Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is generally transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose or mouth of a person or animal. Prompt post exposure treatment is essential because once symptoms become apparent, rabies is nearly 100% fatal.

Animals infected with rabies may show a variety of signs, including fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering and seizures. Rabid wild animals may only display unusual behaviors: for example an animal that is usually only seen at night may be seen wandering at daytime. Only mammals can get rabies; birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians cannot. Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats, and some farm animals are most likely to contract rabies. Rabbits, squirrels, rat, mice, and rodent pets seldom get rabies.

In recent years cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies. Bats still are the most problematic of the carriers because their teeth are so tiny that bites often go undetected by the victim. If bats are discovered inside the living quarters, for example when the residents are sleeping, post exposure prophylaxis is always recommended if the bat cannot be captured for testing.

Rabies vaccinations and animal control programs, along with prompt evaluation and treatment for people who have been bitten by a potentially rabid animal, have dramatically reduced the number of human rabies cases in the United States.

What can I do to help control rabies and protect my family?

• Please remind your children to NEVER pet stray animals
• Make sure to have your family pets vaccinated yearly
• Keep your pets on a leash and not roaming free
• Do not leave exposed garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals
• Do not feed feral cats or stray animals
• Observe all animals in the wild from a distance
• Report any stray animal acting strangely to your local animal control
• Bat proof your home and other living structures
• If you think you have come into contact with a rabid animal or have any questions regarding rabies, please contact the Health Department at 770-339-4260

For more information check out World Rabies Day on the web!

Information Contributed by AIDSinfo

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day—a day to highlight the challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care that older Americans face. Although HIV risk factors are similar for all adults, older adults may be less aware of these factors and the importance of testing to detect HIV in its earliest stages.  CDC reports that in 2014, 40% of people aged 55 and older were diagnosed with AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Thanks to treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV are living longer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, an estimated 45% of Americans living with diagnosed HIV were aged 50 and older.

Nonetheless, CDC recommends that everyone 13 to 64 years old get tested for HIV at least once and that people at high risk of infection get tested more often. Your health care provider may recommend HIV testing if you are over 64 and at risk for HIV infection.

Age-related factors can complicate HIV treatment in older adults.

• Decreased liver and kidney functions with age. This decline may make it harder for the body to process HIV medicines and increase the risk of side effects.

• Older adults with HIV may have other conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, that can make it more difficult to manage HIV infection. In addition, HIV may affect the aging process and increase the risk of age-related conditions such as dementia, bone loss, and some cancers. Taking HIV medicines and medicines for other conditions at the same time may increase the risk of drug-drug interactions and side effects.
• The immune system may not recover as well or as quickly in older adults taking HIV medicines as it does in younger people.

Despite these age-related factors, some studies have shown that older adults are more adherent to their HIV medicine regimens—meaning they take their HIV medicines every day and exactly as prescribed—than younger adults.

Click on the links below to find National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day resources and information about HIV and aging.

CDC

AIDS info

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, ensure that your food and water sources are safe for consumption and your home is safe from mold.

• Food may not be safe to eat during and after an emergency.
• Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Excess moisture can contribute to the growth of mold in homes. 

In order to help protect yourself and family from threats before, during, and after the hurricane, the CDC and FDA have developed materials on food & water safety.  Visit the links below for more information:

General Food Safety Guidelines from the CDC

Food Safety during Power Outages Video

Food & Water Safety After a Storm

Restaurants & Grocers Reopening After a Storm

(click to enlarge)

Additional Safety Information:

Post Flood Food Service Establishments Fact Sheet

Disinfecting Private Wells After Flooding

FAQ After a Drinking Water Advisory

Floodwater and Food

Getting Rid of Mold Post-Flood

Homeowners & Renters Guide to Mold Removal

Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding

Mold After Flooding 

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

Information Contributed by Ready.Gov 

National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, is a  reminder that we all must prepare now and throughout the year. This year NPM is focused on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How

Throughout the year, take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid. Check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornados. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

The devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017 reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters. Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.

https://www.ready.gov/september

Wednesday, August 29 to Friday, August 31, 9 am – 1 pm, Gwinnett County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program is hosting a farmer’s market outside of the Lilburn Square WIC Center, located at 5342 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lilburn, GA 30047.

“The program gives our clients the chance to interact with local farmers and learn about wholesome eating,” said Julie Alvarez, the manager of Lilburn WIC with the Gwinnett County Health Departments. “The produce available is Georgia-grown, so it gets to stay local and help families in need.”

The farmer’s market is just one way to keep the Lilburn community engaged with the WIC program. Recently, the Health Department announced that the Lilburn Square WIC Center would merge with the Norcross Health Center to better serve clients in the area. The Norcross Health Center has more space that can be utilized for the WIC program.

“We are excited about the move,” said Alvarez. “It’s only four miles away from our current location, and all the friendly faces our clients are used to will be moving to the new location – still servings our current clients while expanding our reach.”

The farmer’s market is open to all Gwinnett County WIC clients. Special WIC-certified farmer’s market vouchers are printed for clients that bring their WIC ID, which gives participants access to free fruits and vegetables from local farmers.

Prevent West Nile Virus

The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites is to Tip N’ Toss. After every rain fall, tip and toss standing water and debris around your property. Preventing mosquito bites begins with the Five D’s of West Nile prevention:

When emptying containers that can hold standing water, don’t forget about items such as:

Pet Water Bowls	Clogged Gutters	Toys and other containers that may catch rain water

Symptoms of WNV include headache, fever, neck discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that usually develop three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying conditions are at greater risk for complications from the disease.

The CDC has put together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about West Nile Virus.  Information is available in both English and Spanish:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm

Download a PDF of Mosquito Control: Tip n’ Toss.

As of October 1^st, the Lilburn WIC Office has moved to the Norcross Health Center located at 5030 Georgia Belle Court.

If you have any more questions, call us at 770-513-9738

Information contributed by World Hepatitis Alliance Toolkit: 

World Hepatitis Day (WHD) takes places every year on 28 July bringing the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.

One of just four disease-specific global awareness days officially endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), WHD unites patient organisations, governments, medical professionals, civil society, industry and the general public to boost the global profile of viral hepatitis.

Patient advocates across the world joined together for the first WHD on 19 May 2008. Following the adoption of a World Health Assembly resolution in 2010, WHD was given global endorsement as the primary focus for national and international awareness-raising efforts. The date was chosen to honour Nobel Laureate Baruch Samuel Blumberg who discovered the hepatitis B virus and was born on 28 July. The resolution resolves that “28 July shall be designated as WHD in order to provide an opportunity for education and greater understanding of viral hepatitis as a global public health problem, and to stimulate the strengthening of preventive and control measures of this disease in Member States.”

Over the last decade, the World Hepatitis Alliance has spearheaded the initiative, resulting in the day evolving and exceeding all expectations: from the first community-led day in 2008, to a truly global celebration marked in almost every country in the world.

Helpful Links:

• World Hepatitis Alliance 
• No hep 
• Missing Millions 

Every year, thousands of Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County children prepare to enter Kindergarten/school with the familiar rush to purchase school supplies, tour new classrooms and be introduced to new teachers and friends.

Through a little early prevention, your child can look forward to a fun, happy and healthy time at school.

Immunizations and Screenings

One key component of preparing for back to school is ensuring your child is up to date with their medical and immunizations requirements. Fees for immunizations start at $15.00. With proper documentation, out of state immunizations records can be transferred onto the required Georgia form 3231 at a cost of $10 per child.

The Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments provide children’s health exams which include lab tests, hearing, vision and dental screenings; nutritional and developmental assessments; and physical exams for infants and children up to age 21.

All screenings done through our health centers include:

Hearing Screening – $15
Vision Screening – $15
Dental Screening – $10

Nutrition – $15

Total Cost – $55
Vision, hearing, and dental records can be transferred from another physician (from any state) with proper documentation for $10 per child. All transferred information must contain documented test results for visual acuity, hearing test levels and dental screening results and the exams must have been completed within a calendar year.

To learn more about services available through our health department, please visit our Clinical Services Page or contact one of the following Health Department locations:

• Buford Health Center– 770-614-2401
• Norcross Health Center– 770-638-5700
• Lawrenceville Health Center– 770-339-4283
• Newton Health Center– 770-786-9086
• Rockdale Health Center– 770-785-4345

To view our back to school flyers, please click the following links:

• Gwinnett Back To School
• Newton Back To School
• Rockdale Back To School

In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27th, GNR Health Departments is encouraging you to get tested for HIV. We’ll be highlighting the Doing It My Way Campaign from the CDC. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Many people with HIV don’t have any symptoms. In the United States, 1 in 8 people living with HIV don’t know they have it.  Even if you don’t feel sick, getting early treatment for HIV is important. Early treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life. Treatment can also make it less likely that you will pass HIV on to other people.

Am I at risk for HIV? HIV is spread through some of the body’s fluids, like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is passed from one person to another by:

• Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) without a condom or dental dam with a person who has HIV
•  Sharing needles with someone who has HIV
• Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or childbirth if the mother has HIV
• Getting a transfusion of blood that’s infected with HIV (very rare in the United States)

In conjunction with National HIV Testing Day, free HIV testing is also available at our testing centers and health clinics.

This Wednesday on June 27th, we are hosting a special HIV testing event. Visit us to get tested, questions answered, and the most up-to date information.

Special event at Walgreens on 5985 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA from 10AM-7PM

For more information, visit the Gwinnett Health Department website at www.gnrhealth.com or call us at 770.339.4260