(Salt Lake City, UT) – A report from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) shows that an average of two Utahns die from suicide every day and 12 Utahns are hospitalized or treated in an emergency department due to injuries from a suicide attempt. In 2014, 555 Utahns died from suicide, a decline from 570 in 2013. Preliminary data suggest the number of suicides will exceed 600 for 2015.
Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Utah and the suicide rate was the 7th highest in the country in 2014 (22.9 per 100,000 persons vs. 15.4 per 100,000 persons). “We have a more comprehensive, collaborative approach to suicide prevention in Utah than ever before,” said Andrea Hood, suicide prevention coordinator at the UDOH. “Our hope is that the strategies we are all working so hard on will save lives and bring hope to those who are feeling alone or hopeless, because each life matters.”
While suicide prevention among youth continues to be a priority for state and local officials, prevention efforts are needed for all ages. Data from 2012-2014 shows the highest rate for suicide in Utah were persons aged 45-54 years (34.0 per 100,000 population), whose suicide rate is approximately five times higher compared to the youth rate (7.5 per 100,000 population).
Suicide is complex and generally cannot be attributed to a single cause or event. Suicide is often preceded by a lifetime history of traumatic events. Additional factors that put a person at risk of suicide may include alcohol or drug abuse, having a diagnosable mental health disorder, easy access to lethal means such as guns or pills, family history of suicide or violence, lack of social support, loss of a close family member or friend (especially if it was by suicide), physical health issues such as a traumatic brain injury or chronic pain, relationship or school problems, and other stressful life events or losses.
Findings in the report point to specific circumstances and stressors surrounding risk for suicide deaths in Utah. Males were more likely to have a crisis within two weeks of their death, intimate partner problems, job problems, school problems, and legal problems compared to females. Females were more likely to have a diagnosed mental illness, current mental illness treatment, history of mental illness treatment, and a history of suicide attempts prior to their death compared to males.
“Suicide is one of those things that can be uncomfortable to talk about. But research shows that asking directly about suicide does not cause them to act out on those thoughts. Rather, it opens up the door for that person to get the help they need,” said Kimberly Myers, suicide prevention coordinator for the Utah Department of Human Services. “Treatment and intervention work. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or talking about suicide, help is available. Don’t give up. You are not alone.”
All suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and attempts should be taken seriously. Get help 24/7 by calling the Statewide CrisisLine at 801-587-3000 or the National Suicide Prevention LifeLine at 1-800-273-TALK. Help is also available online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Trained consultants will provide free and confidential crisis counseling to anyone in need.
For a copy of the Suicide in Utah report visit http://www.health.utah.gov/vipp. For more information on suicide prevention visit http://utahsuicideprevention.org.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Andrea Hood, UDOH
(o) 801-538-6599 (m) 801-913-6304
Kimberly Myers, DSAMH
(o) 801-538-4028 (m) 801-633-2408
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Avoid Possible Exposure to Rabies by Avoiding Bats
(Salt Lake City, UT) – Utah public health officials are asking everyone to remember that bats are particularly active this time of year, which means the possibility of exposure to rabies is increasing. To date, 70 bats have been tested this year and seven tested positive. In Utah, bats are the primary carrier of the rabies virus.
Rabies affects the nervous system of humans and animals. A person may contract rabies through a bite, scratch, or saliva from the infected animal. Unfortunately, because a bat’s teeth and claws are so small, a bat bite or scratch may not be seen or even felt by the injured person. However, since rabies is considered 100% fatal once symptoms develop, all potential exposures must be taken seriously.
“If you find yourself near a bat, dead or alive, do not touch, hit, or destroy it and do not try to remove it from your home,” said Dallin Peterson, epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). “Call your local animal control office to collect the bat and call your health care provider or local public health department immediately to report the possible exposure and determine whether preventive treatment is necessary.”
Every year, it is estimated that 40,000 people receive a rabies prevention treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to a potential exposure to rabies. Not all animal exposures will require PEP. Unfortunately, most people are given PEP due to close contact with domestic animals, such as cats or dogs. Knowing how to prevent rabies can reduce your risks and save pets from unnecessary grief.
The Utah Department of Health and local health departments urge all Utahns to avoid the heartache of unnecessarily euthanizing pets and undergoing rabies treatment by ensuring their pets’ rabies vaccines are up-to-date. Utah law requires all domestic dogs, cats and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine. Pet owners are encouraged to check with their veterinarian for information on rabies vaccine.
In addition to vaccinating your pets, following these guidelines can help reduce your risk for getting rabies.
