Jefferson County Agencies Partner to Implement Project Lifesaver Program

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) has collaborated with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch, and the High Ridge Fire Department to expand the Project Lifesaver Program. High Ridge Fire District helped bring Project Lifesaver to the area several years ago. Now, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department are expanding the program to our entire county.

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Hy-Vee Recalls 12 OZ. Hy-Vee Garden Salad Product After Supplier Notes of Potential Cyclospora Contamination

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Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is recalling its 12 oz. Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad product across its eight-state region due to the potential that it may be contaminated with Cyclospora. The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee’s attention when Fresh Express – which manufactures the product – announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) have been investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora in the upper Midwest section of the United States.

In their investigation, they have identified certain products linked to the outbreak – including Fresh Express’ private label products at retailers across the country that were impacted – including one for Hy-Vee. The recall is limited to 12 oz. Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad, all UPCs and expirations dates. The product was distributed to Hy-Vee grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. No other Hy-Vee food items are impacted by this recall.

Hy-Vee has not received any reports of illness due to consumption of its Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad. Customers who purchased this product should discard it or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis begin an average of seven days after ingestion of Cyclospora. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include: watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and low-grade fever. If not treated, symptoms can persist for several weeks to a month or more. People who are in poor health or who have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for severe or prolonged illness.

Consumers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-772-4098.

For more information, see the FDA’s announcement here

Home Renovations With Lead Safety in Mind

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With spring coming soon, you might be thinking about making some updates and renovations to your home. Throughout areas of Jefferson County, we do have older homes that may have lead paint issues, however, paint isn’t the only problem when it comes to renovating your home.

According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the most common way to get lead in the body is from dust. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into your home. Common renovation activities like sanding, demolition, and digging in the yard/landscaping can create lead dust which can be hazardous.

Older homes (usually built prior to 1978) are more likely to contain lead-based paint. It is recommended that you hire a certified professional to check for lead-based paint before beginning renovation projects on older homes. You can find a lead certified contractor and assessor on EPA’s website.

If you choose a do-it-yourself home improvement, take some precautions to minimize risk:

  1. Seal off the area you are working in with plastic and tape to minimize dust traveling through the home

  2. Work in one area at a time and keep all equipment in that space

  3. Remove furniture from work area and don’t let kiddos or pregnant women in that room to avoid possible exposure

  4. Use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum to clean up dust on all surfaces

  5. Thoroughly clean up the space and equipment after completing the project