An outbreak of syphilis has been reported in Allen County. Allen County Public Health has reported a total of 18 syphilis cases during the month of June 2022.

Allen County continues to meet the CDC definition of a high transmission community. With only around 37 percent of the population being vaccinated against COVID-19, the county’s greatest concern is for those who are not. Although the mask mandate ended in the state, a mask advisory has come back to Allen county to help slow down or stop the spread of COVID and its variants. The health department says that the guidelines will be ever-changing as new information continues to develop. 

FOA is working toward not only helping addicts get recovery, but spreading awareness about addiction. 

The response from Ohioans have varied, but Allen County Public Health says they did see a positive impact after the lottery was announced.

Allen County Public Health says with the additional vaccines becoming available in the county the number of people getting vaccinated appears to have leveled off. Of those eligible to get vaccinated the percentage is hanging in the 60 percentile. Health officials say the challenge now is getting those on the fence about the vaccine to choose to get one.

Allen County Public Health Prevention and Health Services Director Tami Gough explains, “So. we just want to encourage everyone that you really should take the vaccine that’s available to you when you are eligible to get it. If you keep waiting for the next week or the week after for the Johnson & Johnson’s variety to become available those are two additional weeks that you will be without any protection.”

People with severe congenital diseases or conditions will soon start getting shots in arms. This means those born with one of the listed conditions or had early-onset in their childhood and it has lasted into adulthood. While there are plenty of other severe medical conditions vulnerable to becoming sick, they are not yet on the list. Local health departments are asking them to be patient until more doses are available.

The Prevention & Health Promotion Services Director at Allen County Public Health says one mask is still enough to protect yourself and others, as long as it is worn correctly. This means it fits tight over your ears, nose, mouth, and chin. She recommends having an adjustable nose band in your mask to help. If your glasses are fogging up, it's a sign the mask may not be fitting correctly. While the CDC does say a second mask adds another layer of protection, there is something to remember if you decide to double up.

Still working with the first shipment of the Moderna Vaccine, Allen County has begun to vaccinate those who want it and work as EMS responders.

"The biggest thing is we want to make sure that the vaccine is available to everyone who chooses to receive it," said Brandon Fischer, emergency planner for Allen County Public Health. "We’re seeing very rare instances of people having some allergic reactions, but most of the time people are having just general reactions that they get with any other vaccine."

Whether you traveled or stayed in town and gathered with people you don't live with, the health department is recommending you don't get a test, just based on that. Their advice is to continue to watch how you feel and if symptoms come up, then you should call your doctor to talk about if a test is the best option. If you traveled, it's recommended you pay attention to the area's restrictions or recommended quarantining guidelines. The incubation period for the virus can still be 14 days.