Kay Ivey declares State of Emergency due to widespread flu outbreak
The past month has seen an explosion of influenza (flu) cases across Alabama leading Gov. Kay Ivey to declare a State Public Health Emergency on Thursday. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Alabama is experiencing widespread flu activity, and hospitals are at or over normal patient capacity due in large part to the number of patients presenting with seasonal influenza-like symptoms. Emergency departments and outpatient clinics are also seeing very high volumes of patients.At this time, this is not a pandemic flu situation, but a major seasonal flu situation. According to the governor’s proclamation, healthcare facilities in the state are overwhelmed by the number of patients with the flu and are taxed to such an extent that care of patients may now no longer be provided in the traditional, normal, and customary manner nor is the utilization of traditional, normal, and customary standards of care possible. The emergency declaration allows those facilities to implement “alternative standards of care” plans. ADPH says alternative standards of care allow medical personnel to both streamline and simplify the support process to preserve lives. The proclamation also states the State of Emergency is to remain in effect until it is rescinded by the governor. Ivey’s declaration follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saying the 2018 flu season is expected to be one of the worst in recent years. Widespread cases have been reported in 46 states, including Alabama. According to the CDC, the flu has already resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, at least 13 of which were children, since it began in October. To avoid getting and spreading the flu, the ADPH urges the general public to follow “Do 10 – Fight the Flu” actions: Get vaccinated Wash your hands Cover your coughs and sneezes Stay home with fever Stockpile supplies Clean and disinfect Know your office emergency plan Learn home care Call your doctor if symptoms get worse Stay informed Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Fever or feeling feverish/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (tiredness) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults. If you are able to contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you can potentially be administered an antiviral drug which will reduce the severity of symptoms in addition to the length of the illness.
Alabama experiences significant flu activity this season
If you haven’t already gotten the flu shot yet, you may want to consider going out and getting one —according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) influenza is on the rise across the Yellowhammer State. While the flu season is just getting started in much of the country, activity is already elevated in Alabama with providers reporting 3.59 percent of outpatient visits due to influenza-like illness. Flu is a very contagious respiratory illness that usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms often include: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Extreme fatigue (tiredness) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. * Not everyone with flu will have a fever. “Providers reporting increased percentages of patients with influenza-like illness and influenza samples sent to public health provide an indication of the geographic spread of influenza in Alabama,” said Dr. Karen Landers, District Medical Officer. “This is concerning because influenza can be a serious disease for anyone, even children, pregnant women, and previously healthy young adults.” An annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older and is the best prevention against getting the flu. Physicians, pharmacists and county health departments can provide flu vaccinations for Alabamians. Request the “quadrivalent vaccine,” the one that protects against four influenza strains, because one of the strains in circulation in Alabama (Type B/Yamagata) is only included in the quadrivalent vaccine. In addition to taking the flu vaccine, other measures can reduce or prevent the spread of influenza. These include: staying at home when sick; covering the mouth and nose with a tissue/cloth when coughing or sneezing; and washing hands or using hand sanitizer frequently. “Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. It’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect against this serious disease. People become protected about two weeks after receiving the vaccine,” said Dr. Landers.
83k Alabama children may lose health insurance due to missed deadline by Congress
On September 30, federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired. Across the country, states are readying themselves for what happens when their current funds run out. In Alabama, funds for ALL Kids — the state’s CHIP that is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) — is poised to be depleted in February should Congress not reauthorize funding for the program. Meaning the 83,000 families who rely on the service will lose access to health care. “Our best estimates indicate that we will exhaust CHIP funds in February,” Cathy Caldwell, Director of the Bureau of Children’s Health Insurance at the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) told Alabama Today. More than 83,000 children in the state are covered by All Kids program. Meanwhile, another 75,000 are covered by an Alabama Medicaid component of CHIP. ALL Kids covers eligible children that live in Alabama whose households make up to 312 percent of the poverty line — up to $51,481 a year for a household of two, up to $64,732 for a household of three, and up to $77,982 for a household of four. Qualifying families pay premiums, which range from $52 to $104 per child per year, depending on income, along with co-pays Children must also: Be under age 19 Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant Not be covered by other insurance Not be a resident in an institution Not be covered by or eligible for Medicaid At the moment Alabama has no set plans when to warn families the program is ending. “We have not yet finalized a date,” added Caldwell. On Nov. 3, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize CHIP by a 242 to 174 vote, largely along party lines with Republicans overwhelming supporting the legislation and Democrats against it. The bill advanced to the U.S. Senate, which has yet to take up its own version that passed out of committee last month. It remains unclear if, and when, CHIP will be reauthorized.
