Learn More About Thurston County Syringe Services

The Syringe Services Program provides many community benefits:

• Minimize disease transmission
• Provide harm reduction services
• Provide case management and linkage to treatment
• Provide referral to services and supports
• Provide resources for opioid overdose response and naloxone administration

In fact, the bottom line for this program is that it means more people are alive and in recovery. 

Learn more here:
http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/11/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-thurston-county-syringe-services-program/

Getting Rid of Unwanted or Expired Medicine

Many of us have unneeded, unwanted and expired medications in our bathrooms, cupboards, and nightstands. We know that there is something that we are supposed to do with it…it can’t go into the trash and certainly shouldn’t go down the drain or into the toilet, so what are our options?

There are 7 locations in Thurston County to take unwanted medications for FREE DISPOSAL! Keep medicines out of the landfill and protect our drinking water by disposing of unwanted medications at one of these locations:

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office

2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Bldg. 3, Olympia

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Lacey Police Department

420 College St. SE, Lacey

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Rainier City Hall

102 Rochester St. W, Rainier

Open Mon-Thurs, 8am-5pm

Tenino Police Department

358 McClellan St. SE, Tenino

Open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm

Tumwater Police Department

555 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater

Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Yelm Police Department

206 McKenzie Ave. SE, Yelm

Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Olympia Walgreens

1510 Cooper Point Rd. SW, Olympia

Open 7am - 9pm

Drop boxes accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, pet medicine, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers and liquid medicines in a leak-proof container. NO used needles, gloves, vitamins, supplements or business waste accepted.

Contact us at 360-866-2674 or johnsoj@co.thurston.wa.us with any questions or for more information.

Healthy Holidays: Holiday lighting safety tips

Does your family break out holiday lights and decorations after the turkey and pumpkin pie have been gobbled up? Many people begin putting up their holiday lights and decorations starting Thanksgiving Day through December. Putting up holiday lights is a tradition for many people and it can create a festive atmosphere. We encourage you to understand the health and safety risks of decorating your home with holiday lights before hanging them in and outside your home.

1.        Is there lead hiding in your lights? Believe it or not, most holiday lights in the United States contain lead. One study found that four ordinary brands of holiday lights have high enough lead levels to harm children. Lead is found in PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is used to insulate the holiday lights to prevent water exposure. Over time, the PVC breaks down from sunlight exposure and heat, releasing lead as a form of dust. If you choose to hang holiday lights, hang them at a high enough level so children will not be tempted to play with them. Wear gloves when you put up the lights and wash your hands after you’re done decorating. If you hang holiday lights inside, damp dust frequently to reduce lead exposure in your home.

2.        Replace damaged bulbs and outdated lights. If you have any damaged bulbs on your holiday lights, replace them if possible. Broken bulbs can be a safety hazard for children and pets. You will also save energy by replacing damaged bulbs. Unplug your lights before you replace damaged bulbs. If your lights are beyond repair, purchase LED holiday lights. They are made with epoxy lenses which are much more durable than glass bulbs and are the more energy efficient option.  

3.       Hang lights carefully and conscientiously. Avoid piercing holiday lights with nails or staples because that damages the cords and can create a potential hazard. Try wrapping holiday lights around hooks or nails, or purchase plastic clips to hang the lights up. Avoid wrapping lights around hot electric sources such as home theaters, stereos and water heaters. Keep holiday lights away from heat vents and electric heaters. The additional heat may damage and even melt your holiday lights. Keep indoor holiday lights away from drapes, furniture or carpeting. Place cords in low-traffic areas where they won’t be a tripping hazard or be worn out due to being stepped on. 

4.       Use extension cord(s) safely. Do not overload an extension cord. Find out the wattage rating of your extension cord and holiday lights before plugging the two together.  

5.       Hang only weather resistant lights outside. If you are hanging holiday lights outside, make sure they are rated for outdoor use or are marked waterproof. Do not use indoor holiday lights outside, that can be an easy way to blow fuses or start a fire.

