FIRST REPORTED DELAWARE HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASE IN TWO YEARS

DOVER —A 6-year-old Sussex County girl was briefly hospitalized with West Nile Virus (WNV) and is now recovering at home. The case is the first human WNV case reported since 2013. The mosquito-borne illness can become serious and the Division of Public Health reminds people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, generally from spring to fall. Although nearly 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not become ill and only a little less than 20 percent of those infected will develop West Nile fever, with mild symptoms (fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands), one in 150 people infected develop severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis).
Symptoms of severe WNV infection include headache, high fever, stiff neck, and/or tremors and muscle weakness. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Anyone who experiences any of these severe symptoms should seek medical help immediately. Symptoms may progress to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis, and possibly death.
“This new human case is a reminder that West Nile virus is still active in Delaware,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Division of Public Health Director. “It’s tempting with the distractions of summer fun to forget to protect you and your loved ones from insect bites. These bites can cause much more serious health problems than just itching and discomfort.”
Mosquitoes can also carry Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and several other diseases that cause brain inflammation (encephalitis) and can be fatal to humans and animals. To avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection, individuals should:
• When outside, wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. Mosquito netting can protect one’s face and neck, and infants in carriages, strollers, and playpens. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and during the early-morning hours.
• Mosquito repellents containing DEET can be applied to the skin, but will last only a few hours before reapplication is necessary. Use insect repellent containing less than 50 percent DEET for adults. The current American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using 10 to 30 percent DEET for children above 2 months old. The higher the strength, the longer the DEET provides protection which varies between two to five hours.
• Read labels carefully and always follow the instructions. DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months.
• Prevent mosquitoes from entering the house by using screens and keeping windows and doorways tightly sealed. Mosquitoes prefer shallow water and tall vegetation. Eliminate standing water in your yard by changing birdbath water weekly, regularly draining pet dishes and plant pot saucers, and checking gutters, pool covers, and tarps for standing water. Store buckets, wheelbarrows, and wading pools upside down. Keep grass mowed.
In Delaware, there were no reported human WNV cases in 2014, three cases in 2013, and nine cases in 2012 with one fatality. To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 888-295-5156.
To report high numbers of biting mosquitoes or other concerns, contact the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Mosquito Control Section field offices:
• Glasgow Office (upstate) – 302-836-2555, for all of New Castle County and the northern half of Kent County, including Dover.
• Milford Office (downstate) – 302-422-1512, for the southern half of Kent County south of Dover, and for all of Sussex County.
Calls will be answered by staff from Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Callers after business hours or during weekends or holidays should leave a message giving their name, phone number, address and a brief description of their need or problem.
For more information on DNREC Mosquito Control, call 302-739-9917 or visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/Pages/MosquitoSection.aspx.
For more information about WNV in horses, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture at 302-698-4500 or 800-282-8685 (Delaware only).
For more general information on WNV, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health

NOTE TO MEDIA: DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf will do a media-only call at noon today (12:00) to discuss the Supreme Court decision and what it means for Delaware. Call-in info: 302-255-2725/123147

Delaware Officials Gratified by Supreme Court Decision on Health Insurance Subsidies
Federal Tax Credits for More Than 19,000 Delawareans Will Not Change

NEW CASTLE (June 25, 2015) – Delaware officials are gratified by today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold federal tax subsidies for enrollees of Health Insurance Marketplaces in every state who are eligible for them, including the more than 19,000 Delawareans who receive tax credits to help pay for their coverage.

While the provision of tax credits will not change, Delaware officials said they would continue to do their due diligence in evaluating Delaware’s marketplace.

“I support today’s decision by the Supreme Court that tax subsidies on the Health Insurance Marketplaces are legal in every state, including Delaware,” Gov. Jack Markell said in response to the 6-3 decision in King v. Burwell. “For the more than 19,000 Delawareans who qualify, the federal subsidies are critical in helping to make health insurance more affordable. And we know that coverage is an important component in connecting Delawareans to care.”

Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said she is grateful that the 19,128 Delawareans who qualify for subsidies on Delaware’s marketplace will continue to receive monthly tax credits that average $265.

“For too many people, the federal subsidies are the difference between being able to afford access to care and not being able to afford that access. Or simply, the subsidies can be the difference between being insured or uninsured,” Secretary Landgraf said. “Protecting those subsidies has been and will continue to be one of our highest priorities.”

Delaware is a state-federal partnership state, which means that it is responsible for management and certification of the private insurance plans sold on the marketplace, along with assisting Delawareans in understanding their options during enrollment. To provide year-round information about the marketplace, Delaware officials created www.ChooseHealthDE.com. Under the state-federal partnership model, Delaware outsourced the information technology to the federal government through www.HealthCare.gov.

