Find out about Swimmer's Itch

Remember to recycle Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

It's Tick Time!  Protect your family

Don't flush medications down the toilet—dispose of them safely

WWHD Informs Public on Tuberculosis Health Advisory

WWHD Encourages Residents to test homes for Radon

WWHD Alerts Residents on Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

What you should know about MRSA

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities - Are YOU Ready?

School Emergency Preparedness - Are YOU Ready?

WWHD Asks Local Businesses: Are YOU Ready?

Thank you for reporting Lyme Disease

WWHD and TB Screening

Shingles Vaccine now available to those over sixty

Health District Issues Advice for Swimmer’s Itch

The Westport Weston Health District urges local beachgoers to be on the alert for swimmer’s itch, a harmless but annoying skin rash caused by microscopic parasites found in fresh and salt waters. Swimmer’s itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, generally occurs in late July or August. It is a regular summertime nuisance throughout Connecticut and does not prompt beach closings. 

The blame for the itchy skin condition lies with the larval stage of certain worms, which are bird parasites. The parasite’s eggs are released into water by water fowl droppings.  These eggs hatch into small larvae, which then infect the next host in the cycle, mud snails or other mollusks. After a short period of growth and under the right conditions, the parasite is released by the snail back into the water in a new larval stage. The larvae, called cercariae, then seek to penetrate the skin of the water fowl and complete the cycle.  

Unsuspecting humans can interrupt the cycle by swimming or wading in infected recreational waters. The cercariae mistake a bather’s skin as a host, instead of shorebirds, ducks, or geese. The parasite burrows into wet skin and dies. A cercariae cannot complete its life cycle in humans. Bumps, resembling mosquito bites, develop on the skin as the body fights off the parasite. 

According to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, symptoms of swimmer’s itch include a tingling sensation that may be felt when the parasite enters the skin. A mild itching may occur within one to two hours after exposure and lasts for about an hour. A rash appears, 10 to 15 hours later, along with intense itching. The rash usually peaks in three to four days and disappears within a week.  Repeated exposure to the parasite may increase sensitivity and the chance of getting swimmer’s itch. 

Most cases of swimmer’s itch do not require treatment. Try not to scratch, this can lead to secondary infection. Severe cases should be treated by a doctor. Swimmer’s itch is not contagious; it cannot be spread from person to person. 

In order to reduce the itching and inflammation you can:

  • Use corticosteroid cream
  • Apply cool compresses to the affected areas
  • Bathe in Epson salts or baking soda
  • Soak in colloidal oatmeal baths
  • Apply baking soda paste to the rash (made by stirring water into baking soda until it reaches a paste-like consistency)
  • Use an anti-itch lotion

Unfortunately, there are no sure fire ways to prevent this summertime ailment, but here are a few tips from the Health District:

  • Do not swim or wade in areas where swimmer's itch is a known problem. 
  • Ask the lifeguard on duty if there have been reported cases of swimmer’s itch recently before going into the water.
  • Do not swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
  • Towel dry vigorously after swimming.  This simple measure will destroy the parasite before it penetrates the skin.
  • Take a shower with warm water or rinse off, if possible.  Dry off vigorously with a towel. A shower will rinse off the parasites, and get to any that may be inside a bathing suit.
  • Do not attract birds (e.g., by feeding them) to areas where people are swimming.
  • Do not walk barefoot through puddles on the beach, or in low tide or shallow water.
  • Don’t let children sit or play on sand flats in low tide, particularly if there are mud spots.
  • Apply a waterproof sunscreen before swimming or walking in the water. The sunscreen helps form a “seal” so the parasite cannot borrow into the skin.

For More Information:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cercarialdermatitis/factsht_cercarialdermatitis.htm

http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388392

 

 

WWHD Encourages Residents to Carefully Recycle Compact Fluorescent Lights

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are lighting more homes than ever before, and the Westport Weston Health District encourages residents to use and recycle them safely. Carefully recycling CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Switching incandescent light bulbs (traditional light bulbs) to CFLs is an effective simple change everyone can make right now. CFLs use up to 75% less energy (electricity) than incandescent light bulbs, last up to ten times longer, cost less, and provide a quick return on investment.  

Fluorescent bulbs come in various shapes and sizes. Some are the traditional two, four, and eight-foot long tube type bulbs. Others include the newer compact fluorescents that screw in like a regular incandescent bulb. All CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing, which is about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen (averaging approximately four milligrams per bulb). It is important to know that no mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. If these bulbs are discarded in the trash, they will break and some mercury will be released into the environment. Large numbers of broken CFLs could be a significant contribution to the amount of mercury that is released into the environment. 

