Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Health Department Encourages Awareness of Rabies Protection

Published

4 years ago

May 10, 2022

staff

Spring is in full swing, and the outdoors once again feels warm and inviting.

And with extra time outside, chances to interact with wildlife increase. With this interaction, however, comes heightened risk of exposure to rabies.

So far in 2022, there have been no reported cases of the disease in Bucks County wildlife, but during 2021 the Bucks County Health Department reported 11 cases.

The deadly viral disease affects mammals and is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is endemic and has always been reported in Pennsylvania.

It is important to stay vigilant, know the signs and take precautions when around animals – both wild and domestic – this spring and summer.

Rabies invades the central nervous system, causing a variety of symptoms in humans such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Human deaths in the United States are rare if treatment is received quickly following a bite or scratch by a rabid animal.

In animals, rabies is categorized in two forms: furious rabies, which includes aggression, daytime activity by nocturnal species, frothing and biting; and paralytic rabies, in which an animal displays lack of coordination and weakness in the hind limbs, and also could have an open mouth and be drooling. The animal might even appear tame.

Foxes, raccoons, bats, skunks, and feral cats are often the animals that hold the highest risk for rabies transmission. The Health Department cautions all residents to refrain from contact with these high-risk animals regardless of an animal’s behavior or appearance.

In the event one is bitten or exposed to either the animal’s saliva or secretions, the individual should seek immediate medical attention and notify the Bucks County Health Department at 215-345-3318.

The Health Department also offers the following important rabies recommendations:

Ensure that all household dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies; state law requires household dogs and cats over three months of age be properly vaccinated
Keep a watchful eye on pets while in an outdoor setting
Do not make any wild animal a household pet
Be especially careful of feral cats, as they have an unknown vaccination history and are exposed to wildlife that may have rabies
If an animal appears sick, wounded, or behaves in a strange manner, the animal should be considered suspect for rabies and should not be handled
If exposed to the secretions or saliva of a potentially rabid animal, immediately cleanse the area with soap and water and seek medical assistance as soon as possible

For additional information pertaining to rabies awareness and other public health threats, please contact the Bucks County Health Department at 215-345-3318, or visit the department’s rabies information page at buckscounty.org.

Related Topics:Bucks County Health Department Rabies Protection

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Health - Bensalem Township

Tackle Spring Break Travel Prep with GIANT Pharmacists

Published

5 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Jeff Bohen

After a long winter, many people are now looking ahead to spring break travel. Whether your plans have you headed to the beach or traveling abroad, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists are available as a resource with pre-travel health consultations and over-the-counter product suggestions.

“The same way you may enlist the expertise of a travel agent when booking your vacation, your local GIANT or MARTIN’S pharmacist also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ensuring you have the right vaccinations or health essentials ahead of your trip,” said Nick Koch, director of pharmacy and wellbeing, The GIANT Company. “From pre-health travel consultations to offering recommendations for the best sunscreens and first aid basics, don’t overlook the value that our team of pharmacists can bring to your vacation preparations.”

If your spring break plans have you traveling aboard, GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists can also get you adventure ready with a pre-travel health consultation approximately as soon as travel dates are confirmed and a minimum of one month before you leave. This includes vaccines, prescription referrals, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccines^* include but are not limited to yellow fever vaccine (available at select locations), typhoid vaccine and cholera vaccine. Prescription referrals include malaria prevention, traveler’s diarrhea prevention and care, motion sickness prevention and altitude sickness prevention. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://giantfoodstores.com/pages/pharmacy-services.

GIANT and MARTIN’S pharmacists advise that any prescription medication should always be packed in one’s carry-on bag, never in checked luggage, and preferably in the original container with the prescription label affixed. Be sure to bring enough for your trip as well as extra should there be any travel delays.

Travelers are also encouraged to pack a small first aid kit for on-the-go use. This should include bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, tweezers and a thermometer. Be sure to add over the counter pain relievers, antacids, decongestants, hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes, too. Additional items may be needed based on one’s destination and weather.

Health - Bensalem Township

Still Winter: NWS Issues Tuesday Morning Winter Weather Advisory

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

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March “comes in as lion” to the Lower Bucks area as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday morning forecasting a mixed precipitation event making for possibly slippery road conditions.

The advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.

NWS says total snow accumulations less than one inch and ice accumulations around a light glaze in portions of southeast Pennsylvania and central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.

The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute, officials say, and motorists should plan on slippery road conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.

Health - Bensalem Township

Bucks Issues “Code Blue” Until March 3rd Due to Forecasted Bitter Cold

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2026

staff

Bucks County has issued a “Code Blue” declaration as bitter cold is set to return for the start of March.

Shelters in Upper, Central and Lower Bucks will be in operation nightly Sunday through Tuesday morning.

The following shelters have been activated for this Code Blue event:

Lower Bucks – ahtn.org
(3/1)
Calvary Baptist Church – Gym
250 Green Lane
Bristol, PA 19007
www.calvarybristol.org

(3/2)
Morrisville Presbyterian Church
771 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
www.mpcusa.org

Please note the Lower Bucks shelter location changes Monday evening to Morrisville Presbyterian Church.

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening

Upper Bucks – facebook.com/upperbuckscodeblue
Quakertown Masonic Lodge – First Floor
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951

Central Bucks – co2ssh.org
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
301 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
www.doylestownlutheran.org

Guests are required to leave the shelters by 6:45 a.m. each day and may return in the evening.

The Upper and Lower Bucks shelters will open at 8:30 p.m. The Central Bucks shelter opens at 7:30 p.m.

The county issues a “Code Blue” declaration when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees for two or more consecutive days. A “Code Blue” may be called amid higher temperatures, as consideration is also given to wind chill, precipitation and other circumstances.

Information about “Code Blue” openings is available Monday – Friday through the County’s Housing Link Helpline at 1-800-810-4434.