FAQs
Yes. The proposed project/program must primarily serve Allen County residents, as these funds have been designated to each county to serve their residents. In addition, an applying organization must have a legal fiscal agent. (A fiscal agent is an entity that provides financial oversight and management for the organization. The legal fiscal agent can be the organization itself or a third-party agent. Organizations without a legal fiscal agent will not be able to apply.)
Similar to the 2024 grant cycle, there will be multiple stages in the application process, with each step requiring approval to move to the next stage. The first step is the submission of a letter of intent. This area has been streamlined significantly and will require a few fields to be completed in addition to the submission of an uploaded letter of intent, with specific information to be included in the letter. The letter of intent will be reviewed for alignment with the Core Public Health Services. Projects/programs that are found to be in alignment may then be invited to complete a competitive application. The application process has been streamlined to remove duplicate information for an easier process. If allowed to move on to the application phase, more project/program-specific information will be gathered at that time. If awarded, a contract will be signed, and the organization will become a vendor with Allen County Government.
For this competitive grant cycle, no limits have been put in place in an effort to find the most impactful projects/programs through the application process. This may change in subsequent years. There may be instances where we might reach out to an organization to discuss an alternate amount if unable to award the entire requested amount. Prescribed mini-grants are an added option this year (see the RFP for more information), and those have a maximum amount that will be funded, based on the project. Organizations must submit a detailed budget and are asked to only request the funds they need for the specific project/program.
Go to our web portal here: allen-county.portals.zenginehq.com/organization/about. When the letter of intent phase begins June 1, click on "Programs" at the left to select which grant type you would like to apply for.
Helpful preparation resources, including the Request for Proposals (RFP) document, also can be found at allencountyhealth.com/health-first-allen-county.
For the 2025 grant cycle, we are asking that organizations choose the most fitting/relevant Core Public Health Service under which to submit their request, and choose only one. If the project/program request will "touch" more than one CPHS, that is absolutely acceptable, and we ask that you do your best to explain the cross-connection among CPHS areas, but only apply under the one that appears to be the closest match.
This year, we are pleased to offer two different grant application options: a competitive Health First Allen County grant and/or a prescribed mini-grant. The competitive grant is the same program we offered for the 2024 grant period in which applicants submit projects/programs to improve health outcomes in one of the state-identified Core Public Health Service (CPHS) areas. This award is very competitive and goes through an external review, in addition to an internal review process. The prescribed mini-grants are pre-defined projects in specific CPHS areas for which organizations apply.
For the 2025 grant cycle, we are asking organizations to choose the most applicable Core Public Health Service under which to apply and only submit one competitive grant application, per organization. In addition this year, though, an organization may submit an application for both a competitive grant and a prescribed mini-grant.
Funding for mental health was removed by the legislature from the Health First Indiana funding. The money was given to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for stand-alone programming for emergencies and for various centers. Further, the Indiana Department of Health has funding and programming for these areas as well. No monies were provided to local health departments for mental health programming or issues, specifically. That said, it does not mean these types of projects won’t be accepted for consideration by the Allen County Department of Health if the project/program closely aligns with one of the identified Core Public Health Services (CPHS) or Key Performance Indicators, but there must be close ties and clarity on how the proposed project/program would work toward the outcomes required under the CPHS area chosen.
- In general, state funding cannot be used to purchase food/beverages. This year, however, the State is allowing specific uses of the funding for food purchases – but the uses are somewhat narrow.
- We will consider funding food items as part of an HFAC proposal if it is truly integral to the program/education initiative at hand. The measure is whether or not having the food inhibits the ability to carry out the actual educational/mission/inherent initiative. While this requires some interpretation, our current measures/definitions for this decision-making are these:
- For the HFAC funds to be utilized to purchase food products, they must truly be a large part of the actual educational/mission initiative of a program/project. The food must be needed to complete the project/program (such as a nutrition/cooking course for children as part of a broader heart disease/obesity prevention initiative, or a project/program in which the mission is reducing food insecurity alongside educational initiatives, or provision of vouchers to a food bank as part of an initiative, only examples), and we will require requestors to submit the exact foods they plan to utilize for approval – because we are dutybound to ensure they are indeed nutritious, as best we can.
- Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider funding food/snack/beverage items that are:
- Simply provided to participants of a program/project as part of attendance to meetings/courses/programming.
