Unwashed hands, undercooked meats, cross-contamination from raw meats to other foods, and eating unwashed fruits and vegetables can spread E. coli, Salmonella, and other germs at picnics and BBQ's. What many people call "stomach flu" or "intestinal virus" is often food borne illness. Illness can range from mild nausea to a serious condition requiring medical treatment and … [Read more...]
Search Results for: Health
Extreme Heat
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable however many people still suffer from extreme heat. Every year, around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat. People get heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. What is extreme heat? Recommendations during extreme heat Who is most at … [Read more...]
Recreational Water Illness
Recreational Water Illness Swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans are all potential sources of water recreation illness. Recreational water illnesses typically affect a person's stomach and intestines, skin, or respiratory system. If you think you have a recreational water illness that needs medical attention, contact your health care provider. Report suspected … [Read more...]
Tick Season
Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that can transmit diseases to people. Some types of ticks perch on the edge of low-lying vegetation and grab onto animals, and people, as they brush past. Other ticks are associated with rodents and their nests and may only come out at night to feed. Once aboard, ticks crawl until they find a good spot to feed, then burrow their … [Read more...]
Hantavirus
What is Hantavirus? Hantavirus is a virus carried by some rodents. In Washington State, deer mice are the only animals known to carry it and it is estimated that about 14% of the deer mouse population is infected. Hantavirus can cause a rare but deadly disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). You can get HPS by breathing in hantavirus. This can happen when rodent … [Read more...]