Wednesday, July 30, 2008

TUBERCULOSIS CONTACTS UNDER INVESTIGATION IN MARICOPA

By Heather Murphy

FLORENCE, AZ – The Pinal County Public Health Services District is actively investigating people who came in contact with a child who was discovered to have had active infectious tuberculosis (TB) while in the Maricopa area of Pinal County.  The child, originally from Ethiopia where TB is common, spent some time living in Maricopa before moving to the state of Washington three months ago.  Washington health officials are ensuring that the child receives appropriate medical treatment and notified Pinal County Health officials as soon as it was determined that the child had active tuberculosis.

 

People who were contacts of the child, including some children in a preschool, have already been identified and are being contacted to be tested for TB infection.  Any person who may have been infected will be followed up by Pinal County Public Health to make sure they are treated.

 

"People usually do not become infected through casual contact such as being in the same open area, like a grocery store.  Contacts that need to be tested for TB infection are people who have had several hours of exposure to an infectious person.  We know who those people are and are contacting them," said Tom Schryer, Director of Public Health.

 

TB skin testing is not routinely recommended for everyone.  It is recommended for some people who may have work-related exposures to people who have TB disease and for people who have known exposures to people who have infectious TB.  For children, TB skin testing is recommended only for those who come from areas where TB is very common or for children who have been closely exposed to someone who is infectious.  If you have any questions about whether you or your child needs to be tested for TB please call the Pinal County Public Health Services District at 520-866-7347.

 

Children rarely spread TB, but in this case the child has more severe symptoms associated with being infectious.  Tuberculosis is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, speaking or singing.  The germs can linger in the air for several hours.  People become infected by breathing in these germs.  If they become infected this is called "latent TB".  A person with latent TB is not infectious and will not spread the disease.  In fact, a healthy person who has latent TB has about a 10 percent chance of developing TB disease during their lifetime.  People who are immune compromised and have latent TB have a much greater chance of developing TB disease.  People who have latent TB can be treated to make sure they do not develop TB disease later on.

 

Sometimes latent TB develops into "active TB" which causes TB disease and can spread.  People with active TB may feel weak, lose weight, have a fever and have night sweats.  TB usually affects the lungs but may affect other organs such as the spine, brain or kidneys.  A person with TB disease of the lungs may cough, have chest pain, or cough up blood.  A person with active TB disease may die if they do not get treatment.  The Pinal County Public Health Department works to make sure that people with active TB receive the treatment they need to become healthy and to avoid spreading the disease to other people.

 

For more information about TB please call the Pinal County Public Health Services District at 520-866-7347.  Information about TB is also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/tb

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Public Health Clinic Hours Changing to Better Serve Communities

FLORENCE, AZ – In an effort to increase access to vital public health services, the Pinal County Public Health Services District is announcing new hours of operation and days of service for each of its clinics.  Effective Monday, August 11, 2008, Public Health Clinic hours of operation will change.

 

"Before making these changes, we closely evaluated the needs of the people using our clinics and the dynamics of those communities," explained Public Health Director Tom Schryer.  "Many of our clinic patrons have work or school commitments during the traditional Monday through Friday workday.  By offering clinic hours after 5:00 pm and on Saturdays, our health clinics offer the kind of accessibility our working residents need."

 

Services may vary at each clinic location, please note the schedule below for days and hours of operation for the nearest Public Health Clinic.

 

Clinic Sites and New Hours of Operation

Apache Junction Health Clinic                           Monday – Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

575 North Idaho Street, Suite 301

 

Casa Grande Health Clinic                                Monday – Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

820 East Cottonwood Lane, Building E

 

Coolidge Health Clinic                                      Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

119 West Central Avenue

 

Eloy Health Clinic                                             Monday – Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

302 East 5th Street

 

Stanfield Health Clinic                                       Wednesday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

36711 West Papago Drive

 

Oracle Health Clinic                                          Wednesday & Friday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

1870 West American Avenue

 

Mammoth Health Clinic                                    Monday – Saturday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

110 Main Street

 

Kearny Health Clinic                                         Wednesday & Friday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

355 Alden Road

 

Superior Health Clinic                                       Thursday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

60 East Main Street

 

Mobile Health Clinic (Maricopa)*                     Tuesday & Thursday – 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Parked at 44625 West Garvey Avenue

 

*Mobile Schedule change will be effective week of September 15th

 

Immunization Services – No appointment is necessary and available on a walk-in basis.

