats, 2 cats, 1 skunk and 1 horse.

 Rabies is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system that is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is transmitted by bites or exposure to the saliva of infected animals. Montana law requires local health departments to follow up on all animal bites, “to assess the risk of Rabies exposure in persons bitten or otherwise exposed to animal saliva.” Fortunately, Rabies is 100% preventable if exposure is identified early enough, and preventive treatment is safe and effective.

 There are steps you can take to prevent your level of exposure to the Rabies virus. If you find a bat inside your home, cabin, tent or camper, you need to evaluate the possibility of human or animal exposure to the bat’s saliva. This can be done with assistance from the Health Department or Animal Control Officers. If no exposure was possible, dispose of the bat away from people and other animals, using gloves or a dustpan to avoid touching the bat. If you are bitten by any animal, you should immediately 1) wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water; 2) capture the animal if this can be done safely (otherwise call local animal-control services for assistance); 3) report the incident to local or state public health officials; and 4) visit your healthcare provider for evaluation regarding the need for post-exposure treatment.

 Vaccinate your pets for Rabies. The greatest risk to the residents in Cascade County may be from unvaccinated pets who encounter rabid bats without the knowledge of pet owners. If an unvaccinated pet develops Rabies, they may bite owners or other citizens. Local Ordinances require that all dogs and cats over 6 months of age have current Rabies vaccinations.

 Prevent Potential Exposure to Rabies with these tips from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Department of Livestock:

•  Never feed or handle wild animals, especially bats.
• Vaccinate dogs and cats against Rabies. Cats are especially susceptible to Rabies exposure from bats because they catch bats more often than dogs.
• Bat-proof your house. Close outside openings larger than 3/8 inch in walls, roof and floors with caulking, steel wool or expandable foam, and put screens on all doors, windows and chimneys. Additional bat proofing information is on the CCHD website.
• Watch for abnormal wild animal behavior. If you see an animal acting strangely, leave it alone and call law enforcement or the CCHD.

To learn more about Rabies and Rabies prevention, visit the following online resources:

• CCHD’s Environmental Health Division
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/Rabies
•  MT Dept. of Public Health & Human Services includes new video reminding children not to play with bats. http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/
•  MSU Agricultural Extension Service, “Coping with Bats in Montana Homes” http://www.animalrangeextension.montana.edu/articles/wildlife/Bats_Montguide.pdf

Take Steps to Prevent West Nile Virus

Montana public health officials have reported the state’s first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a human.  The case was confirmed in Custer County, but serves as an important reminder to individuals across the state that they should take steps to minimize mosquito bites.

As of August 1, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 241 WNV cases Nationwide, including 4 deaths.  This is an increase in reports nationally, however Cascade County Weed and Mosquito Management District reports that they have tested nearly 90 mosquito pools (over 4,000 Culex tarsalis mosquitoes – the vector for WNV) with no positive samples. Ryan Arkoudas, Manager for the District reassures residents, “We have been testing mosquito pools for West Nile Virus since mid-June and will continue to do so through September if the vector mosquitoes persist.” He goes on to add that the “types and numbers of mosquitoes are tracked constantly throughout the county so that we can ensure we are taking all possible steps to help protect residents from WNV.”

The severity and symptoms of WNV can vary widely.  Approximately 80% of persons infected experience no symptoms, but up to 20% of persons can develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever.  West Nile fever generally resolves itself without treatment, but dangerous brain infections such as encephalitis or meningitis can develop in 1 out of 150 people.  Symptoms of these diseases might include  headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis.  Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their healthcare  provider immediately.

The single best defense against WNV is bite prevention. To protect yourself, use the 4 Ds:

• DEET-Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such  as DEET, and follow the directions on the package.
• DUSK and DAWN-This is when mosquitoes are most active. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN STANDING WATER-Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain such areas around your home (gutters, pools, tires, buckets, water bowls, etc.).
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY-Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.

For more information, click here or download our printable fact sheet. You can also visit the Cascade County Weed and Mosquito Management District’s website at www.cascademosquito.org.

