Disease Reporting and Health Data

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can range from a short-term acute mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a serious, lifelong chronic illness.
The short-term acute illness occurs within the first six months after a person is exposed to the virus. It may lead to chronic infection.
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term illness that happens when the virus remains in a person’s body.

How does Hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B is spread when the blood, semen or another body fluid from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of a person who isn’t infected. Transmission can occur through:

o Sexual contact
o Sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment with an infected person
o From mother to baby through the birth process
o Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors that might have small amounts of blood on them
o Exposure to the blood of an infected person
o Accidental needle sticks in the health care profession
o Hepatitis B is NOT spread through coughing or sneezing.

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV. It is an extremely hardy virus that can live for several weeks outside the body.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Some people, particularly young children, have no symptoms with acute Hepatitis B. Symptoms occur in most adults within 6 months of exposure to the virus. Symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months. They include:

o fever
o fatigue
o loss of appetite
o nausea
o vomiting
o abdominal pain
o dark urine
o clay-colored bowel movements
o joint pain
o jaundice

Chronic hepatitis B may show no symptoms for up to 30 years, but some people experience ongoing symptoms similar to those of acute hepatitis B.

How is Hepatitis B diagnosed and treated?

Doctors diagnose the infection using blood tests. There is no medication available to treat acute hepatitis B. Doctors usually recommend rest, good nutrition and fluids. People with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored regularly for signs of liver disease. Specific medications benefit some people.

How serious is chronic Hepatitis B?

About 15% to 25% of people with chronic Hepatitis B develop serious liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Every year, nearly 4,000 people in the United States and more than 600,000 worldwide die from hepatitis B-related liver disease.

Can hepatitis B be prevented?

Yes. The Hepatitis B vaccination is the best prevention. Children usually get the vaccination in three shots over six months. The entire series is necessary. The vaccine doesn’t provide protection for people already infected.

Who should get vaccinated against hepatitis B?

EVERYONE should be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. This is a normal recommended childhood vaccine.

Here are some links to helpful information:
Chronic Kidney Disease
American Liver Foundation Q&A’s
Hepatitis B Foundation
Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a contagious blood-borne infection caused by a virus, which can damage the liver over time and even cause liver cancer. Some people may experience acute illness within a few weeks to a few months after infection, however most do not. Up to 80% of those infected will become chronically infected.
Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first six months after someone is exposed to the virus.
Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis or liver cancer.

How do I catch it?

The hepatitis C virus spreads primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Most people today become infected by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Here are other ways people can be infected with hepatitis C:

o Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings.
o Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C.
o Sharing personal care items such as razors, nail clippers or toothbrushes that might have small amounts of blood on them.
o Individuals who have received blood transfusions before 1992.

What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis C?

Most people–70% to 80%–who have acute hepatitis C have no symptoms. Some people have mild to severe symptoms soon after being infected. Those symptoms include:

o fever
o fatigue
o loss of appetite
o nausea
o vomiting
o abdominal pain
o dark urine
o clay-colored stools
o joint pain
o jaundice–yellowish skin or eyes

When symptoms occur, they typically arrive six to seven weeks after exposure to the virus but can start anywhere from two weeks to six months after exposure.

How is chronic hepatitis C different?

Most people with chronic hepatitis C don’t have symptoms. But an infection that lasts for years may damage the liver. Hepatitis C infection is often detected from the liver problems it causes. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems that include liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer or even death. It is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States. About 8,000 to 10,000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related liver disease.

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?

A series of blood tests are used to test for hepatitis C.

Is there treatment for hepatitis C?

There is medication to treat most cases of hepatitis C.
Treatment depends on many different factors, so it is important to see a doctor experienced in treating patients with hepatitis C. New and improved treatments are available that can cure hepatitis C in many people. Currently, there is not a vaccine to prevent acquiring hepatitis C.

Here are links to helpful information:
National Cancer Institute Q&A
National Institute of Drug Abuse
Hepatitis C Foundation
Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases
Chronic Liver Disease Foundation

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is one of a group of viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Norovirus is one of the leading causes of food-borne illness.

How do I catch it?

Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. You can become infected by:
o eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
o touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing your hand in your mouth;
o having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms.
o Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person. Infected people are contagious as soon as they start to feel sick until three days after they recover.
o Norovirus is extremely hardy and survives well in the environment, especially in frequently touched areas.

What are the symptoms of Norovirus?

Norovirus symptoms generally last one or two days and include:
o Nausea
o Vomiting
o Diarrhea
o Stomach cramping
o Low-grade fever
o Chills
o Headache
o Muscle ache
o Fatigue

They usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the virus enters your body, but they can start as early as 12 hours after exposure.

Is Norovirus dangerous?

Norovirus can make you feel very sick and vomit many times, but the symptoms usually quit after a day or two. The illness has no long-term health effects. You can, though, become dehydrated if you can’t replace the liquid you’re losing from vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration could require special medical attention. It happens most often with the very young, elderly and people with other illnesses.