 

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing and counseling services – No appointment is necessary and available on a walk-in basis.

 

Family Planning Services and Well Woman Cancer Screening – Services are available by appointment only.

 

Woman Infant and children (WIC) Nutrition services and Commodity Supplemental Nutrition program (Food Plus) – Services are available by appointment only.

 

For more information please call 1-800-231-8499.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Pinal County’s Environmental Health Vector Team Fighting the Mosquito’s Bite

FLORENCE – It's midnight on a weekday and Pinal County Environmental Health Specialist Garry Bouquot is just starting his work "day."

 

Bouquot is in Environmental Health's mosquito fogging truck making a trip through parts of Casa Grande.  His hours now mirror the time that mosquitoes are "going to work."

 

"Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus are active between dusk and dawn," Bouquot said as he starts the truck.  "We fog at this time because the mosquitoes are active and most people are not."

 

Bouquot went to Casa Grande because routine surveillance for mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus resulted in a positive test in a mosquito from a trap in the area.  To date, there have been no human cases of West Nile in Pinal County and Bouquot says he would like to keep it that way.

 

"We fog in areas that have shown positive tests for mosquitoes carrying the virus," Bouquot said.  "We target the areas that show signs of West Nile so we can make sure we get the upper hand early.  Not all mosquitoes are transmitters of this disease.  Seasonal mosquitoes are pesky but aren't usually the ones that carry this virus."

 

As Bouquot ends his shift, teammate and fellow Environmental Health Specialist, Tami Schuler, begins her day collecting mosquito traps she set the day before.

 

"It's a never ending process," Schuler said.  "We will take the mosquitoes we catch in these traps and test them to see if they carry the West Nile Virus."

 

After Schuler collects all her traps, she takes them to her office in Florence for testing.  Funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services helped to pay for a mini testing lab at the county.

 

"We can be much more proactive now that we have the equipment here, in house.  Previously, we had to ship the mosquitoes to Phoenix for testing," Schuler said while looking at a vial of the recently captured pests.  "We can get results in a matter of minutes, rather than days.  We can target an area almost immediately if one of the insects tests positive for West Nile."

 

Bouquot and Schuler's supervisor, Environmental Health Director Reg Glos, said recent monsoon rains have brought out more mosquitoes.

 

"Once the environment receives monsoon moisture the seasonal mosquitoes begin to appear," Glos said.  "They are definitely a nuisance to people and pets, but our focus has to be on putting a stop to those mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus."

 

Glos says his department receives a lot of calls from people who are experiencing seasonal mosquito bites.  Once the area begins to dry up, people will see a drop in mosquitoes.

 

"In the meantime, we suggest the use of insect repellant containing an EPA approved product such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 and always follow the directions on the label," Glos advised.  Certain products containing permethrin can be used on clothing.  Make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.  If you have a lawn, keeping it trimmed can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your property."

 

Glos added that county residents have been proactive by doing the little things that help keep mosquitoes at bay.

 

"Again, it goes back to making sure that standing water around your property is taken care of," Glos said.  "If you have old tires sitting around your property, get rid of them.  Tires with standing water in them a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Pinal County residents have been vigilant in changing their pet's water dishes and keeping their bird baths clean."

 

Schuler and Bouquot are asking residents to report any abandoned pools to the mosquito hotline at 1-866-287-0209 extension 6200 or 520-866-6200.  They've found that homes that aren't lived in or may be in foreclosure have not had their pools properly drained, thus making a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

 

"Abandoned pools are just another piece of the puzzle," Glos said.  "If people report suspected problem pools, we can investigate and hopefully treat it quickly."

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Reconstruction Will Begin on Thornton Road from I-8 to SR84

HIDDEN VALLEY, AZ - Pinal County Department of Public Works is announcing that reconstruction will begin Monday, August 4th on Thornton Road between Interstate 8 and State Route 84. 
 
Public Works officials expect at least one lane in each direction will remain open to through traffic on this three and one half mile segment of Thornton Road.  Public Works anticipates that construction will be completed in November, weather permitting.
 
"Partnership makes this project possible," said Chairman David Snider.  "I am pleased that we were able to work with the City of Casa Grande on an intergovernmental agreement that will allow the project to go forward - now, instead of in 2010 when money from Central Arizona Association of Governments becomes available.  CAAG is providing some funding for the project in its 2010 funding cycle with other funds coming from the Pinal County Transportation Excise Tax to pay for this project."
 
