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County Health Department Offers Free Flu Vaccinations to County Residents

(October 11, 2012) – The Saint Louis County Department of Health will be offering free flu vaccinations to county residents during the week of October 15th through 19th. The department is urging that all residents six months of age and older be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

“It’s not just about protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting others. If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread it to others,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the health department.

The free flu vaccinations will be offered to interested residents on the following days at the following locations:

These events are only open to residents of Saint Louis County and proof of residency – such as a driver’s license or utility bill – may be requested.

Residents unable to attend one of the above events can visit the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s flu website to find out where they can go for seasonal flu vaccinations:

www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com

Every year, seasonal flu vaccine offers protection against three different flu types, based on recommendations from experts around the world who determine which types are most likely to be circulating in the fall.

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, between 15 and 60 million Americans are infected by seasonal flu each flu season. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized every year due to flu-related complications and around 36,000 of them die.

Other standard precautions being urged by the County Health Department are:

County Health Department Urges All Residents to Get Vaccinated against the Seasonal Flu

(September 18, 2012) – Flu season has arrived and the Saint Louis County Department of Health is urging all residents six months of age and older be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

Earlier today, County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, were both vaccinated against the seasonal flu at an event highlighting the importance and ease of being vaccinated.

“It’s not just about protecting yourself. If you don’t catch the flu, then you can’t spread the flu to others,” said Dr. Gunn.

To encourage more people to get vaccinated, the Saint Louis County Department of Health will be offering free flu vaccinations to interested residents on the following days at the following locations:

These events are only open to residents of Saint Louis County and proof of residency – such as a driver’s license or utility bill – may be requested.

Residents unable to attend one of the above events can visit the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Flu website to find out where they can go for seasonal flu vaccinations:

www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com

Every year, seasonal flu vaccine offers protection against three different flu types, based on recommendations from experts around the world who determine which types are most likely to be circulating in the fall.

Depending on the severity of the outbreak, between 15 and 60 million Americans are infected by seasonal flu each flu season. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized every year due to flu-related complications and around 36,000 of them die.

Other standard precautions being urged by the County Health Department are:

Saint Louis County Reports First Probable Human West Nile Virus Case of 2012

(September 4, 2012) – The Saint Louis County Department of Health has recorded its first probable human case of West Nile Virus this year. The victim is a 55-year-old Kirkwood female who has since resumed normal activities after suffering WNV-type symptoms. The county had two confirmed human West Nile Virus case in 2011.

“Even though serious West Nile Virus cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure,” said Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn. “We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply and by protecting ourselves by using repellants.”

Here are steps residents can take to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to flourish:

The Health Department routinely collects mosquito samples to test and help determine where to focus control efforts. Vector Control monitors and treats standing water in public areas as part of It’s preventative larviciding program. To find out where the County will be spraying, call (314) 615-4-BUG (615-4284) for the nightly mosquito-spraying schedule.

For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at (314) 615-0680 or visit the Health Department’s website at: www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness.

Saint Louis County Steps Up Anti-West Nile Virus Efforts

(August 29, 2012) – The Labor Day weekend may traditionally mark the end of summer but September is still a prime month for mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus (WNV) they carry. With that in mind, the Saint Louis County Department of Health is increasing its spraying and awareness measures.

Even though no human cases of WNV have been detected in St. Louis County, dramatic increases in the number of cases in Illinois, Texas and Arkansas have demonstrated the need to boost spraying, said Vector Control Operations Manager Drew Hane.

“An extra team of vector control employees will spray strategic areas in the early morning hours this week to reduce the number of breeding adult mosquitoes and knock down any that may be carrying WNV,” Hane said. The morning team will supplement the evening and overnight spraying efforts.

Even though WNV mosquitoes are most active during the evening, overnight and early morning hours, there are steps residents can take to reduce the population:

A general schedule of areas to be sprayed can be found at the Health Department’s website: www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness and specific spray routes will be available each evening on a hotline recording. You can listen to the recording by dialing 314-615-4BUG (314-615-4284).

