Junior and seniors in the Ector County Independent School District learned the raw facts and information on Thursday about sexually transmitted diseases and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, in coordination with the Ector County Health Department, informed students about STD/HIV during an hour-long presentation at both Permian and Odessa high schools. Students learned through the slideshow and discussion about the symptoms associated with some of the diseases, how they could get an STD and what to do if they ever become infected. There was also a panel of three doctors to provide students with medically accurate answers to any questions they might have had at the end.

Gino Solla, director of the Ector County Health Department, said the information the students received in the presentation is what they need to know, but an issue that has not been fully addressed in the past.

“It’s one of the health disparities that’s not being addressed,” Solla said. “It’s time to put the information forward.”

Solla said it’s the first time the health department has given a presentation to the students. In 2008, Solla said he served on the district’s School Health Advisory Committee and at that time, the district was teaching students an abstinence-only program. Solla said once the district moved toward abstinence plus, he thought it was a good time to offer a presentation through the department.

“I thought it was a good time to augment the program,” Solla said. “We’d like to do it on a yearly basis if the district allows it.”

But before the students could get any information at all, they had to turn in forms signed by their parents allowing them to participate.

Solla said the forms were necessary because the presentation included a lot of graphic images. He said at previous SHAC meeting, members had expressed an interest for showing and informing students exactly what happens if they become infected as opposed to diagrams or just telling students.

“this is the full deal,” Solla said.

And students at the Permian High presentation did not hold back on their reactions as the images of infected genitalia appeared in the slideshow. Students laughed and made gagging sounds as presenters displayed the images.

Tate Owen, an 18-year-old senior, said she was speechless after the presentation. she said some of the images were a little too graphic.

“The pictures – it’s to an extreme,” Owen said.

Owen said she didn’t really learn anything in the presentation that she didn’t already know from previous presentations, but thought it was a good excuse to be out of class.

However, Emilio Diaz, an 18-year-old senior, said he thought the information was good and that it taught him about the importance of always using protection. He said he thought the pictures were fine.

“it shows you what’s up and what really happens,” Diaz said.

Victoria Rodriguez, an 18-year-old senior, said she also thought the information was valuable. she said the presentation was useful and that it taught her to not plan on having sex for awhile.

“I hope a lot of people learn from it,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the pictures were “pretty scary,” but it was good to show everyone now before it’s too late.

Oscar Hernandez, program specialist III for the regional Texas Department of State Health Services, said the department has always wanted to give a presentation to students in ECISD. He said the presentation was meant to get the students’ attention and provide medically accurate information about STD/HIV.

“We’re always looking for opportunities like this,” Hernandez said.

The same presentation was given at Odessa High in the afternoon on Thursday to about 600 students, and Hernandez said the program went well.

There is an outbreak of syphilis cases in Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Health Department.

So far this year, 69 cases of syphilis have been reported — a number equivalent to last year’s total. before this outbreak began, the county averaged 25 cases a year. Local health officials are consulting with Florida regional and state health officials to combat the increase of syphilis infections.

Syphilis is spread by intimate contact with an infected partner. Left untreated, it can lead to severe disease and even death. Studies indicate a two to five times increased risk for transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the presence of syphilis. Syphilis may also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby. these infants are at risk of lifelong disabilities and death.

The Escambia County Health Department is encouraging inviduals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of syphilis. in the initial stage, a sore might be visible in the genital area or the mouth (usually painless). in the second stage, a rash on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, moist lesions in the mouth, and/or unexplained hair loss may develop. When sores and lesions are present, they are extremely infectious, and intimate contact with them should be avoided. Early syphilis can include periods of “latency” with no outward signs or symptoms. Individuals experiencing these symptoms, or who have experienced them in the past should see their physician or local clinic for testing and treatment.

The best way to prevent syphilis is not to have sex with an infected partner. The health department said it is important to know your partner’s syphilis status. Proper use of a latex condom can help protect against acquired HIV, syphilis and a number of other sexually transmitted diseases.