Grey Mountain Construction, LLC, a private construction contractor, was recently awarded a contract to complete this reconstruction work.  The purpose of the project is to remove and replace existing asphalt and concrete keeping the same lane configuration that currently exists.
 
The construction project will be managed, administered and inspected by Pinal County personnel.
 
To keep current on roadway conditions including road closures within Pinal County, please call Pinal County Road Information Line at (520) 866-6078 or visit the Public Works website at: <http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PublicWorks/Pages/NewsReleases.aspx> http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PublicWorks/Pages/NewsReleases.aspx.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Brestfeeding Week

FLORENCE, AZ - Research is clear that breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant feeding, providing both nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy.  Nearly all women are able to breastfeed when they receive consistent and accurate information, and are supported by healthcare providers, family and their community.
 
World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 through 7, aims to highlight the importance of providing support for breastfeeding families.  The national theme this year is Mother Support: Going for the Gold - Everyone Wins When Babies Breastfeed.
 
The national campaign calls on health professionals, employers and families, and communities to provide a breastfeeding-friendly environment that helps new mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
 
Nearly all medical and health advocacy organizations worldwide emphasize the importance of breastfeeding and the role of support for new mothers.
 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, recently published a comprehensive analysis of studies on the impact of breastfeeding in developed countries.  The study, published in 2007, concluded that breastfeeding has a profound impact on both infant and maternal health.  The health benefits included reducing the risk of acute otitis media (ear infections), non-specific gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome in the child.  Benefits to the mother include decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.  (Learn more at <http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/brfouttp.htm> http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/brfouttp.htm.)
 
The World Health Organization recommends that women breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of an infant's life "to achieve optimal growth, development and health."  Thereafter, infants should be given "safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond."  (Learn more at <http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/infantfeeding_recommendation/en/index.html> http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/infantfeeding_recommendation/en/index.html)
 
The Pinal County Health District administers the state's federally-funded Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.  Through this program, Pinal County provides qualifying residents with nutritious foods, nutrition education and referrals.  WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and infants and children who meet WIC state and federal eligibility guidelines.  The County also offers its WIC clients a breastfeeding program featuring on-call support, breastfeeding supplies and has trained staff to help women be successful in their choice to breastfeed. 
 
Pinal County holds free monthly breastfeeding classes for all pregnant women residing in the county.  If you would like information about the WIC and breastfeeding programs, please contact your local WIC office or Diane Medina, CLC, Breastfeeding Coordinator at 520-866-7291.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Pinal County Public Works Announces River Road Open in District 3

By Heather Murphy

FLORENCE- The Pinal County Public Works Department is pleased to announce that River Road has been re-opened for traffic in District 3 following a closure due to storm-related damage.

 

The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm damage or construction:

 

District 1

  • Bluebird Road  at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
  • San Pedro Road at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
  • Camino Rio Road from San Pedro Road north to Hackberry Wash Road (storm damage)
  • Freeman Road from Camino Rio Road to Flying UW Road (storm damage)

District 2

  • Schnepf Road at Queen Creek Wash crossing (construction)

District 3

  • Teel Road from Ralston Road north to Thunderbird Road (construction)

Pinal County appreciates your patience while these roadways are closed and improvements are made.  Please drive carefully and do not cross barricaded roads.  The Pinal County Road Information Line is 520-866-6078.  Road closures can also be found on the internet at http://pinalcountyaz.gov.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Pinal County Road Closure Update for Tuesday

FLORENCE- The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm damage or construction:

 

District 1

  • Bluebird Road  at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
  • San Pedro Road at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
  • River Road at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
  • Camino Rio Road from San Pedro River north to HackBerry Wash Road (storm damage)
  • Freeman Road from Camino Rio Road to Flying UW Road (storm damage)

 

District 2

  • Schnepf Road at Queen Creek Wash crossing (construction)

 

District 3

  • Teel Road from Ralston Road north to Thunderbird Road (construction)

 

     Pinal County appreciates your patience while these roadways are closed and improvements are made. Please drive carefully and do not cross barricaded roads. The Pinal County Road Information Line is 520-866-6078. Road closures can also be found on the internet at http://pinalcountyaz.gov.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Pinal County Public Works Announces Roads Open in District 3

