info
|
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMUNTY ALERTS |
COUNTY WARNS PUBLIC TO TAKE CARE WHEN EATING RAW OYSTERS
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) warn the public to be careful when eating raw oysters.
Twelve people with Vibrio parahemolyticus infection have been reported to HHSA Public
Health Services between June 1 and Aug. 17. Nine of the 12 said they had consumed raw oysters in Mexico or the United States shortly before onset of illness.
Possible symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.
“Thoroughly cooking oysters reduces the risk of illness from bacteria,” said Nancy Bowen,M.D., San Diego County Public Health Officer. “Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection can cause mild illness in healthy persons, but can be dangerous to those with weak immune systems.”
Ensuring oysters are from a safe and approved source is important, said Gary Erbeck,
Director, Department of Environmental Health. “Only purchase oysters with the shells closed,” he said. “Oysters need to be properly refrigerated to minimize the growth of bacteria.”
Hand-washing between handling oysters and other food is essential. Cooking oysters to an
internal temperature of 145oF destroys the bacteria, eliminating the risk of illness for healthy people and those with underlying health issues.
Recent reports from the FDA indicate that oysters from the Pacific Northwest have been found
to be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Anyone who suspects they are ill from this bacteria should contact their health care provider.
For more information, visit www.cfsn.fda.gov or www.cdc.gov, or call the FDA Food Safety
hotline at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
County of San Diego Health and Human Services urges attention to problem gambling
County of San Diego is joining with agencies across the country to educate the public on the impact of problem gambling and to raise awareness that help is available.
Problem gambling is a growing concern. Since 1996, the number of local Gamblers Anonymous meetings has almost tripled to 35 per week. In 2004, 501 callers from San Diego area codes called the California Council on Problem Gambling helpline for assistance. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is partnering with local agencies to expand available resources to meet the increasing need for prevention and treatment services.
Although a small percentage seek help, many people with gambling problems don't realize they have a problem and continue to gamble to make up for their monetary losses. It is a vicious cycle which can lead to divorce, bankruptcy and even suicide.
Warning signs of problem gambling include:
- Preoccupation with gambling and inability to stop;
- Borrowing money for gambling;
- Gambling to win back what you've lost;
- Lying to hide time spent gambling or to hide unpaid debts;
- Losing work time because of gambling; and
- Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers free confidential advice and treatment information 24 hours a day, seven days at week, at 1-800-522-4700. For fact sheets and tips on problem gambling, visit www.npgaw.org or call the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Alcohol and Drug Services at (619) 584-5007.
Visitors to casino Advised to Get TB Test
Individual at Sycuan Casino Diagnosed with TB; Patrons Recommended to See Their Physician
The Sycuan Casino and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) advise anyone who spent significant time at the Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, between Oct. 1 and Nov. 27, 2005, to be evaluated for exposure to tuberculosis.
A patron who was at the casino during this time period was diagnosed with infectious TB, says Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County Deputy Public Health Officer.
"We recommend that those who visited the casino between Oct. 1 and Nov. 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. and were there 120 hours or more, contact their physician and request an evaluation that includes a TB skin test," she said. "The physician may also recommend additional tests if necessary."
Sycuan Casino representatives have been extremely helpful and are working collaboratively with HHSA in this effort.
"Sycuan is committed to providing a safe environment for both our customers and employees," said Maureen Kerr, Director, Human Resources, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. "We appreciate the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the professionals from the County HHSA to educate and inform those few individuals who may have visited our casino during this time period."
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease.
Individuals with no medical provider, or anyone who would like more information, may call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
TEL- 619-427-4111 Email - Health@infooption.com
Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Copyright © 2001-2006 Info Option Network