The Chatham County Health Department will be on site at the Compassion Christian Church Resource Center next week offering tetanus vaccinations as part of the community-wide response to the Ogeechee River flooding.

Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus booster shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

“Any residents or first responders who have been injured during the cleanup and recovery should ask their healthcare provider about a tetanus booster shot right away. Don’t wait until next week to be seen,” said Dr. Sierra Peebles, nurse manager of the Chatham County Health Department. “But we know the cleanup isn’t over yet, so our public health nurses will be ready to assist at the resource center for anyone who needs a tetanus booster next week.”

Tetanus vaccinations will be available on Tuesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 22 from 4-8 p.m. at the Compassion Christian Church Adult Ministry Center, 50 Al Henderson Boulevard. Tetanus vaccination is also available at both Chatham County Health Department clinic locations in Savannah during regular clinic hours. No appointment is needed for tetanus vaccination.

The cost of tetanus vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans. Insurance plans will be billed with no out-of-pocket cost for patients. Individuals without insurance will receive the vaccine at no cost.

Residents are also reminded to keep kids out of flood water. Flood water can displace insects and reptiles which can be dangerous to people. The water can also be contaminated with bacteria and harmful chemicals. If it’s necessary for you to touch flood water as you clean up, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The Chatham County Health Department is alerting residents that a bat from the eastern part of the county has tested positive for rabies. A resident discovered the bat in a privately-owned swimming pool in the Causton Bluff area near Islands Expressway. Four individuals were exposed to the bat and are receiving follow-up medical care. All residents are reminded to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

Several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Following these tips can protect you and your family from rabies:

• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.

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A mosquito sample collected by Chatham County Mosquito Control has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Mosquito Control routinely collects and samples mosquitoes throughout Chatham County to detect viruses that could be transmitted to people. The information is used to direct insecticide efforts and to warn residents to take precautions.

The infected mosquitos were collected from the south side of Savannah. This is the first positive WNV test in the Chatham County mosquito population this year. Mosquito Control is treating the area with insecticide.

WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Many people who are infected with the virus have no symptoms. Some may have mild to moderate symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

There is no vaccine or cure for WNV, so prevention is key. All residents should take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water. You can reduce your risk of infection by following the 5Ds of mosquito bite prevention:

Dusk/Dawn

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. If you can, avoid going outside at dusk and dawn to reduce your chance of being bitten.

Dress

Wear loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin. If the mosquitoes can’t get to your skin, they can’t bite you.

DEET

Any skin that is exposed should be covered with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label regarding how to apply and how often to reapply.

Drain

Mosquitoes need standing water for breeding, so be sure to empty any containers holding stagnant water, such as buckets, barrels, flowerpots, and tarps. Be especially mindful after a rain, and toss any standing water to discourage mosquito breeding around your home.

Doors

Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly. If you have screens on your windows and doors, be sure to fix any rips or tears so mosquitoes can’t get through the screens and into your home.