Around Southeast Missouri 1/25/07

Man still critical after dog attack New Year's Day

A Dunklin County man who was attacked by his pit bull on New Year's Day remains in critical condition at a hospital here, a spokesman said Monday. Keith Allen Sawyers, 54, of County Road 701, was mauled at his residence, according to a statement released by Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder. Dunklin County deputies and emergency management services personnel responded to a 911 call at 2:05 a.m. Jan. 1, the sheriff said. The front door of the home was open, and family members saw the dog standing in the doorway with blood on its face, Holder said. A family member found Sawyers covered in blood lying in the back yard of the home, police said. The victim sustained serious injuries to his face and head, the sheriff said.

-- Daily Dunklin Democrat

Delta Head Start closes temporarily due to illness

The Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation Head Start in Kennett closed its doors Monday due to various illnesses among students and staff, including an outbreak of an infection known as Fifth disease. Especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, Fifth disease is a viral illness most children recover from quickly and without complications. According to www.kidshealth.org, Fifth Disease typically produces a distinctive red rash on the face that makes the child appear to have a slapped cheek. The rash then usually spreads to areas such as the arms and legs of the child. KidsHealth reports that after the coldlike symptoms appear and pass, parents typically assume that the illness seems to be gone, however, the bright red rash involved with Fifth disease does not appear until a number of days after the original symptoms emerge. The illness is most contagious before the rash appears during the incubation period. Parents with questions or concerns regarding the close or illness should contact the Head Start office at (573) 888-4096.

-- Daily Dunklin Democrat