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Public Notices

PENDER COUNTY HEALTH ALERT: Warm weather, recent rain brings mosquitoes and potential for diseases

The Pender County Health Department is encouraging residents to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites because recent weather conditions have created an environment for mosquitoes to thrive. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).

EEE can occur in humans and horses and was recently identified in a donkey in a neighboring county with onset of July 21st, 2018. EEE is a rare disease in both horses and humans but is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States, with approximately 33% mortality in humans, and significant brain damage in those that survive.

Symptoms in people develop from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Infection can result in mild or serious symptoms. The less serious form is characterized by a rapid onset of chills, fever, headache, and joint/muscle pain which lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, followed by complete recovery. The serious form progresses into additional symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, a bluish tinge to the skin, convulsions, and even coma.   Survivors of this serious form of EEE may suffer from long-term effects to the nervous system. Persons under age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of developing severe disease. Therapy can treat the symptoms of the disease but there is no specific cure. There is a vaccine for horses to prevent EEE but not for humans.

West Nile Virus is mainly a disease of birds but can sometimes infect people, horses and other animals. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms at all. Some people will have mild symptoms while others may develop serious disease that can include high fever, convulsions, paralysis and, in some cases, lasting neurological effects. People who develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, should seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. There has been one death from WNV in North Carolina already this year.

Pender County Health Department’s Mosquito and Vector Control Division is actively spraying for adult mosquitoes in the county and will continue to do so until mosquito populations are reduced. The best defense against EEE and WNV infection and other mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. Pender County’s Environmental Health Director, Vence Dodge urges residents to take the following precautions:

  • To make your home and yard less mosquito friendly, pour out any standing water, and remove any containers that can hold water, such as, barrels, tires, old cans, and wading pools; change water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week.
  • Keep gutters clean and in good repair.
  • Repair leaky outdoor faucets and replace window and door screens that have rips or tears.
  • For standing water around homes that can’t be eliminated consider purchasing larvicide tablets, also known as mosquito dunks, or come to the health department for some that are available free of charge.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours (from one hour before to one hour after dusk and dawn); wear long pants, shoes, socks, and long-sleeved shirts if outdoors around twilight.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several repellents against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients and should read and follow all label instructions.

If you own horses consult with your veterinarian regarding the proper vaccinations and change the water in water troughs at least twice a week to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

For more information regarding mosquitoes or mosquito control in your areas please contact Pender County Health Department Mosquito and Vector Control Division at 910-259-1326.

Planned Lane Closure on US 117, 1.6 Miles South of NC 210 8-15-18

A NCDOT contractor crew will close the South Bound lane on US 117, 1.6 miles South of NC 210 on August 15, 2018 beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm. One lane will remain open to traffic at all times. A vicinity map is below.

Planned Lane Closure US 117 8-15-18

The lane closure is necessary to allow the contractor to make repairs to a section of guardrail.

The NCDOT reminds motorists to STAY ALERT, use alternate routes when possible during this period, drive with caution, obey the posted speed limits, and allow extra travel time.

For additional information regarding the dates and times of this closure, please visit https://www.ncdot.gov and click on “Travel & Maps” then, click on “Traveler Information Management System” and use the dropdown menus for county or route, or call “511” from any phone. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

48-Hour Boil Water Advisory in Effect for Surf City

ATTENTION Surf City residents and vacation goers!

Early this morning water service had been unexpectedly interrupted for the island portion of Surf City.

The Surf City Police Chief said water has been restored, but there is a 48-hour boil water advisory in effect, because the water system lost pressure last night.

This is the latest update from The Surf City Police Department, “This is the Town of Surf City notifying you that there was an unexpected issue with water line maintenance associated with the new bridge. Water service has been restored, however, there is a precautionary boil water advisory currently in effect for your area from Sea Oaks Drive on the mainland onto the Island. Those on the ONWASA are not affected. You will be notified when the boil water advisory has been lifted. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Health Department at (910) 259-1230

Recall Alert!

Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Valsartan and Valsartan HCTZ Tablets Due to Detection of a Trace Amount of Unexpected Impurity, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in The Products.

Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. dba Solco Healthcare LLC. is recalling all lots of Valsartan Tablets, 40 mg, 80mg, 160mg,   and 320mg; and Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, 80mg/12.5mg, 160mg/12.5mg, 160mg/25mg, 320mg/12.5mg, and 320mg/25mg to the retail level. This product recall is due to the detection of a trace amount of an unexpected impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), made by the manufacturer – Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. — that is used in the manufacture of the subject product lots. This impurity has been classified as a probable human carcinogen as per International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification.

