DHW begins planning for multi-day issuance of SNAP benefits

On By idhwmediaIn Welfare / Self Reliance5 Comments

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and its partners are preparing for a major change in how food stamp benefits are distributed. An initial meeting this week kicked off the planning process to implement the changes on July 1, 2016.

DHW is required by legislation passed in the 2015 session to issue benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the first 10 days of the month rather than only on the first day of the month. The change will begin on July 1, 2016, but an adjustment period is likely for grocers and participants. Grocers lobbied the Legislature to move to a 10-day distribution for benefits because of crowded stores, long lines and inventory challenges on the first of each month.  Continue reading “DHW begins planning for multi-day issuance of SNAP benefits” →

West Nile virus found in eastern Idaho

On By idhwmediaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

0716 West Nile updateAdditional Idaho counties are finding evidence of West Nile virus this week, with Owyhee and Bingham Counties reporting positive mosquito pools. Seven Idaho counties have now identified West Nile virus, with Bingham County being the first in Eastern Idaho to identify West Nile activity.

Recent hot weather coupled with periodic rains is thought to have provided good breeding conditions for Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus. The Ada County Mosquito Abatement district conducted targeted aerial spraying last week because of growing concern over booming mosquito populations.
Continue reading “West Nile virus found in eastern Idaho” →

Art contest celebrates KinCare families: Idaho KinCare Family Day is Friday, July 17

On By idhwmediaIn Family and Community ServicesLeave a comment

Last spring, Idaho children living in KinCare with grandparents and other extended family members were invited to explore the meaning of family through poems, essays and drawings in the fourth annual My Family. My Story. art contest. Children from across the state sent in their poems, short essays, and drawings that described how living with someone other than their parents makes a positive difference in their lives. On Friday, July 17th, the children’s art work will be celebrated across the state during Idaho KinCare Family Day, which Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed. Continue reading “Art contest celebrates KinCare families: Idaho KinCare Family Day is Friday, July 17” →

State Investigating Canine Death

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We saw a social media post from a woman who was enjoying the waters of Payette Lake with her dog this week, when her pet became ill and subsequently died. We are very sorry for her loss, but also quite concerned. The post said her pet died from blue-green algae bloom, which can cause serious illness in people, and is often fatal to pets and livestock.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was contacted, and we have been working with them, Central District Health and Idaho Parks and Recreation. DEQ is the lead agency and posted the following on their Facebook page that sums up their efforts so far. We will keep you updated as we learn more.  Continue reading “State Investigating Canine Death” →

Idaho West Nile Virus Update

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Positive mosquito test results and increasing numbers of specific types of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (WNV) suggest the risk of catching WNV is on the rise in Idaho.

As of Wednesday, positive mosquito pools have been found in Ada, Canyon, Gem and Washington counties. On Tuesday, Ada County announced plans to conduct limited aerial spraying of pesticide to reduce ever-increasing populations of Culex mosquitoes, the species that transmits West Nile virus to people and animals.  Spraying is expected to occur Thursday or Friday night this week, weather permitting. Continue reading “Idaho West Nile Virus Update” →

CDC: Majority of Adults Support Raising Age Limit for Tobacco Sales

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The majority of adults support raising the p0707-tobacco-age minimum age of sale for all tobacco products to 21 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey that found 3 out of 4 adults – including 7 of 10 cigarette smokers—favor increasing the minimum age for tobacco sales. Delaying the legal age to purchase tobacco products would likely reduce the number of young adults becoming regular tobacco users.

The CDC cites an Institute of
Medicine report that found increasing the legal age for sale of tobacco products could Continue reading “CDC: Majority of Adults Support Raising Age Limit for Tobacco Sales” →

Bat in Boise tests positive for rabies

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

A bat found in Boise has tested positive for rabies, Central District Health Department reported this afternoon. The dead bat was recently discovered in a residential area in southeast Boise, and is the first one of the year in Idaho to test positive for rabies.

Rabid bats are discovered statewide each year. Public health officials want to remind people to take precautions around bats and make sure that their dogs, cats and horses are up to date on their rabies vaccine. Last year in Idaho, 11 bats and one skunk tested positive for rabies, with two of the bat reports occurring in Ada County, and two in neighboring Canyon County.

“Bats are the main source of rabies exposures in Idaho, and every year we receive reports of rabid bats,” says Sarah Correll, Central District Health Department (CDHD) epidemiologist. “We encourage parents to talk to their children about the importance of not touching bats or other wild animals.”

One warning sign that a bat may carry rabies is daytime activity, which is unusual for healthy bats.

Rabies can cause a fatal illness. People should call their health care provider immediately if they have been bitten or scratched by a bat. Medical therapy given to people soon after a possible rabies exposure is extremely effective in preventing rabies.

To protect yourself and your pets, CDHD offers the following tips:

  • Do not touch a bat with your bare hands.
  • If you have had an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention.
  • If you come in contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact your district health department to arrange testing for rabies. You can wear leather gloves if you must pick it up with your hands. Whenever possible, the bat should be tested to rule out an exposure to rabies.
  • Always vaccinate your pets, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
  • Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows.

For more information on bats and rabies, visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.

To track the number of rabid bats in Idaho, visit: http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/DiseasesConditions/RabiesInformation/tabid/176/Default.aspx

Fourth fact: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Are you ready for the Fourth of July? Between now and Saturday, it looks to be hot and dry, so it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of the precautions to take before lighting fireworks. We would prefer an injury-free, fire-free holiday weekend! 0629_sparkler

Here’s a quick Q&A that covers the basics: Continue reading “Fourth fact: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.” →

West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes from Canyon County

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Mosquito pool testing for West Nile virus (WNV) has detected additional signs of the virus in Idaho.  The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District reports that mosquitoes collected between Parma and Notus tested positive for WNV over the weekend. Additionally, three traps from several locations in Gem County also show evidence of the virus. Since the first positive test of mosquito pools announced last Thursday, four additional pools have tested positive in less than a week.   Continue reading “West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes from Canyon County” →

West Nile virus discovered in western Idaho

On By idhwmediaIn Public HealthLeave a comment

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected in Gem County, prompting public health officials to remind people to take precautions to fight the bite. The positive mosquitoes, which are the first detected in the state this year, were collected by the Gem County Mosquito Abatement District in a trap from the greater Emmett area.

“Disease-carrying mosquitoes will be around now until a killing frost so it is critical that you protect yourself and family members from their bite,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, from the Idaho Division of Public Health.  Continue reading “West Nile virus discovered in western Idaho” →