News

Learn more about measles

The Kentucky Department for Public Health is sharing information about a confirmed measles case in a Jessamine County resident. If you or someone in your family is not up to date on their measles vaccine, make plans now to receive the vaccine. Call our Public Health Clinic (859-288-2483) after 8 a.m. Monday to schedule an appointment, if needed. Learn more about measles at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.

The measles vaccine is part of the required vaccinations for school-aged children. You can learn more here: School Vaccinations.

State health officials announced a confirmed case of measles identified in a Jessamine County resident. The resident, who is unvaccinated, attended a large spiritual revival on Asbury University’s campus on Feb. 18. No further information about the individual will be released due to privacy concerns.

“Anyone who attended the revival on Feb. 18 may have been exposed to measles,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH). “Attendees who are unvaccinated are encouraged to quarantine for 21 days and to seek immunization with the measles vaccine, which is safe and effective.”

All reported cases of measles are thoroughly investigated in Kentucky. KDPH is actively collaborating with Asbury University, Jessamine County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Three cases of measles have now been confirmed in Kentucky over the last three months. The first case was reported in December 2022, in Christian County, and it was linked to the outbreak in Ohio. The second case was reported in January in Powell County and there were no known exposures or connections to the outbreak in Ohio. These two previous cases were thoroughly investigated and neither presented a public health threat.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is spread through the air. Early symptoms of measles are typical of many upper respiratory illnesses – fever, cough, conjunctivitis and runny nose – and proceed to the characteristic rash three to five days after symptoms begin.

“If you may have been exposed at Asbury University’s campus and develop any symptoms, whether previously vaccinated or unvaccinated, please isolate yourself from others and call your medical provider, urgent care, or emergency department to seek testing,” said Dr. Stack. “Please do not arrive at a health care facility without advance notice so that others will not be exposed.”

In the United States, the first dose of measles vaccine is routinely administered in combination with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) to children at age 12 months through 15 months. A second MMR dose is routinely administered at age 4 through 6 years. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus.

KDPH is working closely with local health departments in Kentucky to promote MMR vaccination in communities that have low vaccine uptake. Recent data released from CDC indicates that MMR vaccine coverage among Kentucky kindergarteners is among the lowest in the nation and much lower than the Health People 2030 target of 95%

Nominate someone for the 2023 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award

It is time to nominate people for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award. The award, now in its 20th year, is for individuals who have demonstrated their dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents.

Criteria for the selection of the award include:

  • Exemplary leadership and diligence in promoting public health;
  • Remarkable contributions and support in fostering public health programs; and
  • Work or actions that have impacted the community’s health in a positive way.

The Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health renamed the award in 2016 in honor of the late Dr. Rice C. Leach “so future generations will know what a true public health super hero is.” Leach, who served as Lexington’s Commissioner of Health for five years, died in April 2016 following a battle with cancer.

Past winners include Lexington Fire Department Battalion Chief Marc Bramlage and Dr. Sharon Walsh (2022), Pastor Richard Gaines and Consolidated Baptist Church (2021), Jon Parker (2020), Mark Johnson (2019), Dr. Svetla Slavova (2018), Kentucky State Sen. Reginald Thomas (2017), Dr. Leach (2016), Dr. Susan Pollack and Marian F. Guinn (2015), the Rev. Willis Polk and Baby Health Service (2014), Anita Courtney and Teens Against Tobacco Use (2013); Vickie Blevins-Booth and Jay McChord (2012); Jill Chenault-Wilson and Dr. Malkanthie McCormick (2011); Dr. Jay Perman (2010); the Lexington Lions Club (2009); Dr. David Stevens and the late Dr. Doane Fischer (2008); Dr. Ellen Hahn, Mary Alice Pratt and Therese Moseley (2007); Dr. Andrew Moore and Rosa Martin (2006); Jan Brucato and Dragana Zaimovic (2005); and Dr. John Michael Moore, Ellen Parks and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (2004). Dr. Robert Lam received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

If you know of someone to nominate for this award, please provide the following information:

  • Name, professional title and organization;
  • Phone number and e-mail address of nominee; and
  • Examples of why the person is worthy of the award. Descriptions should be no more than 200 words.
  • Your name and contact information.

