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Posted: 04/10/24
Arkansas Minority Health Commission to host 8th Biennial Minority Health Summit
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) is hosting its 8th Biennial Minority Health Summit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
“Maternal Health in Arkansas--When Chronic Disease and Social Drivers Interact,” will be an in-person and live-streamed virtual event featuring panels and presentations from local, state, and national leaders, as well as a keynote speaker. Presenting from the Venue at West Wind in North Little Rock, speakers will discuss the impact both social determinants of health and chronic disease have on maternal health outcomes in minority communities.
Covered topics include lived-experience stories from families impacted by loss, the importance of breastfeeding/Arkansas's Milk Bank, gestational diabetes and its effect on maternal health, emerging research in maternal health, the importance of doulas and midwives in the birth journey, plus more. Special guests include Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Kay Chandler and Arkansas Secretary of Health Renee Mallory.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Kathryn Hall-Trujillo. Dr. Hall-Trujillo is the founder and executive director of The Birthing Project, USA. The Birthing Project, USA is the only global African-American maternal and child health program in the country. Its volunteer-led effort encourages better birth outcomes by “providing practical support to women during pregnancy and for one year after the birth of their children.”
Attendees can register for this free event by visiting https://bit.ly/AMHCSummit2024.
The ADH Arkansas Minority Health Commission’s mission is to ensure all minority Arkansans equitable access to preventative health care and to seek ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations. The Commission strives to be a catalyst in bridging the gap in the health status of the minority population and that of the majority population of Arkansas. For more information about the ADH Arkansas Minority Health Commission, please visit: www.arminorityhealth.com.
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National Children’s Dental Health Month teaches children oral hygiene and dental care
(Little Rock, Ark.) – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which promotes the benefits of good oral health to children and their caregivers. This month, the Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health (ADH OOH) will supply oral health kits to the Arkansas State Library to share with partner libraries statewide. Community Health Promotion Specialists and Community Health Nurse Specialists will offer oral health education activities and oral health kits to public schools.
“Brushing teeth and flossing daily at a young age can serve children for their whole lives. Healthy teeth allow children to speak clearly, chew healthy foods, and smile with confidence,” said Dr. Rachel Sizemore, Director of the ADH OOH. “Kids are used to learning important lessons in schools and libraries, making oral health education in those settings a natural fit.”
Tooth and mouth pain in childhood not only affects the mouth. It also leads to missed school days, impacting learning and academic success. Poor oral health in childhood has also been linked to increased risk factors for artery hardening in adulthood.
Brushing teeth and flossing daily are the simplest ways to prevent oral problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental visits are also necessary to fix oral health issues that may develop.
The mission of the ADH Office of Oral Health is to ensure lifelong oral health for all Arkansans. This involves primary prevention, education, accessible and culturally competent community-based oral health care, and informed policy development.
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Cervical Health Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost cervical and breast cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, and routine pap tests to detect pre-cancers. Yet, in 2023, an estimated 160 Arkansas women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 60 women died due to cervical cancer. The state currently ranks as 5th lowest for pap tests that can detect cervical cancer and 8th lowest for HPV vaccination among girls 13-17 years old that can prevent cervical cancer. While cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes. Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented, by having regular screening tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.
Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality through the ADH BreastCare program. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 137,500 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular cervical cancer screening.
For more information about cervical cancer screening, call 1-833-693-2942 or click here to visit ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
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Arkansas Minority Health Commission announces Food Desert Elimination Grant Application
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) - Arkansas Minority Health Commission announces its request for application (RFA) availability for food desert elimination efforts around the state.
The Commission will award a maximum of 4 grants of up to $10,000 each to community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and non-profits focused on food desert elimination. “Arkansas is now ranked #1 in food insecurity and every county in the state now has at least 1 food desert, so providing these funds to organizations doing this targeted work will certainly be impactful,” said Kenya Eddings, Arkansas Minority Health Commission Director. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to community needs assessments, focus groups, technical assistance, and more.
Applications can be obtained by navigating to the Arkansas Department of Health website (www.healthyarkansas.gov) and typing 'Bid Opportunities' in the search bar. The deadline to apply is January 4, 2024 at 3:00pm CST.
The mission of the ADH Arkansas Minority Health Commission is to ensure all minority Arkansans equitable access to preventative health care and to seek ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations.
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Arkansas Dept of Health recognizes healthcare providers for stroke care performance
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recognizes 39 hospitals, 48 ambulance services, two regional teams, and two individuals for excellence in stroke patient care.
The hospital awards are based on stroke care performance as documented in the Arkansas Stroke Registry for July 2022 and June 2023 patient discharges. They are given to hospitals based on the following measures: defect-free stroke care, documentation of stroke bands, and door-to-CT times. Defect-free care is an aggregated metric based on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) Coverdell metrics to ensure stroke patients receive appropriate care. Stroke bands allow for improved data collection for quality improvement, and faster door-to-CT times improve the likelihood of better patient outcomes. To qualify for this award, a hospital must be designated through ADH or a national accreditation body.
The EMS awards are based on documentation of stroke bands and pre-notification. When hospital teams are alerted that a suspected stroke patient is en route by EMS, this helps expedite the patient’s care upon arrival.
Regional recognition is awarded to those geographical areas in Arkansas in which healthcare teams demonstrate the highest level of performance for pre-notification, stroke band documentation, and door-to-CT times.
The Transition of Care award honors organizations or individuals for the exceptional work they did with stroke patients and their families as part of the transition of care for the patient.
“We are delighted to see the improvement in stroke care as demonstrated by these hospitals,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director at the Arkansas Department of Health. “Through our work with the communities, EMS, and hospitals we hope to improve the quality of stroke care among Arkansans with this devastating condition.”
Visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-stroke-registry for a complete listing of all award winners.
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Anti-vaping campaign for young children
Little Rock, Ark. - The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) released a new anti-vaping campaign animated video for children ages 5-7.
Created by ADH staff, Coral’s Reef is a campaign designed to educate young children. The average age of nicotine initiation for minors in Arkansas is 13 years of age. Most anti-vaping campaigns target children 10 years of age and up. Coral’s Reef videos and materials are designed to reach children with anti-vaping and anti-nicotine messages before they start getting messages from peers and the vaping industry.
According to data analysis on the initiation of electronic cigarette use among youth in the U.S., e-cigarette smoking can begin as young as 7 years of age. In Arkansas, the percentage of high school students who use e-cigarettes is now more than double the percentage of high school students who smoke. With e-cigarette usage becoming more frequent among younger children, the need for effective prevention messaging for young Arkansans has become crucial.
To date, two episodes have been released. The first episode has been viewed by over 17,000 Arkansas students. To watch the most recent episode of Coral’s Reef, visit: Coral’s Reef – Nicotine Ep. 2 - YouTube.
Campaign materials can be requested at BeWellArkansas.org.
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Arkansas Department of Health partners with Arkansas Foodbank Network to provide oral health kits to
(Little Rock, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Office of Oral Health is partnering with the Arkansas Foodbank Network to provide more than 5,000 oral health kits to Arkansans in need. The oral health kits, which include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, will be available to the Foodbank’s member organizations beginning this fall.
“Oral health and proper nutrition are closely linked,” said Dr. Rachel Sizemore, ADH Director of the Office of Oral Health. “At the ADH Office of Oral Health, our priority is to help Arkansans take care of the teeth needed to digest healthy foods.”
According to America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, Arkansas ranks last in the nation for the percentage of adults who reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic within the past year. Arkansas also ranks 49th in the nation for the number of adults and children who are food insecure. Food insecurity is an important risk factor for poor oral health in people of all ages. Individuals who are food insecure are more likely to have unmet dental care needs, which can lead to infections, eating difficulties, and tooth decay.
“At the Arkansas Foodbank, we know the correlation between dental health and food insecurity is influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural factors, and individual behaviors,” said Chief Programs Officer, Melissa Cargile. “Through this partnership, we are able to promote oral hygiene habits for thousands of Arkansans facing hunger.”
In addition to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, poor oral health has been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and pre-term or low-birth weight babies. Good oral health is important for all people. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and regular visits to a dentist can prevent or reduce many oral health problems.
“By optimizing oral health, Arkansans impact not only their teeth but also the health of their minds and bodies,” Dr. Sizemore added. “The psychological and social impact of a healthy smile are hard to overstate; and the medical benefits of a healthy mouth are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Building healthy habits from an early age can yield lifelong results.”
The ADH Office of Oral Health’s mission is to promote life-long, optimum oral health for all Arkansans through primary prevention, education, accessible and culturally competent community-based oral health care, and informed policy development.
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Wild bat exposure at State Fairgrounds
Little Rock, Ark. – On Saturday, October 21, two individuals were exposed to a bat that was acting unusually in the horse barn at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. The bat was not captured for testing, and these individuals were advised to begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). As a precaution, we are asking individuals who may have encountered the bat to contact the ADH.
If you or someone you know had direct contact with a bat at the State Fairgrounds, please call the ADH at 501-661-2381 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or call the after-hours number at 800-554-5738 for a risk assessment to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. Alternatively, you can email the ADH . The Arkansas Department of Health does not pay for or provide rabies PEP but can provide consultation to citizens and healthcare providers who have questions about whether it is necessary. There were no animals housed in this barn, so there were no known animal exposures.
Although bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, they can potentially pose a health risk when they are in close contact with humans. A very small percentage of bats (less than 1%) are infected with rabies, and these bats will become ill and behave abnormally, making them more likely to encounter humans. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to people through a bite from an infected animal or more rarely from infectious saliva directly contacting a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound. The rabies virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact or being near an infected animal without direct contact. When appropriate, rabies PEP should be given to exposed individuals to prevent the development of rabies illness. There is no treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms start, and it is nearly 100% fatal, so timely medical intervention is required.
For more information about rabies, click here.
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Locally acquired malaria identified in Arkansas
Little Rock -The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has identified a case of locally acquired malaria in an Arkansas resident. The person resides in Saline County and has not traveled out of the country. This is the only known locally acquired case of malaria in Arkansas.
Multiple other cases of locally acquired malaria contracted in the U.S. have been identified this year. Seven cases of locally acquired malaria were identified in Florida, one case in Texas, and one case in Maryland.
Malaria is transmitted via infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is not transmitted from person to person. So far this year, five additional cases have been reported in Arkansas, but all were acquired outside of the U.S.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, shaking chills, sweating, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting, which start up to 30 days after infection. It is important to seek treatment if you begin to exhibit these symptoms. Malaria can cause disorientation, seizures, anemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and kidney damage without treatment. It can also lead to death.
Individuals can take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellant, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible. Use EPA-registered insect repellants, such as DEET, picaridin, and others. It is also recommended to dump any standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as a bottlecap full of water. If you are traveling internationally to an area where malaria occurs, talk to your healthcare provider about medicines to prevent you from getting malaria.
For more information about malaria, please visit: CDC - Parasites - Malaria.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Nearly 400 women die due to breast cancer and over 2500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer death for women both in Arkansas and in the United States. The state currently ranks as the 32nd lowest for mammography and 46th lowest for pap tests. While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Breast and cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women ages 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 135,800 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast and cervical cancer by getting screened.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Nearly 400 women die due to breast cancer and over 2500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer death for women both in Arkansas and in the United States. The state currently ranks as the 32nd lowest for mammography and 46th lowest for pap tests. While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Breast and cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women ages 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 135,800 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast and cervical cancer by getting screened.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Nearly 400 women die due to breast cancer and over 2500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer death for women both in Arkansas and in the United States. The state currently ranks as the 32nd lowest for mammography and 46th lowest for pap tests. While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Breast and cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women ages 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 135,800 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast and cervical cancer by getting screened.
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Rabid wild bat captured at Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock, Ark. – On Saturday, September 23, the Little Rock Zoo received a report of a wild bat flying erratically on Zoo grounds. The bat tested positive for rabies at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Glen F. Baker Public Health Laboratory. Although we have not yet heard any reports that the bat came in contact with anyone, as a precaution, we are asking individuals who may have encountered the bat to contact the ADH.
If you or someone you know had direct contact with the bat at the Little Rock Zoo on Saturday, please call the ADH at 501-661-2381 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or call the after-hours number at 800-554-5738 for a risk assessment to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. Alternatively, you can email the ADH. ADH does not pay for or provide rabies PEP but can provide consultation to citizens and healthcare providers who have questions about whether it is necessary.
On Saturday, Zoo staff observed unusual behavior by the bat and alerted Zoo veterinary staff. The wild bat, which was not part of the Zoo’s collection, was captured. One of the Zoo’s veterinarians, dressed in appropriate personal protective equipment, collected the animal and humanely euthanized it. There was no known exposure to the Zoo’s animal collection.
The Zoo’s standard operating procedure for wildlife includes due diligence checks and reviews of wild animals to ensure they are disease-free to protect the animal collection, staff, and guests. The Zoo captures animals exhibiting neurologically comprised behavior to test for health status and everyone’s safety.
Although bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, they can potentially pose a health risk when they are in close contact with humans. A very small percentage of bats (less than 1%) are infected with rabies, and these bats will become ill and behave abnormally, making them more likely to encounter humans. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to people through a bite from an infected animal or more rarely from infectious saliva directly contacting a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound. The rabies virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact or being near an infected animal without direct contact. When appropriate, rabies PEP should be given to exposed individuals to prevent the development of rabies illness. There is no treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms start, and it is nearly 100% fatal, so timely medical intervention is required.
For more information about rabies, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/rabies.
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Pulsara app now available statewide
Little Rock, Ark. – Beginning October 1, the Pulsara mobile app will be accessible to all ambulance services, acute care, sub-acute care, long-term acute care, nursing homes, behavioral health hospitals, and other affiliated healthcare facilities in Arkansas through funding by the Arkansas Department of Health. The on-demand and real-time HIPAA-compliant platform allows providers anywhere in the state to coordinate patient care easily using any smart device, desktop, laptop, or browser.
The app is a healthcare communications and patient logistics platform that assists healthcare providers in supporting any patient condition, including time-sensitive emergencies such as heart attacks, cardiac arrests, strokes, traumas, sepsis, behavioral health, and other conditions as needed. The sooner patients are treated for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke and heart attack, the better the outcomes will be. This is critical to decreasing mortality and morbidity and for improving the lives of Arkansans and their families.
"Arkansas is the first state in the country to make the full functionality of this platform available to all EMS agencies, hospitals, affiliated healthcare facilities, public health, public safety, and emergency management," said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH. “This will help our healthcare providers improve communication to improve patient care and outcomes.”
In addition, Pulsara provides the opportunity to assist with all hazards communication for events such as natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, large-scale public events, medical surge load balancing, and bed/services availability. For more information about Pulsara and how to sign your organization up, please reach out to Chris Moline at chris.moline@pulsara.com.
Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov for more information on Arkansas's stroke, heart attack, and trauma programs
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Case of rare infection identified in Arkansas
Little Rock, Ark. – An Arkansas resident has died from Naegleria fowleri infection, a rare infection that destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and in certain cases, death. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), through an investigation involving testing and inspection, concluded that the individual was likely exposed at the Country Club of Little Rock splash pad.
ADH sent multiple samples from the pool and splash pad to the CDC. The CDC has reported one splash pad sample as confirmed to have viable Naegleria fowleri. The remaining samples are still pending. The department has been in contact with the Country Club of Little Rock, and they have been cooperative in inquiries with the ADH.
There is no ongoing risk to the public related to this exposure. The Country Club of Little Rock voluntarily closed the pool and splash pad, and they both remain closed. Naegleria fowleri cannot infect people if swallowed and is not spread from person to person. The last case reported in Arkansas was in 2013. Only about three people in the United States get infected each year, but these infections are usually fatal.
About Naegleria fowleri:
Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. It can also be found in pools and splash pads that are not properly maintained.
Naegleria fowleri is not found in salt water, such as the ocean, and it is not found in properly treated drinking water. It is important to maintain pools and splash pads by making sure that disinfection levels are appropriate and free of soil contamination.
Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection typically start with severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting and then progress to stiff neck, seizures, and coma that can lead to death. Symptoms usually begin about five days after infection but can start within one to twelve days.
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ADH warns of heat-related illnesses
Little Rock, Ark. – As high temperatures continue in the coming weeks, the Arkansas Department of Health encourages people to practice heat safety.
Heat stress is a heat-related illness caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat stress or heat-related death include children under the age of four, seniors aged 65 or older, anyone overweight, and those who are ill or on certain medications.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent heat stress are:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center, or mall.
- Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside or without air conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat and sunglasses when you are in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as directed and reapply as needed.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. It is important for everyone to know the warning signs and what actions to take if someone experiences one of these illnesses.
Heat Stroke: Symptoms include high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and fainting. For heat stroke, call 911 right away, move to a cooler place, and help lower the body temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath.
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting. For heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, loosen clothes, put cool, wet clothes on the body, or take a cool bath, and sip water. Get medical help immediately if vomiting, dizziness, or symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Heat Cramps: Symptoms include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle pain or spasms. For heat cramps, stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait for cramps to go away before starting more physical activity. If someone is on a low-sodium diet, has heart problems, or if cramps last longer than one hour, they should seek medical immediately.
Sunburn: Symptoms include painful, red, and warm skin and blisters on the skin. For sunburn, stay out of the sun until the sunburn heals, put cool clothes on the sunburned areas or take a cool bath, put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas, and do not break blisters.
Heat Rash: Symptoms include red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin, usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases.
Some cities have opened cooling centers, including North Little Rock and Sherwood. Stay aware of places you can go if needed.
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ADH warns of heat-related illnesses
Little Rock, Ark. – As high temperatures continue in the coming weeks, the Arkansas Department of Health encourages people to practice heat safety.
Heat stress is a heat-related illness caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat stress or heat-related death include children under the age of four, seniors aged 65 or older, anyone overweight, and those who are ill or on certain medications.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent heat stress are:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center, or mall.
- Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside or without air conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat and sunglasses when you are in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as directed and reapply as needed.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. It is important for everyone to know the warning signs and what actions to take if someone experiences one of these illnesses.
Heat Stroke: Symptoms include high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and fainting. For heat stroke, call 911 right away, move to a cooler place, and help lower the body temperature with cool clothes or a cool bath.
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting. For heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, loosen clothes, put cool, wet clothes on the body, or take a cool bath, and sip water. Get medical help immediately if vomiting, dizziness, or symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Heat Cramps: Symptoms include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle pain or spasms. For heat cramps, stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait for cramps to go away before starting more physical activity. If someone is on a low-sodium diet, has heart problems, or if cramps last longer than one hour, they should seek medical immediately.
Sunburn: Symptoms include painful, red, and warm skin and blisters on the skin. For sunburn, stay out of the sun until the sunburn heals, put cool clothes on the sunburned areas or take a cool bath, put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas, and do not break blisters.
Heat Rash: Symptoms include red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin, usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases.
Some cities have opened cooling centers, including North Little Rock and Sherwood. Stay aware of places you can go if needed.
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Recall of Specific Frozen Fruit Products Due to Possible Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes
Minneapolis, Minn. – June 21, 2023 – SunOpta Inc’s subsidiary, Sunrise Growers Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of specific frozen fruit products linked to pineapple provided by a third-party supplier due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
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Recall of Specific Frozen Fruit Products Due to Possible Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes
Minneapolis, Minn. – June 21, 2023 – SunOpta Inc’s subsidiary, Sunrise Growers Inc., has issued a voluntary recall of specific frozen fruit products linked to pineapple provided by a third-party supplier due to the potential for these products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Has Reported the Following Recalls
June 14, 2023
Certain frozen organic strawberries are being recalled as part of an outbreak investigation of Hepatitis A virus infections. In Arkansas, the recall includes the Great Value Mixed Fruit, Sliced Strawberries, and Antioxidant Fruit Blend sold in Walmart stores. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled products to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states and to Trader Joe’s nationwide. For a complete list of products being recalled and more information on the recall itself, please click here.
June 2, 2023
Rudolph Foods is recalling 39 cases of Rudolph’s OnYums “Onion Flavored Rings” in 3 oz. packages, because they may contain undeclared wheat and other sensitive ingredients. The product was distributed to select Dollar Tree stores in 17 states, including Arkansas. For more information, please click here.
April 26, 2023
Kawasho Foods USA Inc. has announced an expansion of a voluntary recall of Geisha Medium Shrimp (4oz) due to possible underprocessing. The product was distributed to retailers nationwide, including in Arkansas. For more information, please click here.
March 21, 2023
According to the FDA, Scenic Fruit Company is recalling frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets, and frozen organic tropical blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Although Hepatitis A has not been detected in this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product. To learn more about the products subject to this recall, click here.
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Bull Shoals Lake Primary Body Contact Advisory Lifted
Little Rock, Ark. – The US Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has lifted the primary body contact advisory near the Sugarloaf Wastewater Treatment Plant on Bull Shoals Lake. Samples collected by the Corps and analyzed by the ADH Public Health Laboratory indicate very low E. coli levels well below the swim beach closure level for primary body contact, so swimming is now considered safe in that area.
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May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Little Rock - May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. This month, ADH wants to raise awareness about the importance of newborn screening and language development milestones for children.
Early hearing detection and intervention is key to preventing delays in children learning a language. Children begin learning language as early as two months of age, so it’s imperative that every newborn receive screening before one month of age.
Out of every 1,000 babies born each year, two to three are diagnosed as deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) and 90% of D/HH children are born to hearing parents. In 2021, 96% of infants born in Arkansas received screening by one month of age. Of those screened, 527 infants did not pass the newborn hearing screen, and 48 were diagnosed with a permanent hearing condition.
Parents should choose a doctor for their baby before birth. Before leaving the hospital, parents should make sure a hearing test is completed. It’s important for the screening to be done by a qualified professional. If the child does not pass the screening, they must receive additional testing from a pediatric audiologist before 3 months of age to reduce risks for delays in learning language.
If you need assistance locating a hearing screening provider in your area, you contact the Infant Hearing Program at 501-280-4740 or visit www.arhealthyhearing.com.
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About 30 Arkansans are Hospitalized for Stroke Each Day
Little Rock, Ark. – Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. In Arkansas, about 30 people are hospitalized from this disease each day.
In recognition that May is Stroke Awareness Month, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) urges those who care for others to learn the stroke warning signs, since bystanders often need to act fast in an emergency.
“Stroke is the leading cause of disability and long-term care admission among working adults 65 years of age and younger in Arkansas,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, ADH Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and State Chronic Disease Director. “The good news is, most of these strokes are preventable with lifestyle modification such as smoking cessation, a low salt diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and good blood pressure control.”
In 2020, 10,969 Arkansans had strokes, and 1,684 died from this disease. In 2020, the state had the 10th highest stroke death rate in the United States.
Remembering the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym is a way to recognize a stroke and what to do when a stroke is suspected:
B – Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E – Eyes: Is there a sudden change in vision or trouble seeing?
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T – Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Other than a prior stroke, major stroke risk factors include:
- High blood pressure – It’s the most important controllable risk factor for stroke. About 77 percent of people who have a first stroke have blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. An estimated 93 million Americans have hypertension.
- Transient ischemic attack – About 15 percent of strokes are preceded by a TIA (or “ministroke”).
- Atrial fibrillation (Afib) – It increases stroke risk up to five times and affects more than 2.7 million Americans.
- Smoking – Current smokers have two to four times the stroke risk of nonsmokers or those who quit more than 10 years ago.
If any of these risk factors are present, it is important to follow up with a primary care physician on a yearly basis.
Arkansas is working to make strides in the treatment of acute stroke, through the UAMS Institute of Digital Health and Innovation Stroke Program, Mercy telestroke, and the Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital (ArSRH) designation program. Know the warning signs and act. Remember BE FAST!
Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov for more information on stroke prevention in Arkansas.
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Release of Wastewater from Glenwood’s wastewater treatment plant equalization basin into Caddo River
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is issuing a notification of the leakage of wastewater from the City of Glenwood’s wastewater treatment plant equalization basin into the Caddo River beginning on or before May 10, 2023.
The Glenwood wastewater treatment plant equalization basin is near the Livestock Auction on the south side of US Highway 70 in Glenwood, Arkansas. Repair work on the wastewater treatment plant is in progress.
ADH recommends avoiding primary body contact with the water in the Caddo River for the section of the river beginning at the US Highway 70 Bridge over the Caddo River in Glenwood and continuing downstream to the Highway 84 Bridge east of Amity, Arkansas. The Amity public water system has a drinking water intake on the Caddo River in the potentially affected area and has already increased the disinfectant residual added at the treatment plant to compensate for any additional microbiological loading.
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ADH warns of presence of xylazine in illegal drugs
Little Rock, Ark. – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reported a widespread threat of xylazine mixed with illegal drugs such as fentanyl and heroin.
According to a DEA Public Safety Alert, drug seizures containing mixtures of fentanyl-laced with xylazine have been detected in 48 states. The DEA has reported that xylazine-positive overdose deaths have risen by 1,127% in the South. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has reported mixtures of illegal drugs, such as fentanyl and heroin, containing xylazine.
Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer used by veterinarians for animals such as elk, deer, and horses. The FDA has not approved the use of xylazine in humans.
Xylazine-mixed drugs may go by street names such as “Tranq”, “Tranq dope”, “Philly dope”, “sleep cut” and “zombie drug”. Of note, xylazine has also been reported in stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine which has been called “speedball”.
Side effects of xylazine:
- Decrease in breathing rate (respiratory depression)
- Slows down brain activity (CNS depression)
- Decrease in heart rate (bradycardia)
- Lowers blood pressure (hypotension)
- Raises blood sugar
- Withdrawal symptoms have been reported with xylazine
- Xylazine constricts blood vessels which can reduce blood flow to tissues and organs.
Dangers:
- Xylazine and opioids can both slow down breathing and heart rate, but when xylazine is mixed with opioids, there can be added effects which will increase the risk of overdose death.
- Opioid overdoses mixed with xylazine can be harder to treat. Narcan (naloxone) will reverse the effects of an opioid, such as fentanyl, but it will not be effective in reversing a non-opioid such as xylazine.
- Xylazine can potentially damage organs, muscles, and nerves due to decreased blood flow.
- Individuals that abuse xylazine mixed substances can develop severe skin ulcers and dangerous skin infections.
- Prolonged unresponsiveness due to opioids mixed with xylazine can lead to reduced body temperature or heat-related injury when these substances are abused by people in an outdoor setting.
- Increase the risk of falls.
The FDA recommends treating suspected opioid drug overdoses with Narcan (naloxone) even if mixed with xylazine, as Narcan (naloxone) will reverse the effects of the opioid.
Healthcare providers should consider xylazine exposure if a patient is not responding to Narcan (naloxone) as well as expected and additional supportive care may be needed.
Chronic xylazine exposure use can also be considered by healthcare providers if patients present with severe skin wounds, ulcers, or infections.
For more information:
- Arkansas Poison Center Phone number: 1-800-222-1222
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A free, confidential, 24-hour-a-day, 365-a-year, referral helpline. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 or https://www.samhsa.gov
- Start Your Recovery: A free treatment support service locator for anyone dealing with substance use issues. “We offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.” User-friendly and in a language that’s easy to understand.
- Narcotics: Find Rehabs Near You
- Arkansas Take Back
- Arkansas Peer Recovery
- Together Arkansas Opioid Response Initiative
- Department of Human Services: Grant-funded treatment facilities in each region of the state
- AR Connect: is a hotline designed to help those Arkansans needing immediate care or assistance for mental health issues including substance use disorder. Call 1-501-526-3563 or toll free at 1-800-482-9921 or visit https://uamshealth.com/ar-connectnow/
- FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program
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Release of Partially Treated Wastewater from Sugarloaf treatment plant into Bull Shoals Lake
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is issuing a notification of the release of partially treated wastewater from the Sugarloaf wastewater treatment plant into Bull Shoals Lake beginning on the night of April 26, 2023.
The Sugarloaf wastewater treatment plant is located southeast of Diamond City, Arkansas near Bull Shoals Lake. There was a fire at the wastewater treatment plant, which resulted in damage to the treatment plant. Partially treated wastewater has been and is being discharged into the East Sugarloaf Creek area of Bull Shoals Lake.
Repair work on the wastewater treatment plant is in progress.
ADH recommends avoiding primary body contact with the water in the area of Lake Bull Shoals beginning at Nelson Cove on the East Sugarloaf Creek arm of the Lake and continuing downstream along East Sugarloaf Creek to the main channel of Bull Shoals Lake. This issue does not affect a drinking water source.
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Counties Designated Health Professional Shortage Are
Little Rock – Monroe, Drew, and Phillips Counties have been designated a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
HPSAs are areas with a shortage of primary health care professionals and facilities. This designation can be based on several criteria, including geography, facilities, population, and medically underserved areas or populations.
This new designation allows qualifying health care organizations to use federal funding to recruit medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and behavioral health care professionals, to rural areas in need by offering student loan repayment. The counties’ HPSA designations provide an opportunity to increase recruitment and retention of health care providers and ultimately increase access to medical care. The applications for this designation were submitted November 2022. You can find more information about HPSA designations here or contact ADH’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at orhpc@arkansas.gov.
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AMHC to Provide Blood Pressure Checks to Commemorate American Heart Month
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) will provide free blood pressure checks during the month of February in recognition of American Hearth Month.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans and research shows that minorities are disproportionately affected by it. High blood pressure is a contributing factor to heart disease and is often called the ‘silent killer,’ so the AMHC is honored to provide the checks for the community as both a prevention and education tool,” said AMHC Director Kenya L. Eddings.
Blood pressure checks will be available to the community during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday at the AMHC office, 5800 W. 10th Street, Suite 805. Participating individuals will be entered into a drawing for AMHC prizes.
The AMHC works to assure that all minority Arkansans have equitable access to preventive health care and seeks ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations.
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Arkansas Department of Health Recognizes Hospitals for Stroke Care Performance
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recognizes fourteen hospitals for excellence in stroke patient care.
These awards are based on stroke care performance as documented in the Arkansas Stroke Registry for July 2021 and June 2022 patient discharges. They are given to hospitals for providing defect-free stroke care. Defect-free care is an aggregated metric based on the ten American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) Coverdell performance measures in the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Patient Management Tool. These measures are benchmarked according to the standards of evidence-based stroke care guidelines to ensure stroke patients receive appropriate and timely care.
“We are delighted to see the improvement in stroke care as demonstrated by these hospitals,” said Bala Simon, MD, DrPH, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Chronic Disease Director at Arkansas Department of Health. “Through our work with the communities, EMS, and hospitals we hope to improve quality of stroke care among Arkansans with this devastating condition.”
The Arkansas Stroke Registry (ASR) is the ADH stroke surveillance and quality improvement program. Oversight for the ASR is provided by the Acute Stroke Care Task Force (ASCTF). The ASR partners closely with the AHA/ASA, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the ASCTF, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Health and Innovation (IDHI) Stroke Program, and the Mercy Telestroke system. The primary goal of the ASR is to perform stroke surveillance, monitor stroke care performance, and provide stroke education and quality improvement assistance to improve stroke patient care and outcomes.
There are three award categories* are based on the level of adherence to the defect-free care measure:
- Diamond: 95%+
- Ruby: 90%-94.99%
- Pearl: 85%-89.99%
Congratulations to the following facilities for earning recognition for defect-free stroke care:
- Comprehensive Stroke Centers
- Diamond
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Pearl
- Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock
- Diamond
- Primary Stroke Centers
- Pearl
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
- Northwest Medical Center – Springdale
- Wadley Regional Medical Center
- Pearl
- Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospitals/Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals
- Diamond
- Drew Memorial Hospital
- Mercy Hospital Booneville
- St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
- Ruby
- St. Bernards – Five Rivers Medical Center
- Pearl
- Mercy ED Springdale
- Medical Center of South Arkansas
- Johnson Regional Medical Center
- Baptist Health Medical Center – Arkadelphia
- Diamond
To be eligible for an award, a hospital must be stroke designated either through ADH or another accrediting body such as The Joint Commission. A hospital may also qualify for a Pearl award if performance is in the 75th percentile among its designation group.
Click here for a listing of hospitals participating in the Arkansas Stroke Registry as well as stroke-designated facilities.
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Fish Consumption Advisory Issued for Bull Shoals and Norfork
(Little Rock) – The Arkansas Department of Health is issuing a fish consumption advisory for walleye on Bull Shoals Lake (Marion, Baxter, and Boone counties) and Norfork Lake (Baxter and Fulton counties). This advisory comes after some walleye from both waterbodies, collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and tested by the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, were found to contain levels of mercury that have the potential to put human health at risk. The ADH has scheduled a February 7 meeting at the Donald W. Reynolds Library in Mountain Home beginning at 5 p.m. to answer public questions on this advisory. Personnel with AGFC and ADEQ will be in attendance as well to answer questions related to their roles in the process.
Currently, over 20 waterbodies in Arkansas are under a fish consumption advisory due to mercury. Nationally, all 50 states have consumption advisories for at least one fish species due to mercury.
This advisory is a notice about the mercury levels present in some walleye and the possible health effects on those who regularly eat the fish from these lakes. This advisory does not affect swimmers, skiers, boaters, catch and release activities, or other recreational uses and does not limit the use of Bull Shoals Lake or Norfork Lake as a drinking water source.
Occasional fish consumers, such as vacationers and sports anglers, are at little risk for adverse health effects. Those most at risk include pregnant women, small children and people who frequently eat walleye from Bull Shoals or Norfork lakes.
The fish consumption advisory is as follows:
High-Risk Groups (pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women planning to be pregnant, and children under the age of seven years):
Should not eat walleye (18 inches or longer) from these lakes.
General Public (men, women, and children seven years and older):
Recommend eating no more than two meals per month of walleye (18 inches or longer) from these lakes.
Eating fish with mercury will not make people sick right away, but as you eat more and more, it can build up in the body and over time, potentially cause adverse health effects.
The Arkansas Department of Health issues fish consumption advisories when enough data indicate elevated levels of mercury.
Fish are an important, low-fat source of protein. Knowing and following the fish consumption advisories allows you to safely keep fish as an important part of your diet.
For more information about fish consumption advisories in Arkansas, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov and type ‘mercury’ in the Smart Search box located on the right-hand side of the page. You may also visit Fish Consumption Advisories.
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Cervical Health Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost cervical and breast cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, and routine pap tests to detect pre-cancers. Yet, in 2022, an estimated 160 Arkansas women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 50 women will die due to cervical cancer. The state currently ranks as 16th lowest for pap tests that can detect cervical cancer and 13th lowest for HPV vaccination that can prevent cervical cancer. While the cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes. Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented, by having regular screening tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.
Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality through the ADH BreastCare program. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 128,000 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular cervical cancer screening.
For more information about cervical cancer screening, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
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AMHC accepting minority health scholarship applications for Spring semester
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) is accepting applications for its Minority Health Workforce Diversity scholarship from now until Saturday, Dec. 31.
Minority-raced, full or part-time college students who plan to pursue a career in the field of health are encouraged to apply. Full-time scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000 per academic year and part-time recipients, $500 per academic year.
The goal of the scholarship is to help increase diversity in the state’s healthcare workforce, which could have positive effects on both the health of minority populations and the quality of care in Arkansas.
Students who wish to apply for the scholarship may download the application at arminorityhealth.com/initiatives/workforce-diversity-scholarship. The completed application form must be emailed to AMHC’s human resource specialist, Onekia Freeman.
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission, as part of the Arkansas Department of Health, works to assure that all minority Arkansans have equitable access to preventive health care and seeks ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations.
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ADH recognizes World AIDS Day
Little Rock, Ark. – World AIDS Day is recognized each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have passed away.
HIV weakens a person’s immune system by eliminating the cells that fight disease and infection. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV and occurs when a person’s immune system is severely damaged.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30,635 people in the U.S. received an HIV diagnosis in 2020. There are 6,954 Arkansans living with HIV, and there were 350 newly diagnosed cases in 2021.
The HIV virus is transmitted through an exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. No effective cure exists; however, with proper medical care HIV can be controlled. In the United States, most people with HIV do not transition to AIDS because taking medication as prescribed stops the progression of the disease. Modern medicine has extended the lifespan of people living with HIV and eliminated the likelihood of transmission.
HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, or age. CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. If you do things that might increase your likelihood of getting HIV, you should get tested more often. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing, such as every 3 to 6 months.
If you would like HIV prevention tools, please visit your nearest Local Health Unit. For health unit locations or more information about HIV-AIDS, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov. Furthermore, if you would like to get tested and KNOW your status NOW, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, Local Health Unit, Community-based Organization, or request an At-Home test kit by visiting www.takemehome.org.
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Arkansas Minority Health Commission to Host Phillips County Community Health Forum
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Minority Health Commission invites the citizens of Phillips county to join us for our community health forum in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, on Thursday, November 10, 2022. The event will be held from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Delta Cultural Center on 141 Cherry Street.
Dr. Judy Ali will serve as the evening’s presenting healthcare professional, providing details of the county’s health outcome rankings and health factors. Included in these statistics are issues that range from adult smoking and chronic diseases to limited access to healthy foods.
Following the presentation, guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session where they can address their health concerns or offer solutions that will impact the health of their communities.
The AMHC’s team will also be available during the event to provide free preventive health screenings like blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and BMI, for attendees.
The community health forum is free and open to the public. A free and healthy dinner will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. All age groups are welcome to attend the event.
The Arkansas Minority Health Commission works to assure that all minority Arkansans have equitable access to preventive health care and seeks ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations.
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23-29, 2022
(Little Rock, Ark.) – National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) highlights how parents can reduce children’s exposure to lead in their environment, preventing serious health effects from lead poisoning. To raise awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are participating in NLPPW October 23-29.
The ADH will be participating in multiple activities in Arkansas throughout the week. To learn more about lead exposure, visit ADH’s Lead-Based Paint program at the following events in support of NLPPW:
- Thursday, Oct, 27: Big Boo!seum Bash, Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center, Little Rock, 5:30 -8 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 29: Arkansas Minority Health Commission & Sebastian County NAACP Community Health Fair, St. James Missionary Baptist, Fort Smith, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lead has been banned in the United States in paint and gasoline since the 1970s. It is toxic to the human body. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, which occurs when lead enters the bloodstream and builds up to toxic levels. It is especially dangerous for children six years old and younger as their brains and spinal cords are still developing. The effects from lead poisoning during early childhood development can be severe. Even in small amounts, lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system which can cause learning and behavior problems, delayed growth and development, as well as other health-related problems. Some of these effects may persist beyond childhood. For pregnant women, harmful effects include premature births, smaller babies, and miscarriage. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet approximately half a million children in the United States have blood lead levels above the level at which the CDC says public health actions should start. In 2021, there were 112 children in Arkansas reported to have an elevated blood lead level.
Children with high blood lead levels were most likely exposed to lead in their own homes from leaded dust and lead-based paint chips, especially in homes built before 1978. Children can also be exposed to lead in contaminated drinking water, take-home exposures from a workplace, lead in soil, and from some metal toys or toys painted with lead-based paint. According to the CDC, at least 3.3 million households have children under six years of age being exposed to lead exposure hazards. Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable. A simple blood test may be able to help prevent permanent damage from occurring.
The NLPPW theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” underscores the importance of learning how to prevent lead poisoning as well as testing your home and your child.
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple ways to protect your family:
- Get the Facts: Find out about the hazards of lead. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. Contact them at 501-671-1472 or review the ADH Lead-Based Paint program website here.
- Get Your Child Tested: A simple blood test can detect lead. Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children.
- Get Your Home Tested: Find out how to minimize risks of lead exposure by hiring a certified professional to test older homes for lead. Water pipes in some older homes may contain lead solder where lead may leach out into the water. Learn more about lead in drinking water here.
The only way to fully rid a pre-1978 home of lead is to abate it. Abatement should always be done by a state-certified contractor. Abatement involves the removal of lead-based paint and dust-lead hazards; the permanent covering or encapsulation of lead-based paint; the replacement of parts or fixtures painted with lead-based paint; and the removal or permanent covering of soil-lead hazards, as well as all set-up, cleanup, disposal, and post abatement clearance testing actions linked to such measures. For a list of Arkansas lead accredited companies and personnel, please visit the ADH Lead-Based Paint program website.
Owners of homes built prior to 1978 who do not wish to fully abate lead hazards should be careful when disturbing lead-based paint. Homeowners should only hire federally-certified Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program contractors, to make sure that the work is done in a lead-safe way. This protects people living in the home from hazards connected with renovation, repair and painting. Done in the wrong way, these activities can create harmful leaded dust when lead paint is disturbed.
Further steps you can take to reduce exposure are:
- Wash your child’s hands before meals and after playing outside.
- Provide your child with meals and snacks that are high in iron, calcium and vitamin C.
- Frequently wash toys, pacifiers and other items your child uses regularly.
- Use wet methods to clean, including dusting and mopping.
- Have your family members leave their shoes outside the door.
- Ensure that any home renovation and maintenance work is done in a lead-safe way.
For more information, contact the Lead-Based Paint program at 501-671-1472 or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Mont
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Nearly 400 women die due to breast cancer and over 2400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer death for women both in Arkansas and in the United States. The state currently ranks as the 37th lowest for mammography and 16th lowest for pap tests. While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Breast and cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women ages 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 128,000 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast and cervical cancer by getting screened.
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Central Arkansas Community Flu Clinics This Week
Little Rock, Ark.--The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at the following community flu clinics in central Arkansas:
- September 29 at the Veterans Park Community Center in Cabot from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- September 30 at the Bishop Park Center in Bryant from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October 1 at the Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
Vaccines will be provided at no charge. People should bring their insurance cards to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance or if their insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge. These clinics are a part of ADH’s yearly mass flu vaccine clinic effort, which involves vaccine clinics in every county. Information about clinics in other counties can be found here. Clinics began this week and continue through the beginning of November.
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year and this year’s vaccine protects against flu viruses expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
People of all ages can get the flu, but certain people are more likely to have serious health problems with it. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine, not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose their loved ones to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. Reasons to skip the flu vaccine include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. However, people with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.
The flu is easily spread through coughing and sneezing or by touching something with the virus on it, such as a doorknob, and then touching the nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu, but the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.
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Statewide Community Flu Vaccine Clinics Start Sept. 26
(Little Rock, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will be providing flu vaccines across the state in preparation for the 2022-2023 flu season starting Monday, September 26. Each county health unit in Arkansas will be hosting a community flu vaccine clinic, typically a day-long event when the health unit and numerous community volunteers come together to provide flu vaccine to as many people as possible.
The shot is available at no charge. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If anyone does not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover the flu vaccine, the vaccine will still be available at no charge. You can find the schedule for flu clinics in your area at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/influenza.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Joel Tumlison, ADH Medical Director for Immunizations. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be. With COVID-19 still circulating in our communities, it is essential to keep yourself healthy and out of the hospital.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes yearly, and this year’s vaccine protects against flu viruses expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members, and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a doorknob, with the virus on it and then touching the nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.
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Be Well Arkansas Creates Campaign to Enhance Youth Prevention Efforts
Little Rock, Ark. – Be Well Arkansas, a program of the Arkansas Department of Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Branch has created and launched the new Coral’s Reef campaign to reach younger Arkansans with tobacco and nicotine prevention messaging.
This campaign is the only one of its kind available in the U.S. ADH staff consulted with experts and researched interests for children in the 5-7 years age group to create balanced and engaging materials. The goal is to reach children with prevention and educational information at an early age to prevent initiation into tobacco and nicotine use as they get older.
According to data analysis on the initiation of electronic cigarette use among youth in the U.S., e-cigarette smoking can begin as young as 7 years of age. In Arkansas, the percentage of high school students who use e-cigarettes is now more than double the percentage of high school students who smoke. With e-cigarette usage becoming more frequent among younger children, the need for effective prevention messaging for young Arkansans has become crucial.
The Coral’s Reef campaign will feature a series of animated videos, each tailored to address the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use. In addition to the videos, free printable materials are available for download from the Be Well website to accompany the videos. Currently, the first episode of the campaign is available to watch on the Be Well Arkansas website.
To learn more about the Coral’s Reef campaign and other youth education efforts, visit bewellarkansas.org and click the Youth Education tab.
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Monkeypox Update
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) wants the public to be aware that cases of monkeypox in the United States are increasing. There are now 3,486 cases in the U.S., with four of those in Arkansas.
Monkeypox is spread through close contact and can be transmitted to anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity. It can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. This can include household and/or intimate contact. Spreading can also occur when contacting contaminated items, such as clothing. It can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact; however, it is not an airborne illness. Monkeypox is not spread through casual, brief conversations or walking by someone with monkeypox, like at a grocery store.
Currently, the highest risk group for contracting monkeypox is men who have sex with men. However, anyone can contract the illness. The CDC has confirmed two pediatric cases in the US, as well as a small number of infections in pregnant women.
Symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash, occur seven to 14 days after exposure. Typically, the rash starts one to three days after the other symptoms start. However, the rash has been the initial symptom for some people, and the only symptom for others. The rash may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face. The sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Antiviral drugs are effective treatments against the illness. Most people who test positive do not require treatment. However, the ADH has a small supply of the antiviral medication, TPOXX. This medication will be used for severe cases, for those with a high risk of having a severe illness, or for those whose lesions are on concerning areas of the body, like on the eyes.
Arkansas has been allocated a limited number of doses of Jynneos, the monkeypox vaccine. Those who are eligible for the vaccine include people who have had close contact with a known or suspected case in the last 14 days or those who have had a high-risk encounter in a setting or event where monkeypox has been reported to be spreading. Your HCP will help decide if treatment is needed and prescribe it to you.
For more information on monkeypox, visit the ADH website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov
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Monkeypox Update
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) wants the public to be aware that cases of monkeypox in the United States are increasing. There are now 3,486 cases in the U.S., with four of those in Arkansas.
Monkeypox is spread through close contact and can be transmitted to anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity. It can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. This can include household and/or intimate contact. Spreading can also occur when contacting contaminated items, such as clothing. It can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact; however, it is not an airborne illness. Monkeypox is not spread through casual, brief conversations or walking by someone with monkeypox, like at a grocery store.
Currently, the highest risk group for contracting monkeypox is men who have sex with men. However, anyone can contract the illness. The CDC has confirmed two pediatric cases in the US, as well as a small number of infections in pregnant women.
Symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash, occur seven to 14 days after exposure. Typically, the rash starts one to three days after the other symptoms start. However, the rash has been the initial symptom for some people, and the only symptom for others. The rash may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face. The sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Antiviral drugs are effective treatments against the illness. Most people who test positive do not require treatment. However, the ADH has a small supply of the antiviral medication, TPOXX. This medication will be used for severe cases, for those with a high risk of having a severe illness, or for those whose lesions are on concerning areas of the body, like on the eyes.
Arkansas has been allocated a limited number of doses of Jynneos, the monkeypox vaccine. Those who are eligible for the vaccine include people who have had close contact with a known or suspected case in the last 14 days or those who have had a high-risk encounter in a setting or event where monkeypox has been reported to be spreading. Your HCP will help decide if treatment is needed and prescribe it to you.
For more information on monkeypox, visit the ADH website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov
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Be Aware of Potential Scammers
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health is warning about potential scams in recent days in which scammers have posed as officials, approaching businesses claiming to conduct restaurant inspections.
If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer posing as an official, you can report these encounters to the Attorney General’s office online at www.ArkansasAG.gov, by emailing OAG@ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982.
Legitimate ADH Environmental Health Service inspectors carry identification with the agency logo and will always be willing to provide it when asked. ADH inspectors will also never ask for money. You can also call your Local Health Unit or ADH Environmental Health Protection to confirm the identity of an inspector.
The Department of Health also conducts inspections involving cosmetology services, plumbing, natural gas, and other areas. In any inspection, the same standard applies: an ADH inspector can provide identification and will not request payment.
Any other business that believes it may have been victimized should call police and notify the Department of Health.
If a business has questions about an inspection or a payment request, the Environmental Health Protection can be reached during normal business hours at (501) 661-2171.
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ADH confirms first monkey pox case in Arkansas
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced today that the first case of monkeypox has been identified in the state.
“Arkansas has been monitoring cases of monkeypox in the U.S.,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha. “While this news is concerning, monkeypox is not as contagious as other viruses, like COVID-19. We encourage anyone who feels they may have been exposed to monkeypox to please contact their health care provider and be tested.”
The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a painful rash that occur seven to 14 days after exposure. It is transmitted through direct skin contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids and contaminated items, such as clothing. It can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact; however, it is not an airborne illness. It can be prevented through vaccination. Antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins are available for treatment against the illness.
The first case of monkey pox in the U.S. was detected in early May.
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ADH confirms first monkey pox case in Arkansas
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced today that the first case of monkeypox has been identified in the state.
“Arkansas has been monitoring cases of monkeypox in the U.S.,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha. “While this news is concerning, monkeypox is not as contagious as other viruses, like COVID-19. We encourage anyone who feels they may have been exposed to monkeypox to please contact their health care provider and be tested.”
The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a painful rash that occur seven to 14 days after exposure. It is transmitted through direct skin contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids and contaminated items, such as clothing. It can also be transmitted through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact; however, it is not an airborne illness. It can be prevented through vaccination. Antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins are available for treatment against the illness.
The first case of monkey pox in the U.S. was detected in early May.
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ADH warns of heat-related illnesses
Little Rock, Ark. – As high temperatures continue in the coming weeks, the Arkansas Department of Health encourages people to practice heat safety.
Heat stress is a heat-related illness caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat stress or heat-related death include children under the age of four, seniors aged 65 or older, anyone overweight, and those who are ill or on certain medications.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent heat stress are:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center, or mall.
- Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or without air conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat and sunglasses when you are in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as directed and reapply as needed.
The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. It is important for everyone to know the warning signs and what actions to take if someone experiences one of these illnesses.
Heat Stroke: Symptoms include high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or damp skin; a fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and fainting. For heat stroke, call 911 right away, move to a cooler place, and help lower the body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting. For heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, loosen clothes, put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath, and sip water. Get medical help right away if vomiting, dizziness, or symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Heat Cramps: Symptoms include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle pain or spasms. For heat cramps, stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait for cramps to go away before starting more physical activity. If someone is on a low-sodium diet, has heart problems, or if cramps last longer than one hour, they should seek medical immediately.
Sunburn: Symptoms include painful, red, and warm skin and blisters on the skin. For sunburn, stay out of the sun until the sunburn heals, put cool cloths on the sunburned areas or take a cool bath, put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas, and do not break blisters.
Heat Rash: Symptoms include red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin, usually on the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases
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ADH urges Arkansans to take precautions during tick and mosquito season
Little Rock, Ark. – As Arkansans plan to enjoy the outdoors during the coming summer months, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) stresses the importance of taking precautions against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.
Arkansas has some of the highest rates in the nation for tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. Additionally, Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, and other diseases may also be carried by ticks. Mosquitoes in Arkansas can carry West Nile Virus and other less common diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Malaria, and Yellow Fever are more common outside of the United States. Arkansans traveling within or outside of the country should educate themselves on the specific concerns ticks or mosquitoes may pose on their trip.
Some of these diseases can be fatal; some of them can also be difficult to diagnose and treat. If you or your child gets a tick bite, be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, fatigue, and aches and pains within the weeks following the bite. If you do experience these symptoms, it is important to see a medical provider quickly. Make sure to discuss the tick bite, where you acquired the tick, and symptoms with your doctor.
Whether in their own backyard or on a trip, Arkansans should protect themselves from these diseases by preventing tick and mosquito bites. Tick and mosquito bites can be prevented in similar ways:
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
- Use permethrin on your clothing as directed.
- Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your pants into socks or boots.
- Check for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets regularly. Remove ticks quickly if one is found.
- To avoid ticks, walk in the middle of a hiking trail or path; avoid tall grass and leaf litter.
- To reduce mosquitoes around your home, get rid of any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.
It is important to remove ticks correctly if found. Remove ticks by positioning tweezers as close to your skin as possible and lifting up on the tick firmly. Do not twist or jerk the tick or use home remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or waiting for the tick to fall off. These methods can increase the chance that a tick may transmit disease. Just because a tick or mosquito bites you does not mean it carries a disease or that you will get a disease; many Arkansans are bitten by ticks and mosquitoes every year and remain healthy. The ADH wants Arkansans to be tick aware so that if you are bitten and show signs of illness, you may receive appropriate treatment early on to prevent more severe outcomes.
You can learn more about insect-related diseases at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Arkansas Minority Health Commission presents 7th Biennial Summit
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Minority Health Commission is hosting its 7th Biennial Summit from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Friday, Apr. 22, 2022.
“Putting the ‘Me’ in Mental Health – Today, Tomorrow, and Always,” will be a live-streamed virtual event featuring a panel of community leaders and a keynote speaker. Presenting from the Four Points Sheraton in Little Rock, speakers will discuss the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of both children and adults in communities of color.
The keynote speaker is Gina Neely. Neely is a television personality and best-selling author who has given presentations across the country showcasing her cooking skills and sharing her perspectives on life and issues facing women.
In 2020, one in five adults reported experiencing a mental health challenge. Treating mental health is not one size fits all. The ADH Minority Health Commission’s Biennial Summit will explore mental health challenges and the types of assistance and treatments available.
Attendees can register for the event by visiting http://bit.ly/AMHC2022Summit.
The ADH Minority Health Commission’s mission is to ensure all minority Arkansans equitable access to preventative health care and to seek ways to promote health and prevent diseases and conditions that are prevalent among minority populations. The Commission strives to be a catalyst in bridging the gap in the health status of the minority population and that of the majority population of Arkansas. For more information about the ADH Minority Health Commission, please visit www.arminorityhealth.com.
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The ADH encourages syphilis testing, prevention, and treatment as cases increase
Little Rock, Ark. – Every region in Arkansas is seeing an increase in the number of syphilis cases, especially among women. From 2017 to 2021 there was a 164% increase (from 562 to 1,482) overall in early syphilis cases and a 285% increase (from 155 to 597) among women of reproductive ages (15-44 years).
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. There are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage, ranging from open sores, rash, and flu-like symptoms to long-term damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.
Syphilis among pregnant women is especially a concern due to the potential of congenital syphilis, which happens when a mother with syphilis passes the infection to her baby during pregnancy. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, preterm delivery, and other congenital abnormalities. Congenital syphilis is preventable by early detection of maternal infection and appropriate treatment prior to delivery. Arkansas saw a 254% increase (from 13 to 46) in congenital syphilis cases from 2017 to 2021 and during this timeframe 9 babies died before birth, with 55% (5) occurring in 2021.
Syphilis is spread through sexual contact or from an infected mother to a newborn. Transmission can be prevented, and treatment is available. Transmission can be prevented by being in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected, or by using protection for any sexual contact. If an infection is suspected, get a test from a healthcare provider or the nearest ADH Local Health Unit and notify partners immediately if infected. The State of Arkansas requires testing of all pregnant women at the 1st prenatal care visit and 3rd trimester (between 28-32 weeks gestation). Testing at delivery is required if not done during the pregnancy. Syphilis can be treated using a medication prescribed by a healthcare provider. A person can be re-infected after treatment.
Testing at ADH Local Health Units across the state is at no cost. To find a location near you, or to learn more about syphilis prevention and treatment, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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25th Anniversary of the Breast Cancer Act of 1997
Little Rock, Ark. – The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997 (1997 Ark. SB 320) by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the creation of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program.
Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 128,000 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. In the fiscal year 2020, the BreastCare program served 9,026 individuals, including 2,937 mammograms and 5,355 Pap tests which resulted in 53 diagnoses of breast and cervical cancers. The program also provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a significant threat to the health of women. Every year nearly 400 women die due to Breast Cancer in Arkansas. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in Arkansas and the United States.
While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years and the state now ranks as the 37th lowest for mammography and 16th lowest for pap tests, we still have a long way to go in improving screening rates.
Women aged 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women aged 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Breast and cervical screening services are imperative for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there’s a BreastCare provider near you.
Help us to fight the battle against breast cancer by getting screened.
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Health Department Warns of Possible Hepatitis A Exposure to Customers of Russellville, AR Wendy’s
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is warning of a possible Hepatitis A (Hep A) exposure after an employee of Wendy’s, located at 721 North Arkansas, Russellville, tested positive for the virus. Hep A is a contagious liver disease.
Anyone who ate at this facility between December 12, 2021, and January 3, 2022, should seek care immediately if they have never been vaccinated against Hep A or are unsure of their vaccine status. There are no specific treatments once a person gets Hep A; however, it can be prevented through vaccination or a medicine called immune globulin. This medicine contains antibodies from other people who are immune to Hep A. Vaccination and immune globulin post-exposure work best if given within two weeks of exposure to the virus.
Local pharmacies may be able to provide vaccination. Please call ahead to verify your pharmacy has the vaccine in stock. Vaccination is also available by appointment at the Pope County Local Health Unit. To schedule an appointment, call 479-968-6004. Anyone with symptoms or illness should seek care with their healthcare provider.
People without symptoms who have eaten at this Wendy’s between December 12, 2021, and January 3, 2022, and are:
- Under one year of age are too young to be vaccinated and may wish to seek out immune globulin from a health care provider.
- One year or older and has never been vaccinated for Hep A should seek out vaccination from a health care provider. Those who are pregnant, have a chronic illness, or have liver disease are especially encouraged to consult with their doctor.
Hep A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of an infected person. Hep A can also be spread through unprotected sex or sharing of injection drugs. According to provisional data, there were 390 cases of Hep A in Arkansas in 2020 and 467 cases in 2021.
“Hep A continues to be an issue in our state,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADH Chief Medical Officer. “We are encouraging everyone to be aware of the risk factors for getting Hep A. If you are engaged in any of these behaviors, please get vaccinated. If you experience symptoms, visit your healthcare provider right away.”
Hep A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. Typical symptoms of Hep A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. A person can transmit the virus to others up to two weeks before and one week after symptoms appear.
The Hepatitis A virus can cause illness anytime from two to seven weeks after exposure. If infected, most people will develop symptoms three to four weeks after exposure. Many people, especially children, may have no symptoms. The older a person is when they get Hep A, typically the more severe symptoms they have. Almost all people who get Hep A recover completely and do not have any lasting liver damage, although they may feel sick for months.
Hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended for school children for many years, and one dose of Hep A vaccine is required for entry into kindergarten and first grade as of 2014. Most adults are likely not vaccinated but may have been if they received vaccinations prior to traveling internationally. Please contact the local health unit in your county for more information about vaccination.
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ADH recognizes World AIDS Day
Little Rock, Ark. – World AIDS Day is recognized each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have passed away.
HIV weakens a person’s immune system by eliminating the cells that fight disease and infection. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV and occurs when a person’s immune system is severely damaged.
It’s been 40 years since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36,801 people in the U.S. received an HIV diagnosis in 2019, which has decreased 9% since 2015. There are 6,678 Arkansans living with HIV, and there were 276 newly diagnosed cases in 2019 according to the 2019 HIV Surveillance report.
The HIV virus is transmitted through an exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. No effective cure exists; however, with proper medical care HIV can be controlled. In the United States, most people with HIV do not transition to AIDS because taking medication as prescribed stops the progression of the disease. Modern medicine has extended the lifespan of people living with HIV and eliminated the likelihood of transmission.
CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. If you do things that might increase your likelihood of getting HIV, you should get tested more often. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing, such as every 3 to 6 months.
If you would like HIV prevention tools like condoms, please visit your nearest Local Health Unit. Furthermore, if you would like to get tested and KNOW your status NOW, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, or visit your Local Health Unit. For health unit locations or more information about HIV-AIDS, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Take steps to be safe during Thanksgiving holiday
Little Rock, Ark. – As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, the Arkansas Department of Health encourages you to take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure food safety as you prepare a meal for you, your family, and your friends.
Protection Against COVID-19
Get Vaccinated. All Arkansans ages 5 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Booster shots are recommended for people ages 18 and older who received the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago or who received their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series at least six months ago
Wear a mask when appropriate. Masks are recommended if you are not fully vaccinated, in a community with a high number of COVID-19 cases, or in crowded spaces. You might also choose to wear a mask as added protection if you plan to be around someone who has a weakened immune system, is at an increased risk of severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
Avoid gatherings if sick. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host, or attend a gathering. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Safety tips for Holiday Meal Preparations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends taking four steps for a food-safe Thanksgiving feast:
Step One: Clean. Start the meal preparation with clean hands and utensils. You should always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw meat and poultry as well. Campylobacter and Salmonella, bacteria found in poultry products, can survive on countertops and other kitchen surfaces from four to up to 32 hours, so it is important to keep surfaces cleaned and sanitized.
Step Two: Separate. Keep any raw meat or poultry products away from produce and cooked foods. The bacteria on raw meat and poultry products can contaminate your ready-to-eat food and make you sick. Prepare your other food before handling raw meat or poultry. If that is not possible, then ensure you’ve properly cleaned and sanitized hands, utensils, and surfaces.
Do not wash or rinse the raw turkey. USDA research found one in four people who wash, or rinse poultry cross-contaminate other food items being prepared with germs from poultry. If there is anything on your raw poultry that you want to remove, pat the area with a damp paper towel and immediately wash your hands.
Step Three: Cook. Make sure your turkey is fully cooked all the way through. Using a food thermometer is the only way to know that your turkey has reached the safe minimum internal temperature. Turkey is safe to eat when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.
Step Four: Chill. When cooked food is out at room temperature, it only has two hours before it becomes unsafe. Serve small portions of a large dish and keep the remainder of the dish warm in the oven or cold in the fridge.
When putting leftovers in the fridge, break up larger items and dishes into smaller portions to help them cool faster and more efficiently. Freeze or consume within four days. This means the Monday after Thanksgiving is the last day you can safely eat leftovers. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period to enjoy later. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, though the quality may decrease over time. Frozen leftovers stored in the freezer will be of the best quality within two to six months.. Harmful bacteria that may make you sick cannot be smelled or tasted; therefore, always reheat food thoroughly to a temperature of 165°F or until hot and steaming.
Visit healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more about COVID-19 in Arkansas and how to get vaccinated. To learn more about food safety, visit the USDA’s Four Steps for a Food Safe Thanksgiving Feast at https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2019/11/20/four-steps-food-safe-thanksgiving-feast. More information is available on the FoodSafety.Gov website at https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/tags/thanksgiving
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Take steps to be safe during Thanksgiving holiday
Little Rock, Ark. – As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, the Arkansas Department of Health encourages you to take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure food safety as you prepare a meal for you, your family, and your friends.
Protection Against COVID-19
Get Vaccinated. All Arkansans ages 5 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Booster shots are recommended for people ages 18 and older who received the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago or who received their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series at least six months ago
Wear a mask when appropriate. Masks are recommended if you are not fully vaccinated, in a community with a high number of COVID-19 cases, or in crowded spaces. You might also choose to wear a mask as added protection if you plan to be around someone who has a weakened immune system, is at an increased risk of severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
Avoid gatherings if sick. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host, or attend a gathering. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Safety tips for Holiday Meal Preparations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends taking four steps for a food-safe Thanksgiving feast:
Step One: Clean. Start the meal preparation with clean hands and utensils. You should always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw meat and poultry as well. Campylobacter and Salmonella, bacteria found in poultry products, can survive on countertops and other kitchen surfaces from four to up to 32 hours, so it is important to keep surfaces cleaned and sanitized.
Step Two: Separate. Keep any raw meat or poultry products away from produce and cooked foods. The bacteria on raw meat and poultry products can contaminate your ready-to-eat food and make you sick. Prepare your other food before handling raw meat or poultry. If that is not possible, then ensure you’ve properly cleaned and sanitized hands, utensils, and surfaces.
Do not wash or rinse the raw turkey. USDA research found one in four people who wash, or rinse poultry cross-contaminate other food items being prepared with germs from poultry. If there is anything on your raw poultry that you want to remove, pat the area with a damp paper towel and immediately wash your hands.
Step Three: Cook. Make sure your turkey is fully cooked all the way through. Using a food thermometer is the only way to know that your turkey has reached the safe minimum internal temperature. Turkey is safe to eat when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.
Step Four: Chill. When cooked food is out at room temperature, it only has two hours before it becomes unsafe. Serve small portions of a large dish and keep the remainder of the dish warm in the oven or cold in the fridge.
When putting leftovers in the fridge, break up larger items and dishes into smaller portions to help them cool faster and more efficiently. Freeze or consume within four days. This means the Monday after Thanksgiving is the last day you can safely eat leftovers. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period to enjoy later. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, though the quality may decrease over time. Frozen leftovers stored in the freezer will be of the best quality within two to six months.. Harmful bacteria that may make you sick cannot be smelled or tasted; therefore, always reheat food thoroughly to a temperature of 165°F or until hot and steaming.
Visit healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more about COVID-19 in Arkansas and how to get vaccinated. To learn more about food safety, visit the USDA’s Four Steps for a Food Safe Thanksgiving Feast at https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2019/11/20/four-steps-food-safe-thanksgiving-feast. More information is available on the FoodSafety.Gov website at https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/tags/thanksgiving
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ADH Encourages Hepatitis C Testing and Prevention as Cases Increase
Little Rock, Ark. – Arkansas is currently experiencing an increase of hepatitis C cases. The Arkansas Department of Health is encouraging those who feel they may have been exposed to get tested.
Symptoms of hepatitis C include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, light-colored stool, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, joint pain, dark urine, and/or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Some people do not experience any symptoms at all. Hepatitis C is contagious through contact with an infected person’s blood or instruments contaminated with an infected person’s blood. Hepatitis C is spread mostly through injection drug use and rarely from sexual contact or mother to child.
A blood test called an HCV antibody test is used to determine if someone has ever been infected with the illness. Those who test positive are given a follow-up HCV RNA test to determine if they are infectious and have chronic hepatitis C disease.
Hepatitis C can be cured with medications that are effective in 95% of cases. Treatment is available in the form of oral medication that is usually taken for eight to 12 weeks and may be covered by private insurance, federal insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. In addition, those who have no insurance and/or financial hardships can receive assistance with medication treatments through application with pharmaceutical companies.
Please contact your doctor to make an appointment or seek appropriate medical care if you suspect you have hepatitis C. Testing is also available through your local county health unit.
For more information about Hepatitis C, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is encouraging women to talk with their healthcare providers about getting screened.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women. In 2018, there were 2,339 new breast cancer cases and 368 cancer deaths in the state. However, Arkansas is ranked one of the lowest states (37th) for breast cancer screening, according to the American Cancer Society (2018).
In 1997, the Arkansas General Assembly passed the Breast Cancer Act, which led to the ADH’s BreastCare program. The BreastCare program served 8,403 women in the fiscal year 2021. Services included 3,057 mammograms and 4,691 pap tests, which resulted in 62 Arkansas women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.
Seventy-seven percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer while in the BreastCare program were found to have early-stage cancer (stage 0, I, or II). Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Breast and cervical screening services are important for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The BreastCare program has coordinated efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no-cost screenings and follow-up services to eligible women who are uninsured or underinsured. Women age 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women age 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer, regardless of ethnicity or nationality.
In addition to screening and diagnostic services, BreastCare provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival.
BreastCare covers breast cancer screening starting at age 40 and follows the United States Preventive Services Taskforce guidelines. According to those guidelines, women aged 40-49 should talk with their provider to see when they should start breast cancer screening. For women aged 50-74 breast cancer screening should occur every two years. Help us to fight the battle against breast cancer by getting screened.
Call 501-661-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there’s a BreastCare provider near you.
For more information about BreastCare, visit www.healthyarkansas.gov.
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Office of Health Equity Assists in Hosting Booster Vaccination Clinics
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity is partnering with cities to host community vaccination clinics for booster shots. Clinics will be open to eligible people needing Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots and to those who have not yet been fully vaccinated.
The community clinics are being held to ensure minority populations have equitable access to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in convenient locations. Participants will receive lunch and an entry to win a $500 raffle. Flu vaccinations will also be available. When clinic hours end, some locations will be converted to infusion centers for at-risk individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have mild or moderate symptoms no longer than 10 days prior to the clinic.
Clinic Dates and Times:
- Fri., Oct. 29, 2021 – Pine Bluff Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Dr., Pine Bluff, 9 a.m.-noon
- Wed., Nov. 17, 2021 – Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 South 7th St., Fort Smith, 3-6 p.m.
- Fri., Nov. 19, 2021 – Lehr Arena, 502 W. Broadway, West Memphis, 9 a.m.-noon
- Sun., Nov. 21, 2021 – St. Mark’s Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock, 9 a.m.-noon
People who had the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and meet the below criteria should get a booster shot six months after their second dose:
- Ages 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings
- Ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions
People who had the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and meet the below criteria may get a booster shot six months after their second dose:
- Ages 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions
- Ages 18 to 64 are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational or institutional setting
In addition to the above clinics, there will also be pop-up booster clinics around the state. The locations are:
- Tue., Sept 28, 2021 - Medicine Man Pharmacy, 3201 Springhill Dr. Suite 110, NLR, 9 a.m.-noon
- Fri., Oct. 1, 2021 – Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy, 2302 W. 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, 8:30 a.m.
- Mon.,Oct 4, 2021 – Kavanaugh Pharmacy, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, 3-6 p.m.
- Wed., Oct. 6, 2021 – D&D Pharmacy, 8908 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, 9 a.m.-noon
- Fri., Oct. 8, 2021 – Cornerstone Pharmacy, 4307 E Broadway, NLR, 9 a.m.-noon
- Fri., Oct. 15, 2021 Community Pharmacy of Springdale, 206 W Johnson Ave, Springdale, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tue., Oct. 19, 2021 – Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy, 2302 W. 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Fri., Oct. 29, 2021 – Cornerstone Pharmacy, 4307 E Broadway, NLR, 1-4 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 501-246-0127. Walk-in appointments are also available for all clinics. For information about the upcoming clinics, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Community Flu Vaccine Clinic Announced
(Little Rock, Ark.) – On Friday], October 1, the North Little Rock Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at no charge at 2800 Willow Street, North Little Rock, AR, 72114, from 8:30am to 4:00pm. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.
“We want Pulaski County residents to stay healthy this flu season and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Lucille Rose, Pulaski County North Little Rock Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADH Chief Medical Officer. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be.”
People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members, and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely if it is given in a doctor’s office where it can be monitored.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a doorknob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good handwashing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.
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Statewide community flu vaccine clinics start Sept. 27
(Little Rock, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will be providing flu vaccines across the state in preparation for the 2021-22 flu season starting Monday, September 27. Each county health unit in Arkansas will be hosting a community flu vaccine clinic, which is typically a day-long event when the health unit and numerous community volunteers come together to provide flu vaccine to as many people as possible.
The shot is available at no charge. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If anyone does not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover the flu vaccine, the vaccine will still be available at no charge. Please contact the nearest local health unit for information about community flu vaccine clinics. Local health unit contact information can be found at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Chief Medical Officer. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to keep yourself healthy and out of the hospital.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against flu viruses expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves, but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a doorknob, with the virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.
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ADH awarded Research Contract with the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and En
Little Rock, Ark.--The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Arkansas Central Cancer Registry, was awarded a Base Contract for Research Support by the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program to collect high-quality population-based cancer data and report on cancer incidence, treatment, and survival on patients in Arkansas. This award was granted by NCI for the application submitted in collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The Arkansas Central Cancer Registry receives approximately 18,000 newly diagnosed cancers annually. Arkansas ranks high among U.S. states in cancer deaths, with an estimated 6000 deaths every year. In 2019, the state ranked 7th in the country in cancer mortality. Each year, it is estimated that more than 1,797,983 Americans die from cancer. According to the Arkansas SEER Program Principal Investigator, Dr. Bala Simon, "This is a great opportunity for cancer prevention and control efforts in Arkansas."
This NCI award will run through April 30, 2028, and allows the ACCR to participate in selected cancer research activities with NCI. This award will enhance the infrastructure for cancer surveillance, treatment, and research in the state and improve cancer care and survivorship for residents of Arkansas.
Arkansas is one of the seven states to receive this prestigious NCI SEER Research Award, along with Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Michigan.
To learn more about Arkansas's NCI SEER Program, visit https://seer.cancer.gov/registries/.
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ADH awarded Research Contract with the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and En
Little Rock, Ark.--The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Arkansas Central Cancer Registry, was awarded a Base Contract for Research Support by the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program to collect high-quality population-based cancer data and report on cancer incidence, treatment, and survival on patients in Arkansas. This award was granted by NCI for the application submitted in collaboration with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The Arkansas Central Cancer Registry receives approximately 18,000 newly diagnosed cancers annually. Arkansas ranks high among U.S. states in cancer deaths, with an estimated 6000 deaths every year. In 2019, the state ranked 7th in the country in cancer mortality. Each year, it is estimated that more than 1,797,983 Americans die from cancer. According to the Arkansas SEER Program Principal Investigator, Dr. Bala Simon, "This is a great opportunity for cancer prevention and control efforts in Arkansas."
This NCI award will run through April 30, 2028, and allows the ACCR to participate in selected cancer research activities with NCI. This award will enhance the infrastructure for cancer surveillance, treatment, and research in the state and improve cancer care and survivorship for residents of Arkansas.
Arkansas is one of the seven states to receive this prestigious NCI SEER Research Award, along with Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Michigan.
To learn more about Arkansas's NCI SEER Program, visit https://seer.cancer.gov/registries/.
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Arkansas reports cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses
Little Rock, Ark. – Arkansas has recently reported several cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses, which indicates the risk is present in local mosquitoes.
EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. EEE is rare in humans; however, humans are susceptible to the virus. Humans can become infected with EEE when mosquitoes who have fed on previously infected animals then feed on humans. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop symptoms. Those that do can experience headaches, chills, fever, malaise, joint, and muscle pain. This can progress to serious neurological symptoms such as drowsiness, seizures, and coma and even death.
As Arkansans plan to enjoy the outdoors during Labor Day weekend, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is stressing the importance of taking precautions against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry. Whether in their own backyard or on a trip, Arkansans should protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. Some of these diseases can be fatal; some of them can also be difficult to diagnose and treat. Mosquito bites can be prevented by:
- Using an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
- Using permethrin on your clothing as directed.
- Reducing mosquitoes around your home. Get rid of any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.
- Wearing protective clothing from dusk to dawn when outdoors.
In horses, EEE is fatal 70 to 90 percent of the time. Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every 3-4 days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there.
If you experience any symptoms and think you may have EEE, talk with your healthcare provider about testing. You can learn more about insect-related diseases at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Arkansas reports cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses
Little Rock, Ark. – Arkansas has recently reported several cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses, which indicates the risk is present in local mosquitoes.
EEE is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. EEE is rare in humans; however, humans are susceptible to the virus. Humans can become infected with EEE when mosquitoes who have fed on previously infected animals then feed on humans. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop symptoms. Those that do can experience headaches, chills, fever, malaise, joint, and muscle pain. This can progress to serious neurological symptoms such as drowsiness, seizures, and coma and even death.
As Arkansans plan to enjoy the outdoors during Labor Day weekend, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is stressing the importance of taking precautions against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry. Whether in their own backyard or on a trip, Arkansans should protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. Some of these diseases can be fatal; some of them can also be difficult to diagnose and treat. Mosquito bites can be prevented by:
- Using an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
- Using permethrin on your clothing as directed.
- Reducing mosquitoes around your home. Get rid of any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.
- Wearing protective clothing from dusk to dawn when outdoors.
In horses, EEE is fatal 70 to 90 percent of the time. Horse and large animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the virus and to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every 3-4 days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there.
If you experience any symptoms and think you may have EEE, talk with your healthcare provider about testing. You can learn more about insect-related diseases at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Summer Safety: Fireworks, Food, Swim, Heat, and COVID-19
Little Rock, Ark. – The Fourth of July is this weekend, and it is important to remember safety precautions for fireworks, food, swimming, and heat along with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) encourages all Arkansans ages 12 and up to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. These vaccines are safe and effective. Per Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines, those who are fully vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except in limited circumstances. For those who are not fully vaccinated, wearing a mask and physically distancing is recommended. To find a vaccine clinic near you, call 1-800-985-6030 or visit the ADH website.
Firework Safety
Fireworks-related injuries are common on the Fourth of July. Improper use of fireworks can lead to death and injury, including burns, cuts, and foreign objects in the eye. To prevent injury, keep these safety tips in mind:
· Read all labels and instructions before igniting.
· A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
· Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
· Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or flammable materials.
· Never give fireworks to children.
· Never shoot fireworks of any kind near pets.
· Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Food Safety
The chances of a foodborne illness increase in summer due to various factors, including warmer temperatures. When handling food during the holiday, stay healthy and safe by using these tips:
· Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs when bringing food to a picnic or cookout.
· Instead of using one cooler for all events, use a smaller or larger one based on the items it will hold. A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one.
· Avoid opening a cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
· In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than one hour.
· Serve cold food in small portions and keep the rest in the cooler.
· After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140°F or warmer.
· Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
· Use different utensils for handling raw meat than you use for cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
Swim Safety
About 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day in the United States. One of every five deaths are children aged 14 or younger. Keep these tips in mind, so you and your loved ones can swim safely:
· Enroll children in formal swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years old.
· Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around the water.
· Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, or talking on the phone) while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.
· Do not replace life jackets with air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings," "noodles," or inner-tubes. These toys are not life jackets and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
· Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing.
· Always swim with a buddy. Use swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
Heat-related Illness Prevention
Heat-related illness is caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating. However, under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat-related illness or death include children under the age of four, seniors age 65 or older, anyone overweight, and those who are ill or on certain medications. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent them are:
· Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center, or mall.
· Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
· Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
· Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or without air conditioning.
· Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat when you are in the sun.
· Use sunscreen as directed and reapply regularly, especially when swimming.
For more information regarding injury prevention, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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ADH urges Arkansans to take precautions during tick and mosquito season
Little Rock, Ark. – As Arkansans plan to enjoy the outdoors during the coming summer months, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) stresses the importance of taking precautions against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.
Arkansas has some of the highest rates in the nation for tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Heartland virus, and other diseases may also be carried by ticks. Mosquitoes in Arkansas can carry West Nile Virus and other less common diseases. Arkansans traveling within or outside of the country should educate themselves on the specific concerns ticks or mosquitoes may pose on their trip. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, Dengue, Malaria, and Yellow Fever, are more common outside of the United States.
Some of these diseases can be fatal; some of them can also be difficult to diagnose and treat. If you or your child does get a tick bite, be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, fatigue, and aches and pains within the next few weeks following the bite. If you do experience these symptoms, it is important to see a medical provider quickly. Make sure to discuss the tick bite, where you acquired the tick and symptoms with your doctor.
Whether in their own backyard or on a trip, Arkansans should protect themselves from these diseases by preventing tick and mosquito bites. Tick and mosquito bites can be prevented in similar ways:
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
- Use permethrin on your clothing as directed.
- Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your pants into socks or boots.
- Check for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets regularly. Remove ticks quickly if one is found.
- To avoid ticks, walk in the middle of a hiking trail or path; avoid tall grass and leaf litter.
- To reduce mosquitoes around your home, get rid of any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.
It is important to remove ticks correctly if found. Remove ticks by positioning tweezers as close to your skin as possible and lifting up on the tick firmly. Do not twist or jerk the tick or use home remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or waiting for the tick to fall off. These methods can increase the chance that a tick may transmit disease. Just because a tick or mosquito bites you does not mean it carries a disease or that you will get a disease; many Arkansans are bitten by ticks every year and remain healthy. The ADH wants our citizens to be tick aware so that if you are bitten, and do show signs of illness, you may receive appropriate treatment early on to prevent more severe outcomes.
You can learn more about insect-related diseases at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Free Box of Girl Scout Cookies Available at Health Equity Vaccine Clinics
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health continues to offer opportunities for Arkansans ages 12 and older to get vaccinated at clinics across the state. The ADH Health Equity Strike Team has received a donation from Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to provide a free box of cookies to each participant at the health equity COVID-19 vaccine clinics starting the weekend of June 5, 2021, and until supplies last. The clinics this weekend will be:
- 6/5/2021 Camden 9am – noon 896 S Adams Ave Greater St. Paul Baptist Church
- 6/5/2021 Little Rock 10am - 1pm 1001 W 16 St Dunbar Community Center
- 6/5/2021 NLR 3-7pm 5512 Pike Ave Creciendo en Cristo
The ADH encourages all eligible Arkansans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are safe and effective. For a full list of Health Equity Strike Team clinics, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/adh-covid-19-vaccine-clinics.
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Local Health Units Statewide to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
Little Rock, Ark.— The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is offering the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at Local Health Units across the state.
The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is given in one dose and only requires one visit. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is also available to anyone age 18 or older. The Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart. People will be scheduled for an appointment to return for the second dose when they receive the first dose.
Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment may call the health unit closest to them or the statewide vaccine call line at 1-800-985-6030. After-hours appointments may be available on Tuesdays. Health units are in every county in the state.
There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the health unit. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.
The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous reviews that have proven them to be both safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccine protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but the person’s family, friends, and community from getting COVID-19. If a person does get COVID-19, it will help prevent them from getting a severe case that could lead to hospitalization or even death. You can learn more about the vaccine and the ADH vaccination plan at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
For more information, including health unit locations, phone numbers, and services, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Local Health Units Statewide to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
Little Rock, Ark.— Beginning next week, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will begin offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Local Health Units across the state.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 18 or older. The vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart. People will be scheduled an appointment to return for the second dose when they receive the first dose.
Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment may call the health unit closest to them or the statewide vaccine call line at 1-800-985-6030. After-hours appointments may be available on Tuesdays. Health units are in every county in the state.
There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the health unit. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.
The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous reviews that have proven them to be both safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccine protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but the person’s family, friends, and community from getting COVID-19. If a person does get COVID-19, it will help prevent them from getting a severe case that could lead to hospitalization or even death. You can learn more about the vaccine and the ADH vaccination plan at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
For more information, including health unit locations, phone numbers, and services, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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ADH Celebrates Public Health Week April 5-11
Little Rock, Ark.--The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) April 5-11.
NPHW is observed during the first full week of April each year. It is held to show how public health helps Arkansans improve their own health, protects them from epidemics, and provides preventive health services in their communities. This year’s national theme, “Building Bridges to Better Health,” focuses on how making communities safe and healthy is public health’s top priority. COVID-19 has only emphasized that priority—and through efforts by the public health system’s health care providers to vaccinate against COVID-19, Arkansas is working to build a bridge out of the pandemic.
The ADH encourages people to learn more about public health services in Arkansas such as the weekly community COVID-19 vaccination clinics that are held in select local health units and community locations across the state. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine, although people should bring their insurance cards to their vaccination site. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.
More information on dates and times for the vaccination clinics is available by calling 1-800-985-6030 or visiting https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/adh-covid-19-vaccine-clinics.
To learn more about NPHW and the services that the ADH provides, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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World TB Day
Little Rock, Ark. – World TB Day is recognized each year on March 24 – the date in 1882 that Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB). The annual event raises awareness of TB, how it can be prevented and what is needed to get rid of the disease.
TB is caused by germs that can attack any part of the body, although it usually attacks the lungs. Not everyone infected becomes sick. There are two TB-related conditions: TB infection and TB disease. With TB disease, a person can pass the TB germ to others they spend a lot of time with through the air when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing. People with TB infection do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread it to others. But, they can be treated to reduce the risk of the TB germs becoming active.
Symptoms include chills, fever or sweating at night, a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, coughing up blood or mucus, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, no appetite, and pain in the chest. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal TB is treatable, and people who have TB need to finish the medicine and take the drugs exactly as prescribed.
There are up to 13 million people estimated to be living with latent TB infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 8,916 reported TB cases in the United States, including Arkansas, in 2019.
Too many people still suffer from TB disease. To get rid of TB, people with TB disease need to be tested and treated to prevent its spread. Even people with latent TB infection need to be treated to prevent it from becoming an active disease. People should visit their local health unit or their primary care doctor if they experience symptoms of TB or have been in contact with someone else who has TB. The ADH TB Program supports TB control activities in Arkansas including the diagnosis and treatment of TB cases and contact investigations around infectious cases.
To learn more about TB, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Rock Region METRO Offering Free Transit Rides to Scheduled COVID-19 Vaccinations
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (March 8, 2021) — Rock Region METRO is offering free rides to COVID-19 vaccinations starting Monday, March 8 through May 31, 2021, with a possible program extension later if feasible.
“As more vaccinations become available, it’s critical to have Arkansans who seek a COVID-19 vaccination be able to get that vaccine with few to no barriers,” said Charles Frazier, Rock Region METRO chief executive officer. “The METRO team has been providing essential public transit service to the central Arkansas community before and during the pandemic, and we are happy to do what we can to remove transportation barriers and assist the state in its vaccination efforts.”
The free rides will be in effect for the trips riders are taking to and from scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointments and will be provided on METRO fixed route bus service, METRO Links paratransit service and METRO Connect on-demand microtransit service. Riders may simply show their operators their appointment confirmation (an email or printed appointment paperwork is sufficient), and they will ride free on the day of their appointments.
This announcement comes as additional mass vaccination sites are being announced throughout the community, such as the COVID Vaccine Clinic at the Centre at University Park operated by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in partnership with the City of Little Rock (6401 W. 12th St., Little Rock, served by METRO Route 3 Baptist Medical Center). Other locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations that are served by METRO include:
- Walmart Store #124, 8801 Baseline Rd., Little Rock: Served by Routes 22 University Ave./Mabelvale and 23 Baseline/Southwest
- Kroger, 8824 Geyer Springs Rd., Little Rock: Served by Route 22 University Ave./Mabelvale
- Express RX, 10100 Stagecoach Rd., Little Rock: Served by Route 23 Baseline/Southwest
- Baptist Health Little Rock, 9601 Baptist Health Dr., Little Rock: Served by Route 3 Baptist Medical Center
- Baptist Health North Little Rock, 3333 Springhill Dr., North Little Rock: Served by Route 10 McCain Mall
- City Pharmacy, 1801 Broadway, Little Rock: Served by Route 14 Rosedale
- Freiderica Pharmacy, 400 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 101A, Little Rock: Served by Routes 3 Baptist Medical Center, 13 UA – Pulaski Technical College and 14 Rosedale
- Medicine Man Pharmacy (2520 Main St., North Little Rock): Served by Route 10 McCain Mall
- Cornerstone Pharmacy Rose City (4307 E. Broadway St., North Little Rock): Served by Route 18 McAlmont
This list is not exhaustive; visit healthy.arkansas.gov for all central Arkansas vaccination locations and clinics. Find more information on METRO service at rrmetro.org under the Services tab; check for active service alerts, including ongoing COVID-19-response-related service alerts, at the top of the webpage and under the Service Alerts menu of the free METROtrack mobile app.
Currently, state-approved COVID-19 vaccination sites are open to all people in the state COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Phase 1A and 1-B: Arkansans.
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ADH To Hold Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics In Each Region
Little Rock, Ark. – Beginning next week, mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held weekly at one location in each of the Arkansas Department of Health's five public health regions across the state.
Each week, vaccine clinics will happen in each of the five public health regions. At first, vaccines will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservations will be accepted. In future weeks, a toll-free number will be available to call and make reservations.
Doses will be available to those who are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Arkansas. These include Arkansans who are 65 and older, those who work in education and those who work in food manufacturing. Click here for complete details about Arkansans currently eligible for the vaccine.
Details on the first five clinics are posted below. Information on clinics in subsequent weeks will be posted on the ADH COVID-19 vaccine clinics webpage.
First-come, first-served clinics where no reservations accepted:
- Central Arkansas: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 12, Greater Second Baptist Church, 5615 Geyer Springs, Little Rock
- Northwest: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 11, Conway Co. Fairgrounds, 901 E. Elm St., Morrilton
- Northeast: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12, Arkansas Northeastern College, 2501 S. Division, Governor’s Ballroom, Blytheville
- Southwest: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12, Fordyce Civic Ctr., 300 Hwy 79-167 Bypass, Fordyce
- Southeast: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12, Marianna Civic Ctr., 593 State Hwy 243, Marianna
There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the unit. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will be available at no charge.
The vaccines offered at these clinics will require a second dose administered several weeks later. Information will be available at each event about when to return for the second dose.
The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines have each undergone rigorous reviews that have proven them to be both safe and effective. You can learn more about the vaccines and ADH vaccination plan at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
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ADH lifts public health advisory limiting recreational activity on portions of west fork of the Whit
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has lifted an advisory that had limited recreational activity on portions of the west fork of the White River in Washington County since May 2019.
The advisory was associated with discharge coming from the West Fork wastewater treatment plant that resulted in elevated concentrations of E. coli and total coliform in the river. The treatment plant has ceased operations.
The advisory had been in effect for a roughly 3.4 mile section of the river that started at the upstream location of the Dye Creek Bridge in West Fork and ended at the Baptist Ford Bridge on South Main Street in Greenland.
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STOLEN RADIOACTIVE GAUGE
(Little Rock) - The Arkansas Department of Health, Radiation Control Section, Radioactive Materials Program, received notification today that a gauge containing radioactive material has been stolen from a private residential driveway in West Memphis, Arkansas. The gauge contains shielding and is not dangerous if it remains intact. However, the gauge could present a radiation hazard if it was damaged and the radioactive sources were exposed and/or removed from their sealed container.
The gauge transport case is about the size and shape of a storage trunk and is made of hard yellow plastic material with handles on each side and on top (photo attached). The gauge is also yellow with a rectangular base and a foot-long handle on top. Both are clearly labeled as radioactive materials. The gauge and transport case weighs approximately 85 to 95 pounds.
The gauge contains approximately 8 millicuries Cesium-137 and 40 millicuries Americium-241. The gauge is used to take moisture and density measurements by projecting radiation from the two radioactive sources into the ground and then displaying the amount of radiation reflected back to the gauge. The gauge is described as a Troxler Electronic Laboratories Model 3411-B, Serial Number 4794.
The State police, local government officials, law enforcement agencies, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Arkansas Crime Information Center, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management have also been notified.
Although the gauge poses a potential public health risk, it does not contain enough radioactive material to be used for any explosive device.
Anyone finding this gauge should IMMEDIATELY report it to the nearest police authority or telephone 1-800-633-1735 or 501-661-2173 and ask for the Radiation Staff Duty Officer. The public should maintain a safe distance from the gauge if found and report it immediately.
Enclosure: Photos of an example gauge (not actual gauge listed above)
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Updated Water Contact Advisory for Segment of Mississippi River
Little Rock, Ark. – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has updated a water contact advisory it issued last year for a section of the Mississippi River near Greenville. The advisory includes the section of the river beginning near coordinates N33.354134 W91.129622 and ending at the Mississippi/Arkansas state line (see map below). An ADH advisory starts at the state line and continues downstream to the US-82/US-278 Greenville Bridge over the Mississippi River.
The advisory was initially issued due to operational issues at the City of Greenville’s wastewater treatment plant that resulted in the discharge of minimally treated wastewater into the river. The city has scheduled repair work for its wastewater treatment system beginning this week and continuing through the end of March 2021, which will result in a planned discharge of minimally treated wastewater into the river.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recommends that people and pets, including dogs, avoid contact with river water until further notice. Contact with river water would include activities such as swimming, wading, fishing, and eating fish or anything else taken from these waters.
The states of Arkansas and Mississippi are working together to continue to monitor the effects of the wastewater discharge and its effects on surrounding environments.
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“Cancel COVID on College Campuses” contest winners announced
Little Rock, Ark. – Students from NorthWest Arkansas Community College have won the $5,000 grand prize in the “Cancel COVID on College Campuses” video contest, and submissions by students from several other Arkansas colleges and universities were also honored.
The Arkansas Department of Health through its Office of Health Equity and its Be Well Arkansas program created the contest to challenge students across the state to produce compelling videos that would promote ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 in higher education settings.
- Music Club of NWACC
- Society of Automotive Engineers of Arkansas Tech University
- Gamma Sigma of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)
- Indian Students Association of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR):
- Star One Media and Entertainment of the South Arkansas Community College
- Beta Beta Chapter of UAPB
- UACCB Ambassadors of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- TRIO Student Success Club of the University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana
- Design Squad of UALR
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ADH recognizes World AIDS Day
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ADH and March of Dimes to host Mission: Healthy Baby Shower
Little Rock, Ark. –March of Dimes and the Arkansas Department of Health will host an educational baby shower for military families as part of the Mission: Healthy Baby program.
The March of Dimes recognizes the challenges military mothers face and through the Mission: Healthy Baby program, they strive to help military families through pregnancy and birth. The program features free health information and support services for pregnant women and new mothers in the military.
During this time of social distancing, this year’s event will be virtual. It’s set for 1 p.m. on Dec. 4.The baby shower is designed specifically for military families who may be stationed away from family and friends, or who may be actively deployed while their partner is expecting a child at home. Those in attendance will receive free pregnancy and newborn health information and support services to help minimize anxieties and provide valuable resources to complement their journey toward a healthy pregnancy.In addition, families will be"showered" with baby supplies and much more, courtesy of March of Dimes, Philips, Campbell’s and First Security Bank.
More information about the program is available at missionhealthybaby.org. Space is limited, however expectant military mothers or families who wish to participate can call (501) 661-2622.
“This will be the second shower for military families that our office has been able to partner with March of Dimes, SISTERS UNITED and Healthy Active Arkansas. We are thankful that the March of Dimes is offering them in a virtual format so moms can still interact with other families,” stated Dr. Michelle R. Smith, Director of Health Equity at the Arkansas Department of Health who also serves in the Arkansas Air National Guard.
Since 2009, March of Dimes has showered over 2,000 families at various military bases across the country.
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ADH recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Little Rock, Ark. - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is encouraging women to talk with their healthcare providers about getting screened.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women. In 2017, there were 2,163 new breast cancer cases and 414 cancer deaths in the state. However, Arkansas is ranked one of the lowest states (37th) for breast cancer screening, according to CDC Wonder (2018).
In 1997, the Arkansas General Assembly passed the Breast Cancer Act, which led to the ADH’s BreastCare program. The BreastCare program served 9,026 women in fiscal year 2020. Services included 2,937 mammograms and 5,344 pap tests, which resulted in 53 diagnoses of breast or cervical cancer.
Seventy-two percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer while in the BreastCare program were found to have early stage cancer (stage 0, I, or II). This is significant in that cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Breast and cervical screening services are important for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
The BreastCare program has coordinated efforts with a statewide network of providers offering no cost screenings and follow-up services. Women aged 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women aged 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer, regardless of ethnicity or nationality.
In addition to screening and diagnostic services, BreastCare provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Help us to fight the battle against breast cancer by getting screened.
BreastCare covers breast cancer screening starting at age 40. It is recommended for women aged 40-49 to talk with their provider to see when they should start breast cancer screening. For women aged 50-74 it is recommended to have breast cancer screening every two years.
Call 501-661-2942 or visit www.ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible for the program and to find a provider. Chances are there’s a BreastCare provider near you. For more information about BreastCare, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Local Health Units extend hours on Tuesdays
Little Rock, Ark. – Local Health Units across Arkansas will stay open later on Tuesdays so that services including flu vaccinations and COVID-19 tests are available after normal business hours.
The health units, which are located in every county in the state, will now be open between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.
“Local Health Units play a critical role in improving the health and well-being of Arkansans,” said Cassie Cochran, the director of ADH’s Center for Local Public Health. “We hope this change makes the units more accessible and allows more Arkansans to take advantage of the available services.”
Flu vaccinations are offered on a walk-in basis, and no appointment is necessary. Appointments should be made for COVID-19 tests by calling ahead to the unit.
Other clinical services available at health units include: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), family health, sexually transmitted infection screening and services, and immunization appointments.
For more information, including health unit locations, phone numbers and services, visit healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.
The units will operate under normal hours on other weekdays.
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ADH recognizes World Rabies Day 2020 by educating Arkansans about animal bites and rabies
Little Rock, Ark. – Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nerves in mammals, including humans. World Rabies Day is recognized every September 28th, and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reminding Arkansans to know the signs of rabies in animals and what to do if they are bitten.
ADH has reported 25 cases of rabies in animals so far this year. These cases have been confirmed in 10 skunks and 11 bats. And unfortunately, it has spilled over into domestic species with two dogs and two cats this year.
Rabies can be contracted through a bite or potential exposure with saliva from an infected animal. In Arkansas, the animals that most often carry rabies are skunks and bats, but any mammal can become infected by one of these species. Animals do not have to be aggressive or behaving erratically to have rabies. Changes in any animal’s normal behavior can be early signs of rabies.
Report abnormal animal behavior to animal control or law enforcement. If it can be done safely without placing someone at risk of contact with the animal, capture or confine it until animal control or public health authorities are contacted to provide further guidance. If the animal can’t be captured or confined, it’s helpful to identify it before it runs away. Do not try to pick the animal up. Depending on the species, an animal can be observed for a specified period of time or tested for rabies in order to avoid the need for rabies treatment. A potential rabies exposure should never be taken lightly. If untreated, rabies is always fatal.
Arkansas state law requires that all dogs and cats over four months of age be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This is an important public health preventive measure that not only protects our pets but provides a barrier between rabies in wildlife and ourselves and our family members. Rabies vaccine sold over the counter may not be properly handled or administered and, therefore, may be ineffective at producing an immune response after vaccination, creating a false sense of security and possibly hindering appropriate medical treatment.
The human rabies vaccine and immune globulin (passive antibodies), administered after a possible exposure but before symptoms develop, is highly effective at preventing the progression to rabies disease after an exposure. However, once an infected person develops symptoms of rabies there is no effective treatment, and the infected person will most likely die. Timely reporting of animal bites allows public health experts to offer recommendations on the need for rabies post-exposure treatment, which is only administered through the major emergency departments in Arkansas. The health department does not administer rabies post-exposure treatments.
Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the nearest ADH Local Health Unit. A listing of units can be found at healthy.arkansas.gov. For questions about rabies or animal bites, email the ADH Zoonotic Disease Section at adh.zoonotic@arkansas.gov, or call 501-661-2381.
How can you protect yourself from rabies?
- Be sure dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations at all times.
- Keep family pets indoors at night.
- If you wake to a bat in the room, you may need to be treated if the bat cannot be tested.
- Bat-proof your home or summer camp in the fall or winter. Most human rabies cases in the U.S. are caused by bat bites.
- Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if any animal bites them.
- Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals.
- Teach children to avoid wildlife, strays and all other animals they do not know well.
What steps should be followed after an animal bite?
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make an appointment with a healthcare professional, or go to the emergency department if necessary, to have your bite/scratch assessed for appropriate treatment.
- Report the bite to local law enforcement or your local health unit.
- If the affected animal is a pet, ADH or your vet will discuss quarantine options with you, which is a specified period of time an animal must be removed from contact with people and observed for development of rabies symptoms.
How do you submit an animal for rabies testing?
- Wear protective gear and use care when handling animals to ensure no additional exposures occur. Precautions must be taken to avoid direct contact with saliva or other fluids. Wear gloves, and eye and mouth protection to prevent splashes into the face.
- The ADH Public Health Lab cannot test live animals for rabies. If you plan to submit the animal for testing, do not shoot the animal in the head, if at all possible.
- ADH Public Health Lab may not be able to test the animal if it is shot in the head as there are three specific parts of the brain needed for the test.
- Local public health and the ADH Public Health Lab cannot remove heads; contact a veterinarian, trained animal control officer, or the Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for assistance.
- If the animal was immediately killed following the biting incident, do not leave the animal outside to decompose.
- ADH Public Health Lab will not be able to test the brain if it is decomposing.
- Keep the animal carcass chilled while awaiting further instructions to submit.
What about bats?
Bats that are on the ground, unable to fly, or active during the day are more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often easily approached but should never be handled. If you find yourself in close proximity to a bat, dead or alive, do not touch, hit or destroy it and do not try and remove it from your home. If a bat is found in the same room as a sleeping person, ill or elderly adult, unattended child or in the proximity of an unattended pet, contact the ADH for consultation. A bat bite or scratch may not be seen or even felt by the injured person due to the small size of its teeth and claws.
- Call your local animal control office or Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
- Call your healthcare provider or local public health department immediately to report the exposure and determine if preventive treatment is needed.
If the bat is available for testing and tests negative, preventive treatment is not needed.
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La Vacuna Contra la Gripe Ya Está Disponible en las Unidades Locales de Salud
Little Rock, Ark. – La vacuna contra la gripe o flu ya están disponibles en las Unidades Locales de Salud de Arkansas.
No hay costo para usted por la vacuna, y no se requiere que haga cita. Las personas deben traer su tarjeta de seguro médico. Si no tiene seguro médico, la vacuna se le proveerá sin costo.
“Este año será especialmente importante aplicarse la vacuna contra el la gripe,” dijo la Dra. Jennifer Dillaha, epidemiólogo del estado. “Esto es principalmente por dos razones: Usted no desearía tener la gripe y COVID-19 al mismo tiempo. La segunda razón es porque la vacuna contra la gripe puede ayudarle a mantenerle fuera del hospital. Y queremos disminuir el número de hospitalizaciones en Arkansas tantas como sean posibles debido a la pandemia de COVID-19.”
Se recomienda la vacuna anual contra la gripe para la mayoría de los adultos y niños de seis meses o más. El virus de la gripe cambia de año en año y este año la vacuna protege contra los virus de la gripe que se espera causarán la mayoría de las infecciones de esta temporada.
Las personas de todas las edades podrán obtener la vacuna contra el flu, pero ciertas personas tienen más probabilidades de padecer problemas serios de salud. Estos incluyen adultos mayores, niños pequeños, mujeres embarazadas, personas con problemas crónicos de salud (como asma, diabetes, o enfermedad cardiaca), personas que fuma, y personas que viven en casas de asistencia. Por lo que, el ADH le recomienda enfáticamente que las personas en estos grupos se vacunen contra la gripe. Se recomienda también que los amigos, familiares y aquellos que atiende a personas en estos grupos también se vacunen, no solo para protegerse a sí mismos pero también para disminuir la posibilidad de que puedan exponer a sus seres queridos.
La vacuna contra la gripe es segura y no causa la gripe. Algunas personas pueden tener un dolor leve y enrojecimiento cerca del área de la inyección y fiebre leve o un poco de dolor de cabeza. Las razones para no aplicarse la vacuna incluyen las reacciones alérgicas amenazantes para la vida experimentada con previas dosis de la vacuna contra la gripe o reacciones a un ingrediente de la vacuna. Sin embargo, las personas con alergia a los ingredientes de la vacuna pueden con frecuencia recibir la vacuna en forma segura, si la vacuna es aplicada en la oficina de un doctor donde la persona pueda ser monitorizada.
La gripe puede ser fácilmente propagada al toser, estornudar o al tocar superficies contaminadas con el virus, tales como manijas de puertas, y luego así tocarse la nariz o la boca. Los buenos hábitos de lavado de manos son importantes en la prevención de la gripe, pero la mejor manera de prevenir la gripe es vacunándose.
Para más información, visite www.healthy.arkansas.gov o www.flu.gov. Un directorio de las unidades locales de salud se encuentra disponible en www.healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.
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La Vacuna Contra la Gripe Ya Está Disponible en las Unidades Locales de Salud
Little Rock, Ark. – La vacuna contra la gripe o flu ya están disponibles en las Unidades Locales de Salud de Arkansas.
No hay costo para usted por la vacuna, y no se requiere que haga cita. Las personas deben traer su tarjeta de seguro médico. Si no tiene seguro médico, la vacuna se le proveerá sin costo.
“Este año será especialmente importante aplicarse la vacuna contra el la gripe,” dijo la Dra. Jennifer Dillaha, epidemiólogo del estado. “Esto es principalmente por dos razones: Usted no desearía tener la gripe y COVID-19 al mismo tiempo. La segunda razón es porque la vacuna contra la gripe puede ayudarle a mantenerle fuera del hospital. Y queremos disminuir el número de hospitalizaciones en Arkansas tantas como sean posibles debido a la pandemia de COVID-19.”
Se recomienda la vacuna anual contra la gripe para la mayoría de los adultos y niños de seis meses o más. El virus de la gripe cambia de año en año y este año la vacuna protege contra los virus de la gripe que se espera causarán la mayoría de las infecciones de esta temporada.
Las personas de todas las edades podrán obtener la vacuna contra el flu, pero ciertas personas tienen más probabilidades de padecer problemas serios de salud. Estos incluyen adultos mayores, niños pequeños, mujeres embarazadas, personas con problemas crónicos de salud (como asma, diabetes, o enfermedad cardiaca), personas que fuma, y personas que viven en casas de asistencia. Por lo que, el ADH le recomienda enfáticamente que las personas en estos grupos se vacunen contra la gripe. Se recomienda también que los amigos, familiares y aquellos que atiende a personas en estos grupos también se vacunen, no solo para protegerse a sí mismos pero también para disminuir la posibilidad de que puedan exponer a sus seres queridos.
La vacuna contra la gripe es segura y no causa la gripe. Algunas personas pueden tener un dolor leve y enrojecimiento cerca del área de la inyección y fiebre leve o un poco de dolor de cabeza. Las razones para no aplicarse la vacuna incluyen las reacciones alérgicas amenazantes para la vida experimentada con previas dosis de la vacuna contra la gripe o reacciones a un ingrediente de la vacuna. Sin embargo, las personas con alergia a los ingredientes de la vacuna pueden con frecuencia recibir la vacuna en forma segura, si la vacuna es aplicada en la oficina de un doctor donde la persona pueda ser monitorizada.
La gripe puede ser fácilmente propagada al toser, estornudar o al tocar superficies contaminadas con el virus, tales como manijas de puertas, y luego así tocarse la nariz o la boca. Los buenos hábitos de lavado de manos son importantes en la prevención de la gripe, pero la mejor manera de prevenir la gripe es vacunándose.
Para más información, visite www.healthy.arkansas.gov o www.flu.gov. Un directorio de las unidades locales de salud se encuentra disponible en www.healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.
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Flu Vaccinations Available at Local Health Units
Little Rock, Ark. – Flu vaccinations are now available on a walk-in basis at Local Health Units across Arkansas.
There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine, and appointments aren’t required. People should bring their insurance cards to the unit. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will be available at no charge.
“This year it will be especially important to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, state epidemiologist. “This is mainly for two reasons: You don’t want to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The second reason is because flu vaccinations can go a long way to keeping people out of the hospital. And we want to decrease the number of hospitalizations in Arkansas as much as possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year and this year’s vaccine protects against flu viruses expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
People of all ages can get the flu, but certain people are more likely to have serious health problems with it. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine, not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose their loved ones to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. Reasons to skip the flu vaccine include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. However, people with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.
The flu is easily spread through coughing and sneezing or by touching something with the virus on it, such as a doorknob, and then touching the nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu, but the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov. A directory of Local Health Units is available at www.healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.
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Health Department Urges Safety as Storm Brings Flood Risk
Little Rock, Ark. – As Hurricane Laura moves inland and brings heavy rain to much of Arkansas, it’s important to be aware of the health risks associated with floods. Flood water and sewer overflows can contain bacteria, viruses and other organisms that cause disease.
- Avoid skin contact with flood water, and keep cuts and sores clean and covered.
- Do not allow children to play in flood water.
- Do not eat or drink anything exposed to flood water.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Contact your Local Health Unit for information about septic system inspection.
Mold
Things that are wet for two or more days, including carpets and rugs, often have mold growing on them, even if you can’t see the mold. Mold can make the air in your home unhealthy and affect people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems.
- Get rid of any contaminated objects that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
- Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a bleach and water solution made of one cup of bleach per one gallon of water. Home or laundry disinfectant can be used for objects that would be damaged by bleach.
- Do not use ammonia. Ammonia vapors mixed with bleach vapors create a poisonous gas.
Private Well Water
Private wells impacted by flooding will need to be tested for total coliforms and E. coli, which are indicators of bacterial contamination in drinking water.
- Do not drink water from a well until it has been disinfected and tested.
- Do not turn on the pump before consulting with an electrician, as there is a risk of electrical shock.
- The ADH Public Health Laboratory is waiving well water testing fees for private well owners impacted by the flood. Contact your Local Health Unit for information about well water testing.
Tetanus
Due to the likelihood of a debris-related injury after a flood, it is recommended that all responders and residents make sure that they are up-to-date with the tetanus shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccination (DTaP for those younger than seven; Tdap or Td for those seven years or older) across the lifespan:
- Infants and children should receive five doses of DTaP vaccine by the time they reach six years of age.
- Adolescents should receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine between 11 and 12 years of age.
- Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy.
- Adults should receive a single dose of Td or Tdap vaccine every 10 years.
- Adults who have never had a dose of Tdap vaccine should receive Tdap rather than Td vaccine.
- If you receive a wound, you should still see your doctor as other medicines or treatment may be needed.
Tetanus vaccines are available at Local Health Units and in many doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
There is a Local Health Unit in every county, and a listing can be found here. If you are unsure whether you are up-to-date with tetanus vaccination, you should be able to confirm that information with the provider who administered the vaccine. If you are unable to confirm whether you are up-to-date, it is safe to get another shot.
For more information, please visit the Flood Water Safety page on the ADH website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Be Aware of Potential Scams
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health is warning about two separate potential scams in recent days in which scammers posed as officials to try and extract payment from victims.
In one case, a caller purporting to be a contact tracer directed a person to quarantine and said they needed to provide a credit card to get a letter of release.
“Legitimate case investigators and contact tracers affiliated with the Department of Health will never ask for payment or request any credit card or bank account information,” said Dr. José R. Romero, Secretary of Health. “Case investigators and contact tracers have one goal—to keep you and others safe and healthy.”
While ADH case investigators may call from different phone numbers, contact tracers will generally use (877) 272-6819 or (833) 283-2019 or (501) 686-5875. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.
If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer posing as an official, you can report these calls to the Attorney General’s office online at www.ArkansasAG.gov, by emailing OAG@ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982. Please note the time of the call and the number it came from when you report it.
"Inspectors from the Arkansas Department of Health will never demand on-the-spot payments for inspections, citations or contact tracing," said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. "In difficult times we often see bad actors trying to take advantage of hardworking Arkansans, and I urge anyone experiencing a fraudulent contact tracer or immediate payment over the phone to call my office and let us do the fighting for you."
In a separate scam reported recently, someone fraudulently claimed to be an inspector and then demanded payment from at least one Pulaski County eatery.
Legitimate ADH inspectors carry identification with the agency logo and will always be willing to provide it when asked. ADH inspectors will also never ask for money.
The business owner reported that the scammer claimed to be a health inspector on two separate occasions in recent days. In both visits, the scammer surveyed the business and then demanded payments for inspection fees.