Fourth Heat-Related Death Certified in Saint Louis County

(August 9, 2012) – A 76-year-old Lemay man has been confirmed as the fourth heat-related death in Saint Louis County this summer, according to the medical examiner. The victim was discovered by his son on July 10th and the death was certified as heat-related on Wednesday.

The victim lived in the 700 block of Military Drive and a window air conditioner was not operating. The brick house had no central air and the temperature inside the home was estimated to be between 90 and 95 degrees.

The health department urges all residents to take appropriate precautions whenever the region is experiencing extreme heat. Additional information about safety during extreme heat, including information about cooling centers, can be found at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips

Saint Louis County Reports Rise in Pertussis Cases as Schools Prepare to Open

(August 7, 2012) – With the start of the new school year approaching, the Saint Louis County Department of Health is urging parents to take steps to reduce the chances of their children getting pertussis. Also known as “whooping cough,” pertussis primarily strikes children and is highly contagious. The health department is tracking an increase in the number of cases in 2012.

Of the 164 cases among county residents this year, 59 have been reported since June 1st. This is elevated compared to the same time period during the last five years. Infants (<1 year old) and 10- to 17-year-olds are the most affected age groups.

“There are steps we can all follow to reduce the chances of getting pertussis,” said Saint Louis County Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn. They include:

Pertussis begins with symptoms similar to a cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and may include a low-grade fever. Within two weeks, the cough may become much worse with fits of coughing that continue for weeks.

Pertussis is a contagious illness caused by bacteria. It can cause severe coughing fits that can interfere with breathing. Typically, pertussis is milder in older children and adults, but undiagnosed persons can transmit the disease to infants and younger children.

For more information, please visit:

www.cdc.gov/pertussis

or

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/DiseasesintheNews

County Health Department Cuts Ribbon for New Health Campus

(August 3, 2012) – County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn and other government leaders cut the ribbon on Friday for the department’s new Health Campus, located at 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley. Most of the clinic services will be open to the public starting Monday.

The new Health Campus replaces the old health department headquarters at 111 South Meramec Avenue in Clayton.

“This new facility represents many great things for Saint Louis County,” Dooley said. “It’s a modern, state-of-the-art approach to our public health efforts.”

Besides replacing the old John C. Murphy Health Center, the two-story, 93,455 square foot structure utilizes the best in energy-saving, “green” technology that will save taxpayers money through lower utility bills, Dooley said.

The project was financed, in part, by Build America Bonds – part of President Obama’s economic recovery legislation and it created hundreds of construction jobs, Dooley noted.

For her part, Gunn said the new facility would help the department deliver public health services in a more efficient and timely manner.

“Our new state-of-the-art, ‘green’ facility will allow the health department to take advantage of the newest, environmentally-friendly technology to reduce our operating costs while we serve the county’s public health needs,” Gunn said.

The health campus was constructed by Clayco-Legacy – a joint venture that was awarded the contract in February of 2011. The project was completed ahead of schedule.

More information about the new Health Campus, including artistic renderings, can be found at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/NewHealthCampus

County Health Department Moving to Berkeley

(July 31, 2012) – The Saint Louis County Department of Health is relocating many of its programs and staff to its new Health Campus in Berkeley, located at 6121 North Hanley Road. The move started three weeks ago and is expected to be completed later this week. The new Health Campus is replacing the old health department headquarters at 111 South Meramec Avenue in Clayton.

“We’re quite excited about the move,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the department. “Our new location is a state-of-the-art, ‘green’ facility that will allow the health department to take advantage of the newest, environmentally-friendly technology to reduce our operating costs.”

Although the entire Health Campus will not be open to the general public until Monday, August 6th, several programs and services have already started operating from the new location. The environmental services division – including the restaurant and pool programs – began operations in the new Health Campus last week, and the Office of Vital Records began issuing birth and death certificates to the general public earlier today.

In May of 2010, the County Council voted to issue bonds to fund the construction of the new Health Campus and in June of 2011 ground was broken at the site of the new facility. The two-story, 93,455 square-foot building was constructed by Clayco-Legacy – a joint venture that was awarded the contract in February of 2011. Construction was completed ahead of schedule.

More information about the new Health Campus, including artistic renderings and information about when programs and services will start operating at the new facility, can be found at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/NewHealthCampus

Third Heat-Related Death Reported in Saint Louis County

(July 18, 2012) – A 89-year-old Ballwin man has been confirmed as the third heat-related death in Saint Louis County this summer, according to the medical examiner.

The medical examiner’s office reported that the temperature in the victim’s brick home in the 400 block of Monticello Drive was 91 degrees and that the air conditioning was not working properly. The victim, who lived alone, was last seen by neighbors on July 15. Neighbors called police July 17 because they were concerned about him.

The health department continues to urge all residents to take appropriate precautions during this period of extreme heat. Additional information about safety during extreme heat, including information about cooling centers, can be found at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips

Second Heat-Related Death Reported in Saint Louis County

(July 10, 2012) – A 93-year-old University City woman has been confirmed as the second heat-related death in Saint Louis County this summer, according to the medical examiner.

The medical examiner’s office reported that the victim’s body temperature was 103 degrees and the outdoor temperature was 104 when she was discovered on Saturday, June 7. The window air conditioner in the brick home was working properly but was set at 95 degrees.

The victim lived alone but was cared for by relatives, according to the medical examiner’s office.

First Heat Related Death Reported in Saint Louis County

(July 9, 2012) – A 72-year-old Northwoods woman, whose home air conditioners were not working, is the first confirmed heat related death in Saint Louis County this summer, according to the medical examiner.

The medical examiner’s office reported that the temperature in the victim’s home in the 7100 block of Winchester Avenue was measured at 97.4 degrees and her body temperature was 106 when it was discovered on Friday, July 6. A central air conditioner was not functioning and a window unit was blowing warm air.

In St. Louis County, 162 patients have been treated for heat-related symptoms, including 30 who have been hospitalized, since June 28.

On June 27, 2012 the Saint Louis County Department of Health forwarded the following press release by Charlie A. Dooley.
County Executive Dooley Urges Residents to be Cautious During Extreme Heat

(June 27, 2012) – St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley has authorized the Director of the St. Louis County Parks to add three more cooling centers to help residents get some relief from the soaring temperatures. St. Vincent Park, Greensfelder/Queeny Recreation Complex, and Kennedy Recreation Complex will be added to the United Way’s database of area cooling centers.

If you, or someone you know, is unable to keep his or her residence cool and needs to find a cooling center they should call the United Way of Greater Saint Louis by dialing 211 from a landline phone, or by dialing 1-800-427-4626 from any other type of phone.

Temperatures in the St. Louis area are expected to reach 100 degrees or higher over the next several days prompting the County Executive to act.

“I know there is an official National Weather Service process for issuing heat warnings and alerts, but even when temperatures are slightly below those thresholds I know that there are people—particularly the elderly and many others with specific health issues—whose health will be jeopardized by this heat. Calling 211 will direct you to places to find some relief from the high temperatures,” Dooley said.

Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the St. Louis County Department of Health, notes that whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the Health Department recommends the following:

The elderly are at higher risk as the temperatures climb and need specific attention, according to Andrea Jackson-Jennings, Director of the St. Louis County Department of Human Services.

“As people get older they are less able to adapt to high temperatures and as a result, the heat might exacerbate any medical conditions they have,” Jackson-Jennings said. “We have to check on them and be prepared to transport them to cooling centers when necessary.”

Residents are also urged to consider pets whenever temperatures rise. Here are some tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

For more information, please visit the County Health Department’s Heat Safety Tips webpage at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips

Saint Louis County’s Department of Health is a member of Operation Weather Survival – a network of public and private organizations that collaborate, coordinate resources, and help educate the public to prevent illness, injury, and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather. More information about Operation Weather Survival can be found at:

www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=operationweathersurvivalnew2

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Saint Louis County

(June 27, 2012) – Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been discovered in communities ranging from Lemay to Florissant, although no human cases have been reported, according to the Saint Louis County Department of Health.

