SHIGELLOSIS CLUSTERS IDENTIFIED IN COLUMBUS AND FRANKLIN COUNTY
Health Commissioners recommend hygiene measure to prevent further spread of infections – Washing hands with soap and water will prevent spread

Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health have been investigating an unprecedented large number of Shigella cases. Reviewing community-wide outbreaks have revealed that toddler-to-toddler transmission is a primary means of transmission and hand-washing will further prevent new infections. 

As of this afternoon, ninety six cases have been diagnosed and are under investigation in Franklin County, including the City of Columbus. In 2007, Franklin County confirmed thirteen cases of shigellosis. 

Shigellosis is an infection of the intestine caused by the bacteria Shigella. It causes diarrhea which may be bloody, and can cause severe dehydration, particularly among very young children or elderly persons. Symptoms may also include fever, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps. Shigellosis primarily affects children under age five, but can occur in persons of all ages. Most cases of shigellosis do not require treatment with medicine, but antibiotics are sometimes used for unusually severe cases or to shorten the length of time a person is infected.

Columbus and Franklin County’s Health Commissioners, advise the following practices to limit the spread of this infection:

• Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages.
• Dispose of soiled diapers properly
• Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them
• Undiagnosed children with diarrhea should stay home until diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours.
• Supervise hand-washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet, especially in daycare centers and homes with children who have not been fully toilet trained.  
• Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
• Keep kitchen work surfaces clean (area should be wiped down with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach 1:10 dilution made fresh daily, Lysol* or anti-bactericidal wipes)
• Individuals who have diarrhea should not go swimming in pools or water parks.
   
• Strongly recommend day care centers eliminate the use of equipment and activities that involve the use of water such as kiddy pools that may act as a reservoir and vehicle for spread of enteric organisms like Shigella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia especially if any student or staff member has loose stool. 
   

Public Health officials have notified day care centers, area emergency rooms and other health care providers and community pools, to raise awareness of the infections and to provide advice on prevention.

Public Health strongly recommends that children who have diarrhea not attend school, day care or utilize area pools until they consult with their medical providers.  Students and staff with Shigellosis must be excluded from school and work (in a child care center) until their diarrhea has ceased and after two consecutive follow-up stool specimens are negative for Shigella per OAC Chapter 3701-3. Adults who have diarrhea should not prepare food for other persons.

For more information please visit: 
www.publichealth.columbus.gov, 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Communicable Disease Reporting System (CDRS)

While enjoying the water can be part of the magic of summer for kids, the Columbus Public Health Commissioner urges all residents to take precautions to prevent drowning, which takes the lives of more than 3,000 children annually in the United States.

Backyard pools are the most common site for drowning of small children.  Columbus City Code (Chapter 3393) requires all swimming pools to be located in the rear yard behind a residence.  No swimming or wading pool can be located in any front yard.  Columbus City Health Code (Chapter 229) requires swimming pools to have proper child-proof barriers.  Any pool that is at least 30 inches deep or has a water surface area over 160 square feet is required to have a fence or other barrier.

 
“The first step in having fun in backyard pools and spas must be to install the necessary barriers to protect children and prevent drowning.  Our number one priority is the health and safety of our residents, and we know from experience these regulations save lives.” Said Dr. Teresa Long, public health commissioner for the city of Columbus.

Over the last few weeks, Columbus Public Health has received a record number of calls from residents concerned about the number of Easy-Set pools in their communities.  The number of calls this year is 30 percent higher than in 2007.  “Homes with Easy-Set pools must have the same level of protection from drowning as traditional above ground and in-ground pools where complete fencing is required,” says Dr. Long. “Without adequate fencing to prevent accidental drowning, they pose the same danger of death for young children who may wander into the backyard and fall into the pool.”

Specifically, Columbus Code requires a fence for pools if:

• The pool is 30 inches or more deep or the pool has a surface area of 160 square feet or more

  The fence must be:

• At least 48 inches high
• Have slats no more than four inches apart
• Diamond-shaped openings must be less than 1 13/4 inches
• With at least 11 gauge wire (if fence is chain-link)
• That is built so that a four inch ball cannot pass through at any point in the fence

       
For more information on pool safety, please visit our web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov.

www.golfshopnorthland.com (website)

Columbus Public Health is practicing disease control and prevention for the West Nile virus by fogging for mosquitoes in area parks, bike paths and neighborhoods.  This week’s fogging at area parks begins its weekly fogging schedule which will run through early September.

Columbus Public Health fogs during the early morning hours between 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., using the least toxic chemicals available.  Fogging areas are determined by mosquito trap results and reports from field staff, the number and type of mosquitoes trapped, and the number of infected mosquitoes.  Starting today, a weekly map will be posted to our web site every Friday morning illustrating the fogging areas scheduled for the following week. Weekly fogging is based on these factors and not on the number of complaints from any given area.

Fogging helps prevent mosquito growth, and decrease the potential for West Nile Virus, an illness caused by infected mosquitoes that carry the disease from infected birds to people.  While not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus, an infected mosquito can cause illness.  Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick, but people 50 or older or those with weakened immune symptoms are at greatest risk.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) carrying in mosquitoes for Ohio’s 2008 season, found in Cuyahoga County.  There have been no WNV-positive bird, horse or human cases yet this year.

 
“While most people bitten by an infected mosquito will never develop symptoms or become sick, people can reduce their risk of getting West Nile Virus,” says Dr. Teresa Long, Health Commissioner.  “To have a healthier and safer summer, you can protect yourself by using insect repellant, wear protective clothing at dawn or dusk, repair window screens, and get rid of standing water such as bird baths and baby pools where mosquitoes lay eggs.”

Symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen glands.  People with these symptoms should consult their doctor.

Dr. Long also noted that dead adult crows or blue jays should immediately be reported to 311 or 645-3111 with the location, date and time. That is only if the birds have been dead for less than 24 hours.  All other dead birds should be double bagged and thrown in the trash.

To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; if you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.

 
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property. Eliminate standing water from your property. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in bird baths weekly.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, as well as weekly schedules and maps, visit the Columbus Public Health Web site at www.publichealth.columbus.gov.  Additional information on West Nile is also available at www.cdc.gov and www.epa.gov

2012 Bicentennial Commission Presents its Findings:

“Blueprint for the Bicentennial” presented to Mayor Coleman

and City Council by Co-Chairs

(Columbus)  After a year of public input from thousands of residents, the 2012 Bicentennial Commission co-chairs presented the “Blueprint for the Bicentennial” to Mayor Michael B. Coleman and members of City Council. In transmitting its summary report, the Commission Co-Chairs called their findings “a roadmap towards a new legacy for our healthy and growing city.”

The Blueprint for the Bicentennial outlines seven major planning themes and provides some specific recommendations for major projects and initiatives leading up to the community’s celebration of Columbus’ 200^th birthday.  The Commission timed the release of its findings in the hope it will help guide parts of the Bicentennial Bond Package that the City plans to put before voters on November 2, 2008.

"Now that our Bicentennial Commission has worked through thousands of ideas from residents, it’s time for the real work to begin – turning this vision in to reality," said Mayor Coleman. "These recommendations are just the seeds, and now we need to nurture them and watch them grow as we build towards 2012.  The City will do its part, but we are also counting on local businesses, families and neighborhood groups to step up and help make the City great for our 200^th Birthday." 

In July 2007, Mayor Coleman and City Council created the 2012 Bicentennial Commission of local residents and community leaders. The commission was co-chaired by Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, of the First Church of God, Ohio State University Present Gordon Gee and Abigail S. Wexner, founder and Chair of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and KidsOhio.org

"The remarkable work of the 2012 Bicentennial Commission illustrates the power of bringing together creative minds and people of good intent.  The findings reflect broad community input and an exciting vision for the future of Columbus," said Dr. Gee.  "I am especially grateful to Mayor Coleman for his leadership and to my fellow co-chairs for their wisdom and hands-on involvement."

