Improved rabies vaccination programs for domestic animals (cats, dogs, ferrets, etc.) and better treatment for people who have been bitten have dramatically reduced the number of human rabies cases in this country. The majority of recent human cases acquired in the U.S. have resulted from exposure to bats. In Kentucky, we have skunk and bat variant rabies. To prevent the spread of rabies to humans, keep your pet’s vaccinations current and avoid contact with wild animals.
Note: Dogs are still a significant source of rabies in other countries. Be aware of this risk when traveling outside of the United States and some regions nationally.
The following animals are NOT CONSIDERED LIKELY TO CARRY RABIES:
Note: woodchucks are tested.
Where is mold found?
Molds are fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors almost everywhere in the environment. Mold can grow year-round but grows better in warm, humid conditions.
In the home, mold is almost always present in the air but tends to grow best in areas with high humidity levels, like bathrooms and basements. There are thousands of different species of mold, but the most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.
Is mold exposure harmful?
There is no established health exposure limit for mold but some people are sensitive to mold. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. People with mold allergies, lung conditions, or who have a compromised immune system can have more intense reactions.
A Certified Inspector for the health department may, upon request, sample private water wells and cisterns for coliform bacteria through the state public health laboratory. Sampling may be done on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday for submittal to the lab. The state charges a sampling fee of $50 for private water testing. Persons wishing to have their water tested for other contaminates should contact a private water laboratory.
The health department may waive the sampling fee when the sampling is done in conjunction with a disease investigation.
Nuisances can be many different things to different people. KRS 212.210 states that the health department “may examine into all nuisances that may, in their opinion, be injurious to the health of the inhabitants”. Some of the things that may, from our standpoint, be considered a nuisance are the illegal dumping of organic garbage, old tires, standing water and leaking sewer or septic lines, to name a few.
Not everything that may upset you or be unsightly can be considered a health hazard. Sometimes problems can be better addressed by city ordinances that may more specifically target the issue.
Contact or Schedule an Inspection:
To report a sanitation concern or request an inspection, please contact your local county health department using our contact page.