6.       Use ladders safely. If you plan on using a ladder to hang your holiday lights outside, there are several ladder safety measures you can take. Pay attention to the weather forecast; pick a dry day with calm winds. Choose a ladder size that is appropriate for the job and inspect it before using it. While you are up on your ladder, make careful moves as sudden movements may cause you to lose balance, and have a second person available to spot you.  

7.       Turn off your lights. Before you go to bed or leave your house, turn off your holiday lights. You will save electricity by turning your lights off and reduce the risk of a fire.

The risks of injury and fire are reduced when you practice safe handling of holiday lights. Take the time to celebrate the holidays safely to have the best holiday season yet!

Seven Keys to a Healthy Home

By Sonya Rombough, Healthy Homes AmeriCorps Member

I am the first to shout that autumn is my favorite season. I love how the weather changes, the vibrancy of the leaves and the crispness of cool air. I like to brew up a hot beverage and settle in to watch the wind and rain come through. I find that I am a prime example of the average American who, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, spends about 87% of their time indoors, especially in the fall and winter. But while home is cozy and familiar, it can also present a whole host of challenges to our immune systems and well-being.

Here in the Pacific Northwest problems with excessive moisture and mold are very common, and while these issues are of significant concern, there are other potential dangers lurking in your home. Homes built prior to 1978 may contain lead and asbestos, and a quick peek under your sink might just reveal a whole slew of hazardous chemicals. The good news is, with a few small adjustments to your cleaning routine you make your home a healthier haven.

There are seven basic ways, also known as the “Seven Keys to a Healthy Home” to improve the health of your home for you and your family.

• Keep it clean!  Keeping your home clean and clutter-free will help prevent pests by eliminating access to food, water and hiding places. It may also help with your family’s stress levels and comfort. Check out this post on green cleaning alternatives!

• Keep it contaminant free! There are many products that seem safe, but can cause harm to your family including fertilizers, harsh chemical cleaning products and scented aerosols. If possible stick to green cleaners, and when they aren’t an option, always select the product with the lowest risk, avoid anything that says “Danger” or “Poison” as these are the highest hazard words.

• Keep it ventilated! Always use fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure these fans are vented all the way outside. Use your fans while cooking and bathing and run them for 30-45 minutes afterwards. Additionally, it can be beneficial to make a habit of using fans and opening windows when using cleaning products or other chemicals. Opening windows daily can help exchange air and allow moisture to escape, even on stormy days.

• Keep it dry! Mold cannot grow without moisture so it’s important to clean up all spills immediately. It’s a good idea to check under sinks and around plumbing regularly to ensure nothing is leaking. If you find a leak, repair it quickly and dry out the affected area within 24-48 hours. Help the area to dry by leaving the cupboard open, cleaning up any standing water and running a fan in the affected area to create airflow.

• Keep it maintained! Not only does this refer to pipes and plumbing, but to all the features of your home. Combustion appliances, such as natural gas water heaters or propane furnaces, need to be maintained by professionals regularly to ensure that no carbon monoxide back drafts into the home. Similarly, septic systems need routine checks and maintenance to prevent back-flowing and contamination of the groundwater. Even small things like peeling paint, which may contain lead, can represent a danger in your home and loose floors can be a trip hazard. Keep a checklist of all things in your home you need to keep an eye on and make repairs as soon as possible.

• Keep it safe! Keep your family safe by storing chemicals out of reach, putting child locks on upper level windows, and installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors and outside of every sleeping area in your home. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.

• Keep it pest free! Prevent pests by keeping your home free of clutter, keeping pet food off of the floor and in airtight containers, and filling any cracks, holes or gaps in the exterior walls. If you do end up with a pest problem avoid bringing poison into your home at all costs and implement a strategy of integrated pest management including these preventative measures. 

Our Healthy Homes Program offers free, confidential Healthy Homes Visit to residents in Thurston County. Visits occur in the comfort of your home with expert volunteers who can teach you about the hazards in your home and how to address them. Call (360)867-2674 to schedule a free and confidential healthy homes visit today! 

Bats - Friend or Foe?

After moving to a new home in rural Thurston County, I noticed several bats roosting above my porch! At first, I was alarmed. Should I call a pest management company? What should I do if a bat enters my home? Aren’t bats dangerous? However, after researching bats, I have learned that they are incredibly beneficial to humans and the advantages of having them around outweigh any problems that you might have with them. Learn more about bats and how you can coexist with such unique creatures by following the tips below.

 Bats: Insect eating machines

            Bats are incredibly valuable animals. They keep your neighborhood ecosystem in balance by feeding on flying insects, like mosquitoes! In fact, a female brown bat can consume her body weight in insects each night during the summer. How do bats locate flying insects so quickly? They use echolocation, which is the process of bats producing high-pitched sound waves that bounce back to the bat when the sound waves reach a flying insect. Bats will then capture insects by scooping them into their tail or wing, and then put the insect into their mouth. You can thank bats for keeping flying insect populations in check.

Keeping your loved ones safe

            While bats keep insects at bay, some bats in the wild carry rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Mammals (that includes you, your pet, livestock and wild animals) can be infected by rabies if bitten by a rabid bat, which can spread to others through the transmission of saliva. The most common way the rabies virus is transmitted is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host.   Human rabies is rare in the United States. Since 1990, the number of reported cases in the US has been one to seven annually. In the past twenty years, there have only been two reported human deaths from rabies in the state of Washington and they were both infected by bats. However, less than 1% of bats in the wild have rabies.

To minimize the risk of rabies exposure, do not handle any wild animals. If a wild animal does bite you, clean the site of the bite with soap and water. Contact your health care provider and Thurston County Public Health (or your local health department if you live outside of the county) to determine the potential for rabies exposure, the need for treatment and to decide whether or not to test the animal for rabies. You can reduce the risk of rabies exposure for children and pets too. Teach your children to never touch or handle wild animals, including dead animals. You can protect your pets by having them routinely vaccinated, which is now required in the state of Washington.

Follow these steps if you ever find a bat inside your home:

• Do not touch the bat.
• If children or pets are in the same room as the bat, move them into a different room away from the bat.
• Close the doors and windows and wait for the bat to land on the floor or a wall. 
• Be sure to wear leather or thick gloves and capture the bat in a box without touching it. 
• Seal the box or container and call Thurston County Public Health (or your local health department) to determine if any people or pets have been exposed and arrange to test the bat for rabies, if needed.

Bat-proof your home

There are many common entry points used by bats to enter a home. The safest way to reduce exposure to bats is to exclude them from your home. If you have an older home, there may be more points of entry for a bat to enter. There are several methods of safely excluding bats, but if there are large numbers of bats roosting in an attic or another area, it is safer for you to hire a professional to do the work. Never trap flightless bats inside a structure. It is cruel to trap the bats inside and can create a serious odor problem.                                            

Bats need our help

Bat populations across North America are in danger. White-nose syndrome, a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus, has killed over six million bats since 2006. This disease was contained to eastern North America for several years, but the first case of white-nose syndrome was confirmed in North Bend, Washington in March 2016. While humans cannot catch white-nose syndrome, it is deadly to bats that catch it. There are several ways we can help reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome so our local bat populations do not suffer. 

By educating yourself on bats and keeping children and pets away from bats, along with bat-proofing your home, bats and humans can coexist. If you would like to learn more about reducing human exposure to bats, bat-proofing your home and white-nose syndrome, please read the resources below.

Reduce your exposure to rabies: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Rabies

Living with wildlife - bats: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/bats.html

White-nose syndrome: http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/

Sun Safety Tips

Healthy Holiday Cleaning

The holidays can mean having a lot of people over to the house which means a lot of cleaning. But instead of reaching for the bleach or drain cleaner, take the time to read the labels and follow the directions. Many of the cleaning products available in stores today are hazardous. You can tell by reading the signal word and precautionary statements. The signal words are: Warning, Caution, or Danger on the label.

Sure, we see these words on labels all the time, but what do those labels actually mean?

According to the the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) household hazardous products must be labeled accordingly. It was decided that there should be three levels of labeling.

Warning or Caution:

These labels indicate that a product may be “moderately toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable”.

Danger:

This is the second ‘level’ of toxicity and means that a product is highly toxic, flammable, or corrosive. It can cause injury to you through ingestion or skin exposure.

Poison:

This is the highest level of toxicity that can be listed and means that the product can cause injury or even death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Choosing safer products

The best way to reduce hazardous exposures to you and your family is to use green cleaning methods or by choosing the least hazardous product available when shopping. There are many cleaning products available with hazards low enough to not require one of the signal words. There are also several recipes to create your own green cleaners that are easy and mainly use common household products such as baking soda and vinegar. If you must use a hazardous product, make sure you read the label, use the safety precautions described, and follow the directions. Simply using the product as directed with the best possible safety precautions can reduce exposures.

So the next time your drain is clogged or there’s a stain on your bathroom wall reach for a safer alternative. And you won’t have to worry about toxic exposures for you, your household, your guests and pets.

You can find more tips on how to reduce your family’s exposure to toxins through our Healthy Home Companion.

                        

12 Steps for Reducing Allergens at Home

Microscopic dust particles

People with allergies know that there are things that trigger allergic reactions all around us. They are practically unavoidable. However, there are simple actions you can take at home to reduce allergy triggers. Common allergens in the home include dust, pet dander, mold, pollen, rodent droppings, chemicals, fragrances, and shedding and droppings from insects.

Keeping your home clean and well ventilated, and taking steps to control moisture are key to maintaining a healthy home and reducing allergens. Following the steps below can help create a healthier living space for everyone, especially people with asthma and allergies,
                                                                                                young children, the elderly, and people
                                                                                                with compromised immune systems.

1.  Keep home heated between 60-68° F. This helps reduce humidity throughout the home.
2. Vacuum at least once a week. If possible, include furniture and curtains.
3. Dust hard surfaces with a water-dampened cloth weekly to control dust. Microfiber cloths work great!
4. Remove shoes at the door to help reduce the amount of allergens tracked inside.
5. Dust mites are mostly harmless, but people with allergies can be sensitive to them. Get dust mite covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. These special covers keep dust mites from getting inside the bed. In addition to the covers, wash bedding in hot water (130° F) once a week to kill dust mites in the sheets and blankets.
6. Use kitchen and bathroom fans to control moisture and ventilate. Bathroom fans should run while bathing and for 30-45 minutes after bathing. Use a kitchen fan, or open a window whenever someone is cooking, even if they are simply boiling water.
7. Check for leaks around sinks and pipes regularly. Always fix leaks and dry out the area within 24 to 48 hours.
8. Open windows daily, even in winter. For a quick exchange of air, go through the home opening each window and then go back through and close them.
   
9. Avoid using air fresheners and scented products. The chemicals in scented products are allergy triggers and actually pollute indoor air. This includes candles, incense, plug-ins, sprays, wax melts, perfumes, and colognes.
10. Make sure the home is sealed to prevent pests from getting inside.
11. Use green cleaning methods. Some people with allergies are sensitive to chemicals
    in conventional household cleaning products. Green cleaning is effective, non-toxic, and inexpensive.
12. If you have a wood stove or wood burning fireplace be sure you are using them properly. Follow these tips for safe and efficient use.

Each room or area in the home can be prone to different allergens. This Room-by-Room Guide from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America can help you identify allergy triggers throughout your home.

Would you like help dealing with allergens, toxics, mold and moisture? Our Healthy Homes Program provides free, confidential home visits to Thurston County residents to help them create a healthier living space. For more information or to schedule a Healthy Homes Visit contact: (360) 867-2674 or HealthyHomes@co.thurston.wa.us. 

Tacoma Smelter Plume – how to reduce exposure to the legacy pollutants

The Tacoma Smelter Plume (TSP) was caused by a copper smelter run by the company Asarco  in Tacoma. For about 100 years the industrial site created air pollution containing lead and arsenic over 1,000 square miles of the Puget Sound Basin. Lead and arsenic are known as “legacy pollutants” because they remain in the environment long after they were introduced. The TSP area includes areas in Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties where there are higher than normal levels of arsenic and lead in the soil as the pollution settled.

Because many Thurston County residents live in an area affected by the Tacoma Smelter Plume, it’s important to stay alert about arsenic and lead in our soil. In order to reduce exposure, take action to minimize dust and dirt in your home.

•  Keep your home clean and control dust as best you can. Wipe dust with a damp cloth (microfiber cloths work great!) and vacuum weekly.
• Wash hands thoroughly when coming inside, before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom.
• Wash children’s hands, toys, pacifiers, etc. often. Children spend more time closer to the ground and put more items in their mouths so they have higher
  exposure rates. Children are also more vulnerable to exposures to toxics because they are still growing. 
• Eat a diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to decrease absorption of lead. If your body has the nutrients it needs, it is less likely to absorb toxics substances.
•  Remove shoes at the door. Designate a pair of house shoes or slippers if wearing shoes inside is important to you.
• Wash produce well to remove dirt, dust and bacteria.
•  Bathe and brush pets often to reduce the amount of dirt they bring into the home.
• You can get your soil tested by a state-certified laboratory.

About arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is normally present in water, soil, dust, air, and food but in small amounts. Exposure can happen through eating or drinking tainted food and water, ingesting mud, soil, or dirt, and breathing in dust or fumes.

For the most part, unless you have had prolonged or intense exposure, arsenic
shouldn’t affect your day to day life too much. However, it is a good idea to play it safe.

About lead

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is found in the soil. While it does have value in creating items such as batteries and x-ray shields, it is toxic to humans. Exposure can happen through lead based paints (in homes built before 1978), contaminated soil, and some imported goods.

Lead exposure is especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and seniors. It is toxic to the brain. Lead poisoning in growing children is proven to harm the growth and development of their brain. When lead is absorbed into the body, it stays in the body and builds up. That is why there is no known safe level of lead exposure. Because of this, making sure that you limit lead exposure for you and your family is as much as possible is very important!

For more information visit the Washington State Department of Ecology’s web page on the Health Effects of Lead and Arsenic.

Mushroom Hunting Safety

Mushroom hunting (also known as foraging) can be a fun and rewarding outdoor activity for people of all ages. Once regarded as a strange and eccentric hobby, it has slowly grown in popularity over the years and attracts people for different reasons. Most wild mushrooms are considered nontoxic, but some cause serious adverse health effects, including death. Always follow proper precautions when mushroom hunting to protect your health.

The most important rule for all mushroom hunters whether they’re beginners or experts is: Never eat a mushroom until you are absolutely certain that it is edible.

Staying “better safe than sorry” is absolutely necessary when mushroom hunting. Being “almost certain” is not enough, and can lead to an emergency room visit – or worse. There is also no single test that can accurately determine whether or not a mushroom is poisonous. Ignore advice that you may have heard about poisonous mushrooms tarnishing silver spoons or turning blue when bruised – certain poisonous mushrooms might do this but there is no scientific evidence that it’s always the case. A mushroom’s scent is not a reliable indicator of safety, nor is taste. Witnessing a wild animal eating a mushroom is not a guarantee that it will be safe for you to ingest. If you have ANY doubts about the safety of a wild mushroom, do not eat it.

There is an incredibly diverse variety of wild mushrooms, and some deadly mushrooms can look remarkably similar to edible ones. The best way to safely start mushroom hunting is to hunt with and learn from experts who are knowledgeable about wild mushrooms specific to your area. Fortunately, there are numerous resources in our region, including the South Sound Mushroom Club, which is located right here in Thurston County. In this region there is also the Puget Sound Mycological Society and the Olympic Peninsula Mycological Society. There are many field guides with photographs and detailed written descriptions of wild mushrooms that are important tools in mushroom hunting. Careful study of all aspects of a mushroom (size, color, cap shape, gill spacing, texture, smell, where it grows, etc) can help you determine whether or not it is safe to eat.

Another important aspect of mushroom hunting is to stay safe while out foraging. Always wear visibly bright clothing (a neon orange vest and hat is best) and carry an emergency whistle. Be aware what other activities may be going on in the wooded area, especially any kind of animal hunting. Use the buddy system and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Make sure to have layers of clothing for sudden changes in weather, sturdy footwear, and to be on the safe side, pack more water and food (especially protein) than you think you need.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when mushroom hunting in order to make it a safe, fun, and rewarding experience:

·        When collecting wild mushrooms, be sure to keep different types separate during collection and storage. Edible mushrooms can easily be contaminated by poisonous ones.

·        Use cloth or paper bags, a basket, or a box to collect mushrooms in. Plastic bags trap heat and moisture that can cause mushrooms to deteriorate quickly.

·        Immediately store freshly-collected mushrooms in a refrigerator in a paper or cloth bag. Be sure not to rinse or wash collected mushrooms until you are ready to cook them. Storing mushrooms while wet will cause them to deteriorate quickly.

·        Don’t collect mushrooms from roadsides, golf courses, public parks, private lawns, or near railroad tracks. Mushrooms that would otherwise be considered safe and edible could be compromised by exposure to exhaust fumes, pet waste, or chemical pesticides that might be present in these kinds of areas. Undeveloped lands are the best place to collect mushrooms, but look up rules and regulations that govern mushroom collecting and foraging on public lands and always request permission before attempting to forage on private land.

·        Be considerate to other mushroom hunters. If you find mushrooms you want to collect, be sure not to take them all so that future foragers can enjoy them too.

Like many outdoor activities, mushroom hunting does have some risks. However, if you’re interested and want to try it out, go for it! By following basic precautions and taking the time to learn from experienced mushroom hunters and field guides, you can keep yourself safe and have a great time too! Happy hunting!

World Rabies Day

Rabies is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when people think of public health issues. In the United States the threat of the disease has been greatly reduced over the years due to successful public health efforts. However, it is by no means eradicated. Each year about 40,000 Americans receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shots because of possible rabies exposure, and one or two people will die from the disease. Altogether, the disease costs $300 million annually in this country. The good news is that it is entirely preventable and progress is being made each year. World Rabies Day was created in 2007 to draw attention both to the danger of rabies and the progress that has been made in bringing it under control in the United States and around the globe.

In 2013 there was a 4.8% decrease in rabies cases from the previous year and canine rabies has been almost entirely eradicated in the United States. Domestic animals now make up only eight percent of all cases nationwide. Cats are actually the greatest domestic animal threat, making up 53% of all domestic animal cases. Responsible pet owners can continue to help make that number drop by taking a few simple steps to keep their pets safe and healthy.

• Bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian each year to be sure they are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Dogs and cats that have potentially been exposed to rabies and are not up-to-date on their vaccination will need to be quarantined for six months or put down, so please vaccinate your pet!

• If your pet is not spayed or neutered, consider doing so. Spaying and neutering helps to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats, which are at high risk of contracting and spreading rabies.

Besides protecting your pets, take steps to protect yourself and your family too. If you have children, teach them to never handle wild or unfamiliar animals, even if the animal looks friendly. Keep food or water inside for your pets since the food and water kept outside could attract wild animals in your area. Always keep your garbage can securely covered as well. The best way to protect yourself might also be the most obvious – stay away from unfamiliar animals, including dogs and cats that you do not know, and do not attempt to feed, pet, or pick them up.

The vast majority of rabies cases involve wildlife, with raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes being the primary culprits. In Washington, bats have been the only wild animal to carry rabies since the 1920s. Bats are very beneficial to us because they eat many insects. But bats can be a hazard when they mistakenly end up in our homes. If you have a bat in your house, do your best to safely capture or contain it and call your local public health department; we may want to test the bat to make sure you or your family were not exposed to rabies.

Outside of Washington, bats and skunks are responsible for most rabies cases. Many different types of animals can be infected, however, and if you encounter any animal acting strangely or displaying any of the following signs of possible rabies infection, please contact animal control as soon as possible.

• General sickly appearance
• Significant saliva or drooling
• Problems swallowing
• Difficulty moving or paralysis
• Biting at everything
• Appearing more tame than you would expect

When traveling, especially internationally, take any animal bite very seriously and seek medical attention. Talk with your health care provider about travel-related vaccinations before you leave and see if rabies vaccine would be advised.

Together, public health professionals, veterinarians, and YOU can continue to take steps to reduce the threat of rabies and keep ourselves, our pets, and our families healthy and safe!