Tag: Cumberland Plateau Health District

Cumberland Plateau Health District Informs Residents of Voluntary Recall of Nash Creamery Milk

December 13, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, brian.stanley@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Informs Residents of Voluntary Recall of Nash Creamery Milk

LEBANON, Va. – The Cumberland Plateau Health District is advising residents to avoid consuming several milk products produced by Nash Creamery after a routine inspection conducted by the Virginia Department of Health found several of the milk products were insufficiently pasteurized. The recall applies to a limited number of 1 gallon and ½ gallon plastic containers of refrigerated whole and chocolate milk based on the best buy dates listed within the chart below.

Nash Creamery is issuing the voluntary recall of 19 batches of whole milk and one batch of chocolate milk shipped to local retailers throughout Southwest Virginia between Oct. 8 and Dec. 3, 2024. There have been no reports of illness involving products addressed in the recall, however, individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming any of the voluntary recalled dairy items should contact their healthcare provider.

Consumers who bought these products may return them to the retail location where the purchase was made for a full refund or exchange.

For questions about the recall, contact Nash Creamery at nash32@mounet.com or for more information about food safety in Virginia visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/food-safety-in-virginia/.

 Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Guidance During Boil Water Notices 

October 7, 2024
Media Contact:  Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

 Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Guidance During Boil Water Notices 

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, Mount Rogers, and New River health districts offer guidance for those under boil water advisory of the necessary steps to avoid illness.

Do not use tap water for food preparation, ice, coffee machines, or handwashing. Please ensure everyone in the household, including pets, is safe by boiling any water used for consumption. All tap water must be boiled. Bottled water may also be used as an alternative. Do not rely on household filters that are purchased over the counter as they will not remove bacteria from the water. Most filters use carbon, and those filters do a good job of taking out taste and odors but do not take out other contaminants. 

Residents should follow the guidance of boiling all water until the boil water notice is lifted. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then let it cool before using.  

The Virginia Department of Health strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent illness from contaminated water. Bottled or boiled water should be used for the following: 

  • Drinking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Washing fruits and vegetables
  • Preparing food
  • Mixing baby formula
  • Making ice
  • Filling coffee makers
  • Giving water to pets

To wash dishes by hand: 

  1. Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
  2. In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
  3. Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
  4. Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.

Tap water may be used for the following activities: 

  • Taking showers (adults & older children; Do NOT drink) 
  • Washing clothes in a washing machine
  • Flushing toilets
  • Car washing
  • Household cleaning
  • Watering plants
  • Dishwasher with sanitizing cycle

Adults and older children can take showers using tap water, but take precautions by covering any scratches, cuts or open wounds prior to bathing.  Use caution when bathing infants and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what temperature your dishwater reaches.

For more information, contact your local health department or you may contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District (serving Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties) at 276-889-7621; the LENOWISCO health district (serving the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) at 276-328-8000; the Mount Rogers Health District (serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax) at 276-236-6127; or New River Health District (serving the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and the City of Radford) at 540-585-3300 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems

October 4, 2024
Media Contacts:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000;
Michael Whitaker, Mount Rogers Health District, 276-780-0109

Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, and Mount Rogers health districts want to advise those in the southwest region who rely on private wells for their water to consider their well contaminated if it is possible the well became submerged during Tropical Storm Helene. Wells that are more than 10 years old or less than 50 feet deep are likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

Floodwater can contain dangerous germs. Drinking from wells after a flood can cause you to become sick. If you  have any concerns about your well water, follow health department drinking and bathing recommendations.

Wells may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood due to bacteria or other contaminants from flood water. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, wastewater from malfunctioning septic tanks, and other household and industrial chemicals seeping into the ground may continue to contaminate the groundwater even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long-range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of your well water.

To keep you and your family healthy and safe, please remember to:

  • Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock.
  • Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
  • Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to flush and disinfect your well before turning on the pump.
  • After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water.
  • If the water does not run clear, contact your local health department or extension service.

After the flood, the following steps can help ensure your septic system is safe for use:

  • Do not pump your septic tank during flooded or saturated conditions as pumping could cause the tank to float out of the ground causing damage.
  • Reduce water use until the ground is dry. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor.
  • Do not use the sewage system until the flood water has left and the ground around the septic system is relatively dry. Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity.
  • Have the septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks as they may contain dangerous gases.
  • Be sure the manhole cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged.
  • Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover.

For more information, contact your local health department or you may contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District (serving Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties) at 276-889-7621; the LENOWISCO health district (serving the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) at 276-328-8000; or the Mount Rogers Health District (serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax) at 276-236-6127 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines

October 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines

WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery.

Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with flood water, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. For more information on immunization, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.

The vaccines are available for free at all health departments in Cumberland Plateau (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell) and in LENOWISCO (Lee, Scott, Wise) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.

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Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Tips to Prevent Injuries and Foodborne Illness

September 30, 2024
Media Contacts:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000;
Michael Whitaker, Mount Rogers Health District, 276-780-0109

Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer
Tips to Prevent Injuries and Foodborne Illness

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO, Cumberland Plateau, and Mount Rogers health districts want to advise those in the southwest region affected by the recent severe weather to use extreme caution to prevent injuries and foodborne illness in the aftermath of tropical storm Helene.

To keep you and your family healthy and safe, please remember to:

  • Discard any refrigerated food that you suspect has spoiled
  • Stay out of impacted areas; do not sightsee
  • Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors
  • Do not drive or walk through standing water
  • Stay away from downed power lines

It is especially important to take careful precautions to ensure food safety after a power outage. Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Just remember, “When in doubt, throw it out!”

Check local announcements to see if any boil water advisories exist in your area and following the instructions in the advisory. People who rely on private wells for their water should consider their well contaminated if it was submerged or they believe it is possible the well became submerged during the storm. If you have specific questions after the storm, call your local health department or visit the VDH website.

Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Deadly levels of the odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to breathe can quickly build up when the exhaust from grills or generators is not properly vented. The gas emitted by these sources can linger for hours, even after the generator or grill has shut off. Operate all gasoline-powered devices such as generators outdoors and never bring them indoors.

Watch for the presence of excess moisture and standing water as it contributes to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.

As the outer bands associated with a tropical storm has produced heavy rainfall throughout the area, flood waters may continue to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. Watch for these flood prone areas. You should never attempt to walk or drive through moving water, as there is no way of telling its depth and swift moving water can carry away people or vehicles trying to cross it.

As cleanup is needed, be mindful of the amount of time spent outdoors removing debris after the tropical storm; work slowly to avoid exertion and to prevent back injury. Other steps to take to help prevent muscle and bone injury include:

  • Use teams of two or more to move bulky objects
  • Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds
  • Use proper automated-assist lifting devices
  • Use caution or seek professional assistance when removing fallen trees, cleaning up debris or using equipment, such as chain saws
  • Wear eye goggles while removing or cleaning up debris to prevent eye injuries

For more information, contact your local health department or you may contact the Cumberland Plateau Health District (serving Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties) at 276-889-7621; the LENOWISCO health district (serving the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) at 276-328-8000; or the Mount Rogers Health District (serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe counties, and the cities of Bristol and Galax) at 276-236-6127 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DRIVE-THRU SEASONAL FLU VACCINE

September 27, 2024
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator,
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DRIVE-THRU SEASONAL FLU VACCINE

LEBANON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at two special drive-thru dispensing clinics in the community.  The vaccine will be available free to anyone 3 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Drive-thru clinics are scheduled to be held:

  • Friday, October 4 -Valley View Freewill Baptist Church, 4964 Dickenson Highway, Clintwood
    9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Friday, October 11 – old Magic Mart Shopping Center, 13 Tazewell Mall Circle, Tazewell
    10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wearing clothing that is loose around the arm will enable the public health nurse to easily give the flu shot in the upper arm. This will prevent you from having to leave the comfort and convenience of your car.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be a fast and efficient way to vaccinate a large number of folks in a short time,” said Reisa Sloce, director, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health District. “When more people get vaccinated, there is less virus present in the community to potentially infect those who cannot be immunized such as infants under 6 months old; this helps protect everyone from this potentially deadly disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the timing and duration of flu seasons vary – they can occur from early fall to late spring. Receiving an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu and spreading the virus to others. It takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, and the coverage can last for up to a full year.