How to Nominate Someone

Submit nominations here: https://www.lfchd.org/public-health-hero-award-nomination.

The deadline for submitting candidates is noon, Tuesday, March 7.

The Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health will make the final determination. The winner will receive special recognition from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. The awards are given each April as part of National Public Health Week.

Board selects new Commissioner of Health.

Lexington will soon have a new Commissioner of Health: Dr. Sheila Owens-Collins formally accepted the job on Jan. 10 after the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health approved her appointment at its regular meeting Jan. 9. Dr. Owens-Collins, who previously served as medical director of Health Equity-Innovations, Strategies and Outcomes Research at Johns Hopkins HealthCare, will begin the post on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

“I am excited to be part of a health department that is known for being leaders in public health,” Dr. Owens-Collins said. “It is an honor to have the Board of Health’s support in continuing the mission of helping Lexington be well.”

The Commissioner of Health position has been vacant since Dr. Joel McCullough’s resignation in July 2022, with Jessica Cobb serving as interim chief administrative officer.

“Dr. Owens-Collins will bring strong leadership as the next Commissioner of Health, which will benefit not only Lexington, but all of Kentucky,” said Dr. Rodney Jackson, chair of the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health. “We are excited about the next steps for public health in central Kentucky.”

Dr. Owens-Collins earned a medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s in Business Administration from Rice University and an Executive Business MBA from Rice.

For additional information on the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, follow us at Facebook.com/LFCHD, www.twitter.com/LFCHD or www.instagram.com/lexpublichealth.

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Take the Community Needs Survey to help shape Lexington’s future

What are the biggest health needs for Lexington?

Help shape this city’s future by letting us know the top issues for health and well-being for you and your family! If you live or work in Fayette County and are 18 years or older, please take our survey before Dec. 16: https://tiny.lfchd.org/CHA.

The online survey is currently available in English. Hard copies in English, Spanish, French and Swahili are available at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike, and all Lexington Public Library branches. Other languages can be provided by request; please contact Christy Nentwick at 859-288-2352 or LEX-CHIP@LFCHD.org for more information.

You can see our previous Community Health Assessment Plan at https://www.lfchd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CHA-CHIP-2017.pdf to help you learn more about how this information is put into practice!

You’ll be thankful for these Thanksgiving tips

The following food safety tips will allow you to prepare, serve and enjoy a safe holiday meal:

  • Wash hands – Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water following restroom use, before preparing foods, after handling raw meat and before eating.
  • Clean – Wash and sanitize food-contact surfaces often. To sanitize utensils, immerse for 30 seconds in clean, hot water at 170 degrees Fahrenheit, or immerse for at least one minute in a solution containing one teaspoon of 5.25 percent household bleach per gallon of water. Bacteria can spread and get onto cutting boards, knives and counter tops. Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing.
  • Thaw properly – Proper methods for thawing a turkey include thawing in a refrigerator with a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less (allow 3-4 days for thawing); placing under cool running water at a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or less; or thawing in microwave and cooking the turkey immediately.
  • Take temperatures – Cook turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked, hot foods should be kept at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check temperatures.
  • Keep it cold – Cold foods should be kept at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less. After the turkey is served, immediately slice and refrigerate on shallow platters. Use refrigerated turkey and stuffing within three to four days. Use gravy within one to two days. If freezing leftovers, use within two to six months for best quality.
  • Transport safely – Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
  • Reheat – Leftover turkey and stuffing should be stored separately in shallow dishes or platters. Rapidly reheat leftovers to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • When in doubt, throw it out – If you are unsure of how long a particular food item has been left out at room temperature, the best thing to do is discard the item.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday. For more information about food safety, please contact the Division of Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791.

Free flu shots available by same-day appointment in Public Health Clinic

Flu shots are available for free all season by same-day appointment Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at LFCHD’s Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic.

“An annual flu shot is the best way to fight the flu each fall and winter,” LFCHD spokesperson Kevin Hall said. “The flu shot remains important this year as we remain in the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help reduce the overall impact on respiratory illnesses on the population, which will lessen the burden on our healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.

2022 LFCHD Free Flu Shot Clinic scheduled for Oct. 13

Protect yourself, your family and your friends this fall and winter with a FREE flu shot! We’re giving up to 1,000 free flu shots 3-7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road. Walk-ins are accepted, and registration blocks can be made at www.lfchd.org/flushots2022. (En espanol: www.lfchd.org/gripe2022espanol).

Please stay home if you have currently tested positive for COVID-19, are under isolation or quarantine orders or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Masks are required for everyone ages 2 and older. The COVID-19 vaccine is not available at the one-day flu shot clinic.

“An annual flu shot is the best way to fight the flu each fall and winter,” LFCHD spokesperson Kevin Hall said. “The flu shot remains important this year as we remain in the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help reduce the overall impact on respiratory illnesses on the population, which will lessen the burden on our healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.

• Everyone ages 2 and older MUST wear a mask throughout the event.
• When you arrive, please be prepared to provide the name of each person registered to receive a flu shot.
• Do not wear long-sleeve or tight-fitting clothing/tops since the vaccine will be given in your upper arm.
• The COVID-19 vaccine will NOT be available at this special clinic. The COVID-19 vaccine is available by same-day appointment Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in our Public Health Clinic. Call 859-288-2483 to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine.
• The monkeypox vaccine will NOT be available at this special clinic. The monkeypox vaccine is available by same-day appointment Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in our Public Health Clinic. Register online at www.lfchd.org/monkeypox to schedule your monkeypox vaccine.

Don’t say ‘boo’ to these Halloween safety tips!

Halloween can be scary enough as is, so take steps to keep it from being even more frightening! Kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Make it easier for drivers to see your kids by giving your child a flashlight or glow stick, and attach reflective tags or wristbands to their costumes! Learn more from the CDC!

You can also use these suggestions for healthier snacks/treats for your visitors!

LFCHD to offer COVID-19 boosters at special clinics

It’s time to protect your family, your friends and yourself with the safe, effective COVID-19 bivalent booster! If you got your last primary or booster dose at least 2 months ago, you can get the new booster for protection against the original strain and the Omicron variant.

We’re hosting two special clinics for the bivalent boosters, with registration for both now open at www.LFCHD.org/vaccine:

  • Get the Pfizer booster for ages 12 years and older 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 22 at Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road.
  • Get the Moderna booster for ages 18 and older 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 29 at Consolidated Baptist Church.

Anyone without internet access or needing help can call 859-899-2222.

LFCHD offering vaccination clinics for monkeypox, COVID-19 boosters & the flu

Don’t miss your shot at a healthy fall and winter!

We have several upcoming special vaccination clinics for monkeypox, COVID-19 boosters and the flu, so mark your calendars today to get free vaccines for you and your family.

  • Monkeypox vaccine: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 15, Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Down Road. Online registration begins Sept. 9 at www.lfchd.org/monkeypox.
  • Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster (ages 12 years+): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 22, Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road (pending vaccine availability). Online registration opens soon at www.lfchd.org/vaccine.
  • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster (ages 18 years+): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 29, Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road (pending vaccine availability). Online registration opens soon at www.lfchd.org/vaccine.
  • Flu vaccine: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 13, Consolidated Baptist Church, 1625 Russell Cave Road. Online registration opens Sept. 29 at www.lfchd.org/flushots2022.

The newly approved COVID-19 boosters will be available at the special clinics Sept. 22 and Sept. 29, with appointments available in our Public Health Clinic starting Oct. 3. For people ages 12 years and older, the only authorized mRNA booster is the updated (bivalent) booster. People ages 12 years and older can no longer get the original (monovalent) mRNA booster. The Pfizer booster is for ages 12 and older, and the Moderna booster is for ages 18 and older.