County News & Information
Commissioner Gannon at Briarwood Clean Up Day
DeKalb County publishes press releases related to all county government news. Our office will make an effort to publish these releases to the Web site when they are important to District 6. If you would like to see all the current County press releases go to http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/news.html.
Commissioner Gannon's Important Dates for August and September
Commissioner Gannon's Important Dates for August and September
Important Dates for August and September
As summer draws to a close, there are several important dates coming up in August and September that I want to share with everyone. Please continue to check my website for updates and calendar events.
Back to School:
It’s that time of year again. Children are getting ready for school and many need basic school supplies. There are places in District 6 that are collecting school supplies for children so if you would like to donate please contact my office for a list of donation sites.
The District 6 office donates to the Greater Piney Grove school drive on Saturday August 14th at 1879 Glenwood Ave SE Atlanta, GA from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Also, my husband and I will for the 6th year donate supplies to the youth of Poplar Springs Baptist Church.
There are many ways you too can donate, so give us a call.
Strategic Plan:
DeKalb County’s strategic planning efforts, FOCUSS DeKalb, will begin with a series of community and employee forums to discuss and obtain feedback related to Public Safety, Infrastructure, Services and Economic Development.
FOCUSS DeKalb stands for Fiscal Accountability, Opportunity, Community, Unity, Safety, and Sustainability.
The Community Forums are list below. All meetings will be from 6:30-8:00pm.
Monday August 9th at Georgia Perimeter College - Dunwoody
Wednesday August 11th at Georgia Perimeter College – Decatur
Wednesday August 18th at Porter Sanford PACC
Monday August 23rd at Emory University/School of Law
Wednesday September 1st at DeKalb Technical College
Public Safety:
I will be hosting a How to Start a Neighborhood Watch workshop on Thursday August 12th from 6:30 to 8:00pm for residents of the South Precinct area and specifically in Cedar Grove/Bouldercrest Rd. area. Workshop registration is required for at least 2 people from a neighborhood or subdivision who are willing to go back and help start the program. The Police have strong evidence of the difference this program can make in deterring crime. So get a neighbor and plan to attend at the First Wesleyan Church at 3220 Bouldercrest road Ellenwood, GA on Thursday August 12.
Please contact my office at 404-371-4909 to register.
I will host additional workshops for District 6 residents in the North and Central Precincts. Please contact my office for help in coordinating a future Neighborhood Watch Program workshop.
Revenue Enhancement Commission:
I have been convening the Revenue Enhancement Commission, a joint initiative of CEO Burrell Ellis and the Board of Commissioners. The commission, composed of local business and finance experts, will identify new sources of internal and external revenue to lighten the burden of county government on the property tax payer.
The kick off meeting was July 13 and the commission will meet on August 3, August 24, September 14, October 5 and issue a final report on October 26.
As we continue to cut the County Budget and look for more efficient ways to provide services, this is a way to review all of our revenue streams for opportunities and fresh ideas.
All of the meetings are held in the Maloof Auditorium at 6:00pm. The September 14th meeting will have a public comments section, so please hold that date so you can come to share ideas and comments.
FOCUSS DeKalb Community Forum Dates
Early/Advance Voting for General Primary Election Still Available
Early/Advance Voting for General Primary Election Still Available
Early/Advance Voting for General Primary Election Still Available (38.4 kB)
DEKALB COUNTY AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES FROM JUNE 14, 2010
DEKALB COUNTY AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
The DeKalb County Airport Advisory Board met on Monday, June 14, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., Room 227, Airport Administration Building at DeKalb Peachtree Airport.MEMBERS PRESENT:
Joe Arrington, David Fowler, Eugene Henry, Frank Mutz, Larry Scheinpflug
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Chad Duncan, Jacq Marie Jack
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mike Van Wie, Interim Airport Director
I. APPROVAL OF APRIL 12, 2010 MINUTES
The April Minutes were approved unanimously.
II. INFORMATION/OLD BUSINESS
A. DIRECTOR’S REPORT -- MIKE VAN WIE
Monthly Lease Processing Report
April 13, 2010 BOC Meeting
Two (2) Standard Office Leases: Approved
Four (4) Standard T-Hangar Lease: Approved
May 11, 2010 BOC Meeting
Amendment No. 4 to the Lease with Peachtree Aviation: Approved
Lease with EPPS Aviation: Approved
May 25, 2010 BOC Meeting
Multiple Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Grants: Pre-accepted
Other
Mike Van Wie has asked for legal advice from the Legal Department at DeKalb County to change the length of hangar leases from two (2) years to 10 years to ease the administrative process.
