8/16/17 @ 9:15 a.m. - Please see the below Press Release issued today by the Florida Department of Health. It includes tips on protecting your eyes during the solar eclipse, as well as a list of vendors selling approved eclipse glasses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2017
Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Florida - On Monday, August 21, Florida will experience a partial solar eclipse, and the Florida Department of Health reminds all Floridians to enjoy this rare event safely by following simple precautions and using proper protection. Severe retinal damage can occur from looking directly at the sun.

"The solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event that I'm sure many of us will want to experience,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip. "I look forward to viewing the eclipse safely using approved solar eclipse glasses, and I encourage all of Florida's residents and visitors to practice caution while driving or walking outdoors during the period of darkness.”

Because Florida will not experience a total solar eclipse, it will not be safe the view the eclipse without the use of special solar filters like eclipse glasses. Sunglasses are not eclipse glasses. Not all glasses that market themselves as "eclipse glasses” are safe. Approved glasses have filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safety. A list of vendors for approved eclipse glasses can be viewed on the American Astronomical Society (AAS) website. During the eclipse, be sure to take breaks and avoid staring at the sun for long periods of time, even with eclipse glasses.

Take simple precautions to protect your vision before, during and after the solar eclipse:

• Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched or damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter;
• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device;
• Always supervise children using solar filters; and
• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.

You can read more about solar eclipse safety on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Eclipse 101 website.
If you experience eye damage during the solar eclipse, please contact your health care provider.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/1/17 @ 11:15 a.m. - The Florida Department of Health has issued the attached Press Release reminding residents to avoid contact with stray animals to protect themselves from the risk of rabies exposure. The Press Release also includes tips on protecting your pets, as well as information on how rabies is transmitted.

To report unusual acting animals, please call Nassau County Animal Services at (904) 530-6150 (Note: Animals located within the City of Fernandina Beach should be reported to Nassau Humane Society at (904) 491-0122). Anyone who is scratched or bitten by a stray or wild animal should report the incident to their doctor immediately, as well as their local animal control agency and the Department of Health at (904) 875-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/10/17 @ 4:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Health Department has issued the attached Press Release reminding everyone about the health effects of wildfire smoke including scratchy throat, coughing, headaches and irritated nose, as well as worsening of chronic lung and heart conditions. Please review the Press Release for information on ways to protect yourself and family.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Geib with the Nassau County Health Department at (904) 875-6100 or via e-mail at kim.geib@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/4/17 @ 10:35 a.m. - As part of National Public Health Week, April 3-7, 2017, the Florida Department of Health in Nassau is celebrating completion of a third dental operatory located inside the Hilliard Clinic at 37203 Pecan Street. This operatory will be composed of a dentist, dental hygienist, and support clerk and will provide services to Nassau County citizens on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The public is invited to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which will take place on Friday, April 7th at 3:00 p.m. There will also be an Open House from 2:00 -4:00 p.m. (immediately prior to and after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony) which will showcase other public health programs including the School Health Program and the Women's, Infants & Children's (WIC) Program.

Please see the attached Press Release from the Florida Department of Health for more information about the new dental operatory, as well as comments from Nassau County Health Department Director, Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel, regarding the importance of this new facility and the impact it will have on the citizens of Nassau County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/24/17 @ 1:55 p.m. - The Florida Department of Health issued a Press Release in recognition of World TB Day which commemorates the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is one of the world's deadliest diseases and can attack the lungs, kidney, spine and brain.

The Florida Department of Health is making strides to eliminate TB in the State by spreading awareness, implementing improved testing and treatments, and making it easier for clients to successfully complete therapy. Please read the attached Press Release for more information related to symptoms of TB and to explore important resources such as statistics, current trends, and publications.

If you have any questions, please contact Emily Cason with the Nassau County Health Department at (904) 530-6805 or via e-mail at Emily.Cason@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Nassau County has been selected as a 2017 Healthy Weight Community Champion by the Florida Department of Health. This award was developed by the Florida Department of Health to highlight communities for their efforts in implementing programs and policies that encourage active lifestyles and healthy eating habits.

The award was presented by Nassau County Health Department Director, Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel at the Board of County Commissioner's meeting held on Wednesday, February 15th. Dr. Seidel commended the Board for their "commitment to making healthy living available and accessible to all residents" and reminded them that government plays an important role in decreasing the prevalence of unhealthy weight in their jurisdiction.

Nassau County has adopted numerous programs to encourage healthy eating and physical activity in the community. Examples include the "Eat Smart, Be Active Class" series in which participants learn to plan healthy snacks and meals, control portions, and to become more physically active, as well as free classes related to small farm topics such as growing fruits and vegetables. In addition, the County provides several parks and recreation facilities with ballparks and walking trails to give residents options for becoming more physically active. For more information on this award and for information related to obesity rates in Florida, please review the attached Press Release.

Locally, the Nassau County Health Improvement Coalition has worked for several years to bring community partners together to prevent chronic disease. Interested community members are invited to attend their next meeting on Monday, March 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the Yulee Full Service School located on Felmor Road in Yulee. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Cason at (904) 530-6805 or via e-mail at Emily.Cason@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's office

10/10/16 at 1:15 p.m.

NASSAU COUNTY BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR PRIVATE WELLS. Individuals with privates wells as primary source of drinking water are under a boil water advisory until further notice. The Department of Environmental Health has been testing area water since yesterday and will notify us once they have determined well water is safe to drink.

In the meantime, please review these well disinfection guidelines for private wells in Nassau County under the boil water advisory.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed the first case of travel related case of Zika in a Nassau County resident. The Department of Health Nassau and mosquito control partners have already begun taking  measures to prevent spread in accordance with State guidelines. Please note there have not been any locally acquired Zika cases.

Below is information provided by the Florida Department of Health on various topics related to Zika, including how to prevent mosquitos, tips on enjoying your vacation, and special advice for pregnant women. Please click on the links to review each flyer:

• Drain and Cover
• Mosquito Bite Protection for Overseas Travelers
• Enjoy Your Vacation
• Zika Information for Pregnant Women

If you have any questions, please contact the Zika Hotline at (855) 622-6735.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

A rabid fox was recently reported to the Nassau County Health Department so health officials have   issued the attached Press Release urging residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease so it's important to keep pets vaccinated against rabies and to avoid contact with wild animals and animals who are acting strangely.

The following steps can help protect you and your loved ones against rabies:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Nassau County Animal Services at (904) 530-6150.
• Call you local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be property cared for or regularly vaccinated
• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, domestic or wild, even if they appear friendly
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, or other similar areas where they might come in contact with people or pets

If you have any questions related to the attached Press Release, please contact Ronnie Nessler with the Nassau County Health Department at (904) 530-6825 or via e-mail at ronald.nessler@flhealth.gov. Unusaul acting animals should be reported to Nassau County Animal Services at (904) 530-6150.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office