Topics Related to Epidemiology

North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death this season. An adult in the central part of the state died from flu complications early this month.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious the flu can be. We encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others this respiratory virus season. Getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses.”  

-NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai

Starting in early October, wildlife officials will be dropping rabies vaccine baits in western North Carolina to help protect people, pets and wildlife from rabies. NCDHHS is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on this effort.

NCDHHS has confirmed several baby goats at the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo had rabies. People may have touched or held these goats while the animals were infected.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite called cyclospora. This parasite can only be seen with a microscope. People get sick when they eat or drink food or water that is contaminated with this parasite. 

NC is among dozens of U.S. states experiencing an increase of cyclosporiasis cases this summer.

Each year, Tracking Awareness Week highlights how environmental health information can help communities make informed decisions. This year's theme, Beyond Data, recognizes that data is only the beginning. The real impact happens when information is used to support public health action, planning, and education. 

A dangerous heat wave is expected in North Carolina this Fourth of July Weekend. High temperatures will likely exceed 100 degrees. Combined with humidity, it could feel like 110 degrees.  

Who says you can’t be Sherlock Holmes when you grow up? NC public health professionals track and test for diseases to help stop them and keep communities safe.

Or maybe you want to keep playing in the dirt as a grown-up. NC environmental health experts dig holes, test the soil and make sure our groundwater is safe.

You can now learn more about public health careers in a new TV series called “Health Heroes.” The children’s educational series is on PBS North Carolina. 

This Earth Week, we are reminded that the environment around us affects our health.

The air we breathe, the water we use and the places where we live all shape how healthy we are. The NC Environmental Public Health Tracking Program uses data to help people understand these connections.

Our program brings together information about the environment and health from across NC. This data helps people:

In North Carolina, many families get their drinking water from private wells. Unlike city water, which is tested regularly by water providers, private well owners must test their own water. That means it is up to each family to make sure their water is safe.

Water from private wells can contain harmful germs or chemicals you can’t see, smell or taste. If well water is not routinely tested, families may drink unsafe water without knowing it. This can lead to stomach problems, skin rashes or more serious health issues over time.

To keep the public informed, NCDHHS has launched a new Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard. The dashboard will be updated around noon twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with new case and exposure information. To protect privacy, no personal details about people who are sick will be shared.