Positive results have also been reported in mosquitoes in unincorporated North County, Bel-Ridge, Normandy, Olivette, Jennings and unincorporated Lemay.

The Health Department routinely collects mosquito samples to test and help determine where to focus control efforts. Vector Control monitors and treats standing water in public areas as part of its preventative larviciding program. To find out where the county will be spraying, call 615-4-BUG (615-4284) for the nightly mosquito-spraying schedule.

“Positive mosquito tests are a reminder that preventative measures are important,” said Saint Louis County Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn. “Even though serious West Nile Virus cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure. We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply, and protect ourselves by using repellants,” Dr. Gunn said.

Here are steps residents can take to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to flourish:

For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at 314-615-0680 or visit the Health Department’s website at: http:/www:stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness.

County Health Department Urges Caution during Extreme Heat

(May 25, 2012) –Summer may not officially be here for another month, but the Saint Louis area is expecting its first wave of extreme heat this weekend. The Saint Louis County Department of Health is strongly urging caution and common sense throughout the Memorial Day weekend and during any subsequent periods of extreme heat.

“Saint Louis experiences extreme heat almost every year and it’s important to observe common sense precautions whenever this happens,” said Dr. Dolores Gunn, Director of the Health Department.

Whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the Health Department recommends the following:

If a person is unable to keep his or her residence cool and needs to find a cooling center, that person is urged to call the United Way of Greater Saint Louis by dialing 211 from his or her home landline phone, or by dialing 1-800-427-4626 from any other type of phone.

Residents are also urged to consider pets whenever temperatures rise. Here are some tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

For more information, please visit the department’s Heat Safety Tips webpage at:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips

The Saint Louis County Department of Health is a member of Operation Weather Survival – a network of public and private organizations that collaborate, coordinate resources, and help educate the public to prevent illness, injury, and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather. More information about Operation Weather Survival can be found at:

www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=operationweathersurvivalnew2

Health Department Announces Two Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Saint Louis County Department of Health Sponsoring Two Free Events for County Residents to
Drop off Unwanted Household Chemicals

(April 30, 2012) – The Saint Louis County Department of Health is sponsoring two household chemical collection events – one on Saturday, May 5^th, and one on Saturday, June 16^th. Saint Louis County residents will be able to bring unwanted household products such as paint thinner, cleaning solutions, motor oil, insecticides, and other products that can pose health hazards if not properly disposed of.

“These events offer a safe alternative to throwing leftover household chemicals away in the trash,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health. “Ideally, consumers should buy only what they need, use products up entirely, or share any leftovers with neighbors and friends.”

Both events will run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., regardless of the weather. The events are free of charge and are open to all Saint Louis County residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or tax bill, will be required.

The cost for the household chemical events is covered by the Saint Louis County landfill surcharge fund. For more information, residents are asked to please call the Department of Health at (314) 615-8958 or visit www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

All events are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Rain or shine!

National Public Health Week 2012
A Healthier America Begins Today – Join the Movement

(April 4, 2012) – Earlier today, Saint Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley presented the Saint Louis County Department of Health with a proclamation declaring April 2^nd through 8^th “National Public Health Week” in Saint Louis County.

National Public Health Week is an annual nationwide recognition and celebration of the public health efforts that help maintain the American standard of living. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today – Join the Movement.” The annual event is used to raise awareness of the many public health efforts in local communities all across the nation.

“Public health efforts play an important role in all of our lives, even when we are unaware of them,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the County Health Department.

“From the start of your day when you brush your teeth until you lay your head down on a pillow each evening, public health agencies are playing a role in keeping you and your family safe and healthy. That is something worth celebrating.”

County Executive Charlie A. Dooley also praised the county’s public health efforts.

“I am very proud of the efforts of our County Health Department,” said Mr. Dooley. “They consistently and effectively identify and address challenges to the public health in our community. Because of their efforts, Saint Louis County really is one of the best places to live, work, learn, and play.”

