Category: Advisories & Alerts
Press Release from Foothills Public Health regarding COVID19 recommendations from the CDC and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Please click here to view the press release (PDF)
McDowell County COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Hotline
(828) 803-4552
Rutherford County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
(828) 287-6100
On Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 9am-11am Rutherford County Health Department (221 Callahan Koon Rd. Spindale, NC) will hold a COVID-19 Vaccine event. There will be a $25 gift card giveaway for those 18 years or older who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine and to whomever drives them there. This limited to the first 100 people and only on 6/29/21 from 9am-11am.
Update: As of August 4, 2021 the Rutherford County Health Department has exhausted the supply of $25 gift cards and are no longer available.
The Town Council of Rutherfordton is asking for public input on their consideration of adopting 100% smoke and tobacco-free ordinance to improve the health of citizens. Please take the time to visit their website and complete the survey located here: https://www.rutherfordton.net/rutherfordton-looking-to-clear-the-air-with-a-smoke-tobacco-free-ordinance-and-seeks-public-feedback/
Beginning Tuesday, May 4, 2021, anyone in need of a COVID Vaccine can visit the Rutherford County Health Department (221 Callahan Koon Rd. Spindale, NC) on Monday thru Friday 8:30am until 4:15pm. Vaccine services will be provided through our immunization department. No appointment needed
Vaccine is currently available for anyone over the age of 12*. 18 years old is the minimum age for the Moderna vaccine. For 12-18 year old, please call prior to visiting our office to insure availability of Pfizer vaccine which has been authorized by the FDA and CDC. You do not need to be a resident of Rutherford County to visit our vaccine clinic.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NC – This past weekend the Foothills Health District, along with Emergency Management provided over 800 vaccines at the Rutherford County Health Department. This appointment only clinic was possible with the collaboration and partnerships with outside agencies and volunteers. The team work shown among all these individuals allowed our community to get the much needed COVID19 vaccine. Thank you to Public Health, Rutherford County Emergency Management, Rutherford County Emergency Services, McDowell County Emergency Services and many amazing volunteers. A true testimony of caring for the community! We would like to thank the community for their continued patience, kind words and support as we maneuver this ever changing emergency response to COVID19.
The Centers for Disease Control Fact Sheet for COVID-19 (PDF File, Spanish)
The Centers for Disease Control Fact Sheet for COVID-19 (PDF File, Simplified Chinese)
McDowell County Emergency Management has opened a medical screening hotline for those who think they may have been exposed to the virus or if you are experiencing a fever, please call (828) 527-6687. The operator will ask a list of screening questions and will provide the caller with the appropriate medical instructions based upon the answers given. Open from 8am until 8pm.
Please do not call the medical screening hotline for general information.
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Website is a reputable website with up-to-date information
Information from Rutherford Regional Hospital is another reputable website with up-to-date information
The McDowell Cares website will bring together faith based organizations, community resources and information during times of local crisis.
McDowell County Emergency Management has opened a non-emergency call center for questions concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The number for the COVID-19 Hotline is (828) 559-9683. The hours are from 8am until 8pm.
The Centers for Disease Control Fact Sheet for COVID-19 (PDF File, English)
The Centers for Disease Control Fact Sheet for COVID-19 (PDF File, Spanish)
The Centers for Disease Control Fact Sheet for COVID-19 (PDF File, Simplified Chinese)
(828) 803-4552
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 5:00pm
The Community Health Council of Rutherford County has launched the website www.Rutherfordhelp.com. It provides Rutherford County citizens access to vital and timely information regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). You can find access to resources, volunteer to help, find the medical screening hotline, and find all the latest news and information.
828-223-5735
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 5:00pm
Legionnaires’ Disease Can Cause Pneumonia Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include:
► Cough
► Muscle aches
► Fever
► Shortness of breath
► Headache
Doctors use chest x-rays or physical exams to check for pneumonia. Your doctor may also order tests on a sample of urine and sputum (phlegm) to see if your
lung infection is caused by Legionella.
Legionnaires’ Disease Is Serious, but Can Be Treated
with Antibiotics
Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria in the body). Most people who get sick need care in a hospital but make a full recovery. However, about 1 out of 10 people who get Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.
Certain People Are at Increased Risk for
Legionnaires’ Disease
Most healthy people do not get Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to Legionella. Being 50 years or older or having certain risk factors can increase your chances of getting sick. These risk factors include:
► Being a current or former smoker
► Having chronic lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
► Having a weakened immune system from diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure
► Taking medication that weakens your immune system
Legionella Are Usually Spread through Water Droplets
in the Air
In nature, Legionella live in fresh water and rarely cause illness. In man-made settings, Legionella can grow if water is not properly maintained. These manmade
water sources become a health problem when small droplets of water that contain the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in. In rare cases, someone breathes in Legionella while they are drinking water and it “goes down the wrong pipe” into the lungs. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people.
To learn more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html
Legionnaires’ (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a very serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by bacteria called Legionella. If you develop pneumonia symptoms and may have been exposed to Legionella, see a doctor right away. Be sure to mention if you have used a hot tub, spent any nights away from home, or stayed in a hospital in the last two weeks.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District
The Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District, in conjunction with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources, are issuing a precautionary advisory pending an environmental investigation for Coxes Creek, Armstrong Creek near NC 226 and North Fork Catawba River.
Event: McDowell County reported an unknown amount of liquid asphalt that has released from an overturned tractor trailer near the 3200 Block of NC226 near Triple J RV Park & Campgrounds.
Liquid asphalt from the incident has spilled into Coxes Creek. The potential exists for a fish kill downstream of the spill. Sheen and brown discoloration of the water is visible into the N. Fork Catawba River.
Notice: Until the conditions posing the impact to the Coxes Creek, Armstrong Creek and N. Fork Catawba are remediated and tested to be diminished or removed, environmental and public health officials recommend:
For further information please contact the Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District at (828) 659-6642.