News for February 17:
The high number of flu cases across South Carolina has led to visitation restrictions at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg County:
Testament to how widespread the flu is comes from none other than the hospital. The Regional Medical Center has restricted patient visitation temporarily because of influenza.
“We have seen an increase in the number of flu cases as the season has progressed,” RMC Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Samies said Wednesday. “To protect our patients and their families, we have closed the doors to all inpatient units and have restricted visitation to immediate family members over the age of 12 only. Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to enter any of the inpatient units.”
Remember, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Find a clinic near you.
A boil water advisory has been issued for Valley Public Service Authority Water System customers:
General Manager Calvin Smith advises the customers of the water system residing on Pinegrove Road, Old Chavous Road, Bailey Drive, Sapp Drive, Divine Drive, Pepper Branch Road, Scottsville Road, C.C. Camp Road, Storm Court and a portion of Storm Branch Road that the water service has been interrupted for emergency repairs due to an unforeseen waterline break on Thursday.
Find information on what to do in a boil water emergency here.
Have we found new high-tech way to fight mosquitoes? Microsoft is testing a “smart trap” to do just that:
A smart trap for mosquitoes? A new high-tech version is promising to catch the bloodsuckers while letting friendlier insects escape – and even record the exact weather conditions when different species emerge to bite.
Whether it really could improve public health is still to be determined. But when the robotic traps were pilot-tested around Houston last summer, they accurately captured particular mosquito species – those capable of spreading the Zika virus and certain other diseases – that health officials wanted to track, researchers reported Thursday.
It’s Random Acts of Kindness Day! Use this “kindness generator” for ideas on doing something great!
Live Healthy S.C. 