 Friday, August 12, 2022
Public Health News & Alerts
Monkeypox cases in Louisville remain low, but keep yourself safe
 Late last week, the U.S. government declared monkeypox a public health emergency.
In Louisville the risk of monkeypox to the general public is low. There have been 8 cases. Three individuals are in active isolation. Five individuals have recovered.
The U.S. supply of monkeypox vaccine is extremely limited. The CDC provides vaccines to state health departments who then allocate the vaccines to city and county health departments. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has been allocated 100 doses to vaccinate documented close contacts of someone who has tested positive. As the vaccine supply increases, it will be made available to healthcare providers to offer to patients who meet the eligibility criteria. We have implored our state and federal officials to get more vaccines for our community.
There are several actions individuals can take to reduce their risk of exposure, including getting vaccinated.
If you are having symptoms or think you have been exposed:
- Please see your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care center to see if you should be tested and treated.
- Please isolate at home until you can be seen.
- Wear a face mask to your appointment and make sure any lesions are completely covered.
- When you arrive, please tell the provider that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
Have additional questions? Call the KY Monkeypox Hotline at (844) 520-6670.
Louisville COVID-19 cases remain at red-alert level
 Louisville COVID-19 case counts are holding steady at the red-alert level. Health experts recommend people living in high community-level counties to wear a mask indoors in public, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if experiencing symptoms. Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness
Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics for this week:
- Daily average incidence rate of 49.4 cases per 100,000 population
- Weekly incidence rate of 345.63 cases per 100,000 population
- 2,652 new cases reported over the previous week
- 16 newly reported deaths
- 14.9% new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 in the last seven days
- 4.9% staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
- 5.2% staffed ICU beds are in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19
- 47.7% 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.
Louisville provides breastfeeding education and support to families
During National Breastfeeding Month, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is reminding families of the benefits of breastfeeding and support available to help new mothers navigate challenges.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program at LMPHW offers breastfeeding classes virtually and in person. The classes are open to anyone and led by peer counselors who are moms who have breastfed their children. Click here for a list of upcoming free infant feeding classes.
Pregnant women as well as new moms who are enrolled in WIC also get one-to-one support from peer counselors. The WIC Program helps with breastfeeding, as well as providing access to infant formula.
To learn more about the WIC Program and how to qualify for a free electric breast pump, call 502-574-5978 or visit Louisville WIC at louisvilleky.gov. For breastfeeding support, you can call LMPHW 502-574-6511. You can also find additional resources in Jefferson County on our breastfeeding support page.
Want to open a business? Take steps to get a food service permit
Are you looking to obtain a food service permit in Louisville Metro for the following types of food operations?
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Soda fountains
- Bars/taverns
- Cocktail lounges
- Nightclubs
- Catering kitchens
- Cafeterias
- Tea rooms
- Grills
- Luncheonettes
- Food service at daycares, schools, hospitals, and senior living facilities
- Mobile Food Trucks
Whether you are purchasing an existing establishment, constructing a new facility, or planning to operate out of a currently permitted kitchen (catering, shared kitchen, etc.), you'll need to obtain your food service permit. Restaurants, retail establishments, mobile food trucks, and temporary food operations have different equipment requirements and different food safety fee schedules. To learn more please visit our Food Safety Program website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/welcome-food-safety-program
Before you can get your food permit, you'll need to submit all floor and construction plans to LMPHW via email at lmphw_planreviewfood@louisvilleky.gov . For more information regarding LMPHW’s plan review application, requirements and submittals, please visit the LMPHW Plan Review website at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/services/welcome-lmphw-plan-review
If you would like to gain more food safety knowledge and become a Certified Food Manager you can take the online LMPHW Food Safety Certified Food Manager’s course here: https://www.statefoodsafety.com/CustomPortal/Louisville#/ or attend in person here: https://www.mganda.com/JCSC/
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