July 23--Summer in Jackson County means hot weather, family get-togethers and the county fair.
Jackson County Health Department issued a reminder this week to residents of the importance of standing on guard against germs and bacteria.
That means people should wash their hands, especially when coming into contact with masses of people and the animals being exhibited at the fair and elsewhere.
"People should know that animals may carry germs that can make them sick, and they should never eat, drink or put things in their mouths in animal areas," Dr. Kenneth Bobb, Jackson County Health Department director, said.
"We don't want people to stop enjoying animal exhibits, like our wonderful county fair," he added. "However, it is important for people to remember that they can become infected with E.coli, salmonella or other bacteria if they come into contact with domestic or farm animals and then do not wash their hands thoroughly."
A recent possible case of E. coli infection is being investigated in Rush County and is suspected of being associated with exposure to animals, the health department said.
E. coli bacteria can produce a diarrheal (sometimes bloody) illness with stomach cramping and little or no fever.
People become ill usually within three to four days of exposure with a range of two to 10 days.
The illness usually lasts five to 10 days and may resolve on its own, although people who experience these symptoms are encouraged to contact their health care provider, Lin Montgomery, public health coordinator with the department, said.
Some people could develop a more serious condition that could cause kidney failure or even death. Young children, pregnant women and the elderly are at increased risk of these complications. Adequate fluid replacement is important to prevent dehydration.
State and local health officials recommend washing hands or using hand sanitizer as they leave animal areas. The Jackson County Health Department and county fair officials have partnered to make hand sanitizer stations plentiful and easily accessible, particularly in the barn areas.
"The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department is that people should always wash their hands thoroughly before eating or preparing foods, after going to the toilet, after handling or being around animals and after removing soiled clothes and shoes," Bobb added.
Wash your hands
Directions for thoroughly washing hands:
Wet hands with running water
Place soap in palms
Rub together to make a lather
Scrub hands vigorously for 20 seconds
Rinse soap off hands
Dry hands with disposable paper towels or air dryers, not on clothing, resulting in possible recontamination
Source: Jackson County Health Department
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