Idaho health officials warn of Salmonella illnesses linked by federal investigators to contaminated cucumbers

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Eight Idaho residents with salmonellosis apparently were sickened by contaminated cucumbers, the Idaho Division of Public Health said Friday.

The affected Idahoans range in age from 2-82 and became ill between Aug. 3rd and Aug. 17th. One was hospitalized but has recovered. These cases appear to be part of a larger national outbreak linked to contaminated cucumbers being recalled. In addition, six other cases, not yet confirmed to be linked to the outbreak, are being investigated by Idaho public health districts. Since early July, 285 people in 27 states have been linked nationwide to this outbreak.

According to the California Department of Public Health, Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego has voluntarily recalled all cucumbers sold under the “Limited Edition” brand label from Aug. 1 through Sept. 3 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The type of cucumber is often referred to as a “slicer” or “American” cucumber and is dark green. They were distributed to Idaho, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, and several other states.  Continue reading “Idaho health officials warn of Salmonella illnesses linked by federal investigators to contaminated cucumbers” →

Idaho leads the nation for number of immunization exemptions for kindergartners

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New vaccination exemption data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Idaho led the nation for school immunization exemption rates during the 2014-2015 school year. The recently published data show 6.5% of Idaho kindergarten students had an exemption on file for at least one vaccine when they registered for school.

Idaho allows immunization exemptions for religious, medical, or philosophical reasons. Of the 6.5% of Idaho’s kindergarteners with an exemption on file, 5.6% were for philosophical reasons, while 0.3% were medical and 0.6% were religious exemptions.

The high exemption rate is concerning for public health and school officials, along with parents of children attending schools.  “Having a high percentage of students who are not fully protected from preventable diseases is concerning, especially for other children who cannot receive vaccine protection because of medical conditions,” says Dr. Christine Hahn M.D., Idaho Public Health Medical Director.  “Many parents sign an exemption for convenience; it may be the path of least resistance when registering a child for school who is behind on their vaccine schedule. However, that path can lead to serious illness to their children or classmates. We believe Idaho can do better.”

2014SchoolEntryExemptions

Continue reading “Idaho leads the nation for number of immunization exemptions for kindergartners” →

Charts for children and adults help determine activity when air is smoky

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AirQualityActivityGuide

Wildfire smoke and poor air quality are going to be with us for a while. The people who are most affected by poor air quality are also the most vulnerable: Children, the elderly, the disabled, and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

Air quality can fluctuate daily around the state, but it  is not expected to significantly improve anytime soon. Please be aware of current conditions and keep children inside when the air quality is unhealthy. Also, check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbors to be sure the air quality is not causing them undue distress.

If you coach children or run a daycare or a school, it’s especially important to be aware of outside air conditions. Sending a child with asthma out to play when air quality is listed as orange (unhealthy for sensitive populations) or red (unhealthy for everyone) could lead to serious health effects for that child. You can check real-time air quality in many Idaho communities through the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s air monitors here.

If you’re not sure, the smoke activity guidelines above and below can help:  Continue reading “Charts for children and adults help determine activity when air is smoky” →

DEQ: Air quality is deteriorating statewide

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Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a statewide air quality advisory earlier this afternoon. This is the first statewide advisory the agency has issued this summer. Here are some tips to help reduce your exposure to smoke and protect your health.

Older adults, infants, children and people with medical conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease are more sensitive to poor air quality. People who use inhalers for asthma or other conditions should keep them close at hand. Everyone is advised to seek medical treatment for uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, choking, or if breathing difficulties continues after they move indoors.  Continue reading “DEQ: Air quality is deteriorating statewide” →

Idaho Public Health and DEQ officials: Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality throughout the state

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Smoke from wildfires in Idaho and neighboring states is affecting the air quality in nearly every Idaho community in the northern and southwestern parts of the state, and officials from public health and environmental quality are reminding residents to be aware of the conditions so they can take precautions.

The strongest smoke impacts are currently occurring across the Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho counties, as well as in southwest Idaho and east toward Twin Falls and north toward Garden Valley and McCall. Air quality is ranging from moderate to unhealthy across these areas, and impacts are from ongoing fires burning in Oregon, Washington and California, and a multitude of local fires that started this week.

“Air quality throughout the state is changing depending on weather patterns and wildfire activity,” said Jim Vannoy, environmental health manager for the Department of Health and Welfare. “Idahoans should be aware of this and check air quality on a regular basis so they can take precautions if they are planning to be outside. We’re especially concerned about children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions who might be more sensitive than most to the smoke in the air.”  Continue reading “Idaho Public Health and DEQ officials: Wildfire smoke is affecting air quality throughout the state” →

Innovative health plan coordinates Medicare and Medicaid services

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For a person enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, navigating those systems simultaneously can be a nightmare. But that is changing. Idaho Medicaid is learning from other states and implementing innovative solutions to better coordinate benefits and manage costs for people in those programs.

People who are eligible for benefits in both programs typically have more than four times the healthcare expenses than Medicare-only beneficiaries. They also have a higher prevalence of complex and chronic health conditions than the general population and must navigate two benefit systems that were not designed to work together.

Idaho Medicaid is proud to offer a coordinated health plan for most Idaho residents who are eligible and enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and full Medicaid coverage. This program, the Medicare-Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP), offers one set of comprehensive benefits, one accountable entity to coordinate the navigation and delivery of services, and one care management team to develop care plans and coordinate benefits.  Continue reading “Innovative health plan coordinates Medicare and Medicaid services” →

New Teen Immunization Data: The Good and the Bad

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Newly released immunization data for school-age teens shows Idaho made steady improvement in overall vaccination rates, but experienced a decline in the vaccine that protects against pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough. With children preparing to go back to school, parents are urged to make medical appointments to protect them before the school year begins.

The 2014 National Immunization Survey (NIS) data for adolescents and teens shows Idaho continues to make steady improvement in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cancer vaccine, along with a big increase in teens protected against meningococcal infection. However, the rate of protection against pertussis slightly declined, drawing concern from public health officials with Idaho’s low rate.

Continue reading “New Teen Immunization Data: The Good and the Bad” →

Payette County Woman Hospitalized With West Nile Virus Infection

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A Payette County woman in her 40s was hospitalized and is now recovering from a neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection. The woman is the second reported human case in as many days, prompting health officials to warn people to take precautions and avoid mosquito bites. (Read about the first case here.)

A neuroinvasive infection can cause severe illness characterized by encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain or spinal cord).  Symptoms of neuroinvasive infections caused by West Nile virus may include a rapid onset of high fever, headache, body aches, neck stiffness, disorientation and tremors. Most people suffering from neuroinvasive infections require hospitalization. Continue reading “Payette County Woman Hospitalized With West Nile Virus Infection” →

Washington County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus Infection

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Idaho’s first human case of West Nile virus infection this year has been confirmed in a Washington County woman in southwest Idaho. The woman, over the age of 50, is recovering from West Nile fever and did not require hospitalization.

Nine Idaho counties in Idaho have reported West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes during routine surveillance which began in mid-June. In addition, a horse, also from Washington County, tested positive for the virus.

Mosquito abatement districts and public health officials are concerned the unseasonably hot weather in late June followed by instances of heavy rains has resulted in increased mosquito populations and an elevated risk of West Nile infection.  Continue reading “Washington County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus Infection” →

New report shows increase in number of obese Idaho adults

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Idaho has a weight problem.

That’s surprising in a state that prides itself on its culture of outdoor activities and recreation, but newly released data on health risks for Idaho adults shows a continued increasing trend in people who are obese or overweight. The Idaho Behavioral Risk Factors, 2013 report shows 29.6 percent of Idaho adults reported being obese, while 64.9 percent said they were overweight. In 2012, 26.8 percent of adults surveyed reported they were obese, with 62.5 percent being overweight.

“Being overweight or obese can cause or worsen serious chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” says Angie Gribble, public health program manager for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). “We all need to work together to turn this trend around because those extra pounds can lead to poor health and premature death.”  Continue reading “New report shows increase in number of obese Idaho adults” →