Seven outbreaks of norovirus were reported in Douglas County last year, according to a new report.
Douglas County Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour discussed the 2012 State of Public Health report last week. The report focuses on five areas: asthma deaths, STDs, childhood lead poisoning, obesity, and infant health. In 2012, 503 cases of norovirus, or stomach flu, were reported in Douglas County.
Pour says infant mortality and sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS rates are decreasing in Douglas County, a sign that community health as a whole is improving.
Cases of Chlamydia are at an all-time high in Douglas County, while cases of gonorrhea are down 33 percent. Last year, 1,700 people were tested for STDs at non-traditional sites. Dr. Pour says the community has benefited from 14 new partnerships that provide outreach and testing.
The 2012 report also shows that 16,890 Douglas County children were screened for elevated blood lead levels.