ADH requested that the business report the crime to police and to alert authorities if the fake inspector returns.
The Department of Health also conducts inspections involving cosmetology services, plumbing, natural gas, and other areas. In any inspection, the same standard applies: an ADH inspector can provide identification and will not request payment.
Any other business that believes it may have been victimized should call police and also notify the Department of Health.
If a business has questions about an inspection or a payment request, the Environmental Health Protection program can be reached during normal business hours at (501) 661-2171.
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Suspension of expiration dates on medical marijuana patient cards to end September 30
Little Rock, Ark. – Earlier this year, the Arkansas Department of Health suspended expiration dates on medical marijuana registry cards due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This allowed individuals to temporarily use their cards past the expiration date written on their card.
However, this temporary extension will end September 30, 2020. Cards with an expiration date on or before September 30, 2020, will expire September 30, 2020. Cardholders need to submit a renewal application by September 11, 2020, to allow time for processing. Cards with an expiration date after September 30, 2020, will expire on the date written on the card.
To renew, cardholders will need to submit an updated physician written certification, patient application, copy of their Arkansas driver’s license or ID and the $50 processing fee. Applications can be submitted here.
Telemedicine will continue to be allowed for physician written certifications until further notice. Physicians may provide the certification to the patient via email or mail.
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World Hepatitis Day
Little Rock, Ark. – July 28 is World Hepatitis Day. It is estimated that 290 million people worldwide have viral hepatitis and do not know. Hepatitis causes significant health problems, and even loss of life.
Symptoms of hepatitis C include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, light-colored stool, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, joint pain, dark urine and/or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Some people do not experience any symptoms at all. Hepatitis C is contagious through contact with an infected person’s blood or instruments contaminated with an infected person’s blood.
The Centers for Disease Control now recommends one-time hepatitis C testing of all adults (18 years and older), all pregnant women during every pregnancy and ongoing regular testing for people with risk factors, including those who use injection drugs.
Treatment is available in the form of oral medication that is usually taken for eight to 12 weeks and may be covered by private insurance, federal insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, those who have no insurance and/or financial hardships can receive assistance with medication treatments through application with pharmaceutical companies. According to the CDC, over 90% of patients can be cured of their infection.
Please contact your doctor to make an appointment or seek appropriate medical care if you suspect you have hepatitis C. Testing is also available through your local county health unit.
As you seek treatment or a test, remember to take important precautions against COVID-19 including wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently and practicing physical distancing.
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Answer the Call: ADH Contact Tracers May Reach Out
Little Rock, Ark. – When a patient tests positive for COVID-19, case investigators and contact tracers work backwards to trace where the person has been and who has potentially been exposed.
This work is called contact tracing, and it’s a critical step toward containing the spread of the virus. It means that a contact tracer with the Arkansas Department of Health or one of our partners might call you seeking information that will help keep you and the people around you safe.
If you have tested positive, a case investigator will call and ask about your symptoms as well as where you have been and when. The case investigator will instruct you on how to self-isolate and enroll you in an automated system called SARA Alert for reporting symptoms by text or email. A contact tracer will follow up with you about your close contacts.
If you are a close contact, a contact tracer will call and walk you through a self-quarantine process and enroll you in SARA Alert. Calls from contact tracers will generally happen before 8 p.m. The tracer will be able to provide information you can verify, such as where you have recently been.
The case investigator and contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card. If the caller ever discusses money, that’s a sign that it is not a legitimate Department of Health investigator. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.
Case investigators will call from a variety of phone numbers. It’s possible you won’t recognize the number, but it’s important to answer or return the call if it goes to voicemail. A contact tracer will then follow up and reach out to your close contacts. This call will come from a different phone number. Many of our contact tracers will use these numbers:
- (877) ARCOV19 or (877) 272-6819
- (833) CVD-2019 or (833) 283-2019
If you haven’t spoken to a tracer on the phone to enroll in the automated SARA Alert program for reporting symptoms, beware of text messages asking you to click on a link. It could be a scammer. A tracer will not send you any links to click before speaking with you on the phone.
If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer posing as an official, you can report these calls to the Attorney General’s office online at www.ArkansasAG.gov, by emailing OAG@ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982. Please note the time of the call and the number it came from when you report it.
The Department of Health is also adding contact tracers to our team through a partnership with General Dynamics Information Technology. More information, including how to apply, is available at https://www.gdit.com/ARContactTracerJobs/.
The Department of Health is also hiring nurses to help with case investigation, COVID-19 clinics and more. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/public-health-careers.
Additional information about contact tracing in Arkansas is available here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-contact-tracing.
Spanish: Responda a la llamada: Los rastreadores de contactos del ADH pueden llamarle
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Summer Safety: Fireworks, Food, Swim, Heat, and COVID-19
Little Rock, Ark. – The Fourth of July is coming up this week, so it’s an important time to remember firework, food, swim and heat safety along with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions
Arkansans are advised to wear face coverings in both indoor and outdoor environments where they are exposed to non-household members and unable to maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others. Face coverings should cover both the mouth and nose. Frequent handwashing is advised, and anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should avoid contact with others and seek a COVID-19 test.
Firework Safety
Fireworks-related injuries are most common on the Fourth of July. Improper use of fireworks can lead to death and injury, including burns, cuts, and foreign objects in the eye. To prevent injury, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Read all labels and instructions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or flammable materials.
- Never give fireworks to children.
- Never shoot fireworks of any kind near pets.
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Food Safety
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. When handling food during the holiday, stay healthy and safe by using these tips:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs when bringing food to a picnic or cookout.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one.
- Avoid opening a cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
- In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions and keep the rest in the cooler.
- After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140°F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
- Use different utensils for handling raw meat than you use for cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
Water Safety
Every day in the United States, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Two of these ten are children aged 14 or younger. Keep these tips in mind, so you and your loved ones can swim safely:
- Take part in formal swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years old.
- Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water.
- Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, or talking on the phone) while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.
- Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings", "noodles", or inner-tubes instead of life jackets. These toys are not life jackets and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing.
- Always swim with a buddy. Use swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
Heat-related Illness Prevention
Heat-related illness is caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating. However, under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat-related illness or death include children under the age of four, seniors age 65 or older, anyone overweight and those who are ill or on certain medications. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent them are:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center or mall.
- Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or without air conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat when you are in the sun.
- Use sunscreen as directed and reapply regularly, especially when swimming.
For more information regarding injury prevention, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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Summer Safety: Fireworks, Food, Swim, Heat, and COVID-19
Little Rock, Ark. – The Fourth of July is coming up this week, so it’s an important time to remember firework, food, swim and heat safety along with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions
Arkansans are advised to wear face coverings in both indoor and outdoor environments where they are exposed to non-household members and unable to maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others. Face coverings should cover both the mouth and nose. Frequent handwashing is advised, and anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should avoid contact with others and seek a COVID-19 test.
Firework Safety
Fireworks-related injuries are most common on the Fourth of July. Improper use of fireworks can lead to death and injury, including burns, cuts, and foreign objects in the eye. To prevent injury, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Read all labels and instructions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or flammable materials.
- Never give fireworks to children.
- Never shoot fireworks of any kind near pets.
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Food Safety
Due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures, foodborne illness increases in summer. When handling food during the holiday, stay healthy and safe by using these tips:
- Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs when bringing food to a picnic or cookout.
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one.
- Avoid opening a cooler repeatedly so that your food stays colder longer.
- In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should never sit out for more than one hour.
- Serve cold food in small portions and keep the rest in the cooler.
- After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140°F or warmer.
- Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.
- Use different utensils for handling raw meat than you use for cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
Water Safety
Every day in the United States, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Two of these ten are children aged 14 or younger. Keep these tips in mind, so you and your loved ones can swim safely:
- Take part in formal swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years old.
- Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water.
- Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, playing cards, or talking on the phone) while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.
- Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings", "noodles", or inner-tubes instead of life jackets. These toys are not life jackets and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing.
- Always swim with a buddy. Use swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
Heat-related Illness Prevention
Heat-related illness is caused by your body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating. However, under certain conditions sweating is not enough. People who have higher risks for heat-related illness or death include children under the age of four, seniors age 65 or older, anyone overweight and those who are ill or on certain medications. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Simple tips to prevent them are:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider public places like a library, senior center or mall.
- Wear light, loose-fitted clothing.
- Drink water often. Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or without air conditioning.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat when you are in the sun.
- Use sunscreen as directed and reapply regularly, especially when swimming.
For more information regarding injury prevention, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.
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COVID-19 testing events planned across state
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health will host a series of drive-thru COVID-19 testing events at locations across the state beginning this Friday.
At each event, there will be no out-of-pocket cost for the tests, and tests will be offered to anyone who wants to be tested regardless of whether they have symptoms. Insurance is not required.
Anyone found to be positive for COVID-19 will be notified and provided guidance for isolating to stop the spread of the disease.
The full schedule is below:
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Jonesboro – Craighead County Health Unit, 611 E. Washington Ave.
- Wrightsville – City Hall, 13024 Arkansas 365-South
- El Dorado – Union County Fairgrounds, 1430 E. 19th St.
A drive-thru testing event is also planned from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, June 6, at the Community Clinic at 1233 W. Poplar Street in Rogers, Arkansas.
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Arkansas State Board of Health Special Meeting
WHO: Arkansas State Board of Health
WHAT: Special Teleconference Meeting
WHEN: Friday, May 15, 2020 at 3pm
WHERE: Teleconference
- 1-866-434-5269
- Access Code: 7207010
WHY: Resolutions and other business
Note: For more information on the Arkansas State Board of Health, click here.
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Local Health Units to offer COVID-19 testing
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Minimizing health risks in water systems as Arkansas begins reopening
Little Rock, Ark. – As Arkansas enters phase one of its reopening plan, customers and workers across the state will be returning to facilities that have experienced reduced water use in recent weeks. It’s critical that building operators take steps to address potential chemical and microbial health risks that can develop in water systems that have been idle.
The Arkansas Department of Health recommends these actions:
- Thoroughly flush the building’s plumbing system before fully reopening. Begin at the point of entry and flush outwards through the entire building, including all fixtures and showerheads. Check cold water supply for chlorine to indicate fresh water has entered the system.
- Consider draining storage tanks like water heaters and softeners, and check for sediment buildup.
- Check aerators, filters, showerheads and other equipment for particles, and clean as necessary.
- Clean ice machines, and dispose of three batches of ice after flushing the system.
Building operators can submit samples to the Department of Health to verify the bacteriological safety of the water supply. Details on the process and cost for that service are available here.
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Secretary of Health’s COVID-19 Dental Advisory Group Meeting
Little Rock, Ark. – In consultation with Governor Asa Hutchinson, Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith has named a COVID-19 Dental Advisory Group to provide input from the dental community regarding resuming dental services in Arkansas.
The group will meet May 5, 2020, at 3 p.m. Two representatives from the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, Arkansas State Dental Association, and the Arkansas State Dental Hygiene Association have been named to the advisory group, which also includes Brad Erney, DDS, dental representative on the Arkansas Board of Health.
Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners
Fred Church, DDS, MS (Chairman)
Cara Jones, DDS, MS (Member Delegate)
Arkansas State Dental Association
R. Pierce Osborne, II, DDS (President)
Ernie Woodward, DDS, MS (Member Delegate)
Arkansas State Dental Hygiene Association
Jennifer Stain, RDH (President)
Bridget Fitzhugh, RDH (Member Delegate)
Dr. Smith and Governor Hutchinson will also join the meeting. Jose Romero, MD, Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Chief Medical Officer, and Lindy Bollen, Jr., DDS, Director of the ADH Office of Oral Health, will lead the discussion.
This meeting will be held remotely: dial-in 1-888-278-0296; access code 7985208#
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Advisory for Travelers from New York State and All International Locations
UPDATE: Effective June 15, 2020, there is now no quarantine requirement for travelers entering Arkansas based on the location they traveled from. This includes both domestic and international travel. The advisory below is no longer in effect.
ADH is now recommending self home quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from New York State and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in New York as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.
You can find details of home quarantine here.
Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
- Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
- Do not have visitors in your home.
- If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
- Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
- Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call us at your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
- In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
- Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
- Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.
For other COVID-19 questions, click here.
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COVID-19 in 3 Arkansas Nursing Homes
Little Rock - The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is working closely with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Healthcare Association to address cases of COVID-19 in three nursing homes across the state. The nursing homes affected are Apple Creek Nursing and Rehab in Centerton, The Villages of General Baptist West in Pine Bluff and Briarwood Nursing Home and Rehab in Little Rock.
Currently, we know of one patient that has tested positive for COVID-19 at both Apple Creek Nursing and Rehab and The Villages of General Baptist West. Thirteen cases, including patients and staff, have tested positive at Briarwood Nursing Home and Rehab in Little Rock. ADH is currently screening all other staff and residents for COVID-19 at Briarwood, and ADH staff are now onsite at Briarwood.
People above the age of 65 are at a higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. In an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19, ADH issued a directive on March 13, 2020, prohibiting visitation to nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, post-acute head injury retraining and residential care facilities, and any other facility that provides long-term medical or personal care. Anyone needing to enter one of these facilities is subject to screening. The directive is in place until April 12, 2020.
You can read the directive here.
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ADH Currently Testing Two People for Coronavirus Disease 2019
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Public Health Laboratory is currently testing two people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These two people are considered persons under investigation (PUI).
The ADH Lab now has the capability to test for COVID-19. Negative test results indicate the person does not have COVID-19. Positive test results still need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tests will be performed according to PUI guidance as determined by the CDC.
Moving forward, updates on numbers of PUIs being tested and travelers being monitored will be available on the ADH website by 3 p.m. every day. Test results will be updated on the page as well. The webpage is: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus.
We recognize Arkansans’ concerns about this illness, and we are committed to keeping the public informed with as much information as we have about the virus, while also protecting the privacy of individual patients. We will continue to keep the public up to date with new information as we receive it.
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Person Under Investigation in AR for 2019 nCOV Tests Negative for Virus
Little Rock - Today, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) received results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the person under investigation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The results show the patient does NOT have COVID-19.
ADH continues to work closely with the CDC and other agencies across the country to monitor COVID-19 and update the public as we learn more. We will continue to provide updates on our website at: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the ADH at 800-803-7847
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Preparation
Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is working closely with local, state and federal partners to stay up to date on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) activity in the nation and the world. The ADH has plans and protocols in place to respond to public health threats and is continuing to work diligently to make sure the state is as ready as possible for this disease.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. However, it is still beneficial to create a plan to help protect yourself, your family, and your community should the virus spread in the state.
Unfortunately, there are going to be rumors about cases of COVID-19 in communities. The ADH takes these rumors seriously and works with health care providers to investigate. Please know that information will come from the ADH if there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state or if there is a risk to the general public.
General Precautions
The best way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is to:
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of on your hand
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Planning
Now is also a good time for businesses and schools to prepare for the possibility of the virus spreading in the state by promoting healthy and safe environments that can slow the spread of disease. General preparations for organizations include:
- Making sure all sick employees or students stay home until they no longer have symptoms. Provide ways to work remotely or have policies in place to allow employees to miss days. Sick family members should stay home from work or school.
- Separating sick employees, students, or family members with respiratory symptoms like excessive coughing and sneezing from others, while encouraging them to cover their mouths while coughing and sneezing.
- Teaching proper sickness and hygiene etiquette.
- Performing routine environmental cleaning.
- Considering refraining from shaking hands.
The ADH is receiving frequent questions about face masks. The CDC does not recommend wearing a surgical face mask if you are not sick. N95 face masks, which are different from surgical masks and are respiratory protective devices with a very close facial fit and the ability to filter airborne particles, are not advised for the general public. These masks must be properly fitted to work, and they make breathing difficult when worn for an extended amount of time. Children should not use N95 masks.
In addition, travel advisories continue to be updated. Stay up-to-date on travel recommendations on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
CDC has more guidance for organizations and how they can prepare: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/preparing-communities.html.
We are continuing to learn more about COVID-19. You can find updates and information from ADH on our website here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus.
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