Syphilis can be detected through a simple blood test at a physician’s office or clinic. several local clinics provide free or low cost screening, diagnosis and treatment services. The Escambia County Health Department also provides these services.

For more information on local low cost clinics or for the Escambia County Health Department’s STD clinic hours and fees, visit escambiahealth.com or call (850) 595-6532.

Comments

1. cruze60 on October 6th, 2011 6:36 am

   The county warns there is an outbreak? What have we come to when officials have to warn the public over something of this nature? Are officials naive enough to really think this’ll scare the pants back on the crowd that is apt to contract such. like a heavy fog advisory or such. Warning: STD”s coming down the street, quick ,get inside!

2. David Huie Green on October 4th, 2011 10:40 am
3. AL on October 4th, 2011 10:23 am

   I don’t suppose it matters what zip code…. keep your goods where they belong (in the marriage bed) and you don’t have to worry about it (and if you contract it from the marriage bed there are more issues than a news article can help)

4. Oversight on October 4th, 2011 6:08 am

   How many are from the 32535 (Century), 32568 (McDavid/Walnut Hill) and 32577 (Molino) zip codes? At least that’d give us some idea if it is a North Escambia problem or just the armpit area of Pensacola.

5. 429SCJ on October 4th, 2011 4:00 am

Erie County’s number of reported flu cases is expected to decrease for the fourth straight week.

But it doesn’t mean flu season is finished, said Charlotte Berringer, R.N., director of community health for the Erie County Department of Health.

“Oh, no. We typically see flu cases through the end of May,” Berringer said. “All this tells us is that fewer people are getting tested and testing positive for flu.”

Berringer said no flu season is normal, but this season is more typical than the swine flu outbreak in fall 2009.

Not as many people are getting the flu. only 768 cases have been reported in Erie County this season compared to 1,587 cases during the outbreak.

This season also started in earnest around New Year’s Day. Flu season usually arrives here between January and March.

“This season started just a little earlier than normal and its peak was where we usually see it,” Berringer said.

Thirty-four cases were reported to the county Health Department this week through Friday at 3:30 p.m. It’s a decline from 48 cases the week before and 90 cases the week ending March 12.

Though the reported number of cases continues to drop, local physicians are still seeing patients with flu-like symptoms.

“We have seen a steady number in recent weeks,” said Tony Snow, M.D., a member of the Erie County Board of Health and medical director of Community Health Net. “It’s not as many as we had geared up for at the start of the season, but flu isn’t gone.”

Flu vaccine remains available, but demand isn’t what it was in the fall of 2009 during the swine flu outbreak, said Carla Picardo, M.D., a Health Board member and obstetrician/gynecologist with Erie Women’s Health Partners.

“We’ve seen a lot of pregnant women refuse flu shots this season,” Picardo said. “They were knocking down our doors last (season).”

DAVID BRUCE can be reached at 870-1736 or by e-mail.

PLATTSBURGH — the Clinton County Health Department offers free screening for several conditions for men and women who do not have health insurance.

Recently, it added screening for colon cancer to its programs for the uninsured, which for nearly two decades has included tests for breast and cervical cancer.

“It is so vital that we catch signs of cancer early,” said Lisa Turner, senior public health educator for Clinton County. “Early detection gives us the best chance for survival.”

Free screenings for the uninsured begin at age 40 for women being checked for breast and cervical cancer and 50 for women and men being screened for colorectal cancer.

The Health Department has received state and federal grants for the breast and cervical program since 1992, and the state increased its support for colorectal screenings a few years ago.

“The American Cancer Society does recommend colonoscopy screenings every five to 10 years, depending on results of the initial screening (at age 50),” said Didi Remchuk, cancer-screening coordinator for the CVPH Medical Center.

Colonoscopies are used to internally search the colon for precancerous polyps, or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum.

“Colon cancer is a preventable cancer,” Remchuk added. “If you’re able to remove those polyps early, that’s the best way to prevent colon cancer.”

