Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease, limiting disease spread. When there are limits on the spread of the disease, even those not already immune have a reduced risk of exposure. Reducing the risk of disease spread is especially critical in protecting individuals who can’t be vaccinated. These would include newborns, those with compromised immune systems, and those who cannot tolerate the vaccine.
Smallpox was a severely infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It undoubtedly caused millions of deaths and is believed to have existed since the days of ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It was contagious, spreading from one person to another. People who had smallpox typically presented with a fever and a distinctive, distinct skin rash.
When we protect our children from lead exposure, we protect them from the adverse effects that can stay with them for a lifetime. Read more here to learn about preventing lead exposure and the availability of lead screening and testing.
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is proud to support National Public Health Week (April 4-10, 2022). The 2022 theme is “Public Health Is Where You Are.”
National Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March every year. Congress established the observance in 1961 to highlight the risks of being poisoned by household products. Although we’ve made substantial progress since the early 1970s, over 2 million poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year. What may surprise you is that over 90% of these occur in the home, and those affected most often are children under the age of 12.
All preteens and teens should get vaccines to protect against meningococcal disease. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.
Learn answers to your most asked flu vaccine questions!
The WIC annual participant survey is available online in English and Spanish.We would love your feedback! Please share what we are doing well, and what we can do better. Please use our agency’s survey link below to share your feedback.
The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to announce the arrival of WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in Moultrie County! The WIC FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. Pregnant & Breastfeeding women and children one year and older who are certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification are eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP. A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits,
Vision And Hearing Screening services provided through the Moultrie County Health Department are available to all pre-school & school-age children in Moultrie County. Interpretation of results and referrals to medical providers are made for clients as appropriate. Moultrie County Health Department staff are certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health in Vision and Hearing Screening.