By Joe Pyritz
FLORENCE- The Pinal County Public Works Department is pleased to announce the following roadways have been re-opened for traffic in District 3:

   * Ralston Road at Vekol Wash crossing (storm damage)
   * Farrell Road at Vekol Wash crossing (storm damage)

   The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm damage or construction:

District 1


   * Bluebird Road  at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
   * San Pedro Road at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
   * River Road at San Pedro River crossing (storm damage)
   * Redington Road from River Road south to the county line (storm damage)

District 2


   * Schnepf Road at Queen Creek Wash crossing (construction)

District 3

   * Teel Road from Ralston Road north to Thunderbird Road (construction)

    Pinal County appreciates your patience while these roadways are closed and improvements are made. Please drive carefully and do not cross barricaded roads. The Pinal County Road Information Line is 520-866-6078. Road closures can also be found on the internet at http://pinalcountyaz.gov.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Public Works Announces More Roads Open in Pinal County

FLORENCE- The Pinal County Public Works Department is pleased to
announce the following roadways have been re-opened for traffic in
Districts 1 and 2:

District #1:

* River Road from Copper Creek to End of Road (storm damage)
* Willow Springs from Highway 77 to Barkerville (storm damage)

District #2:

* Silver King Road at J Street (storm damage)
* Hewitt Station Road from U.S.60 to Queen Valley Road (storm damage)

The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding, storm
damage or construction:

District #1:

* Bluebird Road at Redington Road (storm damage)
* San Pedro Road crossing at the River (storm damage)
* Redington Road at River Crossing (storm damage)

District #2:

* Schnepf Road Bridge between Combs and Ocotillo Road
(construction)

District #3:

* Teal Road from Ralston Road to Thunderbird Farms Road (construction)

Pinal County appreciates your patience while these roadways
are closed and improvements are made. Please drive carefully and do
not cross barricaded roads. The Pinal County Road Information Line is
520-866-6078. Road closures can also be found on the internet at
http://pinalcountyaz.gov.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Pinal County Public Works Announces Three Roads Open in District 2

By Joe Pyritz
FLORENCE- The Pinal County Public Works Department is pleased to
announce the following roadways have been re-opened for traffic in
District 2:

* Price Road at the Gila River

* Empire Road from Gary Road to Ellsworth Road

* Bella Vista Road from Gantzel Road to Attaway Road

The following roadways are currently closed due to flooding,
storm damage or construction:

District # 1:

* River Road from Copper Creek to End of Road (storm damage)

* Bluebird Road at Redington Road (storm damage)

* Willow Springs from Highway 77 to Barkerville (storm damage)

* San Pedro Road crossing at the River (storm damage)

* Redington Road at River Crossing (storm damage)

District # 2:

* Schnepf Road Bridge between Combs and Ocotillo Road
(construction)

* Silver King Road at J Street (storm damage)

* Hewitt Station Road from U.S.60 to Queen Valley Road (storm damage)

District 3

* Teal Road from Ralston Road to Thunderbird Farms Road (construction)

Pinal County appreciates your patience while these roadways
are closed and improvements are made. Please drive carefully and do
not cross barricaded roads. The Pinal County Road Information Line is
520-866-6078. Road closures can also be found on the internet at
http://pinalcountyaz.gov.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Pinal County and Magma Flood Control District Monitoring Water Levels

By Joe Pyritz
FLORENCE- Magma Dam water levels increased by 14 feet, following last
night's four-inch rain.

The dam located west of Highway 79 and north of the Gila River, is
in no imminent danger of failure, officials said.

Although the water level has not increased in the past six hours,
Pinal County officials along with the Magma Flood Control District are
continuing to monitor the situation.

The Sheriff's Department has dispatched deputies to notify
residents in the Magma Ranch subdivision of the water levels behind
the dam.

These measures taken by the County and Magma Flood Control
District are precautionary.

There will be more updates if the situation warrants it.

Pinal County and Magma Flood Control District Monitoring Water Levels

By Joe Pyritz
FLORENCE- Magma Dam water levels increased by 14 feet, following last
night's four-inch rain.

The dam located west of Highway 79 and north of the Gila River, is
in no imminent danger of failure, officials said.

Although the water level has not increased in the past six hours,
Pinal County officials along with the Magma Flood Control District are
continuing to monitor the situation.

The Sheriff's Department has dispatched deputies to notify
residents in the Magma Ranch subdivision of the water levels behind
the dam.