The products are indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Click this link for more details https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613504.htm

Beach Towns: What you need to know!

From parking to pets to lifeguards, it’s all here in this guide to Southeastern North Carolina beach towns (listed north to south).

If the link above doesn’t work, please copy and paste the following into your address bar:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/entertainmentlife/20180712/beach-towns-what-you-need-to-know

Scotts Hill Baptist Church to host ARC blood drive July 17

SCOTTS HILL- The American Red Cross (ARC) will conduct a blood drive at Scotts Hill Baptist Church Monday, July 17, from 1 – 6 p.m.

“Our area is in need of blood, especially this time of the year,” said Larry Matheny, who is organizing the blood drive at Scotts Hill. Matheny is an ARC member of the board of directors.

“Due to busy summer schedules and vacations, donations are desperately needed,” Matheny said.

“It is very easy to sign up for the Tuesday, July 17 blood drive at Scotts Hill Baptist Church,” said Matheny. “Go online to redcrossblood.org and search by sponsor code Scotts Hill.”

All donors will receive American Red Cross T-shirts, Matheny said.

The American Red Cross expedited the check-in process. Donors should go to redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to answer donor questions from the comfort of home or office.

“It is very simple to sign-up and we have made it easy to just call to make an appointment,” said Matheny.

“The need is great,” he said. “We need your participation.”

Scotts Hill Baptist Church is located at 185 Scotts Hill Loop Rd.

For more information about the blood drive, call 910-254-GIVE (910-254-4483) or visit online at redcrossblood.org.

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July 2, 2018 Public Hearing – Postponed to July 23, 2018

Pender County has rescheduled the public hearing related to the System Development Fee Study conducted by Stantec Consulting Services Inc.  During last year’s session of the North Carolina General Assembly, House Bill 436 was passed and provides local governments the authority to adopt system development fees for public water and sewer systems.  Following its passage, the County commissioned the report as required by the new legislation in the review and determination of appropriate system development fees.

At the regular Board Meeting on Monday July 23, 2018, at 4:00 PM, members of the County Board will receive comments from all interested parties. The Board Meeting will be held at 805 S. Walker St., Burgaw, in the Public Assembly room.

Pender County officials applaud House bill that fights opioid addiction

BURGAW – Congress passed legislation June 22 that would give several federal agencies more tools to fight opioid addiction and death in the U.S. The bill, Patients and Communities Act will also open the door to more treatment and prevention for the public.

“The opioid crisis touches communities across Pender County and our nation,” said Pender County Chairman George Brown. “Often when I attend leadership conferences, I hear from other communities about the toll this crisis takes upon our families.”

The legislation will direct an estimated $4 billion in funding for the opioid crisis.

“We have lost three lives this year from opioid and heroin use. While unfortunate, we have many individuals, families and children suffering from the consequences of substance use disorders. This is a public health issue that requires a community response,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County’s director of health and human services.

“I applaud Congress for improving access to addiction treatment,” said Brown. “This legislation will block illegal drugs from entering the country too.”

The bill will fund research on nonaddictive medications to treat pain and reduce the number painkiller prescriptions.

“Pender County is fortunate to have a Board of Commissioners that stay informed about the opioid crisis and its impact on our county residents,” said Moser.

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Pender County Night at the Wilmington Sharks, July 28

PENDER COUNTY –  The Wilmington Shark and Pender County Tourism is teaming up to host Pender County Night, July 28.

All youth softball and baseball leagues will get free admission, including coaches.

“I think we’ve hit a home run with Pender County Night at the Wilmington Sharks,” said Tammy Proctor, tourism director. “Anyone wishing to attend can purchase discounted tickets online for only $5.”

The Wilmington Sharks’ mascot, Sharkey, will celebrate a birthday on June 28, Pender County Night. The first 500 guests at the gate will receive a free Sharkey bobblehead.

“Pender County has a special connection to the Wilmington Sharks because three players hail from Pender County – Bryce Coto, Sam Luchansky, and Danny Wilson,” said Proctor. “We urge the community to turn out to Legion Stadium on Saturday night, July 28.”

As a host with the Wilmington Sharks, Pender County will honor five heroes, throw out the first pitch, and sing the National Anthem.

Legion Stadium is located at 2149 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412. To purchase tickets online go to https://groupmatics.events/Pendercounty2. Tickets at the gate are only $7 each.

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