Public Health News & Alerts

Friday, August 19, 2022 

Public Health News & Alerts

Public Health and Wellness inspecting food vendors, 
providing support for families at Kentucky State Fair  

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is back at the Kentucky State Fair this year to inspect food vendors to ensure safety for attendees, and to staff a quiet, clean area for families to safely feed their babies and care for their needs. Food safety   During the Kentucky State Fair’s 11-day run, LMPHW will conduct more than 1,500 inspections of food vendors. Before the fair's gates open every year, vendors are required to obtain both local and state temporary food service permits and complete a food safety training class.   Before buying food, fairgoers should also consider:   If the booth or concession stand is clean  If employees are washing their hands in the handwashing sink  If employees are wearing gloves or using tongs when handling food  If there is a refrigerator on site for raw ingredients and pre-cooked foods  If the concession has a recent inspection, permit and food service training certificate posted.

Support for families - Rock N Relax  For the 31st year, LMPHW is teaming up with Baptist Health to sponsor the Rock N Relax area at the fair. Rock N Relax is a quiet, comfortable place where moms can breastfeed, or pump and families can change diapers. It has rocking chairs, changing tables, free wipes and diapers in several sizes.  The Rock N Relax area can be found in section B100 in the lobby area of the South Wing at the fairgrounds.

Bats test positive for rabies in Jefferson County

Since July of last year, three bats have tested positive for rabies in the Jeffersontown area. Most recently, an infected bat was discovered at a residence located in the 40299 ZIP code. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is asking the community to take precautions if they encounter a bat.

Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is most found in wild animals including bats, skunks, racoons and foxes. Bats are the leading cause of rabies in the U.S.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. Without appropriate medical care, it can cause disease in the brain which can result in death. Treatment for rabies consists of a dose of human rabies immune globulin and the rabies vaccine. Treatment is recommended for both bite and non-bite exposures. Once rabies symptoms begin there is no treatment, in which case the disease is fatal.

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife and seeking medical care immediately for potential exposure. If you encounter a bat in your home:

• If possible, close the door to isolate the bat in the room.
• Contact your doctor and LMPHW at 502-574-6650 right away. The health department will arrange for the bat to be collected and tested for rabies.

Louisville COVID-19 cases continue to hold steady at red-alert level

Louisville COVID-19 case counts remain at the red-alert level. If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your doctor about taking additional precautions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released updated guidance, including isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19.   

Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics for this week:

• Daily average incidence rate of 44.7 cases per 100,000 population
• Weekly incidence rate of 327.51 cases per 100,000 population
• 2,402 new cases reported over the previous week
• 19 newly reported deaths
• 11.5% new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 in the last seven days
• 4.6% staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
• 4% staffed ICU beds are in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
• 47.8% of those fully vaccinated have received a booster dose

Need help finding a COVID test or vaccination location? Have you tested positive for COVID, but aren't sure what to do? 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.