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. An estimated one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during his or her lifetime.

In New York state, more than 10,400 people develop cancer of the colon and rectum annually, and nearly 3,600 New Yorkers die from the disease each year.

“We screen an average of 120 men and women (for colorectal cancer),” Turner said. “Often, there are no symptoms, so regular screening is important.”

People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or those with other high-risk conditions, such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease, may need to begin screening at an earlier age, Turner noted.

“There are ways to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer,” she said. “These include getting screened, making healthy food choices, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and getting regular physical activity.”

Diets that are high in vegetables and fruit and low in fat also help protect against many types of cancers, she added. Regular physical activity can also protect against heart disease and other illnesses.

During the preliminary steps for colorectal screening, the Health Department can determine if a person is eligible for the free program and can also categorize them at increased risk or high risk for colon or rectal cancer.

The Health Department also has available new take-home tests for colorectal screening. the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) allows patients to test for possible signs of colorectal cancer by identifying blood in bowel movements.

Results are mailed back to the Health Department, and if the test is positive, a colonoscopy is scheduled to further search for a cause.

The annual take-home tests are ideal for people at increased risk to monitor their condition between scheduled colonoscopies.

Patients screened through the county program will be referred to local doctors if follow-up exams are needed.

Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake is also emphasizing the benefits of early screening for colorectal cancer with a monthlong informational booth on display in the main lobby.

E-mail Jeff Meyers at:

— A confirmed case of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, has made its way into Zionsville schools.

the case was found in a juvenile student at Zionsville Community High School.

according to Bob Bostwick, Zionsville Community Schools executive director of human resources and operations, the case was confirmed Wednesday, Jan. 16, from a physician who reported it to the Boone County Health Department.

“we took steps to immediately notify parents of all medically fragile students and any students who have not received the pertussis vaccination due to medical or religious grounds,” Bostwick said. “we also heightened our efforts to disinfect common areas. It is important for parents and school personnel to be as vigilant and proactive as possible in combating all communicable health conditions.”

A letter was sent home with students on Feb. 16 that let parents know a case was identified in the school and exposure to some students may have occurred either in the classroom or on the bus.

Indianahas a state law that requires students starting school to provide proof that they are up to date on their immunizations for whooping cough as well as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and chickenpox, or show evidence they’ve had chickenpox.

A new state law also required by January vaccinations against meningitis, a second chickenpox shot and an updated shot inoculating children against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus.

Exemptions are granted only for religious or medical reasons.

Cindy Murphy, head of the nursing and vital records division of the Boone County Health Department, said the immunization to protect against pertussis is not 100 percent effective.

“It is possible for students to get whooping cough even though they have been vaccinated,” Murphy said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing cases in folks updated with their immunizations, although it’s not common.”

the infected Zionsville student had been vaccinated.

Murphy said the vaccine is still being studied by the Centers for Disease Control to see why there are still cases of pertussis even with vaccinations.

“we encourage people to get vaccinated, but it’s not giving people the 100 percent protection we wish it could,” she said.

according to the Indiana State Department of Health, symptoms usually begin in 7 to 10 days following exposure, which can be spread by contact with nose or throat secretions from an infected person; symptoms last four to 21 days the first symptoms of pertussis are those of the common cold with a mild cough. after a week or two, the cough becomes more severe and may occur more frequently during sleep.

As the cough gets worse, it usually includes a series of coughs, such as coughing fits or spasms. People with pertussis may have vomiting following the coughing spell and have difficulty catching their breath, which may cause a whooping sound. However, adolescents, adults and very young infants may not develop the whoop. Generally, there is no fever with pertussis.

State health officials say Indiana is on track for the highest number of pertussis infections since 1986, mirroring a national trend in the escalation of the highly contagious respiratory disease.

Health experts say the rise in reported cases may be due in part to better diagnostic testing.

