Board of Health

Skokie Board of Health March 14, 2013 Present____________________ _ Absent Excused Dr. Drachler Mr. Shah Dr. Kaplan Ms. Nickisch Duggan Dr. Gaynes Dr. Sood Mr. Gordon Dr. Herwitz Dr. Topouzian Dr. Luka Mr. Nidetz Ms. Urbanus Dr. Polin Mr. Pandya Dr. Usman Dr. Vicencio Dr. Plotkin Ms. Varma Dr. Prince Dr. Veis Dr. Williams UIC School of Public Health graduate students: Joanna Wojcik, Kim Garza and Rob Storm. Dr. Catherine A. Counard, Director of Health Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Presentation: Mr. Robert Berry, Superintendent & Mr. Dave Zazra, Communications Manager North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD), “Control of Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne illness” Mr. Berry and Mr. Zazra gave a very informative presentation; a copy is attached. The presenters outlined and gave detailed information on each of the following areas: NSMAD Overview • Who we are • What we do • Who we serve How we control mosquitoes • Surveillance • Source Reduction • Larval Mosquito Control • Adult Mosquito Control Mosquito Biology and West Nile Virus Transmission The speakers emphasized that Illinois is primarily plagued with two types of mosquitoes Nuisance (“Floodwater”), that do not carry human disease but affect the quality of life, and Vector (“Container”) mosquitoes that carry human disease. The NSMAD works to reduce and control the mosquito population, to decrease the probability of mosquito-borne illness and minimize the negative impact mosquitoes have on the quality of life in the region. There was and extensive and lively Q & A session throughout the presentation: Dr. Prince asked which mosquito species were in the Park District? Mr. Zazra responded that Park District mosquitoes are floodwater, or nuisance mosquitoes. Dr. Topouzian asked if the compounds used to kill mosquitoes affect other organisms? Mr. Zazra stated the compounds are mosquito-specific and do not affect other organisms. He added that less than one ounce of material is used per acre, and it is no longer in the air after 45 minutes. The compounds do not last more than 8 hours in the environment, and cannot be applied if the temperature is greater than 80 degrees. The NSMAD works with municipalities and local media to notify everyone when spraying will occur. If a person is observed outdoors in the area, then no spray is applied. Mr. Nidetz recalled the crow die-off of 2002 from West Nile Virus (WNV). Crows were dropping out of the trees. Mr. Zazra agreed that was the case and mentioned that it is now believed that robins may be the WNV reservoir. Mr. Berry added that mosquitoes bite the eyelids of birds. Ms. Urbanus expressed concern about the Evanston Golf Course located in Skokie, and wondered if night-time watering on the course increased the number of mosquitoes. Mr. Zazra replied that Clark Mosquito Control handles the golf course and night-time watering does not increase mosquitoes. Dr. Prince asked what can we put on ourselves to prevent mosquito bites? Mr. Zazra answered that DEET, 25% minimum, is effective and will prevent tick bites too. Mr. Pandya asked about the effectiveness of vitamin B6. Mr. Zazra responded that it does not work. Mr. Pandya asked if they could discuss Dengue Fever? Mr. Zazra reported that there have now been two Dengue outbreaks in the Florida Keys, so it is likely here to stay in the United States due to climate change. Other mosquito-borne illnesses may return to this country as well. He added that mosquitoes are the perfect disease carrying blood-sucking monsters. Dr. Plotkin asked about efforts to release millions of sterile males to decrease breeding. Mr. Zazra and Mr. Berry responded that the project is still in development. Dr. Veis asked about WNV and horses. Mr. Berry replied that there is a vaccine for horses but it seems to be less effective now than it was initially. He also added that Skokie has a higher attack rate for WNV because of the dense population (13,000 people/sq. mile) and lots of containers (flower pots, kiddie pools, abandoned swimming pools, etc) that serve as ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. There is much less WNV activity in rural areas. Dr. Prince asked how far the disease-carrying mosquitoes can fly? Mr. Berry responded about 1 mile. Dr. Topouzian asked why the traps are called “Gravid Traps”? Mr. Zazra stated that pregnant (gravid) females come to the traps at night to lay their eggs. Dr. Drachler asked who funds the NSMAD? Mr. Berry replied that a Property Tax Levy supports the NSMAD, which has been sufficient despite the decrease in the economy. Dr. Gaynes asked which compounds were used to spray to kill adult mosquitoes? Mr. Berry answered that Sumithrin, the same compound used to treat hair lice, is used. Mr. Sood asked about using bleach to kill mosquitoes? Mr. Zazra answered that bleach kills mosquitoes and mosquito larvae but should not be put into storm drains. Dr. Gaynes asked about possible contamination of drinking water from the larvicide. Mr. Berry answered that no problems for other species have been identified from the larvicide, and the NSMAD has #428364 Page 2 approval from the EPA to use these compounds for mosquito control. Dr. Drachler pointed out that sewage and storm water from Skokie and other municipalities in northern Illinois does not go