- Used to fund celebratory or fund-raising meals or events (no matter how worthwhile).
- Staff events, funder/foundational events, fund-raising or similar events where the food/beverages are purchased for the event or public and are not part of an approved Core Public Health Service-affiliated project/program.
- All other food/beverage purchase concepts utilizing HFAC funds must be individually approved in the LOI/grant application (along with a list of actual planned food items to ensure they meet the standards allowed).
The Health First Allen County grant funds, once awarded, can be used for approved staffing costs (for those positions conducting work under the approved project/program), supply costs, some equipment costs, and other contractual costs for services, depending on the nature of the project/program. The list of funding preclusions can be found in the Request for Proposals on our website at allencountyhealth.com/health-first-allen-county.
The full list of funding preclusions can be found in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
The Allen County Department of Health does not have a great amount of data of that sort in the Core Public Health Service areas for which funding may be sought in the 2025 grant cycle. Nearly all those services were previously overseen by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) or others. We look forward to learning from the experts currently working in these areas regarding their data sets, known areas of need for which they feel projects/program are needed, and are currently working to obtain any public data sets from IDOH or others to build our repository.
It is difficult to answer that question until a project/program is submitted so that we may assess its relevancy and alignment with the defined Core Public Health Services and Key Performance Indicators. In general, this would likely need some very close ties to the KPI’s required under the chosen CPHS area.
This is possible but will depend on the process, topic, timeline and overall alignment with the needs of the specific Core Public Health Service area objectives for 2025. In general, we are looking for projects/programs that begin actual work in the defined CPHS areas. We encourage submission of projects/programs for consideration so we may view the specifics of the plan being requested.
There are no required matching funds to receive HFAC funding awards at this time. We encourage organizations to share any relevant information on current dollars now being put forth or received to support the efforts so that we have that information to consider when deciding upon funding for projects/programs. The grant application itself will request certain budget information like this.
It will depend on the Core Public Health Service area as well as the project/program in question. It is possible the funding can support either of these needs. However, the hope for use of this funding (especially in this second year of funding) will be focused on growth, expansion, and reaching more people with needed services vs. sustaining existing staff/programs that were otherwise funded. We will carefully consider each application to ensure the best fit, the widest reach, and the best alignment with the needed goals of the funding in its initial stages.
If a project is awarded that is not operational year-round, it is likely that a more tailored metrics and reporting structure would be created for that specific project.
For this grant cycle, due to the importance that has been put upon the completion of the required Core Public Health Services and Key Performance Indicators, a strong emphasis will be put on existing organizations with an existing track record of success in similar areas. That said, organizations can still submit a letter of intent and their submissions will be reviewed and provided with feedback.
The full list of applicable dates and deadlines can be found in the Request for Proposals (RFP) document.
Email DOHGrants@allencounty.us. Other technical assistance information will be provided as needed to those who move beyond the letter of intent phase.
Health First Allen County Grants Team, or HFAC Grants Team
No. We are only interested in the budget for your proposed project/program. We are looking for specificity regarding how the requested funds will be used. We have created a budget template to streamline the budget submission. The budget template can be found HERE. There is a space at the top of the budget template to enter your organization’s full operational budget as the template contains a calculation of the percentage of your overall operating costs this project/program will account for. The rest of the fields are project/program-specific.
The following might help clarify the meaning of this clause in the RFP:
1.) The intent for the Health First Allen County public health grant funds is to fund expansion of either existing and new/promising projects/programs that will improve public health outcomes as specified. It is not to allow shifting of funds within an organization to simply continue with the status quo. The intent of the legislature of providing money to local health departments was to expand services, work toward public health betterment, and to allow the public health system to “do more” proactive work than has been done. So, it’s our intent to state that our preference is funding programming and projects that were newly created with the funding via an award in 2024 (and with evidence it is doing well) that can keep moving forward or plan to expand, or to fund promising projects that are new to an organization that will essentially provide “more services” to the community. In other words, if you seek funding to continue an existing program/project that was in place prior to the 2024 grant program’s inception without growth/expansion to reach more people with services, it will possibly receive lower preference than others which are aimed at going beyond the status quo (this decision will be very situation-specific).
2.) Likewise, the intent of the funding is to assist directly with funding programs, projects, services and their dedicated staffing, supply and direct operational needs. The intent is not to offset organizational costs to fund existing positions that are not instrumental to carrying out the specific project/program.