These measures taken by the County and Magma Flood Control
District are precautionary.

There will be more updates if the situation warrants it.

Monday, July 7, 2008

New immunization requirements for school children

Casa Grande, AZ – Parents of some school aged children will be adding
another item to the "back to school" list now that the Arizona
Department of Health Services announced new immunization requirements.
Prior to school entry, all Arizona children entering 6th
grade will be required to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease
(with the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine MCV4) and
pertussis (with the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis
vaccine, Tdap).

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines
prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. This new
requirement was established upon the availability of vaccines to help
prevent these serious diseases.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria. It is
the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 (in the
US). Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and
spinal cord. Pertussis (known as whooping cough) is a highly
contagious illness with a prolonged cough. Pertussis can be life
threatening if transmitted to infants.

Parents can learn more about and receive these and other required and
recommended vaccines from a family physician, community health center
or public health clinic. To learn more visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines, or
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/kidsvaccines073107.html.

Sun Life Family Health Center is a not-for-profit organization
providing health care to Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, Maricopa,
Mammoth, Oracle and San Manuel. The Casa Grande facility is the
flagship of the organization, offering multi-specialty services
including Family Practice, OB/GYN, Dental, Radiology, Pharmacy and
Laboratory. The San Manuel facility also offers Laboratory, Radiology
and Pharmacy services. Behavioral Health services are also available
at the Casa Grande and San Manual facilities. Sun Life is one of two
community health centers in the state receiving accreditation from the
Joint Commission.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Measles Successfully Contained; Child Recovered

By Joe Pyritz

FLORENCE – Pinal County Public Health officials are announcing the successful containment of measles to just one case in Pinal County.  On May 15, 2008, Pinal County identified a case of measles in an unvaccinated child living in the San Manuel area.  The child has now fully recovered. 

 

It is believed this case is associated with the outbreak of measles that is ongoing in southern Arizona.  By late June, two full incubation periods had elapsed since the case, making it possible to declare the county free of measles.

 

"There was just one confirmed case of measles in Pinal County," said Pinal County Public Health Director Tom Schryer.  "Our Public Health staff deserves credit for successfully containing this to one case by being thorough and proactive."

 

Numerous other suspects were ruled out as not having measles, according to Schryer.  Fewer than ten individuals had symptoms suspicious enough to result in additional testing.  He added that there are currently no suspected cases under investigation at this time in Pinal County.

 

In July 2007, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the Pinal County Public Health District, which enabled the Health & Human Services Division to build a more robust, proactive public health program. 

 

What did Pinal County do to investigate the case?

 

Pinal County Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology was notified by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) about a positive lab result in a child who had symptoms consistent with measles.  The child had been seen in a hospital in Tucson where specimens had been pulled for testing. 

 

Pinal County immediately started a contact investigation to identify anyone who might have been exposed and could be at risk of contracting disease.

 

  • Health officials contacted the child's mother and interviewed her about everywhere the child had been while infectious.
  • They identified 55 people who had contact with the child while it was infectious.
  • Calls were placed to all people identified as exposed to inform them, provide information on measles, answer questions and inquire about immunization status.  A standardized questionnaire is used when interviewing contacts.  The initial call and interview usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.  If someone was not immunized or could not produce proof of immunization, the county offered free immunization through its public health clinics.  A total of 20 vaccinations were provided to identified contacts,
  • Contacts were instructed to watch for symptoms and contact Pinal County Public Health if they developed any symptoms.  They were also told to stay home if a fever developed to ensure that secondary spread did not occur.  
  • Daily calls were made for 21 days after exposure to any previously unvaccinated contacts to make sure they remained asymptomatic.
  • At 21 days after exposure, all contacts were called again to make sure they never developed symptoms and to inform them that the incubation period was over.
  • No additional cases or secondary spread have been identified.

 

How did Pinal County stop spread of this disease? 

 

Multiple control measures are used by the County to prevent the spread of infectious diseases: 

  • Public Health officials perform a "contact investigation" to identify individuals who may have had contact with the infected person.  They may be at risk of contracting the infection so officials attempt to keep them from getting sick, and if they do get sick, ensure that they don't expose others.  Time is critical with the contact investigation.  Pinal County had identified and contacted all exposed individuals within 72 hours after notification of the case.
  • Pinal County recommended an accelerated measles vaccination schedule for children as soon as the case was identified.
  • Public Health representatives called local clinics, urgent care facilities and emergency departments to inform them of the situation, provided information on measles and accelerated vaccination, and asked them to be on the lookout and to call in anything suspicious.  This ensures that the County can identify any new cases or suspects quickly and to make sure that cases are not being missed.
  • Pinal County provided information to the public through the county's hotline and Citizen Contact Center, website and through the news media.
  • After cases were found in Pima County, Public Health verified immunity to measles for designated county staff in the event that Pinal County would have an infected resident.

 

Why is measles a big deal?  Why do you vaccinate?

 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases that we know of.  It is spread through the air, primarily from an infected person coughing, and can linger in the environment for hours.  While most infections are uncomplicated, it can potentially be very serious and cause pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis and, rarely, death.  Measles will kill between 2 and 3 of every 1000 people that contract the disease.  Vaccination has greatly reduced the number of cases occurring in the United States since its inception. 

 

How do you handle a suspected or possible case?

 

When a physician, school official, resident or others call suspecting measles, Public Health officials evaluate the symptoms to determine if they are consistent with measles.  If symptoms are suspicious of measles, a field team from the infectious diseases section is sent out to evaluate symptoms firsthand, interview the family and draw specimens for testing.  Each suspect is evaluated using symptoms and lab testing to determine if it is a case.  

 

How many shots were given at county clinics?

 

Since May 1, Pinal County Public Health has provided over 400 doses of the MMR vaccine to residents through our public health clinics.

 

How many people worked on this investigation?

 

Many county employees were involved in the response to this measles case.  The infectious diseases and epidemiology section performed the contact investigation, coordinated immunization for contacts, implemented control measures, and investigated other reports of rash illness in the county.  Pinal County staff also routinely consulted with ADHS concerning the situation.

 

Clinic staff provided vaccination to identified contacts and to others that came to public health clinics for immunizations.  Public health preparedness staff facilitated communication within the county and to the public.  Staff from the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center took calls from the public, answered questions and routed calls with specific questions to the appropriate people. 

 

When should children be vaccinated?  

 

Since there has been no secondary transmission of measles in the county, Pinal County is now recommending returning to a routine childhood vaccination schedule.  This means that a child should get the first dose of MMR as soon as possible after their first birthday.  A second dose should be administered before beginning school.

 

For information on immunizations or the locations of Pinal County Public Health clinics, call 520-509-3555 or 888-431-1311.

 

 

 

 

Comments from the Board of Supervisors

 

Chairman David Snider, District 3 Supervisor:  "The successful effort to control and mitigate this outbreak of measles is not only critical to our continuous campaign to support the health and well-being of our residents, it's also an investment in our economic well-being.  Healthy residents are able to go to work on a daily basis, attend our educational institutions, and pursue their normal lives without fear of epidemic or contagious diseases.  I want to thank and congratulate all of the health care providers that worked tirelessly to make sure that there was no spread of measles beyond the unfortunate single case."

 

Supervisor Lionel Ruiz, District 1 Supervisor:  "The cooperation of the family, the general public, state health officials and the medical contributed to a successful outcome.  I am pleased that the young child with measles has recovered from the illness and no other children or adults were affected."

 

Supervisor Sandie Smith, District 2 Supervisor:  "This situation underscores the reasons we created the Public Health District with the goal of increasing the number of fully-immunized children.  Vaccinating your child protects against serious and deadly diseases and prevents the spread of preventable diseases."

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Indian Hills Area to Receive Dust Preventative Road Treatment

By Heather Murphy

NORTH CASA GRANDE, AZ – Pinal County Public Works crews will be applying a dust preventative surface on streets in the Indian Hills area.

 

"Residents should see a decrease in the amount of dust from the road," said David Snider, Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors and representative for the Indian Hills area.  "The surface should last approximately five years, depending on traffic conditions."

 

The roads to be improved include:

  • Scott Drive from Hopi Drive to Ghost Ranch Road
  • Chinook Road from Hopi Drive to Ghost Ranch Road
  • Tank Road from Hopi Drive to Ghost Ranch Road
  • Hopi Drive from Geronimo Road to Burris Road

 

Public Works officials said the job will take between one to two weeks to complete depending on the weather conditions.  Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 7, 2008.

 

Funding for this project comes from the District 3 Transportation Advisory Committee half-cent sales tax. 

 

Motorists are asked to drive with caution and obey all traffic control signs.