Johnson County Health Department - EPI Update Newsletter

ARTICLES:

Mold wreaks havoc with allergies and asthma

Public Health Emergency Program Staff Bio: Amy Mott

Disease Reporting Notes

For an explanation of the Homeland Security Advisory System and recommendations from the US Dept of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross on recommended activities at each level,
click here.

Olathe:
11875 S. Sunset Dr.
Suite 300
Olathe, KS 66061
PH: 913.894.2525
FX: 913.477.8048

Mission:
6000 Lamar
Suite 140
Mission, KS 66202
PH: 913.826.1200
FX: 913.826.1210

Mold lives all around us in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Mold is great at helping with the decomposition of dead wood, leaves, and other organic matter; however, for many people, mold can cause issues with allergies and asthma. Allergic reactions in individuals exposed to mold may include hayfever-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash, regardless of whether the mold spores are alive or not.
Mold may also trigger asthma attacks in those who are allergic to molds and cause asthma symptoms to worsen in those who are not. The most common outdoor and indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Although we cannot control the amount of mold in the outdoor environment, we can control the mold in our homes. The best thing to do is to reduce moisture in the home to 30 to 60 percent humidity by venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning. When spending time outdoors, prevent hayfever symptoms by avoiding fresh cut grass and leaf raking, as these will stir up mold spores. Finally, if hayfever symptoms are creating regular discomfort, visit with a doctor to get assistance with allergy management.

In Kansas, there are three commonly recognized tick-borne diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Lyme disease, and Ehrlichiosis.

RMSF symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by development of rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal.

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash that looks like a “bulls-eye.” If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Ehrlichiosis symptoms start about five to 10 days after receiving a tick bite and generally include fever, headache, malaise, and muscle aches. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, joint pains, confusion, and occasionally rash.

All three diseases are caused by bacteria and can be easily treated if caught early. The best prevention is to avoid tick bites by wearing light-colored clothing, tucking your pant legs into your socks, and applying an insect repellent that contains permethrin. Check your body for ticks after returning from a potentially tick-infested area and remove them promptly to reduce the chance of disease transmission.

Amy Mott has been with the Public Health Emergency Program as a Program Aide since October 2006. Before working for the county, she was an Agency Office Manager for Farmers Insurance for seven years.
As a Program Aide, Amy is responsible for keeping track of the budget files, ordering supplies, and overall support staff. She is enrolled in the Kansas Public Health Certificate Program through the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments (KALHD). The program was designed to prepare the public health workforce to better serve the communities they work with.
Amy has received her Associates of Applied Science degree in Business Administration from Johnson County Community College, and is currently attending National American University to complete her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.

Disease Reporting Notes:

If you have any questions about the monthly Epi Update, or any other disease surveillance or containment questions, please contact Nancy Tausz, RN, BSN, Director of the Disease Containment Division, at (913) 477-8362 or by email at: Nancy.Tausz@jocogov.org.

Communicable disease reporting is the cornerstone of public health surveillance and disease control. Please remember to maintain an index of suspicion for bioterrorism and reportable disease, and give the Disease Containment staff a call if you have any questions or concerns at (913) 826-1303. On behalf of the Johnson County Health Department, thank you for your continued support.

Johnson County government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age and handicapped status in employment or the provision of programs and services.