For this inaugural grant cycle, no limits have been put in place in an effort to find the most impactful projects/programs through the application process. This may change in subsequent years. There may be instances where we may reach out to an organization to discuss an alternate amount if unable to award the entire requested amount.
Visit the Health First Allen County Grant Application Portal to create an account and submit application materials. Helpful preparation resources can be found HERE.
For the 2024 grant cycle and due to the quick turn-around to build the grant platform, we are asking that organizations choose the most fitting/relevant Core Public Health Service under which to submit their request, and choose only one. If the project/program request will "touch" more than one CPHS, that is absolutely acceptable - and we ask that you do your best to explain the cross-connection among CPHS areas, but only apply under the one that appears to be the closest match. This could change in future years.
For the 2024 grant cycle, we are asking organizations to choose the most applicable Core Public Health Service under which to apply and only submit one application per organization. This could change in future years.
Funding for mental health was removed by the legislature from the Health First Indiana funding. The money was given to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for stand-alone programming for emergencies and for various centers. Further, the Indiana Department of Health has programming for this as well. No monies were provided to local health departments for mental health programming or issues. That said, it does not mean these types of projects won't be accepted for consideration by the Allen County Department of Health if the project/program closely aligns with one of the identified Core Public Health Services or Key Performance Indicators.
The Health First Allen County grant funds, once awarded, can be used for approved staffing costs, some equipment costs, and other contractual costs for services, depending on the nature of the project/program. The list of funding preclusions can be found in the Request for Applications, which can be found HERE.
The Allen County Department of Health does not have a great amount of data of that sort in the Core Public Health Service areas for which funding may be sought in the 2024 grant cycle. Nearly all of those services were previously overseen by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) or others. We look forward to learning from the experts currently working in these areas regarding their data sets, known areas of need for which they feel projects/programs are needed, and are currently working to obtain any public data sets from IDOH or others to build our repository.
It is difficult to answer that question until a project/program is submitted so that we may assess its relevancy and alignment with the defined Core Public Health Services and Key Performance Indicators.
This is possible but will depend on the process, topic, timeline and overall alignment with the needs of the specific Core Public Health Service area objectives for 2024. We encourage submission of projects/programs for consideration so we may view the specifics of the plan being requested.
Honestly, that is just too difficult to predict. While there are plans to deploy new programming and projects within the 22 Core Public Health Service areas, our current focus is staffing and space growth and deployment of the public health grants program.
There are no required matching funds to receive HFAC funding awards at this time. We encourage organizations to share any relevant information on current dollars now being put forth or received to support the efforts so that we have that information to consider when deciding upon funding for projects/programs. The grant application itself will request certain budget information like this.
It will depend on the Core Public Health Service area as well as the project/program in question. It is possible the funding can support either of these needs. For the future, the hope for use of this funding will be focused on growth and reaching more people with needed services. For the first year, we will carefully consider each application to ensure the best fit, the widest reach, and the best alignment with the needed goals of the funding in its initial stages.
Until we receive our final funding award amount from the Indiana Department of Health, an exact number cannot be provided. We expect to receive that in September and will revise our budget accordingly. There are certain services and certain staffing requirements local health departments must meet, utilizing the funds as stipulated in the funding legislation. Further, the Department will proactively deploy new programming on its own over time. It is estimated that the Department will grant out more than $2 million in 2024 (possibly more) and likely around twice that amount in 2025 (pending actual amounts received).
If a project is awarded that is not operational year-round, it is likely that a more tailored metric and reporting structure would be created for that specific project.
For this first year of the grants program and due to the importance that has been put upon the completion of the required Core Public Health Services and Key Performance Indicators, a strong emphasis will be put on existing organizations with an existing track record of success in similar areas. That said, organizations can still submit a letter of intent and their submissions will be reviewed and provided with feedback.
The full list of applicable dates and deadlines can be found in the Request for Proposals document, which can be found HERE.
Health First Allen County Grants Team, or HFAC Grants Team.
Since full budgets for organizations were required for submission through the letter of intent (LOI) stage, we are only interested in the budget for your proposed project/program/expansion during the application phase. We are looking for specificity regarding how the requested funds will be used.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area.
Symptoms? Often there are no symptoms. For people with symptoms, there may be abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina and/or burning sensation when urinating. For women, abdominal pain or bleeding between periods.
Spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics cure infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to keep from passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone.
