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Health Department News
CDC Reports An Increase in Measles Cases in the
The Centers for Disease Control reported in a webcast Monday that the U.S. has had more cases of measles this year than at anytime since 2001. Between January 1 and April 25, 2008, there have been 64 cases of measles including 4 cases in downstate
Measles is a respiratory illness that spreads through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person, or by airborne droplets. Dr. Gail Shebuski, Medical Director of Western U.P. District Health Department states that the initial symptoms include a fever, cough, red eyes, and runny nose. After three to seven days, a characteristic rash develops that starts on the face and then moves down the body to the arms and legs, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. One in three people with measles develops complications such as diarrhea or pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. The disease can be more severe for infants, pregnant women, and people who have weakened immune systems. Prior to the measles vaccine it was common to see thousands of cases and an annual death toll of 500 children. Outbreaks like the present one take place in pockets of unimmunized children and adults.
It is important that parents who are making decisions about immunizing their children are aware of the measles risk that is ongoing. The measles vaccine is very safe and effective, and we strongly recommend that unimmunized persons receive the vaccine.
Western U.P. District Health Department provides public health services to residents in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontonagon, and Gogebic counties. In addition, its Superior Home Health and Hospice Division provides skilled home nursing and hospice services in the five counties. Western U.P. District Health Department has offices in Hancock, L’Anse, Ontonagon and Bessemer.
Annual Report for 2007
Western U.P. District Health Department has published its Annual Report 2007 for the fiscal period ending Sept. 30, 2007. In this report to our communities and partners in public health, you will find descriptions of major activities and accomplishments in public health, environmental health, and home health and hospice, plus summaries of community health status indicators and agency finances. You may download a copy of the report here.
The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report 
made it clear that secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, causing premature death and disease in children and adults. The report stated there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and the only way to protect non-smokers from exposure is to eliminate smoking indoors. It is for this reason that thousands of state and local governments across the country, including your local health department, have enacted smoke-free regulations.
“It’s important to remember that this is not a smokers’ rights issue; it is a public health issue,” said Guy St. Germain, Health Officer/Administrator. “We are not trying to ban smoking, but we want to protect the rights of those who choose not to smoke. The people who live and work in our communities deserve to breathe clean air.”
The Western U.P. District Health Department Clean Indoor Air Regulation goes into effect Tuesday, May 6, 2008 and will require all worksites and public places in Baraga, Houghton and Gogebic counties to implement a smoke-free policy providing for 100% smoke-free air in all enclosed areas. The regulation does not apply to private residences, except when used as a child care, health care or adult day care facility, restaurants,bars, tobacco specialty stores and tribal properties.
There are two important steps for businesses to complete before May 6th. These are developing a clear no-smoking worksite policy, and communicating this policy to employees at least three weeks prior to implementation.
In order to assist employers in becoming a smoke-free worksite, a packet of information, including a sample smoke-free policy, a fact sheet and window/door decals will be mailed to businesses. Those documents are also available by clicking the link below. A full copy of the regulation can be viewed by clicking here.
If you have questions regarding the regulation, would like to order additional No Smoking door decals or would like information about smoking cessation resources, please call the health department at 482-7382.
Sample No Smoking Policy
Three Fold No Smoking Brochure