B. FORECASTED BOC AGENDA ITEMS – MIKE VAN WIE
June 22, 2010 BOC Meeting
Tie Down Agreement with Signature Flight Support
July 13, 2010 BOC Meeting
Airport Layout Plan (ALP) update
C. NOISE REPORT -- Mario Evans
The reading of the Noise Report was waived.
D. OTHER
2010 Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Open House -- Mike Van Wie
Mike Van Wie stated that the 2010 Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Open House was very successful. Approximately 14,000 to 15,000 people attended the event this year, a higher figure from past years.
III. NEW BUSINESS
Frank Mutz, appointed by CEO Ellis, was welcomed to the DeKalb County Airport Advisory Board (AAB).
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.
A CD of the meeting in its entirety is available in the Airport Administration Office.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED:
Yasmina Platt, Volunteer Assistant
David Fowler, Chairman
Talk Back to Crier: Commissioner Kathie Gannon March 14, 2010
My record is well documented on bringing sense and sensitivity to environmental and development issues since elected to my first term in 2004. The Green Commission, an outgrowth of citizen input, is a volunteer commission created by me with the support of CEO Burrell Ellis. The commission advises and promotes sustainability initiatives in DeKalb County by ensuring that the county provides the resources necessary to improve the quality of life of our citizens and facilitate their stewardship of our resources.
The development code in question, (which impacts two practice fields and trails, a very small part of the Marist Plan), was enacted because the Board of Commissioners found that the preservation of existing trees in a floodplain is a worthy public purpose that protects all taxpayers. In addition, the Commission found that the county’s system of streams is a valuable natural resource that requires cooperative action by the county and development community to mitigate existing flooding problems and prevent their worsening. Protection of the floodplain is a public purpose essential to the health and safety of our citizens and as recent experience has shown is an issue of great concern now more then ever before.
There are a number of incorrect statements in the article that need to be corrected. I am now in my 6th year as a commissioner and was not serving during the 2000 vote attributed to me in the article. The facts also were not checked regarding Ms Zickert’s statement on jeopardizing no fewer then 41 Parks, nor the prior conditions and impact on floodplain of the Silverbacks and New Birth developments. I understand an attorney’s ploy toward emotional rhetoric but that does not make her statements true. Ms Zickert is well aware of this issue as she states in her article of 2001 Tree Preservation Ordinances: Sacrificing Private Timber Rights on the Diminutive Alter of Public Benefit; “DeKalb County’s ordinance also requires that all trees within the 100-year flood plain be left undisturbed.”
I admire the strong advocacy on the part of District 1 appointees, Bob Lundsten and Wendy Butler, but their statements are of the same vein aimed more to scare than present facts. This is a 1999 law. There are clear procedures and assessment criteria for our County Parks, the same as for this development. The county probably could not clear cut a forested section of floodplain for a ball field today and that is taken into account in our Parks Master Plan.
No one is mentioning the rights of tax paying homeowners subjected to increased flooding due to old development practices and lax enforcement of codes. No one is mentioning the use of tax dollars to buy out homeowners who have been flooded too often to renovate, such as the $6 million to buy out the 18 homes in the nearby Gainsborough neighborhood. Add to that the ongoing maintenance paid by the county and the loss of property tax revenue.
It is my assessment that most everyone is in support of the majority of the Marist Plan. The Plan does focus most of the redevelopment in already disturbed areas and that is as it should be. It is the responsible thing to do. I too should be expected to act responsibly, and I will. I believe we can achieve a good plan but inflammatory rhetoric and incorrect assertions will not help us reach that goal.
The development code in question, (which impacts two practice fields and trails, a very small part of the Marist Plan), was enacted because the Board of Commissioners found that the preservation of existing trees in a floodplain is a worthy public purpose that protects all taxpayers. In addition, the Commission found that the county’s system of streams is a valuable natural resource that requires cooperative action by the county and development community to mitigate existing flooding problems and prevent their worsening. Protection of the floodplain is a public purpose essential to the health and safety of our citizens and as recent experience has shown is an issue of great concern now more then ever before.
There are a number of incorrect statements in the article that need to be corrected. I am now in my 6th year as a commissioner and was not serving during the 2000 vote attributed to me in the article. The facts also were not checked regarding Ms Zickert’s statement on jeopardizing no fewer then 41 Parks, nor the prior conditions and impact on floodplain of the Silverbacks and New Birth developments. I understand an attorney’s ploy toward emotional rhetoric but that does not make her statements true. Ms Zickert is well aware of this issue as she states in her article of 2001 Tree Preservation Ordinances: Sacrificing Private Timber Rights on the Diminutive Alter of Public Benefit; “DeKalb County’s ordinance also requires that all trees within the 100-year flood plain be left undisturbed.”
