Summit County health representative urges flu timing, warns of hand‑foot‑and‑mouth spread; offers syringe drop-off and free medication lockboxes

Dan Courant, the Summit County Board of Health representative to Norton, told the City Council on Sept. 2 that a recent Norton High School football cancellation was linked to the spread of hand‑foot‑and‑mouth disease and urged residents to observe hygiene practices and vaccination guidance.

"Since we had a recent football game canceled for Norton High School there has been some urgency that we pay attention to circulating communicable diseases in our community," Courant said during the meeting, adding that hand‑foot‑and‑mouth disease is "highly contagious" and that students should remain home "until all the sores have healed and stop, leaking fluids. That's usually around 7 to 10 days. However, through feces, a person can be contagious for weeks afterwards, so good hygiene is essential."

Courant recommended that eligible residents receive the seasonal influenza vaccine but suggested timing vaccinations around Oct. 1 to maximize protection into the core of flu season. "So October 1 is a good day to use as a typical guideline for when to request your vaccination," he said, explaining his view that vaccine effectiveness can wane over several months.

On COVID vaccination, Courant said a new formulation intended to address the current variant had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and was under review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He cautioned residents to verify they are receiving the updated formulation and to consult their physician and insurer about coverage. "If you got vaccinated today, your protection should be good until March 1, but flu season goes through May," he said. He also noted national COVID mortality: "There are about a hundred and 54 Americans dying currently from COVID each week still," and urged eligible people to get vaccinated when appropriate.

Courant also described local harm-reduction resources: residents may donate unused, sealed 1‑cc syringes to the Summit County Health District by dropping them off at the Medicine Shop in Norton or contacting Courant directly at the number he provided at the meeting. "Syringes must be in their original packaging, unused, and sealed," he said, adding that the health district only accepts 1‑cc syringes and not larger sizes. He gave a phone number to post for contact: (330) 620-8586.

He said the Summit County Public Health District is distributing six combination lockboxes — free while supplies last — intended to secure medications for individuals at risk of theft or tampering; residents may arrange pick-up through the Clerk of Council. "They are free while they last. Contact McCarrie, Clerk of Council, to arrange for pickup," Courant said.

Courant framed his remarks as informational and not as an official Board of Health policy statement; he said his comments were based on his experience as a community pharmacist with nearly five decades in health care.