Illegal food vendors in orchards

EPHRATA - Health District Administrator Jefferson Ketchel reported to the Grant County Board of Health, at its October meeting, that were several illegal mobile food vendors operating in Mattawa area orchards this season.

Overall, Ketchel said there has been an increase in mobile food vendors in the orchards. Four Health District environmental staff members recently inspected mobile food vendors near Mattawa and found five illegal and five legal.

"We have also received complaints about five other illegal vendors in the area," Ketchel said.

Ketchel said seasonal temporary food permits have strict rules and regulations which has led to some businesses losing their seasonal permit status.

These businesses now have to obtain temporary permits weekly. Ketchel said the Health District will review and possibly revise the rules for next year

Ketchel informed the board that a bill will be proposed in the next session of the legislature to tax e-cigarettes. One third of the revenue is to go to local health jurisdictions, he said.

Dr. Alexander Brzezny, county health officer, informed the Board that children's flu vaccination rates have increased while adult vaccination rates are staying about the same. He said the spray, specifically for 2-8-year-olds, is "far superior" to the injectable for children.

Brzezny stated that there is a 25 percent reduction in heart attacks and strokes of those who receive the influenza vaccination.

A report was given to the Board regarding latent Tuberculosis study results. Twenty-five randomly selected patients were evaluated in study that was more a self assessment of the Health District's work.

"We have an approximately 85 percent treatment rate, which is very good, and we were pleased with the results," Brzezny said.

Brzezny noted that every third human in the world has tuberculosis in their lungs, whether it be active or more commonly inactive. The Curry International Tuberculosis Center will provide a Nurse-to-Nurse training program in the area for public health and healthcare nurses next year.