back to the lake, but is treated and sent down the Mississippi. Skokie drinking water would not be affected by the larvicide. Chair’s Report Dr. Drachler mentioned that Dr. Veis has been appointed to the Board for a two year term. Dr. Drachler thanked everyone for attending the Village Boards & Commissions reception on March 11th, and discussed how he approached Mayor George Van Dusen and Mr. Albert Rigoni, Village Manager, about building more bicycle paths in Skokie. He also asked about the history behind the seven Skokie school districts – apparently it has “always been that way”. Personal Statements Dr. Kaplan was absent from tonight’s meeting. Ms. Ruth Varma shared her background, both personal and professional with the Board. Dr. Drachler asked that Dr. Veis be prepared to give a brief background overview to the Board at the April meeting. Director’s Monthly Report Dr. Counard presented the February monthly report (attached). The highlights included: 1. New Animal Control Truck The new animal control truck, specifically designed to provide safe transportation for animals and carry all frequently used equipment has arrived. Dr. Counard offered to have the Board take a look at the vehicle at the next meeting. 2. Skokie Public Schools Tobacco-free Poster Contest The Department sponsored a tobacco-free poster contest for 6th – 8th grade students attending Skokie public schools. A blue ribbon panel comprised of Mayor Van Dusen, Trustee Bromberg and Dr. Drachler will determine the top three winners, who will be announced at the April 3 Trustee meeting. 3. Childhood obesity project Plans for assessing obesity rates in children attending Skokie public schools using BMI data from existing health records are moving forward. A similar program is being carried out by the DuPage County Health Department. 4. New scanning software Staff are learning to use the new (awesome) scanning software, that will allow handwritten documents to be scanned directly into a database for organization and analysis. A pilot test of the software will be conducted over the summer, with the goal to use the software during the fall community flu shot clinics serving 3,000. Several questions were raised following the presentation: Dr. Veis asked how accurate is the scanning software? Dr. Counard answered that the company states the software is 80% accurate with handwriting recognition. However the 2009 experience of the Los Angeles County Health Department with 500,000 H1N1 records indicated the accuracy was much higher. Addendum from Dr. Counard: The industry standard for handwriting recognition using structured (i.e. “boxes”) forms is 70%; all forms that are not 100% readable by the software are sent to a person for verification. #428364 Page 3 Dr. Drachler mentioned the electronic medical records (EMR) at North Shore University Health System, which have been in use for 10 years, as there is no need for handwriting recognition. Dr. Counard added that she was unsure how the Department would be able to utilize an EMR in mass immunization clinics, where there are 1,000 people lined up who need to complete a form, but anything that could speed up the process would be very helpful! Community Health Plan Initiatives Updates – by Dr. Drachler • Access to Healthcare – Dr. Drachler, Dr. Counard and Nurse Susan Reisberg met with Dr. Avery Hart, Medical Director, and Tiosha Goss, Site Director, of the Erie Evanston/Skokie clinic. We learned that approximately 30% of the patients are from Skokie, despite a location that is not accessible to Skokie by public transportation. We were very impressed by their operations. However, according to Dr. Drachler, patients with routine concerns are being told to call back in 3 – 5 months, once the new clinic location is built on Dempster, due to the limited capacity at the current location. • Obesity Prevention – Dr. Drachler, Dr. Counard and Nurse Susan Reisberg met with the Niles Township school nurses to discuss the planned collection of BMI data from school health forms as described above. The nurses were very receptive to the program, and enthusiastic about using the data for the benefit of children. Old Business The Board asked for follow-up on why a school nurse is required to assist with EPI-Pens for students, as was discussed at the February meeting. Dr. Counard replied that many people throughout the schools, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and gym teachers have been taught to give EPI-Pen injections to children and adults with known allergies who are having a severe allergic reaction. The Emergency Epinephrine Act, P.A. 97-0361, requires that a school nurse evaluate anyone having a potentially life- threatening allergic reaction when that person does not have a known history of allergies, prior to giving the injection. Although that requirement may change over time, for now the Department will work to ensure that EPI-Pens are available in all Skokie schools that have a school nurse. New Business Dr. Drachler and the Board set the date for the summer Board dinner as Thursday, August 15, which will be after Ramadan. Dr. Drachler mentioned that Jeff Burman, Chair of the Skokie Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission, will present at the next meeting on April 11, 2013. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. #428364 Page 4