ATTENTION: Beware of Raccoons!

Raccoons can carry rabies, and rabid raccoons have been found in New York City. Although, so far, there has not been a human case of rabies contracted from raccoons in New York City, this risk does exist and should be taken seriously.

To arrange for a raccoon to be picked up that appears to be staggering, convulsing, spitting, choking, or frothing at the mouth, call Animal Care and Control at 311, or your local police precinct.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/vet/raccoon1.pdf

ATTENTION: NYers- Residents Over 50- Take Precaution Against West Nile Virus

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene strongly suggests all New Yorkers- especially those aged 50 and older– take extra precautions against the West Nile Virus.

Mosquito-born infection is at unusually high levels throughout the five boroughs; this year, DOHMH has recorded more human cases at this point in the season than it has in any other year since 2000. More cases are expected through October.

New Yorkers can take simple steps to minimize contact with mosquitoes and prevent infection with West Nile Virus:

* Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

* Make sure windows have screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

* Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

* Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

* Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

* Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting http://www.nyc.gov/health/wnv.

To date, 211 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with West Nile viral disease since it was first found in the United States in 1999, including 3 in 2009 and 15 in 2008.

The Health Department uses an “integrated pest management” approach to monitor the city for West Nile Virus and control its spread by mosquitoes. The agency inspects and treats standing water sites with non-chemical larvicides to kill larval mosquitoes before they emerge as flying adults. When necessary, the agency also applies small amounts of chemical pesticides (adulticides) to kill adult mosquitoes. A schedule of mosquito control activities is available online at nyc.gov/health or by phone from the 311 call center.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES FREE FLU SHOTS AND H1N1 VACCINE TO STUDENTS

As the school year sets in motion, a major concern of many students and parents is the infectious H1N1 influenza better known as, “swine flu”.

H1N1 influenza is a respiratory (lung) infection. It causes a fever, cough, and/or a sore throat that can last a week or more. Those at higher risk are people aged six months to eighteen, seniors, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes or other conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys.

As a way to keep schools open and prevent the contraction or spread of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza, Mayor Bloomberg, City Officials, and the NYC Department of Health will be offering free vaccinations to all elementary school students. The vaccine for seasonal influenza is now being distributed and federal health officials predict that the separate vaccine to protect against the novel H1N1 virus will be available by mid-to-late October at NYC Department of Health Immunization clinics, some community health centers, and at designated Health and Hospitals Corporation flu centers. The NYC Department of Health is also developing alternate and convenient vaccination sites around the city. Those not at risk is discouraged to get vaccination.

Some ways to protect yourself and others against the H1N1 influenza is to make sure to cover your cough with the inside of your elbow, wash your hands often, don’t get too close to people who are sick, and if you feel sick (fever of 100 degrees or higher plus a cough or sore throat) stay home or seek medical treatment.

For up-to-date information about seasonal flu, H1N1, and where to get a free or low-cost flu vaccine, you can visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm, or the NYC Department of Health's website here.

You can read more about what the NYC Department of Education is doing to keep H1N1 out of schools here.

Fort Greene's MS 113 Closes Following Student Sicknesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2009

Fort Greene's MS 113 Closes Following Student Sicknesses

Department of Education and Department of Health close Fort Greene’s MS 113 following student sicknesses

(Brooklyn, NY)—MS 113- The Ronald Edmonds Learning Center in Fort Greene, Brooklyn was closed today after 18 students were sent home with flu-like symptoms and temperatures of up to 100.4 degrees; an additional 145 students were absent. After communicating with Principal Khalek Kirkland, the Department of Education in conjunction with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has decided to close the middle school until Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Students will return following the Memorial Day holiday.

The measures are precautionary, and fall in line with the Department of Health’s recently-established criteria for suggesting the closure of schools—which include factors such as whether closing a school could reduce the spread of infection, spikes in absenteeism, and the existence of high temperatures and other flu-like symptoms among students and staff.

Council Member Letitia James states, “I am working with the Department of Health and the Department of Education to ensure that MS 113 is properly sanitized as soon as possible. I urge all in the district to take careful measures against sickness as outlined by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I am confident that all agencies will be able to coordinate with MS113, and that the school can soon resume their normal schedule.”

Currently, no one affiliated with MS 113 has been diagnosed with H1N1 flu. An updated list of school closings can be found at http://schools.nyc.gov/default.htm.

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081


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We weren't a minute too soon with this post, apparently. Again, if you have flu-like symptoms accompanied by an abnormally-high temperature, please seek medical assistance as soon as possible. We encourage all residents to adhere to personal sanitary measures.

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