Because federal start-up funds ended after this year’s second year of enrollment, Delaware officials also are evaluating the long-term operations of the state’s marketplace. One option that officials are exploring is the Supported State-Based Marketplace (SSBM). Under this model provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Delaware would be responsible for operating the marketplace, but would assess insurers a fee to sell plans on the marketplace and the state must pay a fee to the federal government to use HealthCare.gov and the Federal Call Center to facilitate enrollment each year. On June 1, Delaware applied for non-binding, conditional approval of a Supported State-Based Marketplace. HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell granted conditional approval on June 15.

A final decision on any changes to Delaware’s marketplace will be made later this summer.

Nationwide, Delaware had one of the highest increases in enrollment between 2014 and 2015, with 25,036 Delawareans enrolling in 2015, up 74 percent over the 2014 enrollment of 14,397.

Enrollment for 2016 will begin Nov. 1 and run through Jan. 31, 2016. The penalties for not having insurance in 2016 will increase to $695 per adult ($347.50 for each child under 18), or 2.5 percent of your annual household income, whichever is higher.

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office)
or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Nominations Open for Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards; Submission Deadline Is Aug. 26

NEW CASTLE – Nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through Wednesday, Aug. 26. These awards recognize the important contributions that Delaware’s volunteers, 18 and older, make to their communities. Award recipients will be honored in October at a special ceremony at Dover Downs Hotel.

The awards honor individuals, organizations, community groups, and corporate volunteerism in the areas of arts and culture, education, community service, environment, health, human needs and social justice. The Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism. Volunteer efforts must have been performed during 2014.

“I am appreciative of the volunteer efforts that happen every day across our state,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “I see the difference that people are making in their communities, especially on behalf of our most vulnerable residents. These dedicated volunteers support individuals and families, and help to build stronger communities. That’s why I am in awe each year of the passion they have for the causes they serve.”

“The volunteer does not do his or her work expecting to be rewarded. Volunteers give generously of their time and abilities to serve their local community and, in some cases, the world community. They do it quietly and thoughtfully,” said Nancy Forster, Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “The Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service is pleased to participate in the Governor’s Adult Volunteer award program and gratefully acknowledge the good work our citizens perform in service to others.”

The nomination form is available on https://volunteer.delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a nomination form by emailing deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov or calling (302) 255-9893. Prior to submission, you may email the nomination form to Deborah Tokarski for review and feedback.

Nominations must be delivered by Wednesday, Aug. 26, to the Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Deborah Tokarski, 1901 N. Dupont Highway, Charles Debnam Building, New Castle, DE 19720 or emailed to deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov.

According to a 2013 study by the Corporation for National & Community Service, more than 187,700 Delawareans volunteered, contributing 21.7 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations. That volunteerism is valued at almost $500 million a year.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to https://volunteer.delaware.gov, or contact Deborah Tokarski, Volunteer Service Administrator, at (302) 255-9893 or via email deborah.tokarski@delaware.gov.

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

HOT CARS ARE DEADLY FOR CHILDREN

DOVER – As temperatures soar, hot cars are deadly for children. A Baltimore 2-year-old lost her life on Monday after being left in a car, the eighth such death this year nationwide and the third for June. The Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention, and Safe Kids Delaware remind people to take precautions and “ACT” to prevent such tragedies:

• A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
• C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
• T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to heat,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “A child’s body heats up to five times faster than an adult’s and the temperature in a car can rise sharply in a matter of moments. Tragedies such as these are preventable with the few simple ACT steps.”

“Heatstroke can happen anytime, anywhere,” said Jennifer McCue, Chair of Safe Kids Delaware and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. “Sadly, this tragedy is a reminder that we need to continue to talk about injury prevention, to continue to educate and raise awareness about heatstroke so all parents and caregivers have the information and resources they need to keep their kids safe.”

On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

Since 1998, more than 635 children across the United States have died from heatstroke while unattended in cars. You can help us spread the word in the community to stop these preventable deaths.

None of the recent child deaths occurred in Delaware.

For more information, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.html and the Safe Kids website at www.safekidsde.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

About Safe Kids Delaware
Safe Kids Delaware is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization established in 1989, dedicated to preventing unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Its members include State and County agencies, the Fire Service, EMS, Parks and Recreation, and more. Safe Kids Delaware is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. For more information on SAFE KIDS national programs and priority areas, visit www.safekids.org.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health

BE POWERFUL: KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS

DOVER – This year marks the 20th anniversary of National HIV Testing Day, and on this occasion, the Division of Public Health (DPH) urges every Delawarean aged 15 to 65 to be screened for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

Although more than 3,500 people are known to be living with HIV in Delaware, statistics indicate that one in seven of those infected don’t know they have the disease. That means Delaware could have an additional 600 people that are infected, yet unaware that they have the disease. Getting tested for HIV means you are powerful in your own life — you can seek treatment and protect your partners and loved ones from infection.

