 Friday, June 10, 2022
Public Health News & Alerts
Two cases of mysterious childhood hepatitis reported in Louisville
 The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness has received reports of two pediatric patients who are under investigation for acute hepatitis of unknown cause in Jefferson County. At this time, no confirmed cases have been reported in the Louisville Metro area.
The CDC is working with health departments across the United States to identify children with hepatitis of unknown cause. The cause of this illness is not known, however; investigators are looking into a possible relationship to adenovirus type 41 infection.
Dr. Jeff Howard, the interim health department director, medical director and chief health strategist for Louisville, said advises parents to "look out for symptoms including fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). If your child displays the listed symptoms reach out to their health care provider."
Dr. Howard added: "To help prevent your child from becoming sick make sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations, wash their hands often with soap and water, avoid people who are sick and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. If your child is sick keep them away from others, teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes and seek medical attention if you are concerned about their health. To learn more about the ongoing investigation of hepatitis of unknown cause visit the CDC’s website.”
Residents are invited to March for Our Lives on Saturday
Residents are invited to join in a March for Our Lives rally and march against gun violence at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St.
Event participants include JCPS Justice Now students, WE Day Kentucky, The ACE Project, Moms Demand Action-Kentucky chapter, Mothers of Murdered Sons & Daughters (MOMS), among others. Many of them, along with Louisville Metro Government agencies, will have booths set up outside Metro Hall where participants can get information on ways to get involved in the work to end gun violence and resources for those affected by it.
Find more information about the Louisville event, and an opportunity to RSVP, on the March for our Lives Louisville Facebook page.
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 Graphic: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Many people want to know, when will the pandemic just end-emic already? We can draw some lessons from the "great influenza" of 1918. In other words, everyone has a role to play: get vaccinated and boosted.
Louisville is still in the yellow COVID-19 community level category
 Louisville is holding steady in the “medium” or “yellow” COVID-19 community level category. The CDC recommends residents in counties in the “medium” risk category to do the following:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get tested if you are showing symptoms.
- Talk to your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions if you are at high risk for severe illness.
The CDC is also recommending that travelers wear a well-fitting mask in public transportation areas.
Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics for this week:
- Daily incidence rate of 42.5 cases per 100,000 population
- Weekly incidence rate of 268.19 cases per 100,000 population
- 2,283 new cases reported over the previous week
- 12 newly reported deaths
Vaccines:
- 76.4% of Louisville residents have received at least one dose of vaccine
- 66.2% have completed the vaccine series
- 46.6% have received a booster dose
Have you tested positive for COVID, but aren't sure what to do? Need help finding a COVID test or vaccination location? Call the LOU Health COVID-19 Helpline, 502-912-8598, available Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Language translation services are available.
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