RSS News Feed from Butte County Public Health - Subscribe to receive offical Butte County Public Health News Releases automatically http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth Thurs, 21 Jan 2010 14:40:00 PDT There are no longer any restrictions on who can receive H1N1 vaccine and everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated. Local hospitals are partnering with the Public Health Department to provide mass vaccination clinics for the public. A clinic will be held at Feather River Health Center at 5125 Skyway in Paradise on Sunday, January 24, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (or as supplies last). There will be vaccine available for both adults and children. Please do not arrive before 10:30. For more information call 876-7283 http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/10-03-O.pdf Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:40:00 PDT The Butte County Public Health Department urges the public to consider personal safety measures with regard to food and private wells in the event of severe weather which may cause power outages and flooding. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/10-02-O.pdf Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:20:00 PDT If you have not yet received a pandemic H1N1 flu vaccination there is good news. There is enough vaccine available now that anyone, not just people in high risk groups, can be vaccinated http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/10-01-O.pdf Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:18:00 PDT Many local obstetricians recently received allocations of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine, and pregnant women should not delay in getting it, according to Butte County Public Health Department. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-45-O.pdf Thurs, 19 Nov 2009 15:29:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Pandemic H1N1 flu (swine flu) has claimed the life of a Butte County man who was over 65 years old and had multiple underlying health conditions, Butte County Health Officer Mark Lundberg announced today. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-44-O.pdf Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:20:00 PDT Children in Chico who have not yet received the pandemic H1N1 vaccine will have two more opportunities to do so this week. School-based vaccine clinics will be held on Tuesday Nov. 17th from 2:45 to 6:45 at Marsh Junior High School and on Thursday Nov. 19th from 3:30 to 7:30 at Pleasant Valley High School. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-43-O.pdf Mon, 06 Oct 2009 09:20:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ You can save the day for a homeless dog – an find a faithful companion who will be at your side for all of life’s adventures – by adopting a dog from your local shelters during American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month in October. It’s the perfect time to visit the shelter, meet potential sidekicks and discover how much fun and happiness a dog can add to your life. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-42-O.pdf Thurs, 01 Oct 2009 17:10:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Many Butte County pediatricians and children’s health clinics will soon receive their first allocations of pandemic H1N1 vaccine, according to Butte County Public Health Department. Approximately 2,300 doses of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), a nasal spray vaccine, have been allocated to Butte County at this time. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-41-O.pdf Thurs, 24 Sep 2009 09:56:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ On September 28, the Butte County Public Health Department is hosting a Rabies Vaccination Clinic co-sponsored by the North Valley Veterinary Medical Association. The goal of the clinic is to vaccinate more pets in Butte County and raise awareness about the importance of rabies prevention and control. The rabies clinic will coincide with World Rabies Day, a global rabies awareness and prevention campaign. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-40-O.pdf Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:20:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Starting October 1st 2009, the first comprehensive revision since 1980 to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program food packages (checks for food) will be implemented by California WIC agencies. The newly expanded food packages will closely align WIC’s food choices with current American Academy of Pediatrics feeding practice guidelines, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To facilitate a smooth transition, all WIC offices in California, including Butte County WIC, will be closed on September 29 and 30, as staff receive training and make necessary preparations. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-39-O.pdf Mon, 21 Sep 2009 9:19:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ The Butte County Public Health Department has mobilized a team of Public Health professionals to educate students attending Butte County schools on how to reduce the risk of influenza. “The Bug Stops Here” campaign is designed to teach students about the importance of proper hand washing and cough etiquette. Students will also be urged to stay home if they are sick as well as to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-38-C.pdf Tues, 15 Sep 2009 15:55:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, California – Butte County Public Health Department officials are reminding county residents that seasonal flu vaccine is available now, and people should get the vaccine early this year. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-37-O.pdf Tues, 08 Sep 2009 13:27:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationally, in 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-36-O.pdf Tues, 08 Sep 2009 10:39:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ The Butte County Public Health Department has released a public notice of environmental contamination for specific locations at the Gridley High School, as required by the Safe Drinking Water and Enforcement Act of 1986 (Prop 65). An investigation by California Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the Butte County District Attorney has determined that a contractor failed to employ proper work practices during removal of lead-containing paint before painting covers over walkways at the school. Subsequent investigation by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Environmental Health Division of the Butte County Public Health Department confirmed the presence of elevated levels of lead in soil at lawn areas immediately adjacent to the repainted walkway covers. This contamination is likely the result of residual paint chips and paint dust from the painting project. Environmental Health staff observed that the lawn areas where samples were taken are used only minimally by students, due to barricades along the adjacent walkways. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-35-O.pdf Thurs, 27 Aug 2009 16:32:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ A Chico man has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) according to Dr. Mark Lundberg, Butte County Public Health Officer. This is the first confirmed human case in Butte County for 2009. The middle-aged man experienced West Nile Fever, the milder form of the disease, and is recuperating. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-34-O.pdf Thurs, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - Butte County Public Health is proud to promote Emergency Preparedness Month in September of 2009. To spread the message and inform employees/members of the community about preparedness, the Public Health Department is supporting the Seven Day Challenge. This seven day mock disaster allows participants the chance to test their level of preparedness in a simulated emergency environment. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-33-O.pdf Thurs, 25 Aug 2009 09:20:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - On August 29 at the Beyond the Walls multicultural event in Oroville, dental professionals will be volunteering their time to conduct free dental screenings that meet the AB1433 requirement for school entry. The event will take place at Martin Luther King Jr. Park from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Screenings are available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-32-O.pdf Thurs, 24 Aug 2009 11:20:00 PDT West Nile virus (WNV) activity has increased during the month of August in Butte County. The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has detected positive WNV in (7) dead birds, (3) mosquito pools, and (1) sentinel chicken to date. Three of the seven positive birds are from the Chico and surrounding area and the other four are from the Oroville and south Oroville areas. Two of the positive mosquito pools are from Palermo and one from Richvale. The positive sentinel chicken is from Palermo. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/mv.pdf Thurs, 24 Aug 2009 10:42:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ On Saturday, August 29, the public is invited to the “Beyond the Walls” Multicultural Health Fair at Martin Luther King Jr. Park located at 2921 B Street in Oroville. The event, which runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, is sponsored by Beyond the Walls Ministry, the Hmong Cultural Center of Butte County, the Butte County Public Health Department and the California Family Health Council. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-31-O.pdf Thurs, 02 Jul 2009 16:42:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Fireworks displays will illuminate the skies this weekend during Fourth of July celebrations. As we enjoy these holiday festivities, it’s important for us to remember that this can be a very traumatic time for our pets. Loud noises can frighten animals causing them to panic, become disoriented, run away from home and all too often be hit by cars. In fact, animal shelters across the country report an increased number of lost animal companions after fireworks displays, and Butte County is no exception. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-30-O.pdf Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:42:00 PDT BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Butte County Public Health (BCPH) continues to detect infections of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Laboratory specimens are being sent from a sample of the patients who present to hospitals and clinics with influenza like illness (ILI). Eight more cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been reported to Butte County Public Health Department, bringing the total number of cases to thirteen. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-29-O.pdf Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:42:00 PDT Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) continues to monitor and test for the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Statewide and locally, the number of cases is steadily increasing. As of 6/25/09, 68 Butte County residents have been tested for novel H1N1 infection. Five persons have tested positive; results are pending on 17 patients. The five confirmed cases include two middle-aged persons, two young adults, and one child. Four were outpatients, and one was hospitalized with underlying conditions. Three have recovered and two are still recovering http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-27-O.pdf Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:25:00 PDT Butte County Public Health Department will be providing free rapid HIV Antibody testing in the field in commemoration of National HIV Testing day on June 27th. Testing will be available at the Oroville Rescue Mission from 9am to 11:30am on June 24th and at the Jesus Center from 1pm to 4pm on June 25th http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-26-O.pdf Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:56:00 PDT To ensure children are properly restrained when riding in a vehicle, Butte County Public Health Department’s (BCPHD) ‘Traveling Safely Through Life Campaign’ is holding a free safety seat and booster seat checkup http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-25-O.pdf Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:56:00 PDT Butte County Animal Control is celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month this June. It’s the perfect time to promote cat adoptions because the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of cats to the nation’s shelters http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-24-O.pdf Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:11:00 PDT Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) continues to monitor and test for the Novel H1N1 (Swine) influenza virus. BCPHD has sent 49 specimens to the state lab for testing. Of those, two have been confirmed as Novel H1N1 (Swine) influenza virus and 40 have tested negative for the virus. Six samples are still pending and one sample was insufficient for testing. The two confirmed cases were outpatient cases and both have recovered http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-23-O.pdf Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:31:00 PDT Join us for a county-wide campaign to encourage Butte County residents to clean out their medicine cabinets and to drop off their prescription drugs to prevent their children and/or grandchildren from having access to these drugs. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-22-O.pdf Tue, 26 May 2009 08:29:00 PDT They’re baaack. Mosquitoes, that is. Warm weather and standing water provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and Butte County Public Health Department is urging the public to prevent mosquito breeding and prepare for the West Nile Virus (WNV) season. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-21-O.pdf Tue, 19 May 2009 17:00:00 PDT Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) has been monitoring and testing for the Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) influenza virus. A recent patient in all likelihood will become Butte County’s first identified case of the Novel H1N1 influenza virus. Further testing is being done at the State lab to confirm the infection. This probable case is an adult male who was seen in the emergency room. He had symptoms of fever, cough, and a sore throat. His symptoms improved rapidly and he has almost completely recovered. There is no apparent spread of the infection to his immediate family or others. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-20-O.pdf Tue, 05 May 2009 17:02:00 PDT The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today released new recommendations regarding school and childcare dismissal in response to infections of the novel H1N1 (swine) outbreak. Over the past week as more information has been collected about the cases nationally and within California, the CDPH has a clearer picture of the disease caused by this new flu virus. Most cases in the U.S. have not been severe and the illness appears to resemble seasonal influenza http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-19-O.pdf Mon, 04 May 2009 15:37:00 PDT Butte County Public Health Department reports there are still no confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 flu in Butte County. Thirteen specimens have been sent to the state laboratory for testing, and 8 have come back negative. The results of the other 5 tests are still pending http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-18-O.pdf Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 PDT Although the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports an increase in the number of statewide swine flu cases (17 confirmed and 55 probable), most of the hundreds of specimens tested by the state lab have proved to be the regular seasonal flu. “This report is further confirmation that seasonal flu is still circulating in the state along with swine flu,” states Mark Lundberg, M.D. Health Officer at Butte County Public Health. In addition, CDPH reports that the majority of the cases have been mild with only 3 hospitalizations amongst the 72 confirmed and probable. To date, Butte County has no probable or confirmed cases of swine flu, however, the Public Health Lab continues to forward specimens to the state lab for further testing. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-17-O.pdf Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:53:00 PDT Although the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level yesterday, there are still no suspected cases of swine flu in Butte County. As of this morning, there are 109 confirmed cases throughout the nation, fourteen of them in California residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-16-O.pdf Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:21:00 PDT Swine flu numbers continue to rise in the U.S., but there are still no suspected cases of swine flu in Butte County. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert to Level 5, and that should increase our preparations, but not cause alarm, according to Butte County Public Health Department. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-15-O.pdf Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:18:00 PDT Swine flu numbers continue to rise in California and the nation. As of this morning, there have been ninety-one confirmed cases of swine flu nation-wide, fourteen of them in California residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To date there are no suspected cases of swine flu in Butte County. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-14-O.pdf Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:00:00 PDT Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a state of emergency in California due to the Swine Flu outbreak http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-13-O.pdf Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:56:00 PDT The Butte County Public Health Department has mobilized to confront the Swine Influenza (swine flu) outbreak. To date there are no suspected cases of swine flu in Butte County. The Health Department is closely monitoring for local activity and is in communication with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local hospitals and health care providers to disseminate correct testing and treatment information http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-12-O.pdf Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 PDT Butte County Public Health’s Annual Immunization Update will be held on Tuesday April 28, from 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM, at the Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte in Oroville. This seminar will provide updated vaccination information for doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. This year the event coincides with National Infant Immunization Week, an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting infants and toddlers from vaccine-preventable diseases. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-11-O.pdf Apr 20 – 26 marks West Nile Virus (WNV) and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week and with warmer spring temperatures, mosquitoes are out. Horse owners are urged to vaccinate their horses against WNV now http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-10-C.pdf The Butte County Public Health Department - Tobacco Education Program identifies progress with a Smoke-Free Outdoor Dining campaign. In an effort to further reduce Butte county residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, the Tobacco Education Program are visiting restaurants and coffee shop establishments in the Chico and Oroville areas that offer outdoor dining. The campaign’s focus is to work with local restaurant and coffee shop operators, providing education on the dangers of secondhand smoke along with data that supports reasons to adopt a voluntary smoke-free outdoor dining policy. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-09-C.pdf As part of Public Health Week (April 6-10, 2009) Butte County Public Health and Butte County Public Works are sponsoring a free collection event for home-generated medical sharps. On Wednesday, April 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, the public will be able to dispose of home-generated used medical sharps, as well as household quantities of batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs at the Paradise Ridge Senior Center, which is located at 877 Nunneley Road in Paradise. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-08-C.pdf Tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States and Butte County Public Health is doing something about it. Because homeless people are at higher risk for TB, the Health Department has teamed up with the Torres Shelter in Chico to test residents for this age-old disease http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-07-O.pdf Butte County Public Health Department is kicking off a campaign during Public Health Week (April 6 –10) to raise awareness about the important role public health plays in protecting the health of the community. The campaign utilizes stickers with the slogan “This is Public Health” placed in strategic locations around Butte County to build awareness of the many ways in which public health impacts our well being. Pictures of the sticker campaign are being uploaded to the Public Health website. In addition, Public Health is holding several free public events to provide health-related services to Butte County residents http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-06-O.pdf To help Butte County children survive car crashes, the Butte County Public Health Department’s “Traveling Safely Through Life” Program is holding a free car child safety seat and booster seat check up. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to assist parents on how to properly install their child’s safety seat. This free event will take place March 20, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Oroville Gold Town Plaza parking lot, 2470 Oro Dam Boulevard next to La Comida Restaurant. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-05-O.pdf Influenza (flu) cases are on the rise in Butte County. For the week ending February 28th, hospital and outpatient facilities participating in Butte County’s influenza surveillance program reported patients testing positive for influenza http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-04-O.pdf Butte County residents think that smoking in the movies influences young people to smoke and that smoking by actors should be prohibited in movies marketed to children, teen and families, according to a phone survey funded by the Butte County Public Health Department’s Tobacco Education Program (TEP). http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/09-01-O.pdf Butte County residents are turned off by secondhand smoke exposure at restaurant and coffee shop’s outdoor dining areas, according to a phone survey funded by the Butte County Public Health Department’s Tobacco Education Program (TEP). Forty-five percent of respondents said it discouraged them to visit a restaurant or coffee shop where they could be exposed to secondhand smoke in an outdoor dining area. About two-thirds of survey respondents would favor adoption of a voluntary policy by owners that designates these outdoor dining areas as smokefree http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-37-O.pdf The National Weather Service has issued an advisory calling for “COLDER AND UNSETTLED WEATHER” conditions beginning Friday December 12, and lasting well into next week. Snow levels are expected to drop to the 1,000 foot elevation by Saturday evening and remain at or near this level for several days. Heavy snow accumulations are possible over in the mountains. Wind gusts are also expected Saturday evening possibly reaching 35 MPH. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-36-O.pdf The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of getting an influenza shot. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-35-O.pdf Two local businesses are being recognized this week for excellence in preventing childhood drowning. Safe Kids Butte County and Butte County Public Health Department are joining Safe Kids California to recognize In Motion Fitness and North Valley Swim School for their innovative efforts to reduce drowning for young children utilizing their aquatic center. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-34-O.pdf Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) will extend outreach and educational efforts to the community on December 1 in honor of the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. This is a day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-33-O.pdf Butte County Public Health Department is set to commence the “Traveling Safely Through Life Program”, a multifaceted two year vehicle occupant protection program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways. This program targets parents and children at two developmentally “teachable” moments identified by data and national research, ages 5-9 and 14-16, in which children face increased risk of injury and death from motor vehicle crashes. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-32-C.pdf Fall is here and the weather is cooler. Children are back in school and illness can be just around the corner. There are many things that parents and care givers can do to keep children healthy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into the bend of his/her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-31-O.pdf On October 15 Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) will extend outreach and educational efforts to the community in honor of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), which encourages Latinos across the U.S. to “Take the Test, Take Control.” On October 15 BCPHD and Chico State will offer free HIV testing to all students and staff from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Chico State campus between Glenn and Siskiyou Halls using the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU). http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-28-O.pdf An E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak affecting twenty-seven people was recently investigated by Butte County Public Health (BCPH). The outbreak occurred among those who attended an event held in the community of Forest Ranch on September 6. The event was a fundraiser for the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department. Cases ranged in age from two years old to one person in their 80’s. Four cases were hospitalized and are now home recovering. BCPH is monitoring for secondary cases with assistance from local healthcare providers. Cultures taken from leftover meat cooked at the event have grown E. coli 0157:H7 which matched the same bacteria isolated in the cases. The investigation continues to determine how the cooked meat was contaminated. Assisting BCPH has been the California Department of Public Health as well as the United States Department of Agriculture. In consultation with State and Federal health authorities, no meat recalls are indicated. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-27-O.pdf Dr. Mark Lundberg, Health Officer for Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD), announced today that the number of identified E. coli O157 cases has risen to 24 and more are probable as the investigation into the outbreak continues. Four have been hospitalized. Public Health officials have been investigating the E. coli O157 outbreak in the County since early last week when it became clear that there was an abnormal amount of individuals becoming ill from E. coli. The outbreak is linked to an event held in Forest Ranch on Sept. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. The fundraiser event was for the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-26-O.pdf Dr. Mark Lundberg, Health Officer for Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD), announced today that the number of identified E. coli O157 cases has risen to 21 and more are probable as the investigation into the outbreak continues. Four have been hospitalized. Public Health officials have been investigating the E. coli O157 outbreak in the County since early last week when it became clear that there was an abnormal amount of individuals becoming ill from E. coli. The outbreak is linked to an event held in Forest Ranch on Sept. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. The fundraiser event was for the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-25-O.pdf Butte County Public Health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infection in Butte County. Three cases have been confirmed and a fourth case is probable. Three of these cases have been hospitalized. The outbreak is linked to an event held in the community of Forest Ranch on September 6th from 12-6pm. The event was a fundraiser for the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department. The source of contamination has not yet been identified. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-24-O final.pdf Dr. Mark Lundberg, Health Officer for Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD), today announced that a Chico woman has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV); the first confirmed human case in the Chico area this year. The woman observed only minor symptoms and is recovering. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-23-O.pdf Dr. Mark Lundberg, Health Officer for Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD), today announced that a Butte County woman has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), the first confirmed human case in the County this year. The woman observed only minor symptoms. She was not hospitalized and is recovering. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-22-O.pdf Today Butte County launched a discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county is making free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-21-O.pdf Proper child restraints saved the lives of two local children on the morning of April 21 when the vehicle their mother was driving overturned eastbound on Skyway. The incident attests to the importance of learning how to properly restrain children in vehicles. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-20-O.pdf Proposed amendments to the Butte County Animal Control Ordinance to be discussed on June 4 at a meeting open to the public. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Oroville at Checkers Restaurant, located at 109 Table Mountain Blvd. The subcommittee of the Board of Supervisors, comprised of Supervisors Bill Connelly and Curt Josiassen, encourage public participation and comments http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-19-O.pdf Not only is the Silver Dollar Fair an opportunity to promote family fun, but family health and safety. Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) will sponsor a Mosquito Repellent Station, host a helmet giveaway and bike raffle and offer free sunscreen. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-17-C.pdf High temperatures are predicted in Butte County over the next few days, with local temperatures climbing into the triple digits for the first time this year. Butte County Public Health (BCPHD) warns that heat waves can cause unnecessary deaths and increases the chances of heat-related injuries. Children, the elderly and adults with disabilities may be more at risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-16-O.pdf New information on the Senior Health Improvement Program (SHIP) and Compulsive Hoarding is now available on the Public Health Website http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/nursing/nursing.html Today is World TB Day and local Public Health Departments around the globe along with the World Health Organization (WHO) want to raise public awareness of health threats associated with Tuberculosis (TB). http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-13-C.pdf On March 4, Butte County Public Health Department’s (BCPHD) Animal Control division is sponsoring a vaccination clinic from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 2921 B. St. in Oroville at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-12-O.pdf The changes in the housing market are producing problems for homeowners and lenders throughout the country; especially in parts of California. The housing problem exists to a lesser degree in Butte County, but a side effect is still evident in some areas; it can be seen in the animals left behind ─ the pets that are casualties of foreclosures. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-11-O.pdf BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. ─ Influenza (flu) has officially arrived in Butte County, with multiple cases being diagnosed through laboratory confirmation. Communication with health care providers also indicates an increase of flu or flu-like illnesses http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-10-C.pdf Butte County Public Health Department’s (BCPHD) Animal Control division says a recent rise in canine distemper virus cases in Butte County and neighboring counties means pet owners need to be aware and take preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of their pets http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-09-O.pdf Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) to extend outreach and educational efforts to the community in honor of the eighth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on Feb. 7, which encourages African- Americans across the U.S. to get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated for HIV/AIDS. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-08-C.pdf February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and Butte County Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs in Chico and Paradise, will be educating children and teens on dental health. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/07-27-c.pdf Tuesday California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will release an analysis report on pancreatic cancer trends in the Oroville area from 1988 to 2005. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-04-O.pdf The Butte County Public Health Department urges the public to consider the following information regarding their personal safety after last week’s emergency power outages: http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-03-O.pdf As of 5 p.m. Friday Jan. 4 there were approximately 43,000 residents in Chico, 15,000 residents in Oroville and 19,000 in Paradise without power; Gridley was beginning to have power restored. Butte County Public Health Department warns residents to be cautious of food that may not be safe to eat following the power outage. http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/news/08-02-O.pdf