For Immediate Release

June 26, 2017; 9:45am

DPHSS Release No. 2017-059

June 27^th is National HIV Testing Day

In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27^th, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), in collaboration with WestCare Pacific Islands and Guam’s Alternative Lifestyle Association (GALA), encourages the public to learn their HIV status by getting tested for HIV. 

The theme for NHTD “Test Your Way. Do It Today” is a call to get tested now and a reminder that there are more ways than ever to get an HIV test, including at the offices of the DPHSS’ STD/HIV Program, WestCare Pacific Islands, Guam’s Alternative Lifestyle Association (GALA), or from your healthcare provider.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV, and 1 in 7 of them don’t know that they’re infected.  CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care, and that people with certain risk factors get tested more often.

Knowing your HIV status provides you with powerful information about your health status. If you test positive for HIV, you can take medicines to stay healthy and greatly reduce your chance of passing HIV to others. But the only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. 

The public is encouraged to get tested at any of the following sites in commemoration of NHTD:

• STD/HIV Program Office, Room 156 at the DPHSS Central Facility in Mangilao:
  • Testing hours: 8am to 5pm
  • Contact: 734-AIDS (2437) or 488-4180 (Prutehi Hao! Outreach Line)
• GALA Office, Suite 307-A at the RK Plaza in Tamuning:
  • Testing hours: 9am to 8pm
  • Contact: 969-5483, 487-4306 or 487-2167 (24-Hour HelpLine)
• WestCare Pacific Islands Office, Suite 207 at the Reflection Center in Hagåtña:
  • Testing hours: 9am to 6pm
  • Contact: 472-0218/9

For information about STD/HIV-related services available on island, contact the Guam AIDS Hotline at 734-AIDS (2437) or visit the Prutehi Hao website at: www.prutehihao.guam.gov .

For Immediate Release

June 26, 2017; 9:35am

DPHSS Release No. 2017-058

On-Going National Immunization Survey

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) would like to remind the public that the

2017 National Immunization Survey is on-going.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contractor, NORC at the University of Chicago, will be contacting island residences to assess immunization coverage among children 19 – 35 months of age, and adolescents between the ages of 13 – 17 years old. Therefore, the public is requested to participate if called, because the information collected is important to understanding what the immunization coverage is on Guam.

The no-charge, off-island telephone call will have the Chicago area code of (312).

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the National Immunization Survey (NIS)?

NIS is a random digital-dial telephone survey used to find households with children between the ages of 19 – 35 months or 13 – 17 years of age living in the home.  Parents or guardians will be asked to provide information on the date and type of vaccinations given to their children.  At the end of the interview, authorization to contact their child's vaccination provider will be requested from the parent or guardian.  The health care provider will then be contacted by mail to verify the child's vaccinations.   All data collected will be sent to the CDC for analysis and then provided to the DPHSS, Immunization Program to compare Guam’s vaccination rates with those of other states and territories. 

How is NIS information used?

The data gathered by NIS is used to identify groups at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, to provide feedback in an effort to increase coverage, and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs designed to increase coverage.

How can I learn more about the NIS?

For additional information on the NIS, please call the Immunization Program at 735-7143.   

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2017; 4:20pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-075

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week 2017 June 25 – July 1, 2017

The week of June 25 – July 1, 2017 has been declared annual “National Mosquito Control Awareness Week” by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and the Director of Public Health and Social Services would like to once again stress the importance of public action and share how Guam residents can adopt safe mosquito control and bite prevention by following “the 4 D’s”:

1. Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week
2. Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
3. Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered and approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus
4. Dusk and Dawn:  If possible, consider staying indoors early in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active

Mosquitoes need a source of water to complete their life cycle and with Guam’s rainy season approaching, it is strongly recommended that we all come together to identify and eliminate all sources of mosquito-breeding containers on our properties.  This is the most effective means of mosquito control. 

In recognition of “Mosquito Week,” the Divisions of Environmental Health and Public Health will be providing free cans of DEET and educational materials.  Supplies are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

For further information, please contact the Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program of DEH at 735-7221 or 300-9566.

For Immediate Release

June 12, 2017; 1:10pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-056

Elimination of Mosquito Breeding Sites and Bite Prevention Tips

The Director of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) would like to encourage the public to take the time to eliminate all sources of mosquito-breeding containers in and around their residences.   