The 2012 Bicentennial Commission was led by a 31-member steering group with 13 committees and more than 250 volunteer commissioners, charged with creating and implementing a community engagement process, processing and reviewing ideas from citizens and organizations with a wide and diverse array of interests and priorities and create a cohesive and meaningful agenda that was broad based, financially viable and attainable. The Commission’s was charged to collect and organize citizens’ ideas in three key areas:  building America’s best quality of life; celebrating our history, people and future; and setting 21st Century goals and innovations.

“Realizing our vision for 2012 means unified planning, collaboration, clarity of priorities, and smart action,” said Ms. Wexner.  “This Blueprint emphasizes several central themes that all of us in the community can organize around and create meaningful results for the health of our region.”

Over the past year the commission engaged thousands of Columbus residents through the use of a 2012 festival “think tank,” neighborhood meetings, online and neighborhood surveys, youth and college forums, and a citywide citizens’ summit with more than 1,500 participants. Over 10,000 citizen comments were gathered.

“I am proud of our Mayor for his visionary leadership and for the thousands of citizens of our great city who let their voices be heard in this single largest public input process in the history of Columbus,” stated Bishop Clarke.

Public input provided the Commission’s 13 areas of focus committees the beginning foundation that eventually led to the seven broad themes that formulate the report and its recommendations

·       Enhance our great neighborhoods
·       Create a strong and active Downtown
·       Increase our economic prosperity by engaging our talent rich workforce
·       Provide a 21^st century transportation system
·       Commit to a green, sustainable region
·       Create a vibrant, culturally rich city
·       Embrace our history while defining our new legacy

The “Blueprint for the Bicentennial” is available online at

 www.Columbus2012.org.

ILLEGAL OPENING OF FIRE HYDRANTS                       

With excessive temperatures in the forecast, the Columbus Division of Fire reminds all Columbus residents that it is illegal to open their neighborhood fire hydrants (City Codes 1103.01 and 2517.04).  Illegally opening fire hydrants can hamper firefighting capabilities, drain the City’s water supply, and cause damage to fire hydrants, water mains, and private property. 

Illegally opened hydrants can lower the water pressure in the City’s neighborhoods and hinder firefighting efforts by reducing the available flow of water to fire hoses and pumps.  Tampering with the hydrants can also result in damage to the hydrant, making it difficult or impossible for firefighters to use the hydrant in the event of a fire.

An open hydrant can flow over 2,500 gallons of water per minute.  It can interrupt water service to area residences and businesses as well as cause property damage by flooding streets, lawns, and basements.  The flooding can also create hazardous road conditions for traffic and pedestrians. 

Open hydrants can also injure children.  A child playing in an unrestricted flow of an open hydrant can be pushed into the street and in the path of an on-coming vehicle. 

Columbus Public Health Offers Tips for

Keeping Cool, Healthy and Safe

WHAT:          Columbus Public Health offers tips for keeping cool in response to the rising temperatures in central Ohio.

DETAILS:     To maintain good health when temperatures are high, Columbus Public Health offers the following precautions to help avoid heat related illness:

• Drink plenty of water - don't wait until you are thirsty
• Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible (movie theaters, malls, etc.) if you do not have an air conditioner.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine and sugar; they will dehydrate you
• Eat light meals
• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat
• Stay in the shade
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
• Young children, older adults, and persons with medical conditions are at the greatest risk for heat related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of a heat related illness include: dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Several organizations, including The Breathing Association, Columbus Leads, LifeCare Alliance, Senior Options and Columbus Parks and Recreation offer Summer Cooling Programs, including free fans and utility assistance. 

For additional information on heat safety please visit the following: Columbus Public Health: www.publichealth@columbus.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Federal Emergency Management Agency: 

Need Help Keeping the Utilities On?

Several utilities and agencies offer assistance with paying bills, avoiding service disconnection and other help:

• Ohio Office of Consumers' Counsel provides help with complaints about utilities and avoiding disconnection, 1-877-742-5622, www.pickocc.com/crc.
• American Electric Power will work with customers on electric-bill payment plans or credit arrangements, 1-800-277-2177, www.aepohio.com.
• Columbus/Franklin County Community Action Agency administers Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides money to eligible households for heating and cooling bills, 614-252-2663.
• The Breathing Association offers utility assistance year-round. The Summer Crisis Program helps qualified households pay summer cooling bills and provides window air-conditioners for the medically needy, 1-866-861-6399, www.breathingassociation.org.
• Columbia Gas of Ohio will refer customers to the appropriate agency, 1-800-344-4077, click here for website.
• Ohio Department of Development oversees HEAP statewide, 1-800-282-0880, www.development.ohio.gov.

