475 Western Ave., Suite A
Chillicothe, OH. 45601
Phone: 740-779-9652
Fax: 740-779-0744
WEST NILE: At this time of year we need to be aware of mosquitoes and the diseases they can spread to humans. Locally, forms of encephalitis such as St. Louis and La Crosse can be tranmitted by infected mosquitoes, but the most common issue is the West Nile virus. Most infections are mild and some even go undetected. However, some cases are more severe and can even be life threatening. For more information from the Ohio Department of Health click below.
SALMONELLA: The FDA is currently working to identify the source of a 23-state salmonella outbreak involving tomatoes. Of the 228 cases to date, none have been reported locally or in Ohio. The FDA is advising consumers to avoid eating red plum, red roma and red round tomatoes, but have said that cherry tomatoes and those with the vine still attached are safe - as are those grown at home. Locally, some stores and restaurants have voluntarily stopped using and selling tomatoes, but as of yet the FDA - nor the Ross County Health District - has advised that they do so. For more information click on the links below:
Latest Update
HEY KIDS: Click on the link below for a site that is full of fun and great health information.
TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS: This year's School Cook's Conference will be held on July 31, at the Chillicothe High School cafeteria. For more information contact Michelle Treber at 779-9346, ext. 224, or via Email .
WOMEN'S HEALTH CONFERENCE: This year's conference will be held on September 26, 2008 at the Ross County Service Center. Check back for speakers and an agenda. For more information contact Michelle Treber at 779-9346, ext. 224, or via Email .
FLOODING: Floods cause $4.6 billion in damage in the United States every year. Flooding can occur at any time, but it is most common in the spring and early summer. For a brochure from the health district that can be printed or viewed, click here. For information from other sites click on the links below:
PERTUSSIS: Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It can be especially dangerous for infants and very young children. Below are a number of fact sheets. Click to access.
CHLAMYDIA: Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Ross County and in the United States. It is most common in men and women aged 15-24. Its symptoms can be very mild or non-existent, but it can lead to serious long term health issues in women. For more information click here or visit:
CHILD VACCINATION SCHEDULE: The recommended child vaccination schedule for 2008 is out. A note for parents with children who will be starting kindergarten in the fall: State law requires children entering school have the Polio, Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and DTaP vaccines. All of those vaccines are $6 each and are available at the health district's Nurse of the Day Clinic, which is open Monday-Friday, 8-11:45 am, and 1-4 pm. This is a walk-in clinic and no appointment is necessary. For a schedule of all childhood vaccines, click below for the appropriate ages.
LEAD POISONING: For information on lead poisoning visit the Ohio Department of Health
Millions of toys have been recalled recently due to the presence of lead in the paint and parts. If you would like to view a list of some of the recalled toys, visit:
MENINGITIS: Meningitis is an infection of the fluids in the spinal cord or the fluids that surround the brain. It can be one of two types: bacterial - which is the more serious - or viral. For a fact sheet on either, click:
MRSA: Community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or ca-MRSA, is a bacterial infection of the skin. It first became an issue in healthcare settings, but has begun to become more and more common in people outside of the hospital setting. It has been most often reported in schools and in youth who take part in organized athletics. For more information try the links below.
CDC (for schools)
ODH Fact Sheet (for schools)
RADON: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is the result of uranium breaking down in the soil, rock and water. It is invisible and cannot be detected by sight or smell. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Click on the link below for more information.
MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS: If you are interested in being a part of Ross County's Medical Reserve Corps, click here for the form. Simply print the form and fill it out, then mail it to us or drop it off at the Ross County Health District, 475 Western Ave., Suite A, Chillicothe, OH. 45601.