• Keep your pets confined. Keep your pets inside and supervise them when outside. This will help keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals.
• Report stray animals to local authorities. Call your local animal control officials to report stray dogs and cats.
• Don't approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may seem unafraid of people. It's not normal for a wild animal to be friendly with people, so stay away from any animal that seems unafraid. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to animal control.
• Keep bats out of your home. Seal any cracks and gaps where bats can enter your home. If you know you have bats in your home, work with a local expert to find ways to keep bats out or contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Services.
• Consider the rabies pre-exposure vaccine if you're traveling. If you're traveling to a country where rabies is common and you'll be there for an extended period of time, ask your doctor whether you should receive the rabies vaccine.
• Take action if you are bitten. If you are bitten by any animal (domestic or wild), immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and see a health care provider. Contact animal control if you are bitten by an animal, to assist in capturing the animal for observation or rabies testing.
In domestic animals, signs of rabies include:
• behavior changes
• general sickness
• trouble swallowing
• an increase in drool or saliva
• biting at everything, if excited
For more information on rabies, visit http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/rabies/.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ward
(o) 801-538-6682
(c) 801-352-1270
Rabies affects the nervous system of humans and animals. A person may contract rabies through a bite, scratch, or saliva from the infected animal. Unfortunately, because a bat’s teeth and claws are so small, a bat bite or scratch may not be seen or even felt by the injured person. However, since rabies is considered 100% fatal once symptoms develop, all potential exposures must be taken seriously.
“If you find yourself near a bat, dead or alive, do not touch, hit, or destroy it and do not try to remove it from your home,” said Dallin Peterson, epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). “Call your local animal control office to collect the bat and call your health care provider or local public health department immediately to report the possible exposure and determine whether preventive treatment is necessary.”
Every year, it is estimated that 40,000 people receive a rabies prevention treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to a potential exposure to rabies. Not all animal exposures will require PEP. Unfortunately, most people are given PEP due to close contact with domestic animals, such as cats or dogs. Knowing how to prevent rabies can reduce your risks and save pets from unnecessary grief.
The Utah Department of Health and local health departments urge all Utahns to avoid the heartache of unnecessarily euthanizing pets and undergoing rabies treatment by ensuring their pets’ rabies vaccines are up-to-date. Utah law requires all domestic dogs, cats and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine. Pet owners are encouraged to check with their veterinarian for information on rabies vaccine.
In addition to vaccinating your pets, following these guidelines can help reduce your risk for getting rabies.
• Keep your pets confined. Keep your pets inside and supervise them when outside. This will help keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals.
• Report stray animals to local authorities. Call your local animal control officials to report stray dogs and cats.
• Don't approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may seem unafraid of people. It's not normal for a wild animal to be friendly with people, so stay away from any animal that seems unafraid. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to animal control.
• Keep bats out of your home. Seal any cracks and gaps where bats can enter your home. If you know you have bats in your home, work with a local expert to find ways to keep bats out or contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Services.
• Consider the rabies pre-exposure vaccine if you're traveling. If you're traveling to a country where rabies is common and you'll be there for an extended period of time, ask your doctor whether you should receive the rabies vaccine.
• Take action if you are bitten. If you are bitten by any animal (domestic or wild), immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and see a health care provider. Contact animal control if you are bitten by an animal, to assist in capturing the animal for observation or rabies testing.
In domestic animals, signs of rabies include:
• behavior changes
• general sickness
• trouble swallowing
• an increase in drool or saliva
• biting at everything, if excited
For more information on rabies, visit http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/rabies/.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ward
(o) 801-538-6682
(c) 801-352-1270
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Salmonellosis Outbreak Linked to Raw Milk
(Salt Lake City) – Utah public health officials are investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk. To date, nine cases of Salmonella Saintpaul infection have been reported in people who reported raw milk consumption before their illness began. Onset dates range from March 20, 2016 to August 14, 2016. The cases range in age from 15 to 78 years and two of the cases were hospitalized, but have recovered.
All of the cases drank raw milk purchased at Heber Valley Milk in Wasatch County. A raw milk sample collected at the dairy by a Utah Department of Agriculture and Food inspector was positive for Salmonella Saintpaul on August 23, 2016. The most recent testing showed no signs of salmonella and the dairy has been allowed to resume sales.
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. Symptoms usually appear from 12 hours to one week after exposure and illness can last for up to a week or more. Most people recover without treatment; however, the infection can be serious, especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who have weakened or compromised immune systems. According to Dr. Allyn Nakashima, State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, "In some cases Salmonella bacteria can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites. These infections are very serious and should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. If you develop severe vomiting or diarrhea after drinking raw milk, you should consult your health care provider.”
Raw milk comes from cows, goats, or sheep and has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. This raw, unpasteurized milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, which are responsible for causing foodborne illness.
Raw milk contaminated with disease-causing bacteria does not smell or look any different from uncontaminated raw milk, and there is no easy way for the consumer to know whether raw milk is contaminated.
Since 2009, there have been 30 documented outbreaks associated with raw milk sold at Utah dairies statewide, with more than 400 people becoming ill. Public health officials warn that drinking raw milk may be dangerous, regardless of where it is obtained. Raw milk should not be consumed by young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with weakened or compromised immune systems, or anyone who does not want to become ill.
Those who choose to drink raw milk should follow these steps to reduce the risk of illness:
• Only buy raw milk from stores or dairies permitted by law to sell it. However, a government permit does not guarantee that raw milk will be free from disease-causing bacteria.
• Keep raw milk and raw milk products refrigerated at or below 40°F.
• Transport milk from the store to home in a cooler with ice packs.
• Do not let raw milk sit out at room temperature.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Zika Virus: What to do after Returning from the Olympics
(Salt Lake City) – Utah public health officials are urging Utahns returning from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and other countries with ongoing Zika virus transmission to take certain precautions to prevent illness. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/in
Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). And while there is no evidence these mosquitoes are currently in Utah, residents should still take precautions to reduce the potential spread of Zika virus. Unlike the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus, mosquitoes infected with Zika virus can spread the virus to other people through bites. Even if someone doesn’t feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika virus should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks, such as using insect repellant with DEET and removing breeding areas from around homes.
Zika can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika virus to his or her sex partners. (Sex includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.) Only people with sex partners who live in or traveled to an area with Zika virus are at risk for getting Zika virus infection through sex.
Zika virus can be passed through sex, before symptoms start, while a person has symptoms, and after their symptoms end. Though not well documented, the virus may also be passed by a person who carries the virus, but never develops symptoms.
Most people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms
such as fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. But a pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her
fetus that can result in severe birth defects, such as microcephaly (small head and brain) and
other severe brain defects that may lead to long-term developmental problems. Infection during pregnancy can also increase the chance for miscarriage, eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth.
It is not yet known how often Zika infected pregnancies will result in problems. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no specific medical treatment for those who are infected.
The CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:
• Women who are pregnant:
If you have a partner who lives in or has traveled to Brazil or any other Zika-affected area, either use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or do not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy.
• Women who are trying to become pregnant:
o Before you or your partner travel or after returning from a Zika-affected area, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
o Recommendations for people who DO NOT live in an area with Zika virus and had possible exposure through recent travel or unprotected sex with a man infected with Zika virus:
Zika Symptoms - Wait at least 6 months after your symptoms start before trying to get pregnant.
No Zika Symptoms - Wait at least 8 weeks after you may have been exposed to Zika before trying to get pregnant.
For women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have questions about Zika virus, please contact the MotherToBaby program at 1-800-822-2229, text 855-999-3525, chat live or email www.MotherToBaby.org or visit http://health.utah.gov/zika.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
State Agencies to Host Health Fair with Local Tribe
WHAT: The Utah Department of Health and the Utah National Guard will host a first-of-its-kind health fair with the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute at their annual Pow Wow. The fair will be hosted on the Goshute Reservation in Ibapah and will include immunizations, dental screenings, other health screenings, and exercise and nutritional counseling.
This is the first time the Department of Health and National Guard have collaborated on a mission together.
The Utah National Guard Medical Command will also fly one of its Black Hawk helicopters to the event.
WHY: Utah’s American Indian population often lives in medically underserved areas and suffer a greater burden of disease than the general Utah population. The health fair will help provide critical health screenings, prevention education, outreach and services to this population.
VISUALS: Utah National Guard Black Hawk helicopter (arriving at approximately 1:30)
Tribal members receiving health screenings (all day)
Traditional Pow Wow dancing and drumming (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Honor song for the military and veterans
WHO: Utah Department of Health and Utah National Guard Medical Command
WHEN: Saturday, August 6, 2016
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
WHERE: Goshute Reservation – Pow Wow Grounds
Ibapah, Utah
Directions: From Wendover, turn south on US-93, proceed south for approximately 25 miles to Ibapah Rd., turn left and follow Ibapah Rd. for another 33 miles.
# # #
Media Contact:
Melissa Zito, Utah Department of Health
(o) 801-273-6644
(m) 801-712-9346
mzito@utah.gov
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