Welcome to The EPI Update!
 
The EPI Update is a quarterly newsletter provided by the disease containment staff of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE). This newsletter will arm health care providers and public health professionals with information about infectious disease trends in Johnson County, Kan. and JCDHE's services. If you have a story idea for a future issue, send an email to jcdhe@jocogov.org. We encourage you to forward this newsletter to your colleagues! 
Flu Shots Now Available

Flu shots for the 2017-2018 influenza season are now available for adults and children (over 6 months) at our walk-in clinics in Olathe (11875 S. Sunset Dr.) and Mission (6000 Lamar Ave.). The cost is $30 for a seasonal flu shot and $50 for the high dose flu shot for those age 65 and older. No appointment is needed. Click here for clinic hours and locations.

We accept private insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Cigna, Coventry, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare Part B. We do not take insurance from Coventry Advantra or Humana Gold Plus. We are a KanCare provider for all managed care organizations such as Amerigroup, Sunflower and United Community. Cash, check or credit card payment is also accepted for those without insurance or who carry other insurance plans.

Clients can save time in line by  completing this form before they arrive. They can also check-in online using the QLess mobile app or click on the "Get in Line Now" button on our  website. For more information, call 913-826-1261.

Online disease reporting available to providers 
 
Reporting a disease to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is easy with our online disease reporting form. A list of reportable diseases in the state of Kansas is listed here.

Providers can call in disease reports to 913-826-1303 or fax them to 913-826-1300, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After regular business hours, call the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 1-877-427-7317.
Rabies prophylaxis not always necessary

This summer, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has seen an increase in the number of animals being tested for rabies, all of which have been negative for the virus. In these situations, prophylaxis is unnecessary.  

Rabies is rare in Johnson County, Kan.; since 2012, only four animals have tested positive. Johnson County investigators are available to discuss the circumstances surrounding a possible exposure to ensure that treatment is provided only when warranted. Rabies prophylaxis is a medical urgency, not a medical emergency - it can be postponed until test results are available, without risk to the patient.
 
When a patient arrives at the emergency room following a potential exposure, we suggest providers wait to start prophylaxis until rabies test results are confirmed (test results are available within 1-2 days of submitting a specimen). However, the final decision about the need for prophylaxis rests with the patient and the provider. If prophylaxis is necessary, refer patients to a hospital emergency room. JCDHE does not carry the rabies vaccine in its clinics.    

If the animal is unavailable for testing, please call JCDHE at 913-826-1303 for evaluation of the exposure.
Exhibitors, sponsors needed for 2018 infectious disease conference

Plans are underway for the 2018 Kansas Infectious Disease Symposium to be held May 10-11, 2018 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City/Olathe Hotel & Conference Center. 

This 2017 event drew nearly 200 public health leaders, first responders, law enforcement and health care providers from around the region to learn how infectious diseases are contained and managed in the state of Kansas.  

The 2018 symposium promises to offer more on this topic as well as surveillance training by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. If you're interested  in exhibiting or being a sponsor at next year's conference, contact Tiffany Wallin at 913-826-1252 or send an email to Tiffany.Wallin@jocogov.org.

Registration for this event will begin in early 2018. 
Johnson County Disease and Surveillance Reports
 
The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment produces a monthly disease report listing cases (confirmed, suspect, probable and not a case) that are investigated by our staff. Starting this fall through spring 2018, we will post weekly influenza surveillance reports.

Information and reports about the mosquito surveillance conducted by Johnson County in 2017 and 2016 are also posted on our website. 
News from the CDC

Multistate Outbreak of Human Camplyobacter Infections Linked to Pet Store Puppies

A Potential Safety Signal Associated with Flu Vaccination of Pregnant Women

CDC Releases New Data on the Connection between Health and Academics

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Imported Maradol Papayas

Rifampin/Penicillin-Resistant Strain of RB51 Burcella Contracted from Consumption of Raw Milk

September is National Preparedness Month
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment |  jcdhe@jocogov.org
REPORT A DISEASE:  (913) 826-1303; Fax: (913) 826-1300
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