A Case of Botulism Identified in Howard County
An illness called botulism has recently been identified in Howard County. Botulism is a serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the 
body's nerves. Botulism can be caused by eating contaminated food or beverages. It is often associated with improperly home-canned, preserved or fermented foods. It is not contagious.
A Health Department preliminary investigation identified the possible source as an acupuncture and herbal practice in Ellicott City. If food, teas, or other products that can be put in/on the body were purchased, or otherwise received from this practice, located in the 3300 block of St. Johns Lane, it is strongly recommended to discard it immediately. It may be put in the trash, or if it is liquid, dumped down the sink. (Read full Media Release here.)
If you have further questions, contact Howard County Health Department at 410 313-1412 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Have Fun in the Sun and Stay Safe and Healthy
Summer is here! Longer, warmer days and lots of sun means more time outdoors. We want to make sure that you have fun and stay safe and healthy while doing it!
- Sun - While out in the sun, remember your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Cover up! More information: CDC's Sun Safety page.
- Water - In a pool or on a beach, make sure to have fun safely. Never swim alone, keep an eye on young children, use swim vests at the beach or for weaker swimmers in pools, don't swallow pool or beach water. Want to know more? Visit Maryland's Healthy and Safe Swimming page.
- Food - Having a barbeque or picnic? Keep food cold until ready to cook, serve small portions and leave the rest in the cooler, discard any perishable food left out for more than 2 hours. Need more information? Go to the Foodsafety.gov Summer and Vacations page.
- Ticks and Mosquitoes - Don't let these guys ruin your outdoor time. Protect yourself and your family.
- Ticks - Use insect repellant containing DEET, avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter, check yourself for ticks after being outdoors (and your pets too). Get more information on the CDCs Tick page.
- Mosquitoes - Use insect repellant with DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, keep mosquitos outside by using window and door screens. Visit the CDC Stop Mosquitoes webpage.
Maryland Raises Age for Sales of Tobacco Products and Electronic Smoking Devices
Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation increasing the age for the sales of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices (ESDs) from 18 to 21. Maryland’s new law covers all individuals under the age of 21, with the exception of active duty military age 18 to 20. According to a Maryland Department of Health News Release, "approximately 780,000 Marylanders use tobacco products, most of them starting before age 21. This new law aims to protect the 255,000 Marylanders between ages 18 to 20 from developing a nicotine addiction".
The Health Department has programs designed to help people of all ages to quit smoking. Visit our Tobacco Control Program page or call us at 410-313-6265. You can also find additional information about quitting tobacco at www.SmokingStopsHere.com .
The new law will take effect on October 1, 2019.
Children in Vehicles
Did You Know?
- A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s body.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned that on a 60° F day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach a dangerous 110° F over the course of several hours.
- Heatstroke deaths have been recorded in every month of the year in nearly all 50 states
Prevent Heatstroke in Cars
- Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, even when it's not hot outside, not even for a minute. Always lock your doors and trunks – even in your driveway. And keep your keys and key fobs out of the reach of kids.
- Create reminders. Place something you'll need at your next stop – like a briefcase or cell phone – next to the child safety seat. It may seem simple, but can be a helpful reminder on a chaotic day.
- Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, take action. Call 911. Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations.
Resources:
Measles Information & FAQs
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body.
For more information, fact sheets and resources about Measles go to our Health Alerts and Recalls page.
Breaking the Cycle of Youth Suicide in Howard County
Youth Suicide Prevention Program Uses Multiple Tactics to Help Save Lives
Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in 2017. In Howard County, suicide was the leading cause of death for youth ages 15-19 between 2014-2016. According to the Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 6 high s
chool students and 1 in 5 middle school students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”.
An evidence-based plan, accompanied by an “It’s OK to Ask” outreach campaign, encourages both youth and adults to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention.
Health Department staff will be working in the community to provide specialized presentations and training for those who would like to bring Youth Suicide Prevention Program components to their organizations and groups.
“It’s OK to Ask” campaign materials, additional information, resources and training are available at teenhealthmatters.org, or by contacting Kayla Blasher, Health Department Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 410-313-6240.
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact:
- Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677 or
- text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
Learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation by visiting teenhealthmatters.org
Seasonal Flu Clinics
Flu season ends June 30th.
Walk-In hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday clinics are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045
The Doctor Is In - Episode Four - Population Health: The What and The How
The fourth episode of the Health Department podcast, The Doctor Is In is now available on Howard Community College’s Dragon Digital Radio. Population Health aims to improve the health of an entire group of people by addressing the social determinants of health. More simply, this broad topic centers on improving the health outcomes of families and communities by encouraging healthy lifestyles and ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to live a healthy life. You can hear all of the episodes of The Doctor Is In at: https://dragondigitalradio.podbean.com/category/the-doctor-is-in
Featured Video
The Bonavitacola Family shares their experience with opioid overdose and how it can happen in any family.