Division of Public Health and Indian River School District Announce TB Response at Georgetown Elementary School
The Division of Public Health (DPH) and Indian River School District announced today that approximately 50 individuals at Georgetown Elementary School in Sussex County may have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis (TB). DPH is making contact with those individuals to offer free screenings, as well as treatment if needed. To protect medical privacy, no additional information will be provided regarding the source of the infection or the individuals who need testing.
Drinking Water Notice Issued to Water Customers in Lewes After Lead Levels Exceed EPA Action Level
The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing that the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW) has issued a drinking water notice to customers after tests showed elevated levels of lead in the water. DPH received notification late last week from BPW that drinking water samples collected in August showed an exceedance of the EPA Action Level for lead. Lab analysis found that the 90th percentile result of 26.5 ug/L exceeded the EPA Action Level of 15 ug/L. Sampling consisted of 10 samples collected in different parts of the BPW service area with results ranging from non-detect to 38.4 ug/L.
DPH Encourages Delawareans to Take Rabies Prevention Seriously After Death of Kent County Woman
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Department of Agriculture (DDA) are asking residents to increase efforts to prevent exposure to rabies after the death of a Kent County woman from the disease. The woman, who lived west of Felton, is the second Delawarean to contract, and subsequently pass away from, the disease. The first was a young boy from Newport, who passed away in 1941 after being bitten by a stray dog.
DPH Investigating Outbreak of Whooping Cough in Kent County; Urging Residents to Get Vaccinated
The Division of Public Health (DPH) is investigating an outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in Kent County. Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease transmitted by coughing or sneezing, or coming in direct contact with respiratory secretions of infected persons. The most common symptom is uncontrollable coughing spells often followed by a characteristic “whoop” sound. The disease can cause severe illness in infants and young children.
DPH Announces Second Human Case of West Nile Virus; Urges Delaware Residents to Avoid Mosquito Bites
The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s second human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2018. WNV, a mosquito-borne illness, can become serious, and DPH reminds people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
