Health: Health Concerns & Topics

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Health Concerns & Topics
Bed bugs, after having been nearly eradicated, are making a comeback, causing property loss, expense, and inconvenience. The best way to prevent bed bugs is regular inspection for signs of an infestation.
 
In periods of extreme, life-threatening weather, defined as a wind-chill factor of 20°F or below, multiple County agencies and private health/social organizations will offer expanded services for those without adequate shelter, including the chronically homeless and homeless families with children. Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather - http://health.montcopa.org/health/cwp/view,A,3,Q,42792.asp
 
Due to the well-documented risk of excess mortality and other significant heat-related health problems associated with oppressively hot weather, MCHD issues Hot Weather Health Warnings (Code Red) during the summer months, when a heat index (temperature/humidity index) of 100° F or greater is predicted by the National Weather Service. Tips for Preventing Heat-related Illness -
http://health.montcopa.org/health/cwp/view,A,3,Q,43373.asp
 
Information and suggested precautions to follow for victims of flooding caused by heavy rains or storm surges.
 
Information and resources to raise awareness about Recreational Water Illnesses and how to prevent them by practicing "Healthy Swimming" behaviors. Also General Rules of the Pool and Tips to help in preventing drowning.
 
Days of buying presents, decorating the home and preparing food for loved ones. Especially now is the time to follow safe food handling guidelines for a happy, joyous and illness-free season.
 
The holidays are a time for joy and sharing, but some of the toys we buy our children are not always safe or appropriate. The Pennsylvania Safe Kids Coalition suggests that parents pick toys that are right for each age and development of each child.
 
Legionnaires' (LEE-juh-nares) disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose at first.
 
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Tips for reducing exposure to ticks.
 
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles spreads through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any child who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease. Measles can be prevented with the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
 
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. The best way to protect against Pertussis is vaccination.
 
Radioactive iodine, one of the contaminants that could be released in a nuclear accident or similar event, can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Potassium iodide (KI) is a drug that, taken in an appropriate and timely dosage, can block exposure to radioactive iodine.
 
Shigella (an diarrheal illness) is highly contagious, particularly among young children. Transmission in child care settings is more likely to occur when appropriate control measures are not employed.