Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime. If high blood lead levels are not detected early, children can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system.  more

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks the liver and can be spread to others. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. more

Prevent Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone and is still a common disease in the United States. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A. Vaccines can provide long-term prevention of Hepatitis A. more

Sleep Tight and Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Resurgence in bed bug populations throughout the United States may soon have people using the popular bedtime expression “sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite” and REALLY meaning it.. more

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available this fall. While flu is unpredictable, it’s likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season.. more

Keep Staph at Bay by Washing it Away

Staph is Staphylococcus aureus or a type of bacteria that can cause infections ranging from minor skin to more severe blood infections. You may have heard frightening things about MRSA from the news or from friends and family members, but MRSA is just another form of staph. Both typical staph and MRSA are usually minor skin infections treatable with antibiotics. more

Itchin’ to know about Chickenpox?

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases occur in children under age 15 but older children and adults can get it. It spreads very easily from one person to another.  more

Understanding Meningitis
and Its Prevention

Meningitis, also referred to as “spinal meningitis”, is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. more

This is the time of year when even sunny Florida can experience cold weather. Many homes are not equipped to handle colder temperatures and temporary heating methods can be deadly..  more

Shigella, Small amount, big Problem

Shigellosis (dysentery) is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most cases occur in children under 10, but it can occur in all age groups. Illness starts within 1-7 days after contact with the organism.  more

Salmonella is the name of a group of bacteria (germs). In the United States, Salmonella is the most frequent cause of foodborne illness, commonly called “food poisoning.” Salmonella is found in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit and vegetables. more

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes to Florida’s residents and visitors the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases as we move into the summer rainy season and peak mosquito activity months. more

 Are you planning a trip out of the country? What diseases commonly occur at your destination? What immunizations do you need before you go? How do you find out this important information and where do you go to get immunized? . more

Brucellosis and how to prevent it!

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by contact with animals carrying the Brucella bacteria. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria.  more

STOP and wash your hands!

Hand washing doesn’t take much time or effort, but it is the single most important step in preventing illness. The main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens, including bacteria or viruses and chemicals that can cause personal harm or disease.  more

Mercury Poisoning

 Mercury poisoning is the ill effect, primarily on the human nervous system, due to over-exposure of mercury. Survivors of acute poisoning or persons chronically exposed to inorganic mercury might develop neurologic, dermatologic, and renal manifestations that include tremor and neuropsychiatric disturbances such as memory loss, irritability or depression. more
 

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning What You Need to Know

This is the time of year when even sunny Florida can experience cold weather. Many homes are not equipped to handle colder temperatures and temporary heating methods can be deadly.  more

Picnic and barbeque season begins early here in South Florida and is enjoyed year-round by many. Here are some tips to help you practice safe food handling techniques when eating outdoors to protect yourself, your family, and friends from food borne illness.   more
 

What is recreational water illness? How can you
help prevent it?

Recreational water parks and interactive fountains have been found to be the source of various illnesses acquired from swallowing contaminated water.  more

Handwashing the key to Preventing the spread of Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Norovirus, previously known as Norwalk virus, is very contagious and can be transmitted person to person, as well as through contaminated water or food.  more

Who has the Flu Don’t let it be you!

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.   more

Rabies - How to protect yourself..

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals.  more
 

Sea Lice

March through August is “sea lice season” along the southeast Florida Atlantic coastline. Sea Bather’s Eruption, commonly known as “sea lice,” is caused by a larval (microscopic) form of the thimble jellyfish.  more

10 Simple Ways to Protect Children

1. When driving, buckle up – and buckle up children, too, all the time, every time, every person in the motor vehicle. Make sure the right size motor vehicle safety equipment is correctly installed. All children are safest in the rear of a motor vehicle, regardless of their age or size  more