OWENSBORO, Ky. — Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, the Green River District Health Department reported that in the previous month, it investigated 1,124 new COVID-19 infections; 415 in Daviess County, 31 in Hancock County, 340 in Henderson County, 54 in McLean County, 98 in Ohio County, 90 in Union County, and 96 in Webster County.
There was one COVID-19-related death reported in the previous month. The COVID-19-related death was one resident of Daviess County.
The average number of new cases in the district for that period was 37.5 new cases a day. The newly reported cases were investigated between Sept. 1-30, 2023.
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.
- You may choose to wear a mask at any time.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available at your local health department, pharmacies, and other providers. Nearby providers with available doses can be located at vaccines.gov.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In Kentucky, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women. One in eight women will have breast cancer in her lifetime. Men can also develop breast cancer. Awareness and screening are vital. Risk factors for developing breast cancer include gender, age, and family history. Being a woman increases our risk. Most breast cancers are found in women who are over 50, although cancer can affect younger women. Family history is also an important risk factor to consider. Visit kycancerprogram.org or call 1-877-326-1134 for cancer resources in your community.
October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month. Each October, efforts are made to raise awareness and educate parents, grandparents, caregivers and the general public on the dangers of unsafe sleep practices. The CDC reports that each year, there are approximately 3,400 sudden unexpected infant deaths in the United States. These deaths occur in infants less than 1 year of age and have no obvious cause. There are 3 types of SUID deaths: SIDS, accidental, suffocation/strangulation in bed, and cause unknown. The 2021 Child Fatality Review Annual Report from the Kentucky Department of Public Health, states that in 2020, there were 92 SUID deaths in the state of Kentucky, up from 58 from the previous year. For more information go to www.healthdepartment.org.