July 21 Public Health Update

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Eighty-six percent of those who were interviewed
claimed contact with live poultry the week before their illness began.

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Many Mesa County residents keep backyard flocks
and should take precautions to avoid getting sick. Even organically fed poultry
can have Salmonella.

·        
Chicks, ducklings and other live poultry can
carry Salmonella in their droppings
and on their bodies (feathers, feet and beaks), even when they appear to be
healthy and clean.

·        
Persons with Salmonella
infection may develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 – 72 hours after
infection. The illness usually lasts 4 – 7 days.

·        
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
right after touching live poultry or anything in the area where the birds live
and roam.

·        
Do not let live poultry inside the house and do
not snuggle or kiss the birds, touch your mouth, or eat or drink around live
poultry.

·        
Mesa County Health Department investigates cases
of Salmonella in the county.

·        
DTaP/Tdap are required for all School District
51 students. State law requires parents to provide updated immunization records
at school registration and throughout the year.

·        
DTaP/Tdap protect against diphtheria, tetanus
and pertussis (whooping cough), which can be deadly.

·        
Whooping cough has been on the rise in Mesa
County for several years, with 18 cases reported in 2014. Statewide, pertussis tripled
between 2011 and 2014.

·        
Vaccines protect you and our community. There
are certain populations such as very young children, or those with certain
medical reasons, who cannot be vaccinated.

·        
Immunization schedules can be found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html.

·        
Mesa County Health Department offers
vaccinations and serves all patients, regardless of inability to pay. Call (970)
248-6900 to make an appointment, or contact your health care provider.