Is there treatment for Norovirus?

There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. There is also no drug to treat people infected with the virus. Supportive care includes plenty of clear liquids and rest.

Is Norovirus preventable?

You can decrease your chances of contacting noroviruses by following these steps:
Frequently wash your hands, particularly after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with the virus after an episode of illness. Use hot water and soap.
Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and made sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Here are some links to helpful information:
Norovirus CDC
For Food Handlers
Prevention

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease, also known as whooping cough.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms can include a runny nose, low grade fever and cough. After 1 to 7 days, the symptoms intensify to bursts of rapid coughs. Pertussis causes coughing fits that are characterized by a high pitched “whoop” sound, including, vomiting and exhaustion during or after cough fits. Coughing is typically worse at night.

Is it dangerous?

Complications include bacterial pneumonia and rib fractures. In infants, pertussis may lead to seizures, pneumonia, brain damage and death.

Is it contagious?

Pertussis is most contagious before the coughing starts and continues for 3 weeks in untreated individuals. An infected person can spread the bacteria without even knowing he or she is carrying it. Pertussis spreads through the air.

Can I prevent pertussis infection?

The pertussis vaccine can prevent pertussis. The vaccine is included in Tdap for adults and DTaP for children 6 years and younger. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends five doses of DTaP for infants and children – one dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months and at 4-6 years.
Adolescent children 11 through 18 should receive a single Tdap booster if they’ve completed the five listed above.
Adults ages 19 through 64 need one Tdap, particularly if they’re in close contact with an infant. Pregnant women are encouraged to be immunized with each pregnancy between the 27th and 36th weeks.

Here are links to more information on Pertussis:
Pertussis Vaccine
Pertussis CDC
Fast Facts

PRESS RELEASE: WNV confirmed in Kootenai County

PHD has confirmed a human case of West Nile Virus in North Idaho. A Kootenai County resident over the age of 50 tested positive for the virus. This is the first locally-acquired human case ever reported in North Idaho.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a virus carried by mosquitoes. It spreads to people through a mosquito bite. The virus was first identified in Africa, moved to Asia and the Middle East and reached North America in 1999. It rapidly spread across the United States from east to west.

Will it make me sick?

It may not make you sick at all. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms. But it can develop into a serious illness in others. About one of every five people infected develop these symptoms:

• fever
• headache
• body aches
• skin rash on the chest, stomach and back
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• nausea
• vomiting

These symptoms may last for a few days in some people or a few weeks in others.
About one in every 150 people infected with West Nile Virus develops a severe illness. Their symptoms worsen to include:

• neck stiffness
• stupor
• disorientation (confusion)
• coma
• tremors
• convulsions
• muscle weakness
• vision loss
• numbness
• paralysis

How does West Nile Virus spread?

Infected mosquitoes spread West Nile Virus through their bites. Mosquitoes get infected from feeding on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can spread the virus to people, horses and many other animals.
In a few cases, West Nile Virus has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and from mother to baby during pregnancy.
The virus doesn’t spread from person to person through casual contact or touching or kissing.

How long does it take to get sick?

Symptoms usually develop three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Can I prevent West Nile Virus?

Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to prevent West Nile Virus.
Use mosquito repellent when you’re outdoors that contains an EPA-registered active ingredient.
Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active. Cover exposed skin, stay indoors or wear repellent if you’re outdoors.
Check your window and door screens for holes that allow mosquitoes indoors.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Dump water from flower pots, buckets, etc. Change water in pet dishes and bird baths a few times each week. Empty wading pools between uses.

Is there a treatment for West Nile Virus?

There is no specific treatment. In severe cases, people often go to the hospital for supportive treatments such as intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

Who’s at the greatest risk of getting sick with West Nile Virus?

People over the age of 50 or with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious symptoms if they get sick. Anyone outdoors is at risk if they’re not protected.

What is Panhandle Health District doing about West Nile Virus?

PHD investigates suspect cases in the five northern counties and investigates complaints about standing water. PHD also is happy to answer the public’s question’s regarding West Nile Virus.

Has West Nile Virus reached northern Idaho?

Mosquitoes and horses in North Idaho have tested positive for West Nile Virus in the past. In 2017, the first locally-acquired human case of West Nile Virus was identified. West Nile Virus now appears to be present throughout North Idaho

Here are links to more information on West Nile Virus:
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Idaho Fish and Game

What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is associated with other pregnancy problems.

What can people do to prevent becoming infected with Zika?

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
Here’s how:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.
• Always follow the product label instructions.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
• Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.

If you have a baby or child:

• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
• Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
• Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
• Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
• If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
• Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Idaho

The mosquitos known to carry Zika are not found in Idaho.

Here are links to more information on Zika Virus:

Zika and Pregnancy
Zika-affected areas
Zika symptoms, diagnosis and treatment