Because all mosquitoes require a source of water to breed, it is important to recognize and eliminate such sources as follows:

• Cleaning up all debris, especially those that can hold water.
• Disposing of any loose tires.  Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes.
• Cleaning pet water dishes regularly, including livestock water troughs.
• Cleaning, emptying, properly screening or covering of containers used to store water.
• Clearing roof gutters of debris.
• Properly disposing of all bottles, cans, buckets and other containers that can collect water.
• Plugging tree holes with sand or other substances.
• Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
• Changing the water frequently in flower vases.

The public is also advised to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing during outdoor activities as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.  When practical, wear long-sleeves and pants when going outdoors.  Proper application of mosquito repellents that contain 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program of the Division of Environmental Health of this Department at 735-7221.  Dangko’lo na Si Yu’os Ma’ase.

For Immediate Release

June 12, 2017; 8:15am

DPHSS Release No. 2017-055

Renewal of Sanitary Permits

The Director of the Department of Public Health & Social Services would like to announce to all health-regulated facilities that the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) has begun accepting renewal applications for Sanitary Permits.

1.Applications for renewal of Sanitary Permits can be obtained from the DEH office, 2^nd Floor, Central Public Health Facility in Mangilao.  The forms can also be downloaded from the Department’s website at http://www.dphss.guam.gov/ (click “Environmental Health” and scroll down and click on “Application for Sanitary Permit.”  (Please disregard the second page of the application).

2.Completed applications for renewals that will be paid by check may be dropped off at the DEH office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.  The applicant will be notified by phone when the permit is available for pick-up.  A copy of the most current Business License, as well as a copy of your current Sanitary Permit certificate, must be attached to the renewal application. 

3.Applicants wishing to pay by cash or credit card will be required to make the payment to the cashier on the 1^st Floor, at the Central Public Health building, and wait for the Sanitary Permit AFTER submitting the renewal application and the copy of the business license to the DEH office.

The fee for the issuance of a Sanitary Permit for health-regulated establishments with 1 to 10 employees is $290.00; each additional employee thereafter will be $5.00.

Should you require any additional information, you may reach the DEH office at (671)735-7221/7205.

For Immediate Release

June 6, 2017; 9:20am

DPHSS Release No. 2017-054

Shriners’ Outreach Clinic

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) would like to announce that a Medical Team from Shriners Hospitals for Children^® from Honolulu, Hawaii will be conducting a Medical Outreach Clinic at the Central Public Health Medical Clinic in Mangilao, July 20, 2017 and July 24-28, 2017.  The Medical Team will be providing free consultative services for children up to age 17 with orthopedic conditions, burns, and spinal cord injuries. Children with diseases and/or injuries involving the bones, joints and muscles, as well as “healed burns,” including loss of any part of the child’s body, should make an appointment at DPHSS for an evaluation.  A referral from a physician is not required.  Patients will be seen by appointment only.  We cannot accept walk in patients. 

Parents or legal guardians of new patients are required to complete a Shriners Hospital application and Medical Records form at Medical Social Services (MSS) at Central Public Health, Room 152. Required documents include a copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and medical insurance card; photo ID of parent or legal guardian, and if applicable, proof of legal guardianship papers.  Returning patients are reminded to provide x-ray films and/or laboratory results, as previously instructed.  Returning patients may call MSS to inquire if an x-ray order has to be picked up.

For an appointment and/or additional information, please contact Cherisse Santiago at 735-7351 or cherisse.santiago@dphss.guam.gov or Diana Santos at 735-7356 or diana.santos@dphss.guam.gov.

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2017; 5:10pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-053

The Department of Public Health and Social Services has been informed of mumps outbreaks in Hawaii and the Republic of Marshall Islands

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) has been informed of mumps outbreaks in Hawaii and the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI).  In the latest reports received by the DPHSS:

• RMI Ministry of Health reported that there have been 957 cases since October 2016. Majority of the cases (83%) are in the capital, Majuro. The number of cases in the outer islands is increasing.
• Hawaii State Department of Health reported that there have been 65 cases of mumps in 2017.   Of the 65 cases of mumps, 63 cases live on Oahu and 2 cases reside on Kauai.  

Mumps is currently circulating not only in Hawaii and RMI, but also nationwide and in other international areas.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) webpage at: (https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/outbreaks.html) shows many mumps outbreaks and clusters, some of which have been on-going since last year. 

Mumps is a disease caused by the mumps virus and is characterized by fever, swelling, and pain/tenderness of the parotid glands and or the salivary glands.  Mumps is best known for the swelling of the cheeks and jaw.  Up to half of the people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms.  Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days after infection.

Stay safe when traveling

The DPHSS recommends that persons traveling to Hawaii, RMI, or areas with on-going outbreaks or clusters, ensure they are vaccinated for mumps (given in combination with the measles and rubella vaccines) 2 weeks before departing.  With frequent travel of residents between Guam and Hawaii, it is possible that the disease may be brought here. 

Prevent the spread of mumps in our community

• Ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
  • All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at age 12–15 months and the second dose at 4–6 years of age.
  • All persons born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one dose of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday.

• Persons suspected or diagnosed with mumps should self-isolate and avoid going out and exposing others for 9 days after onset of parotitis (swelling of the salivary glands).
• Person who have been exposed to mumps and are not vaccinated should not attend school, work, or travel from day 12 through day 25 after exposure.

All health care providers on Guam are urged to be on alert for possible cases of mumps and to promptly report suspect cases to the Immunization Program, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, at 735-7143/7148 or 735-7135.  Furthermore, all health care providers are urged to review and update the immunization status of all patients they see.  If vaccination is contraindicated because of illness, schedule a follow-up appointment to update vaccination as soon as the illness is over.

For more information, please call the DPHSS Immunization Program at 735-7143.

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2017; 3:45pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-052

Request for Providers and Stakeholders Input on the Proposed Guam Medicaid State Plan Amendment to Revise the Guam Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Payment Methodology

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Bureau of Health Care Financing Administration (BHCFA) is requesting input from providers, beneficiaries, and other interested stakeholders concerning the Guam Medicaid State Plan Amendment 17-001 revising the Guam Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient payment methodology.   

Guam Medicaid SPA 17-001 will revise the payment methodology for Guam Hospital Services as follows:

Inpatient Hospital Services:

(a)Medicaid will pay all Guam inpatient hospital services that are covered by the Medicaid Program the lowest of the following:

i)hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate;

ii)80% of hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate if the hospital’s Medicare Interim Rate exceeds the lowest prevailing on-island hospital Medicare Interim Rate;

iii)negotiated rate of hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate.

Outpatient Hospital Services:

Medicaid will pay Guam hospital emergency, hospital-based clinic, and ancillary services including operating room, laboratory, x-ray, physical, occupational and inhalation therapy; renal dialysis; etc., the lowest of the following:

i)hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate;

ii)90% of hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate if the hospital’s Medicare Interim Rate exceeds the lowest prevailing on-island hospital Medicare Interim Rate;

iii)negotiated rate of hospital’s current Medicare Interim Rate.

The Guam Medicaid hospital payment methodology changes will be effective June 3, 2017. This will decrease the annual aggregate expenditures by approximately $5,966,023.68 to ensure program remains within the budget and establish impartial services of the Guam hospitals in the interest of our recipients’ access to care.    

A copy of the proposed SPA will be posted on the Guam DPHSS website or can be requested via email teresita.gumataotao@dphss.guam.gov / janet.cruz@dphss.guam.gov, via telephone  (671) 735-7293 / (671) 735-7471, and can also be picked up at DPHSS BHCFA office-Room 238, 123 Chalan Kareta, Mangilao / DPHSS BHCFA Program Management Office-next door to Subway, Castle Mall building, Mangilao between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

Please submit comments and questions via email to teresita.gumataotao@dphss.guam.gov / janet.cruz@dphss.guam.gov and reference SPA 17-001 no later than 4:00 p.m. June 30, 2017 (ChST), and will be posted on the Guam DPHSS website for public view.

For more information or inquiries, please call Teresita C. Gumataotao, BHCFA Acting Administrator, at 735-7293 or email at teresita.gumataotao@dphss.guam.gov / Janet B. Cruz, BHCFA Management Analyst, at 735-7471 or email at janet.cruz@dphss.guam.gov .