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Animal Bite Investigations / Quarantines

The most common source of rabies in the U.S. is from bats. However, in 1989, raccoon rabies entered NJ and has spread through the entire state. Many other animals have become infected including skunks, foxes, groundhogs and free roaming cats.

Rabies is a fatal disease that is transmitted through exposure to a rabid animal. However, it is very preventable if post exposure medical treatment is obtained in a timely manner.

What should you do?

  • All bites or other exposures to rabies involving victims residing in Vineland must be reported to the a Vineland
  • Police Department at (856) 794-4131
  • Persons bitten by or exposed to a rabid animal are advised to get medical attention immediately.
  • CLICK HERE for the Report An Animal Bite form.

What we do:

  • Biting animals are quarantined for a period of 10 days and observed for signs/ symptoms of rabies
  • Animal bite investigations and community rabies control education
  • Rabies immunization clinics for dogs and cats

Contacts:
Robert Dickinson, REHS, Health Officer
Samantha Kaur, Senior REHS
Jennyfer Hernandez, REHS
(856) 794-4131

Body Art Establishment Inspection Program

Body art requires puncturing the skin and therefore has risks of blood borne pathogen transmission to the practitioner and/or the client. Thus, there are requirements of sanitation, sterilization and safety standards that must be met.

Activities included here are based on the State Sanitary Code Chapter VIII, “Body Art Procedures,” N.J.A.C. 8:27-1

  • Inspection of all tattooing, body piercing, and permanent cosmetic establishments
  • Plan review for new installations /renovations and recommendations for any noted deficiencies
  • Administers operating licenses to compliant facilities

Contacts:
Karla Rivera, Senior REHS
(856) 794-4131

Childhood Lead Poisoning Program

Activities included here are:

  • Assuring that all children are appropriated screened for lead poisoning in accordance with N. J. A. C. 8:15A;
  • Including lead screening in the audits of child immunization records at licensed child care centers;
  • Environmental investigations to identify and remediate lead hazards, including investigations undertaken in compliance with Chapter XII of the N. J. State Sanitary Code;
  • Case management and home visits by a public health nurse for children with elevated blood lead; and
  • Educational activities designed to inform the community about the dangers of lead poisoning in children and to assist them in identifying and properly removing lead hazards.

Contacts:
Robert Dickinson, Health Officer,
Samantha Kaur, Senior REHS – Lead Inspector
(856) 794-4131

Elaine Webster, RN
Cumberland County Health Department
(856)-327-7602

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Program

Indoor air quality can affect the health and/or comfort of residents, students or workers. Indoor air problems can cause a host of health issues from allergic responses, sinus and lung infections, seizures, to death. However, there are no specific laws, only guidelines.

This department is available, upon request or complaint, to conduct an initial inspection and/or make recommendations for further evaluations or testing.

The Vineland Health Department is able to perform some testing of aspects such as:

  • Carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly by-product of combustion
  • Carbon dioxide, a by-product of breathing that mainly affects comfort, e.g., causes drowsiness or a feeling of stuffy air
  • Relative humidity, which when over 60% can allow the growth of mold and dust mites
  • Moisture in solid materials, which can promote mold growth
  • Temperature, which relates mainly to comfort and humidity levels

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
856-794-4131

Kennels, Pet Shops, Shelter Inspection Program

Inspections are conducted to protect the health and well-being of both the animals and the public. Inspections will include the safety & comfort of the animals as well as disease transmission.

Activities included here are based on the N.J.A.C. 8:23-3A and City Ordinance 46 as amended by Ordinance 90-112, and Chapter 3 of New Jersey State Sanitary Code.

  • Inspections of all kennel, pet shop, shelter, and pound
  • Providing educational information as needed

Contacts:
Samantha Kaur, Senior REHS
(856) 794-4131

Occupational Health Program

Activities related to Occupational Health include those set forth at Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health in New Jersey: N. J. A. C. 8:52, Appendix: Programmatic Guidelines for Best Practices.

These activities include:

  • Consultation regarding Indoor Air Quality Problems – conduct on-site inspections at public agencies and private sector businesses in response to employee complaints.
  • Consultation regarding Occupational Health Problems – these calls are primarily from private sector employees and small business employers.
  • Consultation to other City departments regarding Right to Know requirements.

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
(856) 794-4131

Potable (Drinking) Water Program

Contacts: 
Samantha Kaur, Senior REHS
(Private Well testing Act questions)
856-794-4131

Protect your private well

Private Well Testing Act information

Well Permit Request Form

Well Installation Request Form

When submitting Well Permit Applications, please include the City of Vineland Well Permit Application, the NJDEP Permit, and the appropriate fee for new and replacement wells ($320.00) to 640 E. Wood Street, Vineland, NJ 08362, Attn: Samantha Kaur.

All well installations require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice and before the well can be backfilled, a final inspection is required. Before backfilling a well, the applicant and/or the well driller must notify our department so a final inspection can be completed. For further information regarding requirements, please read through the City of Vineland’s Ordinances for private wells: https://ecode360.com/12588665

Public Health Nuisance Investigations - Mosquitoes, rats, weeds, etc.

Enforcement of Public Health Nuisance Code(s) dealing with:

  • Rodents
  • Insects
  • Noxious weeds (poison ivy, etc.)
  • Animal waste/odors
  • Solid Waste
  • Mosquitoes
  • Ticks

Activities included here are:

  • Complaint investigations and surveys conducted to identify nuisances
  • and through appropriate follow up ensure abatement in accordance with local ordinances;
  • Providing educational information on the various nuisances as needed;
  • Enforcement actions (court summonses) taken, if necessary;

 

How to identify ticks

How to identify Poison Ivy

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
Chris Buono, RPH
(856) 794-4131

Rabies Control / Education Program

Contacts:
Samantha Kaur, Senior REHS
856-794-4131

Radon Testing / Education Program

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and can only be detected by specialized tests. Radon enters homes through openings that are in contact with the ground, such as cracks in the foundation, smell openings around pipes, and sup pits.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Testing your home for radon is easy.

The City of Vineland Health Department has a limited number of radon test kits available for homeowners (Vineland residents only) while supplies last.

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
(856) 794-4131

For more information visit: http://www.njradon.org

Recreational Bathing Inspection Program - Public swimming pools, spas

Activities included here are based on the current “Recreational Bathing” Regulations contained in the State Sanitation Code (see N. J. A. C. 8:26).

Inspections of all public swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and spas/whirlpools;

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
Karla Rivera, Senior REHS
(856) 794-4131

Sewage Disposal (Septic System) Program

FORM:

Applicable fees must be submitted with request/applications.

All inspections require a minimum of 24 hours notice.

FEES:

New system (New construction) – $700.00

Existing systems – Repairs/Alterations – $500.00

Existing Systems – Minor Repairs (Does not include work to disposal area) – $150.00

Onsite System Inspection Report Reviews – $100.00

Profile Pit Request Form

Septic System Application

Septic System Application – Minor Repair

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic Conditions Of Approval

Contact:
Derek DiAntonio, REHS
856-794-4000 Extension 4125

Smoke Free Air Act

Effective April 15, 2006, indoor public places and workplaces across the State will be smoke free which includes (e cigs) electronic cigarettes. In January, 2010, an amendment was passed, which banned the use of electronic smoking devices – “e-cigarettes” – in indoor public places and workplaces and the sale to people 19 years and younger. The amended law became effective March 13, 2010.New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act ensures workers have a safe workplace and that all non-smokers, including children and senior citizens, can breathe smoke-free air in the public places they visit.

The law affects the following types of indoor public places and workplaces:

  • Any enclosed location at which a person performs any service or labor;
  • Restaurants and Bars;
  • Public Transportation Systems;
  • Child Care Centers;
  • Health Care Facilities, patient waiting rooms and nursing homes;
  • Sports Facilities including race tracks and bowling alleys;
  • Theatres, clubs, concert halls, public libraries, museums, art galleries;
  • Shopping Malls and retail stores;
  • Parking facilities, lobbies, elevators;
  • Lodging – Hotels, motels, etc. (smoking is allowed in up to 20% of guest rooms);
  • Bingo facilities

The City of Vineland Health Department is ready to assist the public and business owners alike in providing information, education and enforcement of the new law.

Contacts:
Emma Lopez – Assistant Health Officer
(856) 794-4000 Ext. 4709

For more information visit: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/tobacco/regulations/

Tanning

Since lamps used in tanning beds emit UV radiation, the use of indoor tanning devices increase your risk of skin cancer. Other risks include premature aging of the skin, immune suppression, eye damage and allergic reaction. A bad burn at young ages greatly increases the chances of skin cancer.

In order to protect the publicÂ’s health, regulations require age restrictions, time restrictions, exposure times based on skin type and disinfection between users.

Activities included here are based on N.J.A.C. 8: 28.

  • Ensure that all tanning facilities are registered and licensed
  • Inspection of all tanning facilities

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
(856) 794-4131

West Nile Virus (WNV)

What is West Nile Virus? Where did it come from?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. As its name implies, WNV is typically found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Infection with this virus does not always result in human disease. Studies have shown that only a small percentage of humans infected with the virus will show symptoms of the disease. The general symptoms of West Nile fever, resulting from infection with WNV, range from fever, headache, and rash to meningitis, encephalitis, coma, and death. It was first identified in the United States in August of 1999 in New York State.

How do people get West Nile Virus?
People become infected with West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds which have previously been infected with WNV. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling infected birds.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most infections are mild. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. When more severe illness occurs, symptoms range from fever, rash and headache to meningitis, encephalitis, coma and, on rare occasions, death.

Who is at risk for getting West Nile Virus?
Risk among individuals in the general population is very low. However, people over the age of 50 and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk for more serious illness.

How is it treated?
There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, nor is there a vaccine. Most people recover completely within two weeks. In more severe infections, intensive supportive therapy may be needed.

Can birds or other animals get West Nile Virus?
Crows, gulls, ducks, chickens, hawks, and horses are some examples of animals that are known to harbor West Nile Virus. But only a few species actually show symptoms. Only a few of these animals have enough virus in their blood to allow mosquitoes that feed on them to become infected. Of concern are migrating birds, like crows, which can bring the disease to new areas while mosquitoes are still active. Crows tested for WNV in the northeastern U.S. in 1999 showed a very high fatality rate.

Among other animals, only horses, sheep, mice, hamsters, and lemurs are known to show symptoms. Many different animals, even frogs, are known to harbor the disease. A few of them act as reservoirs of the disease, meaning that they have enough of the virus in their blood to allow mosquitoes to become infected. But most animals do not show symptoms, or resist infection altogether. In a limited number of studies on domestic animals, infected dogs showed minimal to no symptoms.

Is there surveillance for West Nile Virus?
When the public identifies dead crows and blue jays to the City of Vineland Department of Health, Public Health Division, the birds are ship to the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services to be tested in their lab. Positive specimens (birds that have the West Nile Virus) are recorded both at the state and county level.

To report a dead crow and blue jays.
To report a dead crow and blue jays during business hours, call the City of Vineland Division of Public Health at 794-4131. To report a dead crow after hours or on the weekends, call the City of Vineland Police Department dispatch center at 691-4111.

To report adult mosquitoes or larvae (in ponding water) in your neighborhood call the Cumberland County Division of Mosquito Control at 856-453-2197

Contacts:
Carolyn Fisher, Assistant Chief REHS
(856) 794-4131

 

For more information visit: http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture

Youth Camp Inspection Program

A youth camp sanitation and safety program is conducted based on NJ AC 8:25

Activities included here are:

  • Pre-open and operational inspections of each youth camp
  • Re-inspections, as necessary;
  • Enforcement actions taken, if necessary

Contacts: 
Karla Rivera, Senior REHS
(856) 794-4131

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