WWHD encourages the recycling of all mercury containing light bulbs after they burn out. Virtually all components of a CFL can be recycled. To properly dispose a CFL, bring it to the following collection areas:

In Westport at:

300 Sherwood Island Connector

7 A.M. – 3 P.M. Monday – Friday

7 A.M. – 12 P.M. Saturdays

In Weston at:           

237 Godfrey Road East

8 A.M. – 3:45 P.M. Monday – Friday

8 A.M. – 2:45 P.M. Saturday

 

Upcoming Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Westport Weston Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane

The WWHD advises residents that if a CFL accidentally breaks in the home, stay calm. It is not an emergency.

For more information:

http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#fluorescent

http://www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling/

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2708&q=378846

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  AUGUST 13, 2008

State Reports Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus in Westport
WWHD Advises Residents to Take Precautions

Once again, West Nile Virus (WNV) has surfaced in Connecticut. The State Mosquito Management Program today announced that mosquitoes trapped July 31st – August 4th, 2008 in New Canaan, Shelton, Westport, and Wilton have tested positive for WNV. These are the first WNV-positive mosquitoes identified in these four towns by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year. The Westport Weston Health District encourages residents to take personal and homeowner precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes, particularly in the hours around dusk and dawn.

Preventing WNV

  • Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
  • Wear clothing that minimizes bare skin.
  • Use mosquito repellents on clothing.
  • Follow the directions on labels for insecticides or repellents.
  • Cover arms and legs of children playing near standing water.
  • Cover playpens or carriages with mosquito netting.
  • After any significant rainfall, remember to remove any standing water from your property.
  • Remove objects that can hold standing water.
  • Fill in holes, ditches, or tree trunks with sand or cement.
  • Clean house gutters on a regular basis.
  • Empty wadding pools and bird baths every 4-7 days.
  • Chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
  • Eliminate collected water on boat and pool covers.
  • Avoid over-watering of lawns.
  • Fix holes in screens and attach properly to windows.

West Nile virus can cause a range of symptoms, from very mild to severe. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Insect repellant can be used when outdoors in mosquito infested areas.

Available at the WWHD are free starter packs of larvicide briquettes for Westport and Weston and mosquito control information.  The bacterial larvicide is called Bti, which is used for mosquito larval control in a broad range of fresh and salt marsh habitats.  It uses a naturally-occurring bacteria, and provides thirty days of protection.  Starter packs can be picked up at the WWHD, 180 Bayberry Lane in Westport, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 

 

WWHD reminds parents to take action to protect your family

Spring is here and the Health District encourages parents to be on the alert for ticks – peak season is from April to September. Children are at particularly high risk! The incidence of Lyme disease is higher in children under the age of 10 than in any other age group.

Most cases of Lyme disease are associated with the nymphal stage of the deer tick. Nymphs are small (about the size of a pinhead), difficult to spot, and are active during the late spring and summer months when you and your family spend more time outdoors.

Yard play and camping activities are high on the list of childhood options and should be encouraged and enjoyed. By using recommended personal protection techniques consistently, you can assure that you and your children can enjoy the wonders of nature without fear of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. Learn about the strategies recommended by Westport Weston Health District to decrease your exposure risk or if you have questions you can contact Monica Wheeler, RN at 227-9571 ext 242.

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 1, 2007

WWHD Alerts Residents on Hazards of Flushing Unwanted Medications down Drains and Toilets

Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) alerts residents on the hazards of flushing unwanted medications down drains and toilets. “Disposal via the toilet takes your medications into the local sewage system. Modern water treatment plants are not fully designed to deal with medication disposal,” said Sue Jacozzi, WWHD Director of Health.

The long-term health risks posed by consumption of even minute quantities of these medications in drinking water, and the full extent of environmental damage remain under investigation. Pouring the medications into drains is no better than flushing them down the toilet. They still end up in the same place. If your home uses a septic system, there is a chance that the drugs might leach into the local waters, like a nearby lake or stream, or even out onto your own property, where pets, livestock or wildlife could be at risk.

The following are recommendations to properly dispose your unwanted medications:

  • •Keep Medications in its original container.
  • Modify the medications to discourage consumption (i.e., add salt, pungent spice, or kitty litter).
  • Seal the container with duct tape to prevent leaks and breakage. Do not conceal medicines in food products because animals could inadvertently consume them.
  • Discard the container in your trash can. Do not recycle.

For more information on disposal of medicinal supplements download a fact sheet from the CT Department of Public Health Web Site.