All persons aged 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma;
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder;
  • Those who live with people in a high-risk group and healthcare workers ; and
  • Travelers to countries outside of the U.S. may also need to consider influenza vaccination, even at different times of the year.

For more information, call the Dickenson County Health Department at 276-926-4979; the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Injectable Flu Vaccine

September 20, 2024
Media Contact: Dan Hunsucker, population health coordinator, 276-328-8000

 LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Injectable Flu Vaccine

The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts now offer injectable seasonal flu vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. The Health Department will accept payments from insurance companies with which the Virginia Department of Health has a contractual billing arrangement. Please call your local health department to ask about the availability of seasonal flu vaccine as well as to schedule an appointment.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Reisa Sloce, director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “CDC recommends antiviral medications for treatment of influenza as an important additional step to annual influenza vaccination. Anti-viral medications can help reduce the severity and the duration of illness. Anti-virals are an important part of treatment in all hospitalized, severely ill or high-risk patients with suspected or confirmed influenza.”

High-risk patients include children younger than 2 years; adults aged 65 years and older; persons with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological and metabolic disorders, or neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions, people with immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV infection; women who are pregnant or postpartum; people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy; American Indians/Alaska Natives; people with extreme obesity and residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are also available to provide flu vaccine at the site of any business or organization who wants their employees to receive the annual shot.  This service is available on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. For more information, please contact your local health department.

To minimize your risk of catching or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

  • Get the shot—protect yourself and your community!
  • Practice good hygiene – wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
  • Stay home from work or school if you think you are sick until you have no fever for 24 hours
  • If you are sick with the flu, contact your health care provider early during your illness because early treatment can impact the course of the disease

For more information, call the LENOWISCO Health District at 276-328-8000 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

 

 

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

Posted on by lindascarborough

August 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, 276-415-3370

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

BUCHANAN Co., Va. – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:

  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
  • If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
  • Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
  • Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
  • Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
  • If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
  • Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Recognized Through the National “Project Public Health Ready” Program

January 30, 2024
Media Contact: Delilah T. McFadden, Emergency Coordinator
delilah.long@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Recognized Through the National “Project Public Health Ready” Program

(LEBANON, Va.) – The Cumberland Plateau Health District (CPHD) has once again been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Cumberland Plateau Health District demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cumberland Plateau Health District joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.

“This honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication and cooperation on the part of our team, especially Delilah McFadden, our District Emergency Coordinator,” said Reisa Sloce, CPHD District Director. “Whether we are facing severe weather, a pandemic, or other emergency situations, we recognize the importance of being ready to respond and protect the health of our community.”  PPHR recognition confirms that CPHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices.

PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with their state, local, and community partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions. CPHD regularly partners with emergency managers, schools, Department of Social Services, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Faith-based organizations, hospitals, and other agencies in the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell to meet this requirement. CPHD’s capacity to carry out these activities is augmented through the support of the Medical Reserve Corps volunteer force. The health district currently has 103 registered volunteers.

“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters.” said Lori T. Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Cumberland Plateau Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

NACCHO, the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.

For more information about the Cumberland Plateau Health District, visit  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

 

https://vdhweb.vdh.virginia.gov/?page_id=39206&preview=true

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Welcome New Health Director

July 17, 2023

Media Contact:
Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov, (276) 415-3360

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Welcome New Health Director

WISE, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is pleased to announce Reisa Sloce as the new health director for the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. With more than 24 years of experience dedicated to public health, Reisa most recently served as the chief operating officer for both health districts. She began her career with the LENOWISCO Health District as an office services supervisor and later became business manager.

Prior to joining VDH, Reisa was chief operating officer for St. Mary’s Medical Management where she managed multiple physician practices. Before entering the healthcare field, she spent 14 years as an elementary school educator.

Reisa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Radford University. In addition, she is a graduate of the University of North Carolina’s Management Academy of Public Health Program.

As a native of southwest Virginia, Reisa has been active with various area organizations where she served as president of the Wise County/City of Norton Chamber of Commerce as well as assuming the role of president for the Wise Business Association. While she remains involved in both organizations, she is also a member of several boards including Wise County Christian School and the Foundation of SWVA Association of Philippine Physicians.