Alabama Department of Public Health urges vaccination against HPV
The human papillomavirus – or HPV – is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. With more than 170 types of HPV, roughly a dozen strands are linked to cancer. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all sexually active people will contract one of the viruses during their lifetime. Which is why the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Immunization Division, wants to increase awareness about a cancer-prevention vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. “HPV is such a common virus, and nearly all men and women contract it at some point in their lives. The danger of HPV is the nine different types of strains of infection it causes, seven of which are cancer causing,” said Dr. Karen Landers, District Medical Officer. The HPV vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is recommended by the CDC for both males and females to protect young children from cancer. The vaccine is routinely given at 11 or 12 years of age, but it may be given beginning at age 9 years through age 26 years. Since its introduction in 2006, HPV vaccine has consistently demonstrated effectiveness by decreasing the number of infections and HPV precancers in young people. The vaccine underwent years of extensive safety testing before being licensed by the FDA. According to the National Cancer Institute, the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection when given before initial exposure to the virus. Video contest to increase awareness In an effort to increase awareness of the HPV vaccine and its benefits, ADPH is conducting a video contest in partnership with the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that will be open to teenagers who reside in Alabama, ages 15-19. Videos should focus on the occupations or activities they would like to have in the future without the threat of cancers caused by HPV. A panel of judges comprised of ADPH Immunization staff, Cancer Prevention staff, and the AAP will review the video submissions and select the winning video. Submissions are due by Dec. 15, 2017, and the winning video will be announced on Dec. 29, 2017. “Our goal is to educate both young children and parents about the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Landers. “This is a vaccine that can save lives and allow young Alabamians to have a healthier future.” The winner of the contest will receive a $250 gift card from Target, as well as be promoted on the ADPH website.
Alabama infant mortality rate increases in 2016, highest since 2008
Alabama’s infant mortality rate in 2016 was the highest it’s been since 2008 according to new figures from the Alabama Department of Public Health. State health officials announced on Friday that the infant mortality rate was 9.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016. In other words, nine of every 1,000 infants died in their first year of life. “Our infant mortality rate is troubling and disheartening and trending in the wrong direction,” said acting state health officer Dr. Scott Harris. “Challenges include ensuring mothers have access to healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy, reducing premature births, the opioid epidemic, and addressing persistent racial disparities.” For reasons not fully understood, disparities in infant mortality by race continue to persist in the Yellowhammer State. One major predictor of a woman’s likelihood of delivering a baby preterm is her race. The infant mortality rate for black infants was more than twice that of white infants. The 2016 black infant mortality rate was 15.1 per 1,000, a slight decrease from the 2015 infant mortality rate of 15.3. The top three leading causes of infant death are congenital malformation, premature births, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The state does have strategies they plan to implement to reduce those the infant mortality rate in the future, including: Increase the use of progesterone to women with a history of prior preterm birth. Reduce tobacco use among women of childbearing age. Encourage women to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and becoming pregnant again. Expand the Well Woman Preventive visit to provide pre-conception and interconception care. Continue safe sleep education efforts. Continue collaborative efforts to address the opioid epidemic. Expand the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review activities at the community level. According to the ADPH, the state additionally plans to establish a Maternal Mortality Review Committee to analyze the maternal deaths that occur within the state so as to improve maternal health outcomes.
New Alabama mothers encouraged to complete PRAMS survey
Why are some babies born healthy while others are not? That’s a question the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hoping to answer. In a joint research project — Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) — the ADPH and CDC are asking recent mothers from across the Yellowhammer State for information about things they experienced before, during, and shortly after pregnancy in an effort to improve the health of mothers and infants by reducing adverse outcomes. Alabama is currently one of 47 states participating in PRAMS. As part of the program, mothers with reported births from across the state are randomly selected to answer the PRAMS survey. “If you receive a survey booklet, please complete it,” Alabama PRAMS Data Manager Victoria Brady said. “The information collected is used in developing health care programs and policies, and the results help doctors and nurses improve health care while making better use of health resources.” The types of questions asked are as follows: Attitudes and feelings about the most recent pregnancy Content and source of prenatal care Mother’s alcohol and tobacco use Any physical abuse before and during pregnancy Infant health care Contraceptive use Health care coverage Mother’s socioeconomic situation Postpartum depression Knowledge of pregnancy-related health issues such as nutrition, the benefits of folic acid, infant safe sleep practices, oral health during pregnancy, and the risks of STDs and HIV Answers will be used for research purposes only and grouped with those of other women. Surveys take about 20 minutes to complete, are available in English and Spanish, and can be mailed back postage-free or completed over the telephone. Mothers may not want to answer a particular question, and that is okay. There is no penalty for not answering all questions. Mothers who complete a survey may choose from among three complimentary items— disposable diapers, an insulated cooler, or a manicure set—that are mailed to them in appreciation for their participation. “Every pregnancy is different, as is every birth,” Brady continued. “Your experience may have a profound effect in bringing about a successful pregnancy and delivery for another mom or even for yourself with a subsequent pregnancy. You can play an active role in improving the health and well-being of Alabama women and babies.”