In April 2013, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released HIV testing recommendations that everyone aged 15 to 65 be screened for HIV infection. Teens younger than age 15 and adults older than 65 should also be screened if they are at increased risk for HIV infection; and all pregnant women, including women in labor who do not know if they are infected with HIV, should be screened. The CDC recommends an HIV test once a year for people at increased risk — such as gay and bisexual men, people who inject drugs, or people with multiple sex partners. CDC research suggests that sexually active gay and bisexual men might benefit from more frequent testing (e.g., every three to six months). Regular testing allows people who have HIV to know their status, get life-saving treatment and care, and prevent HIV transmission to others.

“Since many new infections are transmitted by individuals who do not know they are infected, undiagnosed infection remains a significant factor fueling the HIV epidemic,” said Bob Vella, HIV Prevention Administrator for DPH. “Getting tested is quick and easy. And if your test is positive, you can seek medical treatment earlier. Early medical treatment can slow the progression of HIV and delay the onset of AIDS. Research shows that successful HIV treatment could reduce the viral load in a person’s bloodstream to ‘undetectable’ levels. This can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.”

Added DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, “Remember that your HIV test result expires every time you engage in risky behaviors like unprotected sex and needle sharing. Once this happens, you have to take the test all over again to ascertain your status. Also, an HIV test performed less than three months after the last possible exposure may miss early infection, hence the need to test annually, especially for those who continually engage in risky behaviors. Knowing your HIV status is empowering. When you know your status, you can take care of yourself and your loved ones.”

Getting tested is easy and quick. DPH has partnered with several agencies to establish multiple testing sites statewide with rapid HIV testing kits that require only a single finger needle-stick and provide results within 10 minutes.

To find an HIV testing location near you for year-round testing opportunities, visit http://www.hivtest.org/.

National HIV Testing Day events in Delaware include:

New Castle County

AIDS Delaware – June 27, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
100 W. 10th St., Suite 315
Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact: 302-652-6776

About the event: Get your day started right and know your HIV status. Stop by for a cup of coffee, a doughnut, and a free rapid HIV test. We now offer HIV testing for couples together.

Division of Public Health – June 26, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Porter State Service Center
511 W. 8th St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact: Robert Watkins at 302-777-2872

About the event: HIV rapid testing for all who wish to be tested. Receive results in less than 15 minutes. Must show picture ID to be tested. Testing is free and all are encouraged to participate.

Beautiful Gate Outreach Center – June 26, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
604 N. Walnut St.
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Contact: Tamika Cobb at 302-472-3002

About the event: Following the annual theme of “Take the Test. Take Control,” we are offering free and confidential HIV testing and other health screenings, along with, free giveaways, and food. No appointment is necessary. Valid photo ID is required.

Kent County

Kent County Health Unit – June 22 to June 25, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
James Williams State Service Center
805 River Road
Dover, DE 19901
Contact: Michelle Broadway or Andrea Keen at 302-857-5100

About the event: Delaware Division of Public Health will have daily free walk-in HIV testing and counseling on the second floor of the Kent County Health Unit.

Milford Health Unit – Friday June 26, 2015
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Milford State Service Center
253 NE Front St.
Milford, DE 19963
Contact: Raynard Brown or Kirsten McAllister at 302-424-7140
About the event: HIV testers/counselors will conduct free HIV testing and counseling. There will be educational and promotional items in free tote bags, including information on HIV, AIDS, and suicide prevention. Each person that gets tested can enter their name into a drawing to win one of the four themed gift baskets. The themes are: Movie Night Out, Car Detailing Kit, Pamper Yourself and Fun in the Kitchen.

Sussex County

CAMP Rehoboth Community Center – June 23, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
37 Baltimore Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Contact: 302-227-5620

About the event: CAMP Rehoboth to offer free HIV testing during National HIV Testing Week. The testing is fast and easy. Participants will get their results in less than 30 minutes.

Sussex County Health Unit – Saturday, June 27, 2015
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Coolspring – in the Community Center
28375 Fisher Road
Milton, DE 19968
Contact: Mary Johnson at 302-515-3251, or Esther Dyce at 302-515-3246

About the event: Coolspring is having a block party. Information will be provided on HIV testing.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health