WWHD Informs Public on Tuberculosis Health Advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory after an international passenger flying on an American Airlines carrier was diagnosed with Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB).

Tuberculosis is a bacterium that can cause chronic pneumonia, and in some cases disseminated disease. It is easily spread through coughing, sneezing or even talking. Prolonged exposure to tuberculosis such as prisons and crowded homeless shelters in countries where the disease is endemic (native to that area), puts one at risk of contracting the disease.

If you plan to travel to countries and think you might be exposed, the CDC recommends you get tested before departing and 8-10 weeks after returning. If the TB screening test is positive, it does not mean that you have tuberculosis; further confirmatory tests are needed, such as a Chest X-ray and a sputum culture. In some instances, tuberculosis can be latent with no obvious symptoms, but anytime conversion to highly infectious active TB can occur.

In addition, Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) recommends that you test your children’s caretakers/nannies when they arrive from a foreign country to ensure their safety and your kids’ safety.

If you have concerns or you would like to be screened for tuberculosis, the health district offers TB screening at a cost of $20. The screening test is administered under the skin of the forearm and needs to be checked within 48 to 72 hours for a reaction (redness or swelling).

To find out more about Tuberculosis and endemic areas check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web Site: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx  

 

WWHD Encourages Residents to Test Homes for Radon

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has designated the month of January, National Radon Action Month. Radon is a cancer causing gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers according to the EPA. Unfortunately, you cannot see, smell, or taste radon if it is present in your home.

Depending on how houses are built and ventilated, radon may accumulate in basements and dwellings. According to the EPA’s statistics, one out of 15 homes has a high level of indoor radon. Fairfield County, CT is located in a high zone for radon, and the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) would like to inform you of ways to get your home tested. Do-it-yourself test kits are available in limited quantities at WWHD, 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport. Please call 227-9571, ext 241 to arrange to pick up a kit. WWHD also provides $12 coupons if you wish to purchase the kit from the Connecticut American Lung Association Web Site at www.alact.org or by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA. Also, some hardware or drug stores may carry the kits.

If you prefer, you can look into hiring a professional to test your home. Keep in mind, the best season to test is the winter season. Since radon has been found all across the United States with high amounts in our area, the Health District advises you to take precautionary actions by testing to ensure the safety of your family and loved ones.

If high levels of radioactive Radon are detected in your home (equals to or more than 4 Picocurie/Liter), EPA recommends certain Radon reduction techniques, for more information about these methods check http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon

 

WWHD Alerts Residents on Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms annually. CO is a colorless, odorless and deadly gas released from incomplete burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, kerosene, coal or wood. Carbon monoxide is produced by common household appliances, such as water heaters, stoves/ovens and charcoal fires.

When not properly ventilated, CO emitted by these appliances can build up. This silent killer gas replaces oxygen molecules carried by the red blood cells reducing oxygen saturation. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches , dizziness, nausea , and fatigue , are often mistaken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected in a home. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death. To prevent CO poisoning, Westport Weston Health District advises all residents to take proper measures such as installing a CO detector in their homes, checking and servicing heating systems, chimneys and gas appliances yearly, not using kerosene heaters inside the house, never going to bed with a fire burning or smoldering, and not running cars, generators, lawn mowers, snow blowers in closed spaces such as a garage or basement.

If you suspect CO in your home, leave immediately; call 911 or CT Poison Control Center (800-222-1222); call local fire department to test for carbon monoxide.

For more information please check the Connecticut Department of Public Health CO Fact sheet: http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/co.pdf

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT. 17,2007

What you should know about community-associated Methicillin-resistant Stayphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus or Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin or in the nose of about one-third of healthy people. If you have staph on your skin or in your nose but aren't sick, you are said to be "colonized" and not infected with MRSA. Staph bacteria are generally harmless unless they enter the body through skin cuts and wounds; they are the most common cause of skin infections such as boils and pimples.

People with a weak immune system or those in hospitals, dialysis centers, nursing homes, and other health care facilities are most vulnerable to MRSA infections. The healthcare-associated staph infections include: surgical wound infections, septicemia (blood infection), urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections (pneumonia).

 “MRSA infections emerged initially in hospitals, which is a more serious infection than community-associated MRSA. If you see a boil that looks like a spider bite surrounded by ruddy skin you need to see your doctor” said Dr. Stu Steinman the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) medical advisor.

Resistant staph strains can be treated with antibiotics. It is imperative if diagnosed with MRSA to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If you fail to complete it there is a possibility that the infection might recur and even worsen.  

