Seems like people may have been passing along more than gifts and good tidings over the holiday season. Ohio health officials say that hospitalizations because of influenza have increased by 116%, and medical officials are also seeing the spread of norovirus across the United States. Norovirus causes predominantly nausea, vomiting, and some diarrhea; it is also highly contagious. Flu can be more serious with body aches, fever, cough, and other respiratory problems.
November 20, 2024, Press Release from Mercer Health: Mercer Health will be offering Preventative Healthcare 101, a free community education series developed to empower the community to live a healthier life. The first session will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00pm at Mercer County Community Hospital, 800 W. Main St., Coldwater, and will feature Dr. Wilfred Ellis and Michelle Ashman, CNP, with Mercer Health’s Disease Management Center. They will provide tips on how to prevent infectious diseases and lower extremity complications from conditions such as diabetes and chronic wounds.
The CDC reports there’s been an increase in cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ among young children, which is sure to have some parents concerned. “Right now, we are seeing a lot of all different types of pneumonia. There’s bacterial, viral and what we call atypical pneumonia. Walking pneumonia usually refers to an atypical pneumonia, and we're certainly seeing a lot more of that, but walking pneumonia can be different things,” explained Camille Sabella, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “It's usually not your standard bacterial pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is usually caused by something called mycoplasma pneumonia, but it can also be very similar to viral pneumonias as well.”
Doctors urging people to get vaccinated for whooping cough as cases rise around the United States.
With more cases of the West Nile virus being reported here in the US, some people may be wondering how it spreads and what can be done to stop it. Dr. Cardona said that in most cases, a person who gets infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, those who do may get a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In rare instances, West Nile can be deadly. Dr. Cardona said, as of right now, there is no specific medication to treat it nor any vaccination available.
The Putnam County Health Department says that a bat has tested positive for rabies within the county. The bat was tested after a resident from Union Township reported an incident with their dog.
COLUMBUS, OH (WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER) - As STIs become an increasingly serious public health threat, a new survey reveals many people are misinformed about their risks. Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are on the rise in the U.S., and unfortunately, a new survey finds an alarming number of Americans have dangerous misconceptions about how STIs are spread and who is at risk. Barb Consiglio has more on what you need to know to take charge of your sexual health.
June 24, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State University Extension Allen County: Allen County – Are you a hunter, landowner, or wildlife enthusiast? If so, please join the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for an evening workshop about chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Ohio’s wild deer herd.