But they also point to the number of children who may not have been vaccinated against the disease as well as the number of teenagers and adults who failed to get the booster shots designed to keep their immunity from waning.

“Infants are the most vulnerable and they can die from the disease,” said Dr. John Christenson, director of pediatric infectious disease at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. “But teenagers and adults serve as the vectors for the disease, transmitting it to infants who have no immunity.”

Statehouse bureau chief Maureen Hayden contributed to this story

Ada — by Justin Lofton Staff Writer ADA—Michael Echelle, director of Pontotoc County Health Department, said the first two months of the year offer the greatest risk in contracting the flu bug. “Mid-January through February is Oklahoma’s peak influenza season,” Echelle said.  “That is typical of what is being seen right now.” Echelle said Valley View Regional Hospital representatives have said the hospital has cases of influenza this year. “none of the cultures that have been in Pontotoc County have cultured positive for H1N1, which was the strain for Swine Flu,” he said. Echelle said Pontotoc County residents should get vaccinations as soon as possible. “It’s never too late to be vaccinated,” he said.  “Vaccine is available, either through health care providers or through the county health department.” He said the vaccine cannot give a person influenza. “It’s a very effective vaccine,” said Lawrence Burnsed, director of communicable diseases at Oklahoma Department of Health.  “It does provide a good level of protection.  any vaccine is not 100 percent protective but they are very protective, so it is possible an individual may have recently received an influenza vaccine and may have symptoms similar to influenza.  It may not even be influenza.  There are other viruses circulating this time of year.” Echelle said a subject’s body typically takes about two weeks to build immunity to influenza after a vaccination. “It gives you protection through the flu season,” he said.  “if individuals opt not to get an influenza vaccination, there are precautions that they can take to protect themselves from getting the flu.” Echelle and Burnsed offered some precautions to prevent contracting or spreading influenza: • Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.  if a tissue is unavailable, cough into bend of arm. • Avoid individuals who may have influenza. • Wash hands often. • Stay at home when sick. “Typical symptoms of influenza include fever and a cough,” Burnsed said.  “some people have a sore throat, body aches or muscle aches—and those can last for several days.” if these symptoms are present in individuals or their children, Burnsed said residents should consider staying home or keeping their children home. “get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.  if you have a high fever or have concerns about your symptoms, you should certainly contact your physician,” he said.

The number of whooping cough cases has increased in the Missoula area, but the county health department believes more are going unreported.

Missoula County Health Department’s infectious disease specialist Brigid O’Connor said that 15 cases were seen in Missoula County from October to December of last year, and five cases were reported in January.  However, O’Connor said many more probably went undiagnosed.

“For every case we see, there’s eight cases we don’t see,” she said.

Whooping cough, referred to by doctors as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection and is notorious for causing violent fits of coughing and the “whooping” sound heard in people inhaling after coughing.  The Center for Disease Control website reported that whooping cough occurs most often in infants and young children, though older children and adults are also susceptible, and can spread it to babies who haven’t been immunized.

O’Connor explained that there is usually a rise in cases of whooping cough about every five years, and that the last time there was an outbreak of pertussis in Missoula was in 2005.

“It’s just time for us to see another upswing in cases,” O’Connor said.

The symptoms of whooping cough are similar to chest colds, bronchitis and some viral coughs, which is why many cases go undiagnosed, said O’Connor.

Whooping cough is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing in close quarters. It’s easily treated with antibiotics, and O’Connor recommended staying home from school or work for about five days after starting medication. By then, those infected are less contagious.

Whooping cough is sometimes called the 100-day cough, and getting over it takes time.

“Some people say they cough for months,” O’Connor said, “It’s a drag.”

Karen Behan, the clinical laboratory supervisor at Curry Health Center, said no students have been seen for whooping cough this year. The University does not require enrolled students to be vaccinated against pertussis, nor does it specifically suggest getting vaccinated.

For those living or working in close quarters like dorms, O’Connor said to avoid coughing or sneezing on people. getting tested for pertussis as quickly as possible after symptoms appear is important, especially people who work with or care for infants.

“It can be deadly for little babies and toddlers,” O’Connor said.

Some have no symptoms, some itch,burn,cause nasty fluids leaking, and some (if left untreated caused brain damage years ago).

I would go to a free clinic or your Dr if you have one and get tested.

Many can cause long term problems and that is not good.

Hope you get your answers.

Some remain dormant for years. you can get free tests usually at you county health department.

they start in like 6 to 9 months the most commmon symtopms are burning urinal dispose in other words when u pee

lol 6 to 9…69

when you start to burn or itch

STD symptoms can start quickly or lie dormant for years, it depends on the std. you can have some STD's (like Herpes) and never have symptoms – yet still pass it on to others.

Do some research at the places below and there is a sex ed professional at the safer sex room at club462.com who can give you proper answers to any questions.

It’s winter and people are outdoors less, but the threat of rabies from wild animals is still very real.The Iredell County Health Department last week confirmed the county’s 13th case of rabies for 2010. Tests showed that a calf on a farm on Westward Road in Statesville had contracted the disease.Officials also received notification of another calf exhibiting symptoms of rabies on another farm located on Old Mountain Road; however, test results have not been received on that calf.According to the Centers for Disease Control, the first symptoms of rabies may include tiredness, fever, vomiting, and poor appetite. Signs of rabies begin to progress within days to include: loss of coordination, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, and other disorders of the nervous system.Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.Iredell’s 13 confirmed cases of rabies so far are an improvement over 2009, when the county experienced 17 cases. in 2008, Iredell confirmed 10 cases.in the United States, distinct strains of rabies virus have been identified in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. several species of bats are also reservoirs for strains of the rabies virus.Transmission of rabies virus usually begins when infected saliva of a host is passed to an uninfected animal, usually by a bite.People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.Residents can protect themselves and pets by having pets vaccinated. Your can get your pets vaccinated at your local veterinarian or the Iredell County Animal Shelter, located at 243 Twin Oaks Road in Statesville.The Iredell County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccination from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the rabies clinic.If you notice strange behavior in an animal, do not approach it. Contact Iredell County Animal Services and Control immediately at (704) 878-5424 or after hours and holidays at (704) 878-3039. for more information, call the Iredell County Communicable Disease Charge Nurse at (704) 878-5334.

Three people have died of influenza infections in Montgomery County in the past two weeks, and county health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated.A 2-year-old Lower Merion boy died Dec. 21, followed by a 32-year-old Upper Merion woman on Christmas Day and a 24-year-old Norristown man on Monday, according to county health department spokeswoman Harriet Morton.Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses, and the flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection, according to health officials. Individuals with underlying, chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of complications from flu.“The child and the woman had no underlying conditions as far as we know,” Morton said.The vaccine is free to county residents and is available at the health department clinics in Norristown, Pottstown and Willow Grove (See montcopa.org/health and click on the “2011 Flu Clinics” link). The vaccine is recommended for anyone age 6 months or older.“It’s very important to get a flu shot to prevent becoming ill or dying,” Morton said.Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, and often extreme fatigue. Also common are a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose.While shots are the best protection, sick people should also cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing so as not to infect others. Those suffering from the flu or are caring for children with the infection should stay at home. as well, frequent hand washing prevents the spread of the disease.In 2009 and 2010, a new and very different flu virus, 2009 H1N1 (so-called “swine flu”), spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years, according to the health department.during the current flu season, which doesn’t end until May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause illness again along with other influenza viruses. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus).About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against flu virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.The schedule for the county health department’s walk-in flu clinics is as follows:Norristown Health Center, 1430 DeKalb St., in Norristown (610-278-5145). The clinic is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Pottstown Health Center, 364 King Street, Pottstown (610-970-5040). The center is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.Willow Grove Eastern Courthouse Annex, 102 York Road, Suite 401, in Willow Grove (215-784-5415) is open Fridays from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m.

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