LAKE COUNTY
Lake County Public Health Addresses Rising Rates of Hepatitis C
Lake County Public Health is raising awareness regarding the concerning increase in rates of Hepatitis C within our community. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood. This increase highlights the importance of education, prevention, and access to testing and treatment services.
Hepatitis C can be transmitted through various means, including sharing needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia, needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings, or through birth from an infected mother. Less commonly, transmission can occur through sharing personal care items that may have come into contact with infected blood or through unprotected sexual contact, particularly in individuals with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Hepatitis C is a serious health concern that requires immediate attention. It can range from acute to chronic infection, potentially leading to long-term health complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks, get tested, and seek appropriate care.
Testing for Hepatitis C is recommended for individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, especially those with a history of injection drug use, healthcare workers at risk of needle-stick injuries, or individuals born to mothers with Hepatitis C. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve health outcomes.
If you test positive for Hepatitis C, it’s important to contact your doctor promptly. Additional testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage. Fortunately, Hepatitis C can now be cured for most people in as little as 8-12 weeks with minimal side effects.
National guidelines recommend treatment for nearly everyone diagnosed with Hepatitis C, regardless of drug use or recovery status. Treatment not only cures the infection but also reduces the risk of transmission to others.
Lake County Public Health encourages community members to prioritize their health by seeking testing and, if necessary, treatment for Hepatitis C. Furthermore, individuals are urged to adopt preventive measures, such as practicing safe injection practices, using barrier methods during sexual activity, and avoiding sharing personal care items that may carry bloodborne pathogens.
For more information on Hepatitis C testing, treatment, and prevention resources, please contact Lake County Public Health at (707) 263-1090.
—Submitted
CLEARLAKE
CMAS Youth Art Project THE WALL – Under the Lake
Gather this summer of 2024 for an exciting opportunity to beautify Clearlake! We’re recruiting students to create a new mural project on 40th Street, with the theme of “Under the Lake”. This project aims to cover up the blight in the area and provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talent. Let’s gather together to make a positive impact in our community!”
CMAS Youth Project – The Wall – Students will research Lake County Ecology as they learn to draw an underwater landscape, “Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Wildlife, Plants, and Insects”, to trace down the wall and create a scene, “Under the Lake”, along the side of the wall located on 40th and Old HWY 53.
There will be two sessions to choose from. Meeting up at CMAS Activity Center 15210 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake on June 10 to June 27 and July 8 to July 25
Parents are invited to volunteer and hang out while the students compile research, learn painting techniques, and create images on the wall of “Under the Lake”.
Youth Art Project Starts:
8:30 Students Arrive
8:45 Students group and discuss project and practice painting techniques.
9:15 Break get organized.
9:30 Painting the wall
11:30 Clean up
12 Students Leave
Please be on time. Late students will stay behind to catch up on written material while group is engaging in the next scheduled activity.
Sing up at the following web address:
http://www.tinyurl.com/cmasthewall
Deadline to sign up is May 24, 2024. CMAS Youth Art Project is at no cost to families. To assist in covering cost of materials, donations are greatly appreciated. Please click to link below to make your contributions. https://www.facebook.com/fund/cmaslakecounty/