ADPH parts ways with controversial new employee, terminated VA director James Talton
On Friday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed the controversial new hire of James Talton, the former Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) Director fired for negligence in 2014. Less than one week later, the ADPH confirmed Thursday they had parted ways with the former Director. “Effective today, Mr. James Talton is no longer employed with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The Department wishes him well in his future endeavors,” a brief statement sent to Alabama read. The decision came after a public outcry from Yellowhammer State veterans and one state lawmaker who didn’t approve of ADPH’s hiring decision. Enterprise-Republican state Rep. Barry Moore posted a letter on Facebook Thursday morning to State Health Officer Tom Miller expressing his frustration and disappointment in the decision to hire Talton, saying it showed a “severe lack of judgment.” Moore is chairman of the Alabama House of Representatives’ Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Last week, Miller had gone on record saying Talton was a “good fit” for the job. He had confirmed Talton’s role would oversee a group of units including finance, information technology, and vital statistics. Today, he said Talton had become a distraction. “It reached a point where it was interfering with us getting our work done,” said Miller. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, who worked extensively to remove Talton from the VA in 2014, quickly responded to the announcement from ADPH. “This is the right decision,” Roby said. “I worked with courageous whistleblowers to expose major wrongdoing at CAVHCS: Missing X-rays, the crack house incident, the manipulated wait times — go down the list. There was a clear record of neglect at CAVHCS, and I wouldn’t want anyone implicated in that scandal to hold a position of public trust.” Roby worked with whistleblowers and the press to bring to light egregious instances of neglect and misconduct at the CAVHCS in 2014, which ultimately led Talton to be the first VA senior manager in the nation fired as a result of the 2014 VA scandal. In 2014, Roby deemed Taltons’ firing from the VA “a necessary and important step toward instilling accountability at the VA and building trust within the veteran community.” Last week, Roby declined to comment publicly upon Talton’s ADPH hiring announcement as the issue involves a nonfederal state agency. “As a member of Congress, it isn’t my role to tell state officials how to do their job or who they should hire,” Roby explained. “However, the history at the Central Alabama VA speaks for itself, and I believe the state made the right decision. Our work to improve veterans’ services in Central Alabama continues. In fact, I’m optimistic we can get a new, stronger VA accountability bill to the President’s desk as soon as next week.” Watch Roby’s reaction to ADPH’s decision below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-1CFaMoM8M
Terminated VA director James Talton hired by Ala. Dept. of Public Health
In 2014, James Talton was the first employee terminated by the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) for neglect of duty following a law that that helped speed up the process of removing top VA executives for poor performance or misconduct. On Friday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed he’s hired by the department and named the new Public Health Administrative Officer. WFSA 12 News reports according to the Alabama State Personnel Department, Talton’s salary with ADPH is $86,390.40. Talton’s firing from the CAVHCS came amid numerous allegations of rampant abuse and mismanagement at a VA health care facility in Phoenix, Arizona. At the time, Alabama 2nd District Rep. Martha Roby said the Phoenix revelations, particularly the scheduling fraud, “sounded familiar” compared to the many complaints she received from veteran constituents. By June, it was reported that CAVHCS employees had engaged in particularly egregious scheduling manipulation. And, even with the artificially inflated numbers, CAVHCS had some of the longest wait times for veterans patients in the country. “Numerous instances of misconduct, negligence and cover-up within the Central Alabama VA led to our system becoming one of the nation’s worst,” Roby said in 2014. Ultimately Roby and her staff began digging deeper to find out what was really happening inside CAVHCS, which ultimately led to Talton being placed on administration leave in August while the administrative and clinical practices of CAVHCS were being investigated. In October, Talton was fired. Roby deemed it “a necessary and important step toward instilling accountability at the VA and building trust within the veteran community.”