Consequences? If left untreated, chlamydia can cause sterility (inability to have children) in both men and women.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area.
Symptoms? Most infected people have no symptoms. For those who do, it can cause a burning sensation while urinating, abnormal white, green and/or yelllowish vaginal or penile discharge.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics can cure infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone.
Consequences? Gonorrhea can cause damage to women's fallopian tubes in women and men's sperm passageway.
What is it? A viral infection affecting the liver.
Symptoms? Many people don’t have any symptoms. People may experience tiredness, aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin and eyes (called jaundice).
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Also through childbirth if the baby does not get vaccinated against Hep B. Sharing contaminated needles or razors. Exposure to the blood, bodily fluids or saliva of an infected person.
Treatment? Most often, acute Hep B is treated with rest, eating well and lots of fluids. Chronic Hep B is treated through close monitoring by a doctor and anti-retroviral medications. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hep B.
Consequences? Increased risk of infection of other STDs including HIV. Hepatitis can also lead to chronic liver problems, cirrhosis or liver cancer.
What is it? The virus that causes AIDS.
Symptoms? Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms and feel healthy. Symptoms people get are usually related to infections and cancers due to a weakened immune system.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. Sharing contaminated needles. Direct contact with infected blood. From mother to child during pregnancy, child birth or breast feeding.
Treatment? There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Anti-retroviral treatment can slow the progression of HIV disease and delay the onset of AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve a person’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Consequences? AIDS is fatal if left untreated.
What is it? A bacterial infection that can spread in the body.
Symptoms? Symptoms can vary, beginning with a simple painful sore (called a chancre) on the mouth or sex organs. Other symptoms can appear up to six months after the first sore has disappeared.
How is it spread? Vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed through kissing if a sore is present, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Treatment? Antibiotics can cure syphilis if caught early, but medication cannot undo the damage already done. Both partners must be treated and avoid sexual contact until the sores are completely healed.
Consequences? Increased risk for infection of other STDs including HIV. It can also cause damage to brain, heart and nervous system if left untreated.
What is it? An infection of the genital area caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms? Most infected people do not have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Men may feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation or some discharge from the penis. Women may notice itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.
How is it spread? During sex, the parasite is usually transmitted from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis, but it can also be passed from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not, but it probably depends on factors like the person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
Treatment? Oral antibiotics can cure the infection. Both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is gone and symptoms go away.
Consequences? Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex and increases the risk of getting or spreading other STDs. The infection can last for months or even years without treatment.
What is it? A bacterial infection of the vaginal area.
Symptoms? Many women with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) do not have symptoms. Some symptoms can include thin white or gray vaginal discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning in or around the vagina or while urinating. Some have a strong fish-like odor especially after sex.
How is it spread? BV is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria normally found in a woman’s vagina. BV is not considered an STD, but having BV can increase your chances of getting an STD. BV may also affect women who have never had sex.
Treatment? BV can be treated with antibiotics but will sometimes go away without treatment. Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. However, BV may be transferred between female sex partners.
Consequences? BV can cause serious health risks, including increasing your chance of getting HIV or other STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. The bacteria can sometimes cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it difficult or impossible for you to have children.
Used needles can be exchanged for clean needles and other supplies; testing for and education on HIV, Hepatitis C and TB; addiction & mental health services
Syringe Services Program
The Allen County SSP is typically open Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m.
4817 New Haven Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Only people 18 and older will be allowed to receive services at the SSP.
The main goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C in our community by educating on these issues and ensuring use of clean needles and supplies, which is how these viruses are spread.
Services will be provided only during designated hours and the designated SSP location, though hours may change if the numbers of people served continues to increase.
The goal is to provide a 1:1 exchange of used needles for clean needles, but it is possible to receive up to 3 clean needles for each used needle exchanged.
Only first visits to the SSP will receive clean needles if used needles are not exchanged.
Yes, please put your dirty needles in a sharps container or in a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle and bring it to the SSP.
The SSP operates on a first come, first served basis and usually takes between 15-30 minutes depending on the services received.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely even with treatment. So once you get HIV, you have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body, making the person more likely to get other infections or infection-related cancers. Over time HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the last stage of HIV infection. No effective cure currently exists, but HIV can be controlled with proper medical care. The medicine used to treat HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART. If taken the right way every day, this medicine can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV, keep them healthy, and greatly lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can live nearly as long as someone who does not have HIV.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For 70-85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, even death. The majority of infected persons might not be aware of their infection because they are not clinically ill. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs, but successful treatment is now available.
No, please call 911.
Security will be present for staff & client safety only.
We are hopeful that will not occur. Local law enforcement is aware of the site and service and are supportive of it. We do not foresee any repercussions occurring to participants.
No. The goal of the SSP is to decrease the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV by promoting clean needle/supply use. Studies have shown over the 20 years of operations of syringe exchange programs worldwide, drug usage does NOT increase in communities where they are established. We also work to provide referrals and on-site assistance for anyone seeking to make a change in their lifestyle.
There are no studies indicating such increases.
The Allen County Department of Health in partnership with the Positive Resource Connection, Clean Slate, Park Center, Bowen Center and Fort Wayne Recovery operates the SSP.
Yes. No other locations are available in Allen County at this time.
Put them in a coffee can or laundry detergent bottle and seal securely with duct tape. Then place in the normal trash.
No. Members of the media won’t be permitted inside the SSP during operational hours.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is caused by bacteria. Although TB infection can occur anywhere in the body, it usually is found in the lungs.
Yes. If not treated properly, TB disease can be life-threatening.
The TB bacteria is spread the same way that cold and flu viruses are spread: through the air. Whenever someone with active TB in their throat or lungs sneezes, coughs, or spits, the bacteria is released into the air. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, kissing or sharing food or drink. It usually requires close contact over a long period of time. The likelihood of transmission occurring in an average-size room is very low.
People with latent TB infection have the TB bacteria in their bodies, but they are not sick because the bacteria are not active. People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms, and they cannot spread TB bacteria to others. The concern is for the future, if the TB bacteria become active in the body and multiply, the person will go from having latent TB infection to being sick with active TB disease. People with active TB can spread the disease to others. For this reason, people with latent TB infection are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing active TB disease.
The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever and night sweats. If TB disease is in the lungs, the symptoms can include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood or sputum. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.
A skin test is the most common way to find out if a person has been exposed to TB infection. There is more than one type of TB skin test; however, the preferred method is the Mantoux test. For this test, a small needle is used to inject testing material, called tuberculin, under the skin of the forearm. Two or three days later, a health worker examines the arm to see if there is a reaction. The test may be “positive” if a bump of a certain size appears on the arm. A blood test, called an IGRA, can also be done as a screening for TB and we find it especially effective in folks with a compromised immune system from illness or medication. If the skin or blood test is positive, the next step would be to conduct a symptom review and order a chest x-ray. If both of those are negative, then the person is diagnosed with LTBI. If either or both of those are positive, the person will be required to submit 3 sputum samples to rule out active TB disease. The sputum is examined for both smear and culture, and takes up to 6 weeks to finalize. The vast majority of the time, people acquire latent TB, not active TB disease.
Yes. Active, drug-susceptible TB can be treated by taking several drugs over a period of 6-9 months. It is very important that people who have TB disease finish the medicine, taking the drugs exactly as prescribed. If they stop taking the drugs too soon, they can become sick again; if they do not take the drugs correctly, the TB bacteria that are still alive may become resistant to those drugs. All of these medications are provided free of charge from the health department. Latent, “inactive” TB can also be treated by taken a much shorter drug regimen that active TB. The most common treatment for latent TB includes 2 different medications that are taken once a week for 12 weeks. There are several different options for treatment available. Your provider will be able to determine which treatment course will be best for you. These medications are also provided free of charge from the health department.
If you have a cough that has been present for two weeks or more, and any or all of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor. You and your health care provider will then be able to develop an appropriate plan of action to assess the risk of TB.
The health department follows guidelines from the CDC to determine those at the greatest risk of contracting TB. Those people identified as high risk contacts are tested in the first round of testing. If a significant percentage of those contacts test positive on a screening test, then testing is expanded to include medium and low risk contacts if necessary.
Not typically. As mentioned above, most people that are infected off of an active case of TB are infected with latent TB infection, which is not contagious. If you are not experiencing any of the TB symptoms listed, then you shouldn’t be a risk to your family and friends. If you do have symptoms, please contact your doctor or the health department for further testing.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a diverse group of bacteria. Most strains are harmless, but some like E.coli 0157 can people sick. Some E. coli causes diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia and other illnesses.
Symptoms vary but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
Infection happens by swallowing the bacteria from tiny amounts of human or animal feces. Exposures include consumption of contaminated food, unpasteurized raw milk, water that has not been disinfected, or from contact with cattle or the feces of infected people. Some foods carry such a high risk of infection with E. coli O157 or another germs it is recommended people avoid them completely, including raw milk, soft cheeses made from raw milk and unpasteurized apple cider.
Sometimes contact is obvious (working with dairy cows or changing diapers), but sometimes it is not (eating an undercooked hamburger or a contaminated piece of lettuce). People have been infected by swallowing lake water, petting zoos and and by eating food prepared by people who did not wash their hands well after using the toilet. Almost everyone has some risk of infection.
Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used and may increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Antidiarrheal agents like Imodium may also increase that risk.
Salmonellosis is an infection from the bacteria Salmonella.
Most develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days, and most recover without treatment. However, diarrhea may be so severe in some to require hospitalization. The elderly, infants and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
Usually contaminated food, water or contact with infected animals causes infection. Because thorough cooking kills Salmonella, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat or raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products. Produce should be thoroughly washed. Food may be contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash properly after using the bathroom. Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with pets or pet feces.
Salmonella gastrointestinal infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and most do not require treatment other than additional hydration. Severe diarrhea may require intravenous fluids. Antibiotic therapy is recommended only for patients with severe illness (severe diarrhea, high fever, bloodstream infection or those who need hospitalization) or those at risk of severe disease or complications, including young infants, adults over 65 and the immunocompromised.
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
Fever and muscle aches sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms are common. Some also experience stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Pregnant women typically experience fever and other non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and aches. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Most infections follow consumption of contaminated food. Listeria are killed by cooking and pasteurization. However, in some ready-to-eat meats like hot dogs and deli meats, contamination may occur after factory cooking but before packaging or even at the deli counter. Unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow and multiply in some foods in the refrigerator.
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. A person in a higher-risk category (pregnant woman, older adults and people with weakened immune systems) who experiences fever and other non-specific symptoms like fatigue and aches within 2 months of eating a contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the physician or health care provider about eating the contaminated food. If a person has eaten food contaminated with Listeria and does not have any symptoms, most experts believe no tests or treatment are needed, even for those at higher risk for listeriosis.
Vibrios are bacteria occurring naturally in estuarine or marine environments. Roughly a dozen species are known to cause disease in humans.
Vibriosis is characterized by diarrhea, blood, wound or other extra-intestinal infections.
Infection is usually from exposure to sea water or consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. Some illnesses can occur from exposing an open wound to contaminated seawater.
Treatment is not necessary in many cases. Patients should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. In severe or prolonged illnesses, antibiotics can be used.
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Campylobacter.
Most people who become ill get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and fever within 2-5 days after exposure. Diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Illness typically lasts about one week, but some do not have any symptoms. Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes life-threatening infection in people with compromised immune systems.
Most cases are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry meat or from cross-contamination. Outbreaks are often connected to unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry and produce. Animals can also be infected, and some people get infected from contact with the stool of an ill dog or cat. The organism is not usually spread from person to person, but this can happen if the infected person is producing a large volume of diarrhea. It takes very few Campylobacter organisms to make a person sick. Even one drop of juice from raw chicken meat can have enough to infect a person.
Most recover without specific treatment. Patients should drink extra fluids as long as diarrhea lasts. Antimicrobial therapy is only for patients with severe disease or those at high risk for severe disease.
Toxoplasma gondii is single-celled parasite causing a disease known as toxoplasmosis.
Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it. Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel like they have the flu with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more. Severe toxoplasmosis – which causes damage to the brain, eyes or other organs – can develop from an acute Toxoplasma infection or one that occurred earlier in life and reactivated.
Toxoplasmosis can occur from eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison), drinking contaminated water or from contact with cat feces.
In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment usually is not needed. If symptoms occur, they typically go away within a few weeks to months. Medications are available to treat toxoplasmosis in pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
Chikungunya (Chik V) is a virus passed on to humans from mosquitoes. People infected with Chik V pass it on to a certain type of mosquito, which then can pass it on to other humans.
The virus has been found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has spread to Southern Europe and in late 2013 appeared in the Caribbean islands.
Aedes albopictus, or the Asian Tiger Mosquito as it is commonly known, can carry Chik V and several other viral diseases. It is widespread in parts of the United States but has not yet been found to be prevalent in northern Indiana
Symptoms usually begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and consist of fever, severe joint pains (often in the hands and feet), headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and/or rash. Most patients feel better within a week. Some people may develop longer-term joint pain. People at increased risk for severe disease include newborns exposed during delivery, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Deaths are rare (1 in a 1,000 people).
There are no antiviral medicines. There are medicines to help reduce fever and pain. There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent Chik V.
Eliminate any standing water on the property, change pet watering dishes, overflow dishes for potted plants, and bird bath water frequently. Do not allow water to accumulate in tires, flower pots, buckets, rain barrels, gutters etc. Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Long sleeves and insect repellent such as DEET will reduce exposure to bites. Aedes albopictus is a day biter with feeding peaks in early morning and late afternoon, so by limiting outdoor activities during these times when mosquitoes are generally most active, bites can be avoided.
While you may be low-risk for severe disease or death from COVID-19, many people have long-term problems from COVID-19 like lung, heart and nerve problems and there could be other effects that become apparent in the future. Also, once you’re fully vaccinated you don’t have to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure unless you develop symptoms.
Information about scheduling an appointment for vaccination can be found here or at coronavirus.in.gov. There are more than 1,000 sites offering COVID-19 vaccinations in Indiana, including dozens in Allen County.
No. None of the vaccines approved in the U.S. contain live COVID-19 virus and cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
While the vaccines are extremely effective, they are not 100% and some people who are fully vaccinated may still get COVID-19. However, most breakthrough cases are mild, and vaccines are effective at preventing the most severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death.
Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you’ve already had COVID-19. Experts do not yet know how long natural immunity from the COVID-19 virus lasts. You should not get vaccinated while you are still sick. You should wait 90 days before getting vaccinated if you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma during your infection.
An adult must accompany you to the vaccination sites, where they will be required to show their ID and confirm your age. A parent or legal guardian is preferred at most sites.
Most vaccines involve a two-dose regimen and include boosters. Click here for more information.
Common side effects are pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. These side effects are all normal signs your body is building protection against the virus and should go away within a few days.
No, COVID-19 vaccines will not change or affect your DNA. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have a very small piece of messenger RNA (mRNA), a type of material that our bodies already use to give the body instructions for making a protein that is found in the COVID-19 virus. Once this protein is made, it triggers the body to make antibodies to fight it. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of our body cells, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is found. The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine does not contain mRNA.
Yes, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations cause any problems with pregnancy or that fertility problems are a side effect of the vaccination (or any other vaccinations).
You are up-to-date when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters, when eligible. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and when they are recommended.
We do not currently know how long protection lasts. Public health experts are working to learn more about immunity and will keep the public informed as more evidence becomes available. Scientists are seeing decreases in the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide over time, and it is recommended that everyone eligible stay up-to-date with vaccines, including boosters.
You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. To reduce the risk of infection and spreading it to others the CDC recommends wearing masks in certain situations.
The vaccine is FREE to anyone living in the U.S., regardless of immigration or health insurance status. If you have health insurance, that information will be collected at the time of your appointment to help cover administration costs of the vaccination. You currently will not need to pay anything out of pocket, even if you do not have insurance.
Symptoms of mpox can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, cough) and rash. The rash may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters but will go through several different stages before healing. The rash can be painful and itchy.
Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.
Mpox is spread from person-to-person with direct contact to the rash, scabs or body fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact with respiratory secretions (within 6 feet for more than three hours). Pregnant women can spread mpox to their fetus through the placenta.
Items that touched the rash or body fluids, such as clothing or linens, can also spread the virus.
People without symptoms cannot spread the virus. A person is infectious from the time symptoms first appear until the rash is completely healed.
Anyone can contract the mpox virus. Those at higher risk include – but are not limited to – people who had contact with someone with a mpox-like rash or someone with a probable or confirmed case of the virus; had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network where mpox activity has occurred or is occurring; traveled outside the U.S. to a country with confirmed cases; and had contact with a dead or live animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from those animals such as meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.
Preventive measures include avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people with a rash that looks like mpox; avoiding contact with objects and materials a person with mpox might have handled; and washing your hands often.
You should contact your primary care provider if you feel you might have mpox. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can contact the Allen County Department of Health at 260.449.7556 for assistance.