As I have traveled through the district, I’ve learned there appears to be a lot of confusion concerning the current District 10, and the newly formed District 10. The current district still consists of all of Duplin, Lenoir and Sampson counties, and I will continue to serve these three counties until the swearing-in ceremony in January 2013.

The Justice Department has approved the newly drawn district maps and it appears that the pending lawsuits have not had an affect on the outcome. The primary election is still scheduled for May 8.

The newly formed District 10 will consist of all of Duplin and Sampson counties, and the vast geography of Johnston County. In Johnston County, District 10 will cover mostly the northwest corner, with the exception of the Benson area (which will be in the newly formed District 12), all areas east of I-95 all the way to Kenly. District 10 also will include NE of I-40 west to the Wake county line including the Cleveland community, also known as 40/42 interchange. From SW of Smithfield, Wilson Mills, and Clayton will be in the newly formed District 11. All of the Holts Lake area is in District 10 as well as west of I- 40 at approximately exit 319 (McGee’s Crossroads following Hwy 50 N) North to the Wake county line.

(This information is according to the maps we have been provided.)

I stand ready to continue to serve the citizens of Duplin, Lenoir and Sampson counties, as well as all of the citizens of North Carolina. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need assistance, or have questions.

STAY WELL:

With flu season already under way, that other annual assault on our innards — norovirus — has begun.

Outbreaks of the gastrointestinal illness have popped up in at least eight counties across the state, including Wake and Orange, and are likely to be present in others, according to the state public health officials. Norovirus spreads rapidly, particularly in places where large numbers of people congregate, such as schools and homes for the elderly. It can generally be distinguished from flu by the main symptoms, which are vomiting and diarrhea, said David Sweat, an epidemiologist with the N.C. Division of Public Health. Both can trigger body aches, but flu targets the respiratory tract with symptoms such as lung congestion and sore throats. It can be easily transmitted by touching surfaces or ingesting foods or liquids that have been contaminated by the virus, or by direct contact with people who are infected. Symptoms also include nausea and stomach cramps and, in some cases, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. It can strike suddenly and in most people lasts for a day or two, though they can remain contagious for longer. There’s no specific medication to treat norovirus, so the best way to handle it is prevention, said state officials. As in flu, the effects can be particularly harsh on small children and the elderly. Dehydration can occur rapidly and may require medical treatment or hospitalization. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, whether you believe you are infected or not and especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus. Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated areas. Stay home when sick. Do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.