I admire the strong advocacy on the part of District 1 appointees, Bob Lundsten and Wendy Butler, but their statements are of the same vein aimed more to scare than present facts. This is a 1999 law. There are clear procedures and assessment criteria for our County Parks, the same as for this development. The county probably could not clear cut a forested section of floodplain for a ball field today and that is taken into account in our Parks Master Plan.
No one is mentioning the rights of tax paying homeowners subjected to increased flooding due to old development practices and lax enforcement of codes. No one is mentioning the use of tax dollars to buy out homeowners who have been flooded too often to renovate, such as the $6 million to buy out the 18 homes in the nearby Gainsborough neighborhood. Add to that the ongoing maintenance paid by the county and the loss of property tax revenue.
It is my assessment that most everyone is in support of the majority of the Marist Plan. The Plan does focus most of the redevelopment in already disturbed areas and that is as it should be. It is the responsible thing to do. I too should be expected to act responsibly, and I will. I believe we can achieve a good plan but inflammatory rhetoric and incorrect assertions will not help us reach that goal.
February 2010 Important Updates
Important Dates - District 6 Update - February 2010
BUDGET
First, I have been working hard to achieve our legal mandate to present a balanced 2010 Budget by March 1. You already know the Revenue projections are bad and getting worse. The CEO proposed budget of $583 million includes a 1.86 mil property tax increase. Approximately $30 million more would need to be cut to avoid the tax increase. Most of us on the Board are trying to maximize our revenue and make strategic cuts in order to minimize the negative impact to residents and employees. As you know our budget grew over previous years in unsustainable ways, so undoing that trend is not an easy task. Even last year, the trend continued and I could not support what included a wish list without funding sources, that was presented to some of the commissioners and the public on the day of the vote. We have made some progress to avoid that and we are continuing to evaluate all areas of the budget to determine the best way to trim more. I am not categorically opposed to a small millage increase if absolutely necessary to maintain our public safety/justice services. However, there are still options for more cuts before I would consider this measure. I want to thank everyone I have heard from for the suggestions on ways to reduce the County budget. There are ONLY three Neighborhood Budget Meetings left, if you have not already attended one please try to and make your voice heard. All meetings start at 7:00 PM.
Thursday, February 11, 2010 at St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church
5365 Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Torah Day School
1985 LaVista Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329
Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Berean Church
22010 Young Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088
PDK
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed to change flight patterns at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which in turn will negatively affect the flight patterns at Peachtree DeKalb Airport. The proposal is to restructure the Class B airspace surrounding Hartsfield. This would include decreasing the lower elevation of Class B airspace to 5,000 feet over PDK. This change would affect Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville and all surrounding
neighborhoods.
There will be a public information / comment session on March 1st at 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm at the Chamblee Civic Center located at 3540 Broad Street Chamblee, GA. The FAA will be there to present the proposal to the public and solicit written comments from homeowners and business owners who will be affected by the change.
Also, the City of Chamblee City Council work Session on February 11th at 6:00pm will feature a presentation by PDK on the proposed changes. The meeting is at 3540 Broad Street Chamblee, GA 30341.
Please check my website for any change notices to the meeting date and location.
www.kathiegannon.com
MARTA
MARTA’s budget starts on July 1, 2010 and they want the community’s ideas on what routes and services should be cut, how much should they increase fares, and what are the best ways to help MARTA financially.
The next Public Forum meeting is on Saturday February 20, 2010 at 10:00am – 12:00pm and again at 3:00pm – 5:00pm. The meeting will be at MARTA Headquarters at 2424 Piedmont Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30234.
To review information gathered at the previous Public Forum on February 6th or to read more information please visit the MARTA website at www.itsmarta.com.
TAX EXEMPTION DEADLINE
The 2010 Property Tax exemption deadline is March 1, 2010. Remember if you purchased a home for your primary residence between last year and January 1, 2010 you may apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with the county by March 1, 2010. Also special exemptions are available for citizens 62 or older, disabled veteran or their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents.
You may apply in person at any Tax Commission Office or online at www.yourdekalb.com/taxcommissioner. If you have questions please contact 404-298-4000 with specific questions.