CCHD Reminds Residents to Avoid Bats

The Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) wants to remind people to exercise caution around wild animals, especially bats. “Bats are beneficial in many ways, including insect control, but are also known to be carriers of rabies in Montana,” says Laura Brusky, Environmental Health Sanitarian for CCHD. She goes on to add that “as more people attend summer camps, recreate outside and open their houses to the warmer air of summer, the possibility of coming into contact with bats increases. We just want to remind people of the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.”

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks an individual’s nervous system, so it is imperative that people understand the importance of protecting themselves. Here are some preventive steps that can be taken to make sure that contact with wild animals is limited and outdoor time is safe and enjoyable.

• Enjoy wild animals (raccoons, bats, foxes) from afar. Never handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear to be friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
• Bat-proof your house. Close all outside openings larger than 3/8″ in the walls, roof and floors. Put screens on all windows, doors and chimneys to prevent bats from entering structures where they might come in contact with people and pets. For more tips and information, click here.
• Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies and make sure they have a current rabies certificate. Cats are especially susceptible to rabies exposure from bats because cats catch bats more often than dogs do.
• If you find a dead bat or other animal, don’t touch or handle it, and make sure you dispose of it properly. Without touching the animal, use a scoop or shovel to pick it up and place it in a garbage bag. The bag containing the remains can then be placed in an outside garbage can.
• If a bat has made its way into your home, use caution and call animal control. It is important that the bat is captured, sent it and tested for rabies.
• Healthy bats will naturally be drawn to areas like the eaves of a house, under a porch overhang or hidden behind shutters or gutters; seeing them in one of these areas is not necessarily a cause for concern.

If you have been bitten by an animal, please contact your physician, report to a local Emergency Department or contact CCHD at 454-6950 to ensure that you recieve proper treatment.

For more information please visit CCHD’s Rabies Prevention page or call CCHD and ask to speak with an Environmental Health Sanitarian.

Stay Healthy While Celebrating

As you plan for your Fourth of July picnics and gatherings, the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) reminds you to put food safety on your checklist.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of food-borne diseases. Food-borne illnesses can affect anyone; however, the young, the elderly and those who may have an underlying illness are most susceptible to food-borne illnesses. The good news is that there are ways you can keep yourself and your family safe during this year’s celebrations!

• Clean-Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards before and after contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs.
• Separate-Keep raw meat and poultry apart from foods that won’t be cooked, and never put cooked foods back on a plate that held raw meat.
• Cook-Use a food thermometer-you can’t tell food is cooked safety by how it looks.
• Chill-chill leftovers and takeout foods within 2 hours, and keep the fridge at 40F or below.

In addition to the clean, separate, cook and chill recommendations, individuals should also be aware of their hygiene when preparing food. Always wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Germs can be spread when individuals do non-food related tasks such as handle money, use the restroom, smoke, etc. If hands aren’t washed properly, any germs that may have been acquired during those activities can be transferred to the food and then consumed.

Remember that there are ways to ensure that the food you prepare will be safe as well as delicious. For more information or tips, please visit www.cchdmt.org or call 454-6950 and ask for an Environmental Health Sanitarian.

Second Case of Hantavirus in Cascade County

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services confirmed a second case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in a Cascade County resident for 2012. This will be the fourth confirmed case in Montana so far this year.  Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) strongly urges residents to take steps to protect themselves from Hantavirus.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by Hantavirus.  It is a very serious illness that is present in the environment and residents must take steps to protect themselves.” said Alicia M. Thompson, Health Officer.  “For your safety, take all recommended steps to control rodent populations and clean up rodent waste properly.  If you have been around rodents and start to exhibit symptoms is it crucial to seek medical care immediately and let your provider know you have been exposed to rodent waste.”

Hantavirus is carried by infected deer mice and can be passed on through their urine, saliva, or droppings.  The percentage of infected deer mice is highly dependent on environmental factors and can vary greatly between seasons.  Because Cascade County has recently seen two cases, it is likely that other infections could occur if people don’t take steps to protect themselves. Common tasks such as sweeping and moving boxes can disturb areas that have dried saliva, urine, or droppings from infected deer mice. As infected material is moved around, tiny particles with the virus in them get kicked up into the air. It is these tiny particles that can make you sick when they are breathed in or get into your eyes, mouth or broken skin.

Symptoms can begin one to six weeks after being exposed to the virus. The illness typically starts with 3-5 days of “flu-like” symptoms including fever, sore muscles, headaches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.  Within a few days the illness rapidly progresses to severe shortness of breath.

Early diagnosis of Hantavirus and immediate medical care increase the likelihood of a full recovery.  Individuals exposed to rodents or their waste who experience symptoms should immediately seek medical treatment and notify their provider that they have been around rodents or rodent wastes. Providing this information to your provider will help him or her to look closely for any rodent-carried disease, such as Hantavirus.

The best way to prevent Hantavirus transmission is by controlling rodent populations in areas where you live and work.

• Seal up cracks and gaps in buildings that are larger than 1/4 inch, including window and door sills, under sinks around the pipes, in foundations, attics and any rodent entry hole.
• Trap indoor rats and mice with snap traps, and remove rodent food sources.
• Keep food (including pet food) in rodent-proof containers.

If you find places where rodents have nested, or if you find rodent droppings or waste, follow these steps to help to prevent exposure to Hantavirus while cleaning:

• Wear rubber or plastic gloves
• Thoroughly spray/soak area with a disinfectant or mixture of bleach and water to reduce dry dusty conditions in the area being cleaned (visit http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html or call 454-6950 and ask for a Public Health Nurse for specific mixing instructions)
• Wipe or mop the area with a sponge or paper towel (throw away items after use)
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing gloves
• Never sweep or vacuum in these areas as this can stir up dust and aerosolize the droppings

More information on Hantavirus and its prevention can be found at www.cchdmt.gov or by calling 454-6950 and asking to speak with a Public Health Nurse.

Prevent Contact With Venomous Spiders

The Black Widow

As you begin to prepare your home and yard for winter, you may be greeted by the appearance of some unwelcome guests. Venomous spiders can be dangerous to outdoor workers, and can occasionally find their way into structures and buildings, presenting a risk indoors as well. Venomous spiders found in the United States include the black widow, the brown recluse and the hobo spider. Most spider bites occur because the spider is unintentionally contacted. You can lessen your chances of being bitten by educating yourself about the identification of these spiders and their habitats and by following some preventive measures.

Venomous spiders are most often found in places where they are unlikely to be disturbed: woodpiles, under eaves, in fences and retaining walls, under piles of rocks and leaves and near foundations. If they venture inside, as they may do when the weather grows colder, the spiders may be found between boxes or other storage items; behind furniture; in closets, basements and attics. Be aware that these spiders usually build their nests between objects; use caution when reaching into an area such as this.

Take the following steps to prevent coming in contact with venomous spiders:

• Inspect or shake out any clothing, shoes, towels or equipment before use, especially if it was previously piled with other materials on the floor.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots when working with stacked or previously undisturbed piles of materials.
  

  The Brown Recluse

• Minimize the empty spaces between stacked materials.
• Remove or reduce debris, including tall grasses and weeds, from around outdoor work areas.
• Store apparel and equipment in tightly closed bins or bags.

Hobo spiders are not uncommon in our area, are potentially dangerous and should be approached with caution. Hobo spiders are also known as aggressive house spiders because some may bite with little provocation and move forward to attack when cornered or threatened. Hobo spiders are poor climbers, so are rarely found above ground level. They are, however, more commonly found indoors than other venomous spiders. Hobo spiders can be identified by their large size, brown color and distinct yellow markings on their abdomen. Hobo spiders do not have dark bands on their legs like other similar looking spiders.

The hobo spider’s bite has been described as a light prick sensation. Within a few days, however, a severe, slow-healing wound may develop. This wound may scab over and appear harmless, but tissues underneath the scab can begin to die and slough away. If left untreated, this tissue loss may require surgical repair. A severe headache

A Hobo Spider

that does not respond to aspirin is the most common symptom. Other symptoms, including nausea, weakness, fatigue, temporary memory loss and vision impairment may be present, but do not always accompany a bite. It’s important to note that no known deaths have resulted from hobo spider bites; however, a person bitten should seek immediate medical attention.

For more information on venomous spiders, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To learn more about hobo spiders, visit the Montana State University Extension.