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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health March 1 1994WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Special Meeting March 1, 1994 The meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. by Council Member Marlene Dawson in the Council Chambers, 1000 North Forest Street. Dawson announced the Council would be meeting as the Whatcom County Health Board. Also Present: Absent: Larry Harris None Ken Henderson Bob Imhof Ward Nelson Barbara Brenner Alvin Starkenburg HEALTH BOARD: 1. UPDATE ON VARIOUS ISSUES, INCLUDING THE MEASLES OUTBREAK (AB94 -126) Dr. Frank James spoke to the following issues: Measles. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) expected between ten and forty cases, but because of the County's fast response, the school's cooperation and, in the one instance, the child was surrounded by mostly immunized children, there were only two cases, one primary and one secondary. About one in one thousand children die from measles, which can be a very serious illness. This disease should be eradicated by the year 2000 in the U. S. with the new policies and two doses of the vaccine. The fiscal impact of the intervention was just shy of $10,000. This should be absorbed in the Health Department's base -line budget. E. Coli. This is a very common infection; however, one type can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome and death in children. Undercooked meat consumption is the primary means of spreading this infection, with people as the secondary means. This infection is highly contagious, and the public needs to be educated as to the proper handling of raw hamburger. The cost of the intervention is approximately $1,000, which will be absorbed into the base budget. Whatcom County Health Board Minutes, 3/1/94, Page 1 Meningococcal Meningitis. This is a very serious disease which can lead to death in just a few hours or less. There is now a case in the County in a one year old. As far as can be determined, there is no connection with those cases in British Columbia. However, a letter is being sent to all local physicians so they will be aware of the possibility of the spread of this disease. There is no way to estimate the budget implications until it does happen. In answer to a question from Larry Harris, Dr. James replied that, although it is difficult to work across the International Boundary, a fairly good working relationship has been established with Canadian medical authorities. Barbara Brenner inquired about immunizing everyone, to which Dr. James stated the cost would be prohibitive. Populations at risk need to be first identified. Marlene Dawson asked about becoming contagious, which can take place before the symptoms are manifested, which are very general and vague: fever, headache, stiff neck, which are all common of other illnesses. Type C is the more virulent organism. Type B is more sporadic and less communicable. Carrier rates are very high. Viral Meningitis is serious but death does not result. Immunization Policy. A recent study has shown that about 30 percent of two year olds have been vaccinated. This is a long way from where we need to be. An Immunization Advisory Board was established this last year involving pediatricians and those in health service and from schools. In addition, outreach work has been done with the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs for their help. The Health Department Advisory Board advises Dr. James and the public about health issues. These members serve for two years, and there are four vacancies coming up. Public Notification Policy. There is currently no written policy. In general, a public notice is created when individuals potentially affected cannot be individually contacted. In cases in which the Health Department feels it has contacted every potentially exposed individual and they have the information they need, the press is not notified. The State Health Department and the County Health Department work together, although there is sometimes disagreement. Whatcom County Health Board Minutes, 3/1/94, Page 2 2. SEWAGE PROBLEMS IN FERNDALE MOBILE VILLAGE (AB94 -125) The Sewage Lagoon. This is located at 2353 Mt. View Road, Ferndale. A history was given of this file. It was noted that the law states that when a sewage system is under the ground, the Health Department is responsible. However, when a sewage system is on the surface, the Department of Ecology (DOE) is responsible. The DOE has admitted this lagoon is a hazard but has consistently refused to enforce correction of the problem, in spite of the fact that there is documentation of a clear violation of the law (sewage overflow into the creek). The Health Department regularly contacts the DOE about this problem. State legislators have also been kept abreast of this issue because the DOE listens to them more than local citizens. Marlene Dawson moved to have the Council, as the Board of Health, draft a letter to the DOE. The motion carried unanimously. 3. PRESENTATION BY BRUCE MIYAHAFA, SECRETARY OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Health Care Reform (The Washington Health Services Act of 1993). This Act addresses the issue of public health, encompassing prevention and health protection. This is a unique Act and is a national model. The Public Health Improvement Plan is used as an accountability to the way health care reform progresses. Funding/Role and Importance of Local Boards of Health. 'Brand new" funding went into public health, half for categorical programs and half to local communities for their specific needs. Local health boards should not be responding only to state policy decisions; they will now be able to prioritize their own health issues and be accountable for their solution. In Whatcom County, the priorities are sexually transmitted diseases (STD), septic, water and tuberculosis (TB). Larry Harris will talk further with Dr. James and meet with the Advisory Board (as he is the liaison between the Council and the Advisory Board) and then discuss a date for the Council to meet again as the County Health Board. The meeting was then adjourned. Respectfully submitted, E i beth Bennett, Transcription Secretary Whatcom County Health Board Minutes, 3/1/94, Page 3 These minutes were approved by the Council on August 9 , 1994. ATTEST: Ramona Ree.es, Clerk of the Council WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON 0 0- ou it Member Whatcom County Health Board Minutes, 3/1/94, Page 4