Archive
The City of Merrill’s Common Council approved amending the prohibition of smoking in certain areas ordinance on Tuesday, June 14th . This was after the Health and Safety Committee’s approval. The amendments include adding electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices, as well as, amending the current definition of smoking within the ordinance. A public hearing regarding the ordinance was held during the meeting, after no members of the public spoke on the subject, the council voted unanimously to approve the amended ordinance.
Lincoln County Health Department wants to remind you that there are many tickborne diseases that we see this time of year. Ticks are typically most active in Wisconsin from May to November. Most tickborne diseases in Wisconsin are spread by the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), including: Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis.
Blastomycosis (or “Blasto”) is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection. It primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Although the risk of getting blastomycosis is low, every year there are several individuals in Lincoln County who get blastomycosis. Recent trend data shows an uptick in cases starting in November and going through April. Lincoln County has historically had higher rates of blastomycosis than other areas in Wisconsin.
As temperatures start to drop, the Lincoln County Health Department wants to remind residents to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. “As folks seal up their homes for the colder months and fire up their furnaces, fireplaces or wood burning stoves, it is wise to make sure their fuel burning appliances and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order,” says Michael Mandli, Environmental Health Specialist, Lincoln County Health Department.
Lincoln County Health Department would like to remind community members that risk for blastomycosis increases during the spring. Blastomycosis (or “Blasto”) is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs. Although the risk of getting blastomycosis is low, every year there are individuals in Lincoln County who get blastomycosis.
