DIRECTORS' CORNER

Stay Safe From Insects Outdoors

Summer is just a couple weeks away, and that means warmer weather and outdoor activities are upon us! As you prepare for your 14’er hike, weekend camping trip or back yard get-together, don’t forget that warmer weather also brings mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other pesky insects.

These insects can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus, Colorado Tick Fever and bubonic plague — and we’re seeing more cases than ever in Colorado and the U.S. Plan ahead and take steps to protect you and your family…don’t let unwanted insects get in the way of your summer fun!

Oh and if that isn’t enough, let’s not forget about rabies in Jefferson County. Summer is also prime time for wildlife encounters both with pets and people. Skunks and bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Jeffco so remember to keep a lookout for these critters and avoid contact at all times. Call your local animal control agency if you or your pet encounter a bat or skunk.

Sincerely,
James Rada
Director, Environmental Health Services Division
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Image of an infant's foot with a measles rash

Measles Update

During 2019, more than 850 cases of measles have been reported in the U.S., the greatest number of cases since 1994. Outbreaks are currently ongoing in New York, Michigan, California, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington. The last case of measles in Colorado was during January 2019, but with outbreaks ongoing in the U.S. and abroad, there is a chance more cases will occur. Learn more about measles and what you can do to protect you and your loved ones.

With High Snowpack, Be Prepared for Flooding

Many people think they are not in danger of flooding if they don't live near a stream or creek. