Press Releases

Three Hospitalizations Among Patients Who Reported Vaping

Friday, August 16, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating recent reports of severe lung disease after vaping. Three patients have been hospitalized in North Carolina since late July and similar cases have been reported from other states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Minnesota. No deaths have been reported. 

Test Results Show Highest Toxic Algae Levels Recorded in Chowan River this Year

Friday, August 16, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Indian Creek because of an algal bloom producing the highest levels of toxin recorded this year. 

High Temperatures Return to Parts of NC; Heat Illness-Related Emergency Department Visits Top 3,100

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

According to the Division of Public Health, there were 3,150 heat-related hospital emergency department visits reported from May 1 to Aug. 10, due to the combination of heat and humidity — particularly during periods of extreme heat. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging precautions, especially on hot days.

Make Sure Your Child Is Up-To-Date on Vaccines Before School Starts

Friday, August 9, 2019

As teachers, parents and students are preparing for the start of the 2019–2020 school year, public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are reminding North Carolinians to ensure their children, especially teens and preteens, are current on their vaccinations.

Reported Algal Bloom on West Side of Chowan River

Monday, August 5, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Leary Landing because of an algal bloom producing a toxin called microcystin.

Rare Brain Infection, Death Linked to Swim in a Cumberland County Lake

Thursday, July 25, 2019

NC public health officials are reporting that an individual died after developing an illness caused by an amoeba that is naturally present in warm freshwater after swimming in Fantasy Lake Water Park in Cumberland County on July 12, 2019.

Governor Cooper Proclaims July 26 as ADA Day in North Carolina

Thursday, July 25, 2019 Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Friday as Americans with Disabilities Day in North Carolina, honoring the more than 1.3 million North Carolinians who have a disability and reminding all that the Americans with Disabilities Act, which turns 29 on Friday, is landmark legislation that promotes full inclusion and integration for people with disabilities into their communities.

Test Results Indicate High Health Risk from Contact with Chowan River Algal Bloom

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging the public to stay out of the Chowan River near Arrowhead Beach because of an algal bloom producing a toxin called microcystin. 

Governor Cooper Signs the Opioid Response Act and Other Bills Into Law

Monday, July 22, 2019 Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed the House Bill 325, the Opioid Epidemic Response Act, to help increase access to medication assisted treatment and expand harm reduction measures to reduce opioid overdose deaths across the state. Gov Cooper was joined by lawmakers from both parties and families affected by the substance abuse crisis. The bill garnered widespread support from the General Assembly led by Senator Jim Davis and Senator Gladys A. Robinson. The Opioid Epidemic Response Act will:

NC Medicaid Managed Care Open Enrollment Begins Today in 27 Counties

Monday, July 15, 2019 Open enrollment for Medicaid managed care begins today in 27 counties. From July 15 through Sept. 13, 2019, more than 300,000 households with nearly 540,000 people in Medicaid can choose a health plan to provide their Medicaid services, along with a primary care provider.
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