Columbus Police Launches On-line Crime Mapping Service with CrimeReports.com

See More Details

Columbus Police GANG Up On Criminals with Tips from Citizens

The Division is conducting a six month pilot project using the phone number 645-GANG (4264).  Citizens in Columbus are encouraged to leave a detailed message about gang activity in their neighborhood.  The Division is using this number specifically for information associated with gang activity.  Other information not pertaining to gangs should be referred to 645-4545.

Education and Training Seminars Available to the Community

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is offering a series of education and training courses to the public. Courses will be available on the energy and environment as well as land use and transportation planning.

“You can never begin planning for the future of your community too soon. This is an opportunity to learn about the issues that are affecting the region now and evaluate the needs of the future. I encourage everyone from students to professional planners to attend. All you need is an interest in the central Ohio region,” said MORPC Executive Director Chester R. Jourdan Jr.  Several of the transportation and regional development courses may be eligible for continuing education credit and will be conducted via web conferencing.

Courses are beginning now and additional courses will be available through March. Many of the courses are free. However, there is a nominal fee for some classes. Visit HERE for course descriptions.

For more information contact Shari Saunders at 614-233-4125 or email ssaunders@morpc.org.

Are you interested in starting a new neighborhood association in the Northland area or have questions about how to energize your existing civic association?  The Northland Community Council is committed to growing new associations and keeping existing ones healthy.  The NCC membership committee is posed to assist any group or individual to start a new association or grow their existing organization.  For assistance contact Chuck Wolfe, NCC Membership Committee Chairperson, at twolfe53@aol.com or at (614) 337-9620.  You can also print or download a copy of the NCC Membership Application.

Spay/Neuter Clinics               

2752 Sawbury Blvd.                                    3136 S. Hamilton Rd.

Columbus, OH  43235                                Columbus, OH  43232

(614) 761-7551                                            (614) 367-9933

(Off of Sawmill Road) 

Cats (Up to 5 years of age):

Male cat   ------------- $28

Female cat ----------- $47

Dogs:

Male under 40 lbs. -------------------------------------- $ 59

Male over 40 lbs but under 70 lbs. ------------------ $ 81

Female under 40 lbs. ---------------------------------- $ 71

Female over 40 lbs. but under 70 lbs. ------------- $103

Pain medication for after the surgery -------------- $8 - $15

The usual cost to spay or neuter a cat is usually over $200.  Flyers of this information can be obtained at their facilities or you can call the numbers listed above.

Vaud-Villities invites YOU to become an active participant in our all volunteer organization.
When you attend our spring performance, you see amazing local talent...singers and dancers.  What you don't see is all the work that goes on behind the scenes.  Artists, designers, sewers, painters, carpenters, electricians, fund-raisers and more - all needed to make the show happen.  Besides, we have moved into the old Cinema Theatre, which was once a part of the razed Northland Mall, on Morse Rd. and are challenged with getting it renovated.  We now call it Northland Park Arts Center (NPAC), which will become a vital part of Columbus' Art Community when complete.  We are preserving a part of Columbus' history.  Join us!  We need men and women!  Feel the sense of community by becoming a part of this amazing group. Call Delena Doan, 755-4371 for details.

Are you local senior looking for something to do related to the arts?  Click HERE to see details about the Vaud-Villities Senior Camp as well.

For more information, visit www.vvproductions.com   or contact Delena Doan at (614) 755-4371…email delenadoan@wowway.com

Click here for a copy of their brochure regarding their Show Camp.  Click here for a copy of the application to be a sponsor for a kid to attend Kids Camp.  Click here for a copy of the mission statement and schedule for the Show Camp. 

Ohio ODH Pandemic Influenza Plan

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan