MOUNT VERNON — October heralds the start of flu season, and this year is no exception. But this year it seems to be striking especially hard.
According to Knox Public Health, the number of reported influenza cases since November is five times higher than this time a year ago and even higher than pre-pandemic years. Cases statewide are up, too.
Health Commissioner Zach Green told the county commissioners on Dec. 8 that finding hospital beds for flu patients is difficult. He said beds are not necessarily full, but the hospital faces staffing issues.
Green also sounded an alert about measles.
“Eighty-six percent of all school-age children in Knox County have received both doses of MMR,” he told the commissioners. “That’s not good. It was 89% in 2018, so we are declining.”
Green said individuals have a 90% chance of contracting measles if they are unvaccinated. No cases have been reported in Knox County, but Green said Knox Public Health is monitoring several individuals.
He also noted that vaccinations are down across the board, not just for measles.
“One of the benefits from the pandemic is our resources are in place. Immunizations have been on the decline,” he said. “We have opened lines of communication with increased risk areas to make sure we are ready to go.”
Staffing remains a challenge for KPH as it tries to keep pace financially with some of the “crazy offerings” from other organizations. The department is exploring site differential pay as one way to help offset the incentives of other organizations. The goal, Green said, is to “provide them with something that we can sustain.”
New septic rules the state legislature enacted in 2015 were set to go into effect in 2020, but COVID-19 put a halt to implementation. The rules include a mandate that all homeowners obtain a permit to operate their septic systems and the requirement that an inspection be completed every 10 years.
Green said new builds are put on a 10-year plan, as are systems that are rehabbed or have a known issue. KPH is not going township by township inspecting septic systems.
The state created a financial assistance program for homeowners who need to repair or replace their septic system. Eligibility is based on income. KPH has sent the information to township trustees. Homeowners may also call KPH at 740-392-2200 for more information.
The Community Health Center will lease a 1,500-square-feet suite at 10 E. Main St. in Danville. Renovations will start the first quarter of 2023 and be funded through a federal capital grant.
Green said the goal is to have it completed by summer. The site will feature a walk-in clinic and offer medical and behavioral health services.
Financial help failing septic systems
Ohio Building Code
In light of the anticipated and perhaps rapid growth the county is facing, the commissioners have discussed implementing a residential building code. The Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings to gather public input:
• Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, 6 pm, Knox County Memorial Theater
• Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, 10 am, Knox County commissioners’ office (117 E. High St.)
New KAT Director
Bethany Celmar has been named transit director for Knox Area Transit. She has 16 years of experience in human resources management, including in civic and transportation-related industries such as working with Class A CDL drivers at Burch Hydro in Fredericktown.
Celmar is a longtime resident of Knox County and serves on the executive boards of the Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Knox County. She will be president of both boards next year. She has also served on the Workforce Development Committee of the Area Development Foundation for six years.
