An open house is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at North Valley Hospital in recognition of infection control week. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about influenza, hepatitis and tuberculosis, and how to help prevent their spread. Okanogan County Health District is offering flu, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria injections for a fee. The tetanus booster needs to be repeated every 10 years for adequate protection, says the announcement. Last year there was one confirmed case in the area.
People also can get a tuberculosis skin test at the open house.
People who live or work in close quarters or have weak immune systems are the most likely to get tuberculosis, which at one time was the leading cause of death in the United States. It was declining by the late 1940s but now is on the rise again throughout the world. At the open house visitors can receive additional information on other infections such as AIDS and hepatitis A, B, and C. Facility tours are available on request and refreshments will be served. More information is available at 486-2151, Ext. 345. How to get your copy of The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle.