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! 
Here’s a quick Q&A that covers the basics: Continue reading “Fourth fact: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.”
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”
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”
Idaho public health officials are encouraging people to be aware and take steps to keep cool in the record-setting heat predicted around the state this weekend and into early next week.
Too much heat and too little water can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, even for otherwise healthy people. Those at the highest risk for heat-related injuries or illness are babies and children up to age 4, people 65 and older, and anyone who is overweight, sick or on certain medications. But everyone should take precautions to stay as cool as possible and modify time spent outdoors in extreme heat. 
“It’s important to plan your outdoor physical activities for the mornings, when it’s cooler,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, state health officer and administrator for the Division of Public Health. “Try to stay in the shade as much as possible, and drink plenty of fluids. Also, be sure to check on neighbors who are elderly or disabled and might need help in extreme heat.”
Advanced age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation and even sunburn also can hinder the body’s ability to cool down in extreme temperatures. Continue reading “Record-setting temperatures prompt a public health warning”
Testing of a vole (commonly called “meadow mouse”) from a die-off of rodents in the Riddle, Idaho area along Highway 51 in southern Owyhee County indicates possible plague. The public is urged to take precautions and report groups of dead rodents as this investigation continues. To date, no human cases of plague have been reported.
In May, ground squirrels in Ada County southeast of Boise tested positive for plague, and one dog, which had contact with the ground squirrels, tested likely positive for plague. Late last week, possible plague in voles was reported in an area near Highway 19, immediately west of Caldwell. Idaho Department of Fish and Game and public health officials do not believe there is any connection between these three distinct areas. Continue reading “Possible plague in Owyhee County”
Plague continues to be a concern in the desert south of Boise, but public health officials are reporting no cases in people and just one domestic dog that is recovering with treatment after it likely contracted the disease.
Even so, precautions are necessary for people who live or recreate in the affected area. Continue reading “No plague cases in people, but public health officials still urge precautions”
The Idaho Poison Center is getting ready for summer, which is the busiest time of year for the hotline. Bleach (especially if it’s been rainy, and mold and mildew is growing), bug bites and stings, insect repellent, hydrocarbons and food safety are some of the most common topics for calls the center receives at this time of year.
Nurses at the Idaho Poison Center are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Program the center’s number, 1-800-222-1222, into your cellphone so you have it handy no matter where you are. Continue reading “Bleach, bug spray, hydrocarbons, bug bites and stings could send you to the emergency room this summer”
As the seasons change, so do the types of calls coming into Idaho’s Poison Center. With the beginning of summer come the calls about poison plants.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can release an oily substance called urushiol when the leaves or other parts of the plant are damaged or burned. While people are most familiar with poison ivy, all three of these plants can be found throughout Idaho. Almost 85 percent of people exposed to even a very small amount of the oil will have an allergic reaction that causes an itchy, red rash with bumps and blisters. Continue reading “Leaves of three let them be: Do you know what poison ivy looks like?”
Plague in ground squirrel populations in the desert south of Boise continues to be a concern as schools in the Treasure Valley begin summer vacation this week. Public health officials are reminding people to be aware and to take precautions if they live in or are recreating in the affected area.
So far, there are no confirmed cases of the plague in people or pets. And we’d like to keep it that away for as long as possible. As Idahoans prepare for the first weekend that kids are out of school, please take a few moments to read up on the disease and review what you need to do to protect your family, yourself, and your pets. Continue reading “FAQ: Plague concerns still high as children start summer break this week”
Memorial Day weekend, which starts Friday for many lucky folks, kicks-off the summer and lots of outdoor activities. As everyone prepares for summer travel, outdoor recreation and other summer adventures, a few health tips can help make your activities fun and rewarding. Continue reading “Are you ready for summer? Prepare for a safe and fun holiday weekend “
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