Spring Break is the time of the year when people often head to warm, tropical places for vacation. But this year, pregnant women and their partners might want to rethink that, in light of health warnings about the Zika virus. It continues to spread in places like Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Dr. Jen Brown with the Indiana State Department of Health says although a state resident was diagnosed with Zika last month, she doesn’t expect a widespread outbreak here. Continue reading
Tobacco Quitline Celebrates 10th Anniversary
A service designed to help Hoosiers quit smoking and live healthier lives is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Since March 2006, the Indiana Tobacco Quitline has helped more than 114,000 Hoosiers stop using tobacco, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Continue reading
Additional HIV Cases Prompt Public Health Warning
Additional HIV cases in southern Indiana have prompted a warning from the Indiana Department of Health about risky behavior. The four new cases bring the total number of people who have tested positive for HIV to 188. State officials say the outbreak has been linked to shared needles among injection drug users. All of the newly diagnosed cases are contacts of cases previously identified in the outbreak, according to health department officials. Continue reading
State Officials Offer Safety Tips for Winter Weather
With snow and frigid temperatures moving into the area, state officials are reminding residents to stay safe during winter weather. Continue reading
Health Officials Warn Residents of Radon
The Indiana State Department of Health is warning residents about the dangers of radon, an odorless, tasteless, colorless, but radioactive gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared January National Radon Action Month. Continue reading
State Health Officials Remind Hoosiers of Carbon Monoxide Risks
State health officials are reminding Hoosiers to protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning while keeping their homes warm this winter. The Indiana State Department of Health says residents need to be especially careful when using alternate heating sources during power outages. Continue reading
Prevent the Flu During National Influenza Vaccination Week
The flu season may be off to a mild start this year, but it’s still important that you get a flu shot. That’s the message state health officials are working to get out this week during National Influenza Vaccination Week. Continue reading
Nurse Recommends Flu Shots, Good Hygiene
State health officials this week confirmed the first flu-related death of the season. No details about the person’s age or county of residence were released due to privacy laws. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says now is the time to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so already. Continue reading
Health Officials Stress Healthy Choices During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
The Indiana State Department of Health is encouraging parents to talk to their kids about making healthy choices. Continue reading
Mosquito Precautions Urged Amid West Nile Increase
West Nile virus has been diagnosed in twelve people in Indiana so far this year, including two who have died. That’s an increase over last year when only 10 people got the virus, but state health officials says there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Continue reading
EPA Promotes Septic Maintenance
Septic system maintenance is being promoted with the Environmental Protection Agency’s third annual SepticSmart Week. Continue reading
No New HIV Cases Reported in Immediate Area
Injection drug use is pinpointed as a cause of a jump in HIV cases in Scott County. No new cases of HIV have been reported locally.
Governor Mike Pence declared a public health emergency in Scott County yesterday due to an outbreak of HIV cases. The Indiana State Department of Health has identified 79 cases of HIV originating in Scott County.
Frank Lynch from the Starke County Health Department said that the state may take action and institute a program that brings awareness to all counties.
