children’s health

DPH Stresses Lead Prevention Safety for Children

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child and mother playing

Oct. 20-26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW). This campaign aims to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness and education.

“Lead poisoning is preventable, and there is no safe level of lead for children, so we are asking our health care providers and local health departments to spread information about this year’s theme, ‘Bright futures begin lead-free,’” said Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “A child with lead poisoning may not show any visible signs and may look fine and healthy. This is why it is so important for parents to talk to the child’s health care provider and ask about getting a blood lead test, especially if they have been exposed to lead. Children are required to be tested annually between the ages of 9 months and 35 months as this age group is at the highest risk of exposure to lead hazards and early identification through testing provides them the opportunity to stay healthy.”Commissioner Juthani added that over the summer, DPH launched the Lead Free CT campaign. The goal of the campaign is to protect children from the harmful health impacts of lead and creating a lead-free Connecticut.

While the overall impacts of lead on children in Connecticut continue to decline, there are still steps one can take to be lead safe. The NLPPW campaign is raising awareness in every community so that families can be empowered and take action to reduce lead exposure. Additionally, Connecticut residents are encouraged to contact their local health departments and see if there are any committees they can join to promote the Lead Free CT objectives which include:

  • Encouraging parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to get a blood lead test for children younger than 6 years and pregnant people who may have been exposed to lead.
  • Educating homeowners, landlords, and tenants on financial opportunities to help remove lead paint and lead hazards from their homes.
  • Notifying community members that they should contact their local health department or water company to learn more about testing their water for lead.
  • Identifying and replacing lead pipes that bring water to homes, childcare centers, and schools.
  • Hiring lead-safe certified professionals to renovate pre-1978 homes.

For more information, please contact your local health department or visit LeadFreeCT.org.

 

Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Child During Peak Season

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young boy with a backpack coughing into his hand.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. While it often presents as a mild cold, RSV can lead to severe complications in some cases, making it important for parents to be informed about when the virus is most prevalent, the symptoms to watch for, and how to protect their children, including the use of new vaccines.

When Is RSV Most Prevalent?

RSV circulates throughout the year but tends to spike in the fall and winter months. The virus typically thrives in colder weather, making October through March the most common time for RSV infections. This is also when children are back in school or daycare, increasing their exposure to germs in crowded settings.

The Potential Harms of RSV

For most children and adults, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms that resolve on their own. However, RSV can be more severe in certain groups, including:

  • Infants (especially those under six months)
  • Premature babies
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children with underlying heart or lung conditions
  • Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions

In these high-risk groups, RSV can lead to serious health complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants under one year of age in the U.S.

Protecting Your Child from RSV

There are several measures parents can take to protect their children from RSV, including:

  1. Vaccination: RSV vaccines are available for infants and adults over 60. For babies, nirsevimab, an RSV monoclonal antibody, can be given to protect against severe RSV infection. This preventative treatment is recommended for infants, especially those at high risk for severe RSV. Speak to your pediatrician to determine whether this option is suitable for your child.

  2. Good Hygiene Practices: Since RSV spreads through direct contact and droplets, practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the chances of infection. This includes:
    • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water.
    • Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
    • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, like toys and doorknobs.
    • Teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

  3. Limit Exposure: If possible, try to limit your baby’s exposure to crowded places, especially during peak RSV season. You might also consider keeping infants away from individuals who have cold-like symptoms.

chart describing types of vaccines against RSV

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV

RSV symptoms can mimic those of a common cold, but it’s important to know when they might signal something more serious. Common symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

In severe cases, infants might show signs of respiratory distress, such as:

  • Rapid breathing or gasping for air
  • Flared nostrils
  • Bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen

What to Do if Symptoms Appear

If your child begins to show symptoms of RSV, it’s important to monitor their condition closely. Mild cases can usually be managed at home by keeping your child comfortable, ensuring they stay hydrated, and using fever reducers as recommended by your pediatrician.

However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of worsening illness, such as difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or if your child is lethargic or not feeding well. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or fluids.

Stay Prepared and Informed

RSV is a virus that many children will encounter at some point, but by staying informed and taking preventative steps, you can reduce the risks of severe illness. Vaccinations, good hygiene, and prompt medical care when symptoms arise are the best ways to protect your child during RSV season. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance on how to keep your family healthy.

For more information, visit the CDC’s RSV page or contact Uncas Health District.

Get the Lead Out: Testing and Screening for Lead Exposure

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chid with toy in his mouth

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, especially for young children whose bodies and minds are still developing. Exposure to lead can have long-lasting negative consequences, including:

  • Learning and behavior problems: Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and decreased IQ.
  • Developmental delays: Growth problems and delayed speech and language development.
  • Hearing and vision problems: Lead exposure can even impact a child’s hearing and vision.

Unfortunately, lead is still present in our environment, and in Connecticut, this is of particular concern. Around 70% of the state’s housing stock was built before 1980, and lead paint was commonly used in homes constructed prior to 1978. This means the potential for lead exposure exists in many homes across Connecticut.

The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test administered by a healthcare provider. Thankfully, Connecticut has taken a crucial step by mandating universal blood lead screening. This means all children in the state are required to be tested at least twice between the ages of 9 months and 35 months.

However, while this initial screening is crucial, only about 60% of children in Connecticut receive the recommended two tests before the age of 3. This is concerning because lead exposure can occur at any time during this critical developmental window.

Here’s what you can do to protect your child:

  • Know your home’s history. If your home was built before 1978, consider getting it tested for lead paint. You can find resources and information on lead testing at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control-Program.
  • Schedule regular blood lead tests for your child. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child tested at the recommended intervals, even if you don’t suspect lead exposure.
  • Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure. While lead paint is the most common source, lead can also be found in soil, dust, and even some imported toys, foods, and products.

By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our children from the dangers of lead poisoning and ensure they have the healthy environment they need to thrive. Let’s make sure every child in Connecticut has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.

RECALL ALERT: Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras Found to Contain Lead

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 12,400 Yaomaio children’s rhinestone silver tiaras because they contain lead levels above the federal limit. The tiara with red rhinestones was sold in a package with three other tiara styles (blue, purple, and clear) that are not included in the recall. All four tiaras came in the same cardboard packaging marked “Yaomaio.” Amazon sold them between January 2021 and November 2023 for about $19 a package. Consumers should immediately take the recalled tiaras away from their children, stop using them, and contact LordRoadS for a refund. LordRoadS and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers.

recalled tiara

 

Name of Product: Yaomiao Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras
Hazard: The rhinestones embedded in the recalled tiaras contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: January 25, 2024
Units: About 12,440

Back to School: Get caught up with vaccines

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We are just a few short weeks away from sending our children back to school for the 2023-24 academic year. While shopping for pencils, notebooks, and school clothes may be top of mind, Uncas Health District also reminds parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations.

To help parents take care of this important preventative health need, Uncas Health District will be out in the community with our Mobile Health Team offering preventative health care such as blood pressure screening, COVID-19 and Flu vaccines, Hepatitis C / HIV testing, syringe services, wound care info, and information about other health services offered by the Uncas Health District.

Upcoming Mobile Health Team Appearances

Friday, August 4 10 AM – 11 AM MOBILE FOOD PANTRY at Preston Senior Center
Wednesday, August 9 4 PM – 5 PM MOBILE FOOD PANTRY at Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
Thursday, August 10 1 PM – 3 PM UCFS Health Fair, Norwich
Tuesday, August 15 11 AM – 1 PM Franklin Senior Center
Wednesday, August 16 10:30 AM – 1 PM St. Vincent DePaul Place, Norwich
Thursday, August 17 4 PM – 5:30 PM MOBILE FOOD PANTRY at Griswold High School
Wednesday, August 23 1 PM – 2 PM MOBILE FOOD PANTRY at Dodd Stadium, Norwich
Tuesday, August 29 11:30 AM – 3 PM Three Rivers Community College Health Fair, Norwich
Wednesday, August 30 11 AM – 3 PM Three Rivers Community College Health Fair, Norwich
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