Health department recommends Alabamians get a flu shot
Health officials are urging Alabama residents to get the flu shot as flu cases are on the rise. Across the country, flu season is beginning to peak and is widespread in a whopping 43 states, including the Yellowhammer State. With more than 14,000 cases reported nationwide each week, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is reminding Alabamians that influenza vaccine is the most important preventive measure against the flu. Flu symptoms include: 100.1 degree Fahrenheit or higher fever Cough and/or sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Headaches and/or body aches Chills Fatigue The ADPH said Thursday the state is experiencing a spike in influenza-like illnesses this winter, and that vaccines can lower the chances of catching the flu by more than 60 percent. Immunity usually follows roughly 7 to 10 days after immunization. “It is not too late to vaccinate for flu and reduce the risk of illness,” said Dr. Karen Landers of the ADPH. “In addition, it is important that people wash hands, cover coughs, and stay home when they have influenza-like illnesses.” On average each year, flu kills 36,000 and hospitalizes 200,000 in the U.S.
Alabama sends resources to Florida to assist with Hurricane Matthew response
As Florida readies herself for the impact of Category 4 Hurricane Matthew, Alabama is prepping to help. The Yellowhammer State is already sending personnel and resources to Florida to assist with hurricane response efforts. Gov. Robert Bentley made the announcement Thursday, saying the Yellowhammer State has received numerous requests for assistance from Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches and intensifies. Thus far assistance has been requested from the Alabama National Guard, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). “Our disaster response teams are always ready to act at a moment’s notice during emergency situations,” Bentley said. “I am proud of our men and women who are dedicating their time and expertise to help others during natural disasters. Alabama stands ready to assist Florida, or any other state that requests our support, as they respond to Hurricane Matthew.” AEMA will deploy an Emergency Operations Center Augmentation Team to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management at their Emergency Operation Center. Their primary role will be to support their Florida counterparts as they experience an overwhelming need to coordinate their state response efforts. “When Alabama is not impacted we always stand ready to support other states in need of assistance,” AEMA Director Art Faulkner said. “We always remember the assistance that has been provided to our state following catastrophic events and want to return the favor.” Florida also has requested aviation assets and air crews from the Alabama Army National Guard (ALARNG). ALARNG plans to send four UH-60 Blackhawk and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 33 air crew soldiers to assist with lift capabilities transporting personnel and supplies as needed. These soldiers will be activated under State Active Duty beginning Friday and arrive in Florida Saturday. ADPH will deploy two Medical Needs Shelter Teams and a Public Health Nurse Strike Team to assist with medical needs in the areas hit by the hurricane in Florida. They will set up medical care shelters and medical strike teams to provide for the impacted residents in the area. The teams are scheduled to arrive at the staging area in Tallahassee Saturday afternoon.
ADPH confirms 25 cases of Zika virus in 16 Alabama counties
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reports there have been a total of 25 confirmed, travel-related Zika virus cases across the Yellowhammer State as of 8 a.m. Aug. 15. Residents in 16 counties — Calhoun, Cullman, Etowah, Houston, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega and Tuscaloosa — have tested it positive for the virus. “We have been working with a variety of partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the medical community, to identify individuals who need to be tested for the Zika virus and with those who have tested positive,” State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller said in a press release. “Additional precautions are needed for pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Public health environmentalists have been helping communities reduce mosquito breeding grounds around their homes and communities.” ADPH shared several tips on how to best protect yourself from mosquitoes and Zika virus: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens Remove standing water Wear an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes and through sexual activity. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development. Doctors have also found other problems in pregnancies and among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth. Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. People infected with the Zika virus may have no symptoms, as it causes only mild symptoms in one out of five people. People usually do not get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Alabama health officials say pregnant women should not travel to Zika-affected areas. “If a pregnant woman must travel to one of these areas, she should discuss the trip with her healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during her travel.”
Robert Bentley approves emergency funding for Zika response
Gov. Robert Bentley has approved $250,000 in emergency funds to go toward fighting the Zika virus and mosquito control efforts in Alabama. Bentley authorized the funding Friday after receiving a request for mitigation assistance from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). “As we continue to see cases of Zika around the country, we want to make sure Alabama is prepared as possible to respond quickly, should the need arise,” Bentley said in a release. “The funds that I have authorized are available if Alabama needs to respond and if ADPH needs to move quickly with mosquito control efforts. We do not expect the need for these funds, but I am glad to ensure the state is prepared to respond immediately to the virus.” The ADPH continues to follow closely the current situation with the Zika virus and adjusts the state’s response plan accordingly. “We are very pleased that Gov. Bentley has approved the use of emergency funds to assist us with combatting Zika in Alabama, State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller said. “It is very likely that we will have local transmission of the Zika virus by mosquitos like Florida is now experiencing. These funds will assist us to respond aggressively to protect our citizens. This is especially important for pregnant women and their unborn babies, since Zika can cause severe birth defects.” Public health environmentalists have been working with communities across the state to reduce mosquito breeding. They also conduct courtesy yard inspections for people in the vicinity of those who have tested positive for Zika. To date, there are 15 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in five Alabama counties.
