http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/2009news.aspx News and Press Releases from the State of Vermont Department of Health posted to HealthVermont.gov en-us Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 btruman@vdh.state.vt.us (Ben Truman) btruman@vdh.state.vt.us (Ben Truman) http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111909tobacco.aspx Use of the Vermont Quit Network, a service of the Vermont Department of Health, grew by 83 percent over the last year, with Vermonters increasingly using online tools to help them quit smoking cigarettes. Online registrations for the Vermont Quit Network's online support service more than tripled, creating a large demand for other free services that include quit tips, distraction tools and nicotine replacement therapy delivered directly to Vermonters' homes. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:41:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111909tobacco.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111709ems_vaccinators.aspx More than 700 of Vermont's licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics are now eligible to serve as vaccinators at public and school clinics across the state. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111709ems_vaccinators.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111609hai.aspx Governor Jim Douglas announced today that the Vermont Department of Health was awarded a two-year $860,000 grant by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) that will enable the state to strengthen its healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) prevention activities. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/111609hai.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/103009flu.aspx The Vermont Department of Health and the state's home health agencies and Visiting Nurse Associations are offering H1N1 flu vaccine. A total of 37 clinics are currently scheduled for locations around the state starting Nov. 3 and continuing into January. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:35:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/103009flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/102809flu.aspx Vermont Department of Health is reporting a significant increase in influenza illness around the state over the past week. Cases of 2009 H1N1 have been confirmed by the Health Department Laboratory in all areas of the state, and hospitals are reporting a sharp increase in the number of visits related to respiratory or viral illness. The first death in Vermont linked to 2009 H1N1 influenza was also reported this week in an adult with serious medical conditions. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/102809flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/102309flu_school_clinics.aspx The Vermont Department of Health has been notifying a number of schools today that H1N1 vaccine clinics that had been planned to take place next week will be postponed, due to the limited supply of vaccine in the state. Schools that are participating in the vaccination effort will be notifying parents about changes in clinic scheduling. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/102309flu_school_clinics.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0102109flu.aspx Vermont will report "widespread" flu activity to the CDC for the week ending October 17. Confirmed cases of H1N1 flu are in all regions of the state, and increased levels of flu-like illness are being reported in most regions. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:28:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/102109flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0101609flu.aspx The Vermont Department of Health was alerted Thursday that vaccine manufacturers are experiencing ongoing delays in the production of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:26:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/101609flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0101309fluforum.aspx Local flu forums will be held tonight in Middlebury and Newport, and in other parts of Vermont throughout the month, to provide local leaders and residents with an opportunity to learn about preparations now underway for the new flu - 2009 H1N1 influenza - along with the regular seasonal flu this fall. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:24:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/101309fluforum.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0100709flu.aspx The fifth and final regional flu forum, hosted by the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management, will be held on October 7, at the Barre Opera House. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:16:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/100709flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0100509fluvaccine.aspx The Vermont Department of Health has received reports from a number of health care providers and agencies around the state that they have run out of supplies of the regular, seasonal flu vaccine - as some manufacturers including the largest supplier, Sanofi Pasteur, have delayed shipments or reduced the number of doses they will ship. As a result, many public flu shot clinics have been postponed, and many patients and health care workers will get vaccinated later than first anticipated. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:03:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/100509fluvaccine.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0100509wic.aspx Vermont women who exclusively breastfeed their babies are eligible for the largest supplemental food benefit offered by the Department of Health WIC program. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:48:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/100509wic.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0100209flu.aspx The fifth and final regional flu forum, hosted by the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management, will be held on October 7, at the Barre Opera House. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:27:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/100209flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/0100209wic.aspx Vermont is the only state in the nation that continues to home deliver WIC (the Special program Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) food packages. Dan Maynard's service is one of eight small businesses that provide statewide home delivery. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:27:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/100209wic.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/093009wic.aspx Starting Oct. 1, more than half of all infants born in Vermont and their families will benefit from changes to foods provided through the Vermont Department of Health's WIC program. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:16:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/093009wic.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/092409flu.aspx The second "Know What to Do About the Flu" forum will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the Rutland Holiday Inn, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Emergency Management, the forums provide an opportunity for local leaders and residents to learn about preparations now underway for the new flu - 2009 H1N1 influenza - along with the regular seasonal flu this fall. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/092409flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/091609flu.aspx Influenza activity is increasing in the United States and the Vermont Department of Health is urging Vermonters to get vaccinated. Seasonal flu vaccine has started to arrive in Vermont and will be available soon at public clinics and health care provider sites statewide. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:04:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/091609flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/090909flu.aspx "Know What to Do About the Flu" forums will be held during September, Emergency Preparedness Month, and beyond to brief local leaders and residents about preparations now underway for the new flu - 2009 H1N1 influenza - along with the regular seasonal flu this fall. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:19:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/090909flu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/090309wnv.aspx The Vermont Agency of Agriculture notified the Health Department this week that West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes trapped in Westminster in Windham County. This is the first evidence of West Nile virus in Vermont this year. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/090309wnv.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/082109rabiesbaitdrop.aspx The 13th annual bait drop will begin on Aug. 28 with white, twin-engine aircraft flying over mapped grid lines at an altitude of 500 feet dropping small, ketchup-packet shaped, fishmeal-covered baits over rural areas in six Vermont counties Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/082109rabiesbaitdrop.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/081909rxabuse_oped.aspx Op/Ed by Deputy Commissioner for ADAP Barbara Cimaglio. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:43:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/081909rxabuse_oped.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/080709vtyankee.aspx Health Department's most recent report on public health surveillance of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:46:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/080709vtyankee.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/071709_blue-green_algae.aspx Elevated levels of toxins detected in a blue-green algae bloom on the eastern shores of the Missisquoi Bay has prompted the Health Department to advise boaters, swimmers and residents to take precautions. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/071709_blue-green_algae.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/063009tobacco.aspx New legislation will ban smoking in all Vermont workplaces. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:05:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/063009tobacco.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/062909ecoli.aspx Consumers are alerted to an E. coli related recall of beef products, including ground beef, by Hannaford supermarkets in Vermont. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/062909ecoli.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/062909hiv.aspx The Health Dept., a number of AIDS service organizations and the Fletcher Allen Health Care Comprehensive Care Clinic is promoting a new website - www.gettestedvermont.com - that reminds Vermonters who are at risk to consider getting tested for the HIV antibody. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/062909hiv.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060909swineflu.aspx Seventeen more cases of novel H1N1 flu have been laboratory-confirmed in the past several days, including students at several more elementary and high schools. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:20:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060909swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060409swineflu.aspx Six new cases of Novel H1N1 flu have been confirmed in Vermont. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060409swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060209swineflu.aspx A child at Allen Brook School in Williston was confirmed to have novel H1N1. The student was not hospitalized and has recovered. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:20:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060209swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060109swineflu.aspx Two more cases of novel H1N1 flu were confirmed by the Health Department Laboratory, one student at Rutland High School and one student at Springfield High School. Both students are recovering well at home and were not hospitalized. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:14:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/060109swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052909empire09_nr1.aspx The Department of Health and local, state and federal partners will take part in a three-day exercise to test emergency response to a simulated explosion of a "dirty bomb" in Albany, New York. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:06:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052909empire09_nr1.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052909swineflu.aspx Two cases of Novel H1N1 flu, one student at Rutland High School and one student at Mississquoi Valley Union Middle/High School. Both students are recovering well at home and were not hospitalized. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:20:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052909swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052709swineflu.aspx Vermont Department of Health confirmed Vermont's third case of Novel H1N1 (swine flu), this one in Chittenden County. Wed, 27 May 2009 13:20:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052709swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052109recreationalwater.aspx Department of Health wants to raise awareness about ways to prevent waterborne illnesses and injuries caused by swallowing water, breathing in vapors from chemically treated pools, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, spas, fountains, lakes, ponds and rivers. Thu, 21 May 2009 10:05:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052109recreationalwater.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052009swineflu.aspx Vermont Department of Health confirmed the state's second case of swine flu. Thu, 21 May 2009 09:45:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/052009swineflu.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/051809rawmilk.aspx Twenty-one people who may have consumed raw milk from a cow infected with rabies have been advised to discuss rabies vaccination with their doctor. Mon, 18 May 2009 09:08:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/051809rawmilk.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/051109fithealthy.aspx Franklin Central School to be recognized as Vermont's leading school for nutrition and physical activity programs. Mon, 11 May 2009 15:08:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/051109fithealthy.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050909swineflu_confirmed.aspx CDC test confirms first case of Novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) in Vermont. Sat, 09 May 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050909swineflu_confirmed.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050609swineflu_probable.aspx first probable case of influenza A (H1N1 or swine flu) in Vermont. Wed, 06 May 2009 15:30:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050609swineflu_probable.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050409swineflu_mediaadvisory3.aspx Media availability for questions regarding the Vermont Health Operations Center and an update on the Health Department response to worldwide outbreak of swine flu (influenza A H1N1). Mon, 04 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050409swineflu_mediaadvisory3.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050109swineflu_mediaadvisory2.aspx Media availability for questions regarding laboratory testing for influenza underway by the Vermont Department of Health. Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/050109swineflu_mediaadvisory2.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042909swineflu_1300.aspx The Vermont Department of Health laboratory continues to test samples from patients who have fever and respiratory illness and meet the criteria for influenza A (H1N1). Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042909swineflu_1300.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042709sprouts.aspx The Vermont Department of Health is advising Vermonters to avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042709sprouts.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042609swineflu_release1.aspx The Vermont Department of Health is alerting the state's health care providers, schools and partners and stepping up its public health surveillance efforts as part of the national response to an international outbreak of a novel strain of swine influenza in humans. Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042609swineflu_release1.aspx http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042609swineflu_mediaadvisory1.aspx Media availability for questions regarding surveillance for swine influenza in Vermont. Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EDT http://healthvermont.gov/news/2009/042609swineflu_mediaadvisory1.aspx