DOVER, DE (Jan. 30, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today six (6) suspected flu-related deaths for the 2023-2024 influenza season. The first recorded death of the season was in December. All decedents were over the age of 55 with one reportedly up to date on their flu vaccination. Three of the decedents were New Castle County residents, two were Sussex County residents and one was a Kent County resident.

Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus. Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes.

“The recent surge in flu-related deaths is a stark reminder of the severe impact this seasonal illness can have on public health,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh. “It is crucial for people of all ages to receive their annual flu shot, as the vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the flu and its potentially life-threatening consequences. Flu-related deaths are preventable, and by working together and taking proactive measures, we can minimize the impact of influenza.”

According to the Influenza Dashboard on My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2023-2024/overview), a total of 3,594 total flu cases have been reported through January 20, 2024. The flu season began October 1, 2023. For the week of Dec. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023, the most recent week for which case data is available, there were 690 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported. Although there have been 297,897 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct. 1 to Jan. 20., it only accounts for 30.3% of the population.

Seniors ages 65 and older have the highest vaccination rate of any age group in Delaware with 65.1% vaccinated. This population makes up 41.4% of the state’s total vaccinated population. Every other age group has a vaccination rate of under 30% with persons in the 18-34 age demographic having the lowest at 13.4%.

The influenza data dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. As of Jan. 24, the most recently available data for flu hospitalizations, there have been 110 hospitalizations for the season to date.

DPH reminds the public it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Visit flu.delaware.gov and click on the Find A Flu Shot Near You button on the webpage for a list of locations where you can receive your flu shot.

If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option your primary health care provider recommends. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days.

Delawareans are encouraged to take the following preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

• Get vaccinated now. Make sure you are up-to-date on your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, if eligible. You can get more than one vaccination in the same visit.
• Stay home if sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Test for COVID-19 if sick, and if that’s negative, consider calling your doctor to see if you should be tested for flu. If you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe antivirals to ease your symptoms.

For additional information call 1-800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov. The best source of information about the flu vaccine is your primary care provider or a health care professional.

CORRECTION: The kiosk mentioned in the previous version of this news is no longer available. Delawareans are encouraged to explore other options or contact OVS for more information.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 18, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announces that the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) in Dover will be closed to the public for renovations beginning February 12 through April 5, 2024. During the closure period, Kent County residents will be able to request vital records by mail or through the two authorized online ordering systems, GoCertificates (www.GoCertificates.com) and VitalChek (www.vitalchek.com). Funeral homes will have designated times to drop off their requests and will be notified by OVS.

The requests will be processed by OVS and certificates will be mailed to the requester. Please note that the requester for vital records must be the registrant’s spouse, child, parent or guardian (16 Del. C., §3110 (b)); otherwise, it may become a legal request that needs further review. Guardians must include approved guardianship paperwork.

All mail must be addressed to the OVS below with the full (not abbreviated) office name included.

Office of Vital Statistics

Jesse Cooper Building

417 Federal St.

Dover, DE  19901

All legal requests must be mailed to the OVS in Dover and must include the legal purpose in the attorney template, supporting documentation, valid ID and check/money order. Attorney templates are found on the Office of Vital Statistics’ website at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/vitalstats.html.

OVS locations in New Castle and Sussex Counties will remain open to the public to provide same day service requests except for long-form birth certificates, death certificates prior to 2007 and corrections/amendments to vital records. For more information on the Office of Vital Statistics, visit:  https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ss/vitalstats.html (16 Del. C., c. 31).

Individuals with general questions about the Office of Vital Statistics should call 302-744-4549 or 302-744-4541. Hours of operation for the public are Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except State holidays.

DOVER, Del. (Jan. 11, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a potential measles exposure at the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington on December 29, 2023. An extensive contact tracing investigation identified between 20-30 people exposed to the individual who was not symptomatic but was infectious at the time of their visit to the facility.  DPH communicated with the identified potential exposures confirming vaccination status, providing educational resources and issuing quarantine and exclusion orders when necessary.  After thorough review and analysis following the contact tracing investigation, DPH is issuing a public notification to any persons who visited the facility on December 29, 2023, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM that there is the potential for measles exposure.