WWHD recommends proper hygiene practices to avoid contracting MRSA infection:

  • Wash hands with soap and water rubbing for a minimum of 20 seconds; if using a hand sanitizer it should be alcohol based.
  • Keep cuts, boils, lesions and wounds clean and covered until healed
  • Avoid contact with other people’s wounds, wound secretions, or bandages.
  •  Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors and athletic equipment.
  • Wipe health club equipment with a sanitizer after use, if you needed to share equipment.

For more information about community-associated MRSA please check the following CDC link.  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 21, 2007

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

The Westport Weston Health District has launched its “Are YOU Ready?” campaign to encourage every resident and business to be prepared before any emergency occurs. If you or a loved one is someone with disability or special needs, Westport Weston Health District strongly encourages you to consider how this may influence your emergency plans and supplies. If assistance will be needed to evacuate from your home in an emergency, pre-register yourself or loved one on the health district’s Emergency Evacuation List. This list is maintained in a confidential manner and will be used by emergency planners and first responders during an emergency only.

If you are responsible for a person with disability, evaluate the capabilities, limitations, needs and surroundings to determine if and what type of support may be needed in an emergency. Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to make sure they receive emergency warnings. Mobility impaired individuals may need assistance to get to a shelter or to evacuate from buildings. Elevators will not work in power outages.

Westport Weston Health District also advises you to:

  • Contact and register with utility companies to receive priority consideration for return to service or for amplified or enhanced equipment to receive emergency warnings.
  • Contact service or equipment providers to obtain backup supplies to be used during emergencies.
  • Keep a 7-14 day supply of necessary medications on hand at all times. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
  • Keep a record with medical conditions, medications and dosages, allergies,  medical insurance, pharmacy, and physicians
  • Keep a list of the type and model numbers of any medical devices required Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, service animal supplies and any other needed items
  • Make sure service animals are registered and have a service tag
  • Store adequate foods for special dietary needs in your emergency food supplies

If you are a person with a disability, be prepared and pre-register by calling 227-9571.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 14, 2007

Are YOU Ready? School Emergency Preparedness

When a disaster hits, there will be no time to think, and barely enough time to act. Therefore, we should all be prepared to do whatever is necessary for our safety. We want the schools and daycares to be a safe haven for the most vulnerable members of our community; our beloved children.

Schools may face many crises, ranging from terrorism to natural disasters to locally created chaos, such as gun shootings. Preparedness should not be customized to one event; it should be an all hazard plan that aims at protecting lives, reducing damage, and preserving the well being of the people. Each school in Westport Weston has developed their own crisis plan that is tailored to the community needs and modeled to serve the local population. The school administrators, teachers and staff have learnt and practiced the plan so they can participate in helping guide the children, give them reassurance, reduce their fear and anxiety in case of an emergency.

The Westport Weston Health District urges the parents to include their children in emergency family planning. Teach them how to get help and what to do in different situations, how to maintain a supply kit and how to pack their ready-to-go bag, how to communicate, where to meet and who to call, and quiz them about preparedness information.

As a parent, be prepared for emergencies. Gather information about your children’s school or day care facility. Find out their emergency plans, where you can pick your child up during an evacuation. Ensure that the school has up-to-date contact information for you and at least one other relative or friend. Find out how you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your child in an emergency.  

The Westport Weston Health District salutes the schools in Westport and Weston for developing, maintaining, and practicing a preparedness plan to protect our children and staff from preventable harm. Don’t get scared, be prepared! 

For more detailed information, please check www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov/kids/

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  SEPT. 10, 2007

WWHD Asks Local Businesses: Are YOU Ready?

In the light of the last terrorist attack on the US, the month of September is declared Emergency Preparedness Month. Having a plan in place to protect yourself and property is the right thing to do before you face an emergency situation. Whether a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, being ready is not only required for homes and families or schools and daycares, it is also required for businesses. Being prepared at the workplace involves assessing the risk of a disaster’s impact, and taking the appropriate steps to minimize the loss and damage and to salvage the absolute necessities. 

If a disaster hits, are you ready to shelter in your business place? Do you have enough food and water supply? Do you know where to go in case you were required to evacuate your workplace? Do you have a property protection plan? Do you have a recovery plan? What would you do if your business place became inaccessible? All these questions every business should have answers for.

The Westport Weston Health District urges every business in Westport and Weston to:

  • Develop and practice a plan to protect personnel and important documents
  • Prepare back ups of all computer records and store offsite
  • Maintain sufficient insurance coverage for your business
  • Identify critical business functions that should not be interrupted and develop a process to ensure they continue.
  • Store important documents and records in a fire protected safe or off-site.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness to get your business prepared please visit:

http://www.ready.gov/business/

http://www.fema.gov/business/guide/index.shtm

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  AUG 6, 2007

Thank you for reporting Lyme Disease!