As always, please contact me with your thoughts and suggestions,
Kathie
Moreland Bouldercrest Cedar Grove Study
Flooding Support From Federal, State, County and Local Agencies
Red Cross – 404-870-4440
United Way and Salvation Army - 211
Governors Office of Consumer Affairs – 404-651-8600
The Office of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the price gouging policy is in effect, if you have concerns please call their office. They are also warning people of charity scams- please only donate to charities you know. If you have lost any paper work, like credit card or mortgage statements, please call the companies directly.
Greater Atlanta Home Builders – 678-775-1424
Please call if you have any concerns about contractors or builders price gouging.
Go to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders website www.atlantahomebuilders.com for referrals to Georgia licensed contractors. Be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s State of Georgia Contractors license not a Georgia Business license. Contactors from other states are already calling and getting temporary business licenses. Always get recommendations from neighbors, friends or the Homebuilders Association. Obtain 3 quotes and pay as the repairs are done, not upfront.
National Flood Insurance Program inquires – 678-808-8983
Moving forward it is advisable to contact the program to find out how to obtain flood insurance even if your home is not located in a flood plain.
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension – 404-298-4080
If you have questions related to wells, septic tanks, and mold after a flood.
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) – 678-406-7850
For general concerns regarding emergency management assistance, this number will be active until the Disaster Recovery Center has opened on Wednesday.
Roads and Drainage – 404-297-3840
Please call for concerns regarding street or yard flooding. You may also contact my office for a Request for Assistance form.
Watershed Management – 770-270-6243
Please call for concerns regarding sewers or water lines.
Sanitation - 404-294-2900
Please continue to follow all garbage collection procedures. Separate all garbage into 3 piles, regular home trash, trees and limbs, and home debris.
United Way and Salvation Army - 211
Governors Office of Consumer Affairs – 404-651-8600
The Office of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the price gouging policy is in effect, if you have concerns please call their office. They are also warning people of charity scams- please only donate to charities you know. If you have lost any paper work, like credit card or mortgage statements, please call the companies directly.
Greater Atlanta Home Builders – 678-775-1424
Please call if you have any concerns about contractors or builders price gouging.
Go to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders website www.atlantahomebuilders.com for referrals to Georgia licensed contractors. Be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s State of Georgia Contractors license not a Georgia Business license. Contactors from other states are already calling and getting temporary business licenses. Always get recommendations from neighbors, friends or the Homebuilders Association. Obtain 3 quotes and pay as the repairs are done, not upfront.
National Flood Insurance Program inquires – 678-808-8983
Moving forward it is advisable to contact the program to find out how to obtain flood insurance even if your home is not located in a flood plain.
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension – 404-298-4080
If you have questions related to wells, septic tanks, and mold after a flood.
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) – 678-406-7850
For general concerns regarding emergency management assistance, this number will be active until the Disaster Recovery Center has opened on Wednesday.
Roads and Drainage – 404-297-3840
Please call for concerns regarding street or yard flooding. You may also contact my office for a Request for Assistance form.
Watershed Management – 770-270-6243
Please call for concerns regarding sewers or water lines.
Sanitation - 404-294-2900
Please continue to follow all garbage collection procedures. Separate all garbage into 3 piles, regular home trash, trees and limbs, and home debris.
DeKalb County Board of Health Offers Health Services for Students of All Ages
The DeKalb County Board of Health encourages parents to get their children ready now for the new school year. DeKalb County, city of Decatur and city of Atlanta schools all begin Monday, Aug. 10.
Georgia law requires children enrolling in day care or school to have specific vaccinations and screenings. A child entering a day care center or private or public school in DeKalb County, the city of Decatur or the city of Atlanta for the first time must submit the following completed forms: Georgia immunization form 3231 and Georgia form 3300, which documents vision, hearing and dental screenings.
Students entering a public or private college or university should check on the institution’s immunization requirements. Most colleges and universities require specific immunizations. Immunization records should be brought to the health center or doctor.
Birth certificates of persons born in Georgia are available for $10 from the Board of Health’s Office of Vital Records, room 191, Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. A Georgia driver’s license or state identification card is required, and only a legal parent, grandparent or guardian can pick up a birth certificate. Payment for certificates can be made in cash or by using a debit/credit card. Checks are not accepted. For more information on birth certificates, call (404) 294-3783.
Vaccinations and screenings are available at the Board of Health’s five centers. The health centers are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. and no appointment is necessary. Fees are charged for services as follows: immunizations, cost varies by immunization; completion of form 3231, $5; vision screening, $10; hearing screening, $10; and dental screening, $5. Payment for health services may be made by cash, a debit/credit card or a check on a Georgia bank. Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids are accepted.
