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Public‑health updates: two cyclospora cases, lead exposures remain paint‑related; new hires announced
Summary
Staff reported two cyclospora cases under investigation, said lead exposure remains largely tied to older housing, and announced a nurse hire (starting Aug. 3), recruitment for a JEWL‑funded youth tobacco prevention health educator and a speech‑language caseload increase from 8 to 18 children.
Staff reported two cyclospora cases (one reported this week and one the prior week) and said each reported case requires an investigation to meet the case definition; providers have been advised to order cyclospora‑specific testing because standard GI panels may not capture it. The staff member said they would confirm the specific test used (PCR) and share updates.
On lead exposure, staff said the primary source in Tompkins County remains old paint and older housing, though some exposures are linked to international travel or exposures prior to arrival in the county. The department described existing testing protocols at 1 and 2 years of age and follow‑up procedures.
Staff announced personnel changes: Rachel said she hired a nurse who will start on August 3 to support CDE and Heart Babies programs, and the department is hiring a health educator (using JEWL settlement funds) focusing on youth tobacco prevention with applications accepted through August 16. The chair also noted that the department increased a speech‑language caseload from 8 to 18 children, which the chair described as a significant expansion of prevention services.
Staff also announced that the public‑health fellow Lisonbee Castellani will depart the water program after two years of service.
