protect our infants by getting immunized
· Several cases of pertussis , more commonly known as whooping cough , have been reported in infants in Mesa County.
· The majority contracted the disease through parents or close family members.
· Whooping cough can cause serious complications and can even be fatal for infants and toddlers.
· The best way to prevent pertussis outbreaks in our community is with DTaP and Tdap immunization.
o Babies need DTaP doses at two , four and six months of age and again between 15 and 18 months.
o Children need another DTaP dose between the ages of four and six.
o Children between seven and 10 years need a dose of Tdap if they’ve never been immunized. Children between 11 and 12 years need Tdap immunization , as well.
o Adults need one dose of Tdap.
o Pregnant women should receive a Tdap dose during the third trimester of pregnancy.
§ It’s also recommended family members who will come in close contact with an infant receive Tdap immunization.
· If you are ill , avoid contact with infants – even if you are family.
· Early whooping cough symptoms include runny nose , low-grade fever and a mild , occasional cough – it’s not uncommon for the cough to last for weeks or months.
· Later stage whooping cough symptoms include coughing fits , exhaustion , vomiting after coughing and a high pitched “whoop” while coughing.
· Contact your health care provider immediately if you , your infant or child show symptoms of whooping cough.
· Mesa County Health Department provides DTaP and Tdap immunizations. Call 248-6900 to make an appointment.
Small game hunting tips to prevent tularemia infection
· Small game season for several rabbits and hares , fox , pine squirrel and beavers begins Oct. 1.
· All of these animals can carry tularemia , a bacterial infection that can be fatal in humans and animals.
· Tularemia is spread through deer fly and tick bites and contact with infected animals or carcasses.
· Avoid sick or dead animals. Protect against deer flies and ticks by wearing long clothing and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved insect repellant effective against ticks.
· Do not allow your pets to consume animal carcasses. They could contract tularemia and pass it on to you.
· Wear rubber gloves when handling animal tissues , recommended even if the animal doesn’t appear to be sick. Be sure to wear gloves when field dressing the animal to protect against fluids and parasites.
· Bag carcasses or pelts and dispose in an outside garbage can , away from people and pets.
· Cook meat to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or until it is well done to kill all bacteria.
· Tularemia is treatable. Contact your health care provider if you become ill with high fever , swollen and painful lymph nodes , skin ulcers , sore throat or respiratory symptoms such as chest pain or a dry cough.
· Contact your vet if your pet becomes ill with a high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes after coming into contact with sick or dead animals or after hunting.