The Board of Health centers are:
Georgia law requires children enrolling in day care or school to have specific vaccinations and screenings. A child entering a day care center or private or public school in DeKalb County, the city of Decatur or the city of Atlanta for the first time must submit the following completed forms: Georgia immunization form 3231 and Georgia form 3300, which documents vision, hearing and dental screenings.
Students entering a public or private college or university should check on the institution’s immunization requirements. Most colleges and universities require specific immunizations. Immunization records should be brought to the health center or doctor.
Birth certificates of persons born in Georgia are available for $10 from the Board of Health’s Office of Vital Records, room 191, Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. A Georgia driver’s license or state identification card is required, and only a legal parent, grandparent or guardian can pick up a birth certificate. Payment for certificates can be made in cash or by using a debit/credit card. Checks are not accepted. For more information on birth certificates, call (404) 294-3783.
Vaccinations and screenings are available at the Board of Health’s five centers. The health centers are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. and no appointment is necessary. Fees are charged for services as follows: immunizations, cost varies by immunization; completion of form 3231, $5; vision screening, $10; hearing screening, $10; and dental screening, $5. Payment for health services may be made by cash, a debit/credit card or a check on a Georgia bank. Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids are accepted.
The Board of Health centers are:
- Central DeKalb (Vinson) Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur, (404) 294-3762.
- East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, (770) 484-2600.
- Kirkwood Health Center, 30 Warren St., SE, Atlanta, (404) 370-7360.
- North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd., Chamblee, (770) 454-1144.
- South DeKalb (Clifton Springs) Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, (404) 244-2200.
Swine Flu Fact Sheet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization have confirmed positive cases of Swine Flu in the United States. Thus far, the cases are considered mild and are treatable with antiviral medication. The DeKalb County Board of Health and CDC is monitoring the situation for possible cases in Georgia. The following Frequently Asked Questions were prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FACTS about SWINE FLU
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County California or Guadalupe County, Texas and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
For more information, log-on to www.cdc.gov or call 1 800 CDC-INFO (1 800 232-2636) or 1 888 232-6348 (TTY). The DeKalb County Board of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness can be reached at 404-294-3700 or www.dekalbhealth.net.
FACTS about SWINE FLU
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
- Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.
- Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County California or Guadalupe County, Texas and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
For more information, log-on to www.cdc.gov or call 1 800 CDC-INFO (1 800 232-2636) or 1 888 232-6348 (TTY). The DeKalb County Board of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness can be reached at 404-294-3700 or www.dekalbhealth.net.
KDB Partners with MARTA To Keep Bus Stops Clean
DECATUR- Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) and MARTA have teamed up to clean up bus stops around DeKalb County. The program is the first of its kind in DeKalb and will offer residents and community organizations the opportunity to Adopt -A- MARTA Bus Stop–keeping it free and clear of litter.
“This is a great opportunity for our residents to get involved right in their own community,” said Amber Greer-Weaver, Director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful. “Keep DeKalb Beautiful is very proud to have this partnership with MARTA and we know that this program will add to current initiatives we have in place to keep DeKalb litter free.”
Participants may sign up through KDB. A sign will be posted on each bus stop to recognize communities or groups that have dedicated their time to keep their adopted bus stop clean. KDB will sponsor supplies for volunteers to help maintain their MARTA bus stop(s), but volunteers must commit to organizing cleanup campaigns or beautification projects at least once a month or as needed. Bus stops have already been adopted by the Eastlake South Community and the Heimel Family.
For more information on how to Adopt-A-MARTA Bus Stop, please call 404-371-2654.
“This is a great opportunity for our residents to get involved right in their own community,” said Amber Greer-Weaver, Director of Keep DeKalb Beautiful. “Keep DeKalb Beautiful is very proud to have this partnership with MARTA and we know that this program will add to current initiatives we have in place to keep DeKalb litter free.”
Participants may sign up through KDB. A sign will be posted on each bus stop to recognize communities or groups that have dedicated their time to keep their adopted bus stop clean. KDB will sponsor supplies for volunteers to help maintain their MARTA bus stop(s), but volunteers must commit to organizing cleanup campaigns or beautification projects at least once a month or as needed. Bus stops have already been adopted by the Eastlake South Community and the Heimel Family.
For more information on how to Adopt-A-MARTA Bus Stop, please call 404-371-2654.