Infectious Diseases

As the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, infectious diseases can be a serious threat to our health and wellbeing. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones during a pandemic or infectious disease outbreak.

Respiratory illnesses are infections that affect the lungs and airways, causing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, congestion and difficulty breathing. These illnesses can range from mild colds to severe conditions like influenza (flu), COVID-19, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Understanding how to prevent respiratory illnesses is key to protecting yourself and those around you.

If a respiratory illness outbreak occurs, local public health departments will implement proactive prevention and response strategies to safeguard public health.

• Common Cold – Caused by various viruses, leading to congestion, sore throat and mild fever.
• Influenza (Flu) – A highly contagious virus that can cause fever, body aches, fatigue and severe respiratory symptoms.
• COVID-19 – Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing.

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) – Particularly dangerous for infants and older adults, causing severe respiratory distress in some cases.
• Pneumonia – An infection that inflames the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain and persistent cough.

Foodborne illnesses can strike at any time, but they become an even greater concern during emergencies such as power outages, natural disasters or disruptions to the food supply. Proper food handling and sanitation are critical to preventing the spread of illness, especially when normal routines are disrupted.

Foodborne illnesses can be prevented with proper planning and hygiene. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, individuals and communities can reduce the impact of food-related illnesses during emergencies. Stay informed, stay prepared and prioritize food safety to protect yourself and others.

During disasters, access to safe food and clean water can be compromised. Contaminated food or improper storage can lead to serious foodborne illnesses, which can spread quickly in shelters, community centers and homes. Some key risks include:

• Power outages: Refrigerated and frozen food can spoil, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
• Flooding: Contaminated water can make food unsafe to eat.
• Disrupted supply chains: Limited access to fresh food may lead people to consume expired or improperly stored food.

Follow these steps to reduce your risk of foodborne illness during an emergency:

• Before an emergency:
  • Keep an emergency food supply with non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods.
  • Store bottled water and have a way to purify additional water if needed.
  • Have a food thermometer and a cooler with ice packs for temporary cold storage.
• During an emergency:
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. According to the USDA, an unopened refrigerator will keep food safely cold (at 40°F/4°C) for about 4 hours. An unopened full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full).
  • Discard perishable food left above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours.
  • Do not consume food that has come in contact with floodwater.
• After an emergency:
  • Check food for spoilage and discard anything with an unusual odor, color or texture.
  • Sanitize food preparation surfaces and utensils before use.

• Contaminated food or water
• Contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces
• Poor hand hygiene and improper sanitation

Vaccines are safe and effective.  Being vaccinated protects you and those around you! That’s why it’s important to keep yourself and your family up-to-date.

Vaccines for adults
Metro health departments offer immunizations for children and adults, including travel and flu vaccines.

Vaccines for children
Both Kansas and Missouri require several vaccines for children in school, including measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio, and varicella (chickenpox). There are additional vaccines that public health officials recommend but are optional, including hepatitis A (required in Kansas), human papillomavirus, and influenza vaccinations.

During the busy back-to-school season, many local health departments (some located on or near RideKC routes) offer walk-in hours for immunizations while others offer appointments so parents and caregivers can bring in their children when it’s convenient for them. Jackson County Public Health and Wyandotte County Public Health also offer free transportation for clients to get to and from their appointments.

If a child does not have health insurance, or if their insurance does not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. Parents can find out more about the  by contacting their healthcare provider or local health department.

Local health departments and vaccines
Local health departments also play a critical role in vaccine distribution during public health emergencies, ensuring communities have timely access to life-saving immunizations. Whether responding to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or pandemics, they coordinate mass vaccination efforts to protect public health. These departments work closely with state and federal agencies to distribute vaccines efficiently, prioritize high-risk populations, and provide clear, accurate information to the public.