Public Health Alert Notice

 

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Detected in Missisquoi Bay
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2009
Media Contact: Communication Office
Vermont Department of Health
802-863-7281

BURLINGTON - Elevated levels of toxins detected in a blue-green algae bloom on the eastern shores of the Missisquoi Bay has prompted the
Vermont Department of Health to advise boaters, swimmers and residents to take the following precautions:

* Avoid contact with algae-contaminated water.
* Do not swim or bathe in the water. Remember that children are onsidered to be at higher risk because they are more likely to drink the
water.
* Monitor water intakes for private residences. If you see algae present near the intake, switch to an alternate safe source of water.
* Do not use algae contaminated water to prepare meals or brush teeth. Boiling water will not remove toxins.
* Do not allow pets in algae-contaminated water.

Algae has also been observed in Shelburne Bay, and traces of the scum were also seen along the shoreline at Red Rocks Park in Burlington.

Exposing skin to some kinds of blue-green algae can result in irritation or allergic reactions, and drinking water containing algae that is producing toxins can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.> Anyone who has symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.

Swimming is not the only danger of exposure. People can also inhale or swallow blue-green algae when water skiing or using a jet ski.

No human cases of illness related to blue-green algae have been documented in Vermont since the Health Department and partner agencies including the University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources started a comprehensive surveillance and monitoring system in 1999.

Blooms can be reported by calling the Health Department at 1-800-439-8550 (VT only). Homeowner toxin test kits can be purchased from the Health Department Laboratory at 1-800-660-9997 (VT only).

The Health Department posts an online status map of algae blooms in Lake Champlain, including facts and photographs. The map is posted at: http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/bg_algae/bgalgae.aspx

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Health Department Recognizes National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week

 

Celebrate the Season with Healthy Swimming Habits

 

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2009

Media Contact: Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

 

BURLINGTON, Vt. -  Recreational water illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria can be avoided with common-sense precautions such as keeping germs out of the pool, knowing the status of recreational waterways and beaches, and practicing good health habits with infants and young children.

 

The week before Memorial Day (May 18-24, 2009) has been designated as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

 

"There are so many outstanding places to swim in Vermont, including more than 45 state parks with beaches and swimming areas that are monitored to ensure safe recreational water throughout the summer," said Austin Sumner, MD, MPH, state epidemiologist for environmental health. "Each year we advise people to be aware of the water quality. We track common hazards such as blue-green algae, and remind people to make sure that indoor and outdoor pools are properly cleaned and maintained."

 

The Vermont Department of Health wants to raise awareness about ways to prevent waterborne illnesses and injuries caused by swallowing water, breathing in vapors from chemically treated pools, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, spas, fountains, lakes, ponds and rivers.

 

Waterborne illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptom is diarrhea, which can be caused by Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, E.coli O157:H7 and Norovirus.

 

Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these healthy swimming steps:

*        Don't swim when you have diarrhea.

*        Don't swallow pool water.

*        Practice good health habits. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

*        Take your children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.

*        Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.

*        Wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

*        Remember the importance of proper supervision of children around water.

 

For more information on National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/healthySwimming/rwi_prevention_week.htm.

 

Vermonters who are interested in testing the suitability of their swimming areas' water quality can purchase a kit B from the Health Department Laboratory.  For more information:

 

http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/recwater.aspx#seven

 

For a map of Vermont State Parks that offer swimming areas, please see the amenities map at:  http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/map.cfm and click on the "swimming" check box.  Vermonters who swim could dip a toe into the chilly waters, or take a plunge, during Vermont Days June 13 & 14, 2009 with free entry into all state parks the entire weekend.

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For Immediate Release:

May 20, 2009

 

Contact:

Communication Office

Vermont Department of Health

802-863-7281

 

Second Case of Novel H1N1 Flu Confirmed in Vermont

 

BURLINGTON  The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory has confirmed the state's second case of the novel H1N1 flu that has been circulating across the United States and around the world.

 

A clinical sample from a Windsor County adult was confirmed as positive for novel H1N1 influenza virus on May 19. The individual was not hospitalized and is recovering well at home.

 

On May 8, the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory gained the ability to perform the confirmatory testing of novel human influenza A H1N1, following on-site validation of a high complexity molecular assay provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

 

Since late April, more than 5,700 probable and confirmed cases of the new flu have been reported in the U.S., with more than 10,000 cases reported in 41 countries around the world.

 

It is believed that the new H1N1 flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. There is no vaccine for the novel H1N1 flu. To keep illness from spreading, Vermonters are urged to continue to take simple precautions every day, and to teach children to do the same:

 

*        Cover your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze.

*        Use a tissue when possible and throw it in the trash after use.

*        Wash hands often and well  -  wash for as long as it takes to sing the "ABC" song.

*        Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective.

*        Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

*        If you're sick with flu-like symptoms (sore throat, bad cough, body aches or chills, fever of 100ºF or more, extreme fatigue, sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, stay home from work or school for at least 7 days, even if symptoms go away.

 

Extensive information, tools and resources about H1N1 flu, healthy habits and pandemic preparedness are available at the Health Department's website:

www.healthvermont.gov or dial 2-1-1.