As part of the ceremonies earlier today, Mr. Dooley asked that residents observe the week by encouraging family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and leaders to better understand the importance of public health in keeping Saint Louis County a great place to live.

Among the many programs run by the Health Department to protect public health are programs for milk testing, animal control, tobacco cessation, vital records management, disease tracking, emergency preparedness, immunizations, primary health clinics, recycling education, restaurant inspections, lead testing, and mosquito control.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit:

www.nphw.org

For more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health, visit:

www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness

Health Department Announces
“Recycling Becomes Me” Essay Contest Winner
Parkway South High School Student is Recognized by the Saint Louis County Health Department

(March 9, 2011) – Britani Palazzolo is the winner of the “Recycling Becomes Me” essay contest, sponsored by the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Solid Waste Management Program. The scholarship was awarded earlier today at Parkway South High School’s Renaissance Assembly featuring recognitions entitled, "There are so many great things about South High.”

Britani is being awarded a $500 scholarship from Curbside Value Partnership, a national 501(c)(3) organization that works with communities to grow curbside recycling programs.

“We congratulate and applaud Britani Palazzolo for her efforts surrounding recycling,” said Steve Thompson, executive director of the Curbside Value Partnership. “Her leadership and enthusiasm make her a role model, not only to other Saint Louis County students, but to students nationwide. On behalf of CVP, I encourage her to continue to engage others to make recycling part of their daily lives.”

Britani’s essay was chosen from a pool of essays received from twenty (20) different high schools around the county. Her essay stood out because of its unique and innovative approach to the problem of excess waste packaging. Britani’s essay demonstrated her concern for the environment and her work as a recycling champion in her community. Britani is a senior at Parkway South High School who plans on attending Maryville University to study art education and graphic design.

Through a partnership with Saint Louis County, CVP created the “Recycling Becomes Me” public education and awareness campaign that celebrates the strong culture of recycling in Saint Louis County by demonstrating that recycling is a part of many different lifestyles. In addition to providing creative services at no charge to the county, CVP developed the essay contest for 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade students and provided the scholarship to help bring the campaign to schools.

“The essay contest fit the bold and fun campaign theme that recycling ‘becomes’ everyone,” said John Haasis, program manager of Saint Louis County’s Recycling and Solid Waste Management Program. “Britani’s essay is a great motivator for all recyclers to become even more diligent and to encourage those who haven’t quite gotten started with the recycling habit, to start!”

ABOUT THE CURBSIDE VALUE PARTNERSHIP

The Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) is a 501(c) (3) organization designed to grow participation in curbside recycling programs nationwide. It is the only current national program that engages all recycling stakeholders (including government, private industry, haulers and materials recovery facilities) to identify solutions to improving curbside recycling programs through education and data analysis. CVP’s goal is to launch and study education programs to increase participation in local curbside programs, and make programs more profitable and sustainable. To date, 28 communities and four states have been engaged by CVP in education campaigns. The program is currently funded by members of the Aluminum Association (Alcoa, ARCO Aluminum and Novelis) and Can Manufacturers Institute (Ball Corporation, BWAY Corporation, Crown Holdings Inc., Impress USA, Metal Container Corporation, Sonoco-Phoenix Inc, Rexam, Silgan Containers Corporation and the Van Can Company) as well as Coca Cola Recycling. Other corporate sponsors interested in impacting recycling rates in a meaningful way are always welcome. For more information, visit www.RecycleCurbside.org.

ABOUT RECYCLING BECOMES ME Saint Louis County’s Solid Waste Management Program assists in protecting public health and the environment through waste reduction, recycling, and enforcement activities. The “Recycling Becomes Me” education campaign was launched in October of 2011. The campaign features preposterous visuals that interject common recycling containers into unexpected situations that is meant to be attention-getting, so residents can see that recycling is part of many different lifestyles and that everyone can—and should—recycle. Residents can encounter the campaign at local events, through print, online and radio advertisements, direct mail, Facebook and the campaign website: www.RecyclingBecomesMe.com