Any individual who was exposed to measles and displaying symptoms should contact the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology during regular business hours (302-744-4990) or the state’s 24-hour reporting line at 1-888-295-5156 outside of normal business hours to coordinate testing, receive guidance, and limit any further exposures.  Those who are ill should seek immediate health care by contacting their primary care provider.  If symptoms are severe, they should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department.  Prior to going to any health care facility, the individual should notify providers and medical transport that they or their child were exposed to measles.

DPH has issued a notice to health care providers about measles symptoms and what to do if they see a potential case and is strongly recommending that people who have not received both doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine do so. If a Delaware resident is unsure of their vaccination status, they can visit the DelVAX Public Portal and view their personal profile.  Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details or if they are unable to obtain their records on DelVAX.  In order to ensure all proper protocols are in place prior to their arrival, any individual displaying symptoms of measles infection should contact the health care facility they plan to visit in advance. Providers who identify any potential cases of measles should contact the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology via the contact information provided above and in Delaware Health Advisory #508.

The MMR vaccine is proven safe and effective at preventing measles having been administered for over five decades.  Testing shows the vaccine to be 97% effective at preventing measles for those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not severely immunocompromised. Children should get their first dose of vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. If you have not received both doses by age 6, you should get your first or second dose as soon as possible. Infants 6-11 months who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of MMR.  Vaccinations are available to both adults and children at many pharmacies, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and providers throughout Delaware and also at public health clinics for the uninsured or underinsured. Individuals should contact their preferred facility in advance to confirm supply and availability.

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that begins with early symptoms of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting two to four days prior to rash onset. The rash typically occurs three to five days after symptoms begin and usually appears on the face and spreads down the body. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Infected people are contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days after rash development. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range, 7-12 days), and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days (range, 7-21 days).

For more information on measles, visit ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ on the DPH website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/files/measlesfaq.pdf.

DOVER, Del. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a potential measles exposure in a Delaware health care facility. On January 5, 2024, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health identified a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual. While infectious, the individual sought care at a healthcare facility in Delaware on December 29, 2023.

In response to this exposure, DPH is acting to quickly identify and prevent the spread of disease. Officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed, checking their vaccination status, warning them about potential exposure and issuing quarantine and exclusion orders where necessary. DPH is also working to educate health care providers about measles symptoms and what to do if they see a potential case. DPH is strongly recommending that people who have not received both doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine do so.  If a Delaware resident is unsure of their vaccination status, they can visit the Delvax Public Portal and view their personal profile.  Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details or if they are unable to obtain their records on Delvax.

The MMR vaccine is proven safe and effective at preventing measles having been administered for over five decades.  Testing shows the vaccine to be 97% effective at preventing measles for those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not severely immunocompromised. Children should get their first dose of vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. If you have not received both doses by age 6, you should get your first or second dose as soon as possible. Infants 6-11 months who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of MMR.  Vaccinations are available to both adults and children at many pharmacies, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and providers throughout Delaware and also at public health clinics for the uninsured or underinsured.  Individuals should contact their preferred facility in advance to confirm supply and availability.

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that begins with early symptoms of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting two to four days prior to rash onset. The rash typically occurs three to five days after symptoms begin and usually appears on the face and spreads down the body. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Infected people are contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days after rash development. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range, 7-12 days), and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days (range, 7-21 days).

For more information on measles, visit ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ on the DPH website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/files/measlesfaq.pdf.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports from multiple states that suggest children may have higher blood lead levels (BLLs) after consuming recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce products. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has received no reports of children with high BLLs in response to the recall of cinnamon-containing applesauce products.

Signs and symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level and anemia. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has received reports of 67 confirmed cases, 122 probable cases and 16 suspected cases from 33 different states as of December 15. The CDC has advised clinicians and health departments to consider the possibility of illness due to lead exposure and report cases to their local health authorities.

Per the FDA, the recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches should not be eaten, sold, or served. Due to the long shelf life of these products, consumers should check their homes and dispose of them. To prevent others from salvaging recalled products from the garbage, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and empty the contents into a trash can before discarding the packaging. After discarding the product, clean up any spills and wash your hands.

DPH remains vigilant as it monitors statewide conditions. Cases can be reported to the DPH Office of Lead Poisoning Prevention by emailing HSPContact@Delaware.gov.

For more information about specific recalled products, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023.