The Westport Weston Health District would like to recognize and thank those local physicians who have consistently reported the cases of Lyme disease they have diagnosed in their practices to the district. These physicians understand that it is their responsibility, under CT General Statutes and the Public Health Code, to report Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, in addition to many infectious or communicable diseases. And though inconvenient, these physicians have been willing to help WWHD monitor the trends in Lyme disease occurrence in our community. Thank you:

  • Internal Medicine Associates of Westport
  • Dermatology Associates
  • Westport Family Health
  • Dr. Robin Oshman, Dermatologist
  • Bay Street Pediatrics
  • Willows Pediatrics
  • Children’s Health Services (Weston)

Why is it so important for one’s doctor to report Lyme disease? There happens to be one very good reason – laboratory testing is not warranted nor recommended if a person develops the characteristic rash of Lyme disease. Consequently, since the rash occurs in greater than 70% of cases, more patients are treated for Lyme disease without testing than are being tested! And when laboratory tests are performed they are not always conclusive, often yielding false negatives and positives. Laboratory testing may support the presence of the disease, but physicians very often must rely on clinical factors such as symptoms, having found an engorged tick, where one lives and what activities a person may participate in that raises his or her risk of exposure to ticks.

WWHD’s Target Lyme Disease reminds residents to avoid tick habitats whenever possible, and to perform daily tick checks on themselves, their children and pets after spending time outdoors.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  JUNE 29, 2007

How the Westport Weston Health District would handle a resident with tuberculosis

Recently, a man traveling with active tuberculosis to Canada made the media headlines.  Should the man have resided in Westport or Weston, the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) would have known what to do.

“One of the many services we provide in this community is TB screening,” said Sue Jacozzi, WWHD Director of Health.  “It is not unusual for the WWHD public health nurses to investigate, evaluate and track individuals with suspected or known cases of TB.”

When such situations arise, WWHD public health nurses will conduct a case interview with all family and close contacts, including au pairs/caretakers.  Testing is required, and can be conducted by the Health District or personal physician.  If the individual has a positive skin test, the Health District will refer him/her for diagnostic follow up and work with them and their physician to see that they are compliant with their medications and treatment plan.  In active TB cases, the Health District nurses may conduct direct observed therapy (watching the individual take their medications daily) until the treatment is completed or stopped.  Following two weeks of prescribed medications and three (3) negative sputums, a person is no longer considered infectious and may return to work and other activities.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a life threatening infection that primarily affects the lungs.  TB is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, talks, sings or sneezes.  Typically, tuberculosis affects people in crowded conditions, poverty and those with HIV.  TB is treatable and preventable. 

There are two types of TB: TB infection or latent TB which causes no symptoms and is not contagious; Active TB is when you are both contagious and symptomatic. Symptoms of active TB include:

  • A cough lasting three or more weeks that may produce discolored or bloody sputum
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Slight fever
  • Night sweats
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain with breathing or coughing

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 16, 2007

Shingles Vaccine available to those over sixty

The Westport Weston Health District has announced that  Zostivax, the shingles vaccine, is now available to Westport and Weston residents sixty years of age and older. The cost is $200 and methods of payment include cash, check, or Mastercard or Visa. At this time, Medicare does not cover the cost of the vaccine.   

Shingles, also called Herpes Zoster, is a painful rash, often with blisters.  The rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts two to four weeks.  The most common and debilitating symptom is pain.  Other symptoms include headache, chills, and upset stomach.

Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.  Only someone who has had chickenpox or has received the chickenpox vaccine can get shingles. Also, you cannot catch shingles from a person with shingles. However, a person who has never had chickenpox (or the vaccine), can get chickenpox   from someone with shingles.  This is not very common.  

Shingles is more common in individuals over the age of fifty and those with weakened immune systems due to disease such as cancer or drugs such as high dose steroids or chemotherapy. It is estimated that at least one million people per year in the United States get shingles.

The shingles vaccine (Zostivax) is a live virus vaccine and was licensed for use in 2006.  The vaccine is contraindicated in persons who are allergic to neomycin or gelatin, those with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, steroids, leukemia, or chemotherapy, and those with active, untreated tuberculosis. In clinical trials, the vaccine prevented shingles in half of those over the age of sixty and also helped to reduce the pain associated with shingles.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 227-9571 X231, and ask to speak with Loren Pace, RN.