Working to Build Healthy Communities Every Day
Harmful blue-green algae can be dangerous to people and pets. If you plan to visit a lake in Ohio, be on the lookout for greenish colored water. Algae blooms have become more common in Ohio the last few years. To find water advisories for lakes across Ohio visit BeachGuard at https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/residents/resources/beachguard
The Warren County Health District is advising that state and local public health officials across the state of Ohio are investigating reports of six Ohioans who experienced severe pulmonary illness following the use of e-cigarettes or vaping. The investigations in the State of Ohio follow the national alert by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is currently investigating pulmonary illness in adolescents and young adults linked to vaping in 16 states.
According to CDC, patient respiratory symptoms have included cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks and required hospitalization. Other symptoms reported by some patients included fever, chest pain, weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea.
Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe in can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals; heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead; volatile organic compounds which can adversely impact health; ultrafine particles that can reach deep into lungs; and flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical used to give butter-like and other flavors that is linked to serious lung disease.
Information about vaping and risks associated with e-cigarette use is available on the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Information about resources to help people quit smoking and vaping are available on the ODH website, including the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW).
The Warren County Health District is asking healthcare providers to report all suspected cases of serious pulmonary associated with vaping using the form linked below.
Ohio has its first confirmed case of Measles. ODH issued a press release indicating a confirmed case located in Stark County. More details are outlined in the media release. Are you and your family protected from the measles? Make sure your vaccines are up to date. To schedule an appt. for a measles vaccine at WCHD call 513-695-1468.
The Warren County Health District will not be able to issue, process, or provide copies of birth or death records starting at 3 PM On Monday July 1st due to a computer server migration at the state level. The issuance of birth and death records will recommence at the open of business on July 2nd.
It’s not too late to get a flu shot. WCHD still has flu vaccine available, call 513-695-1468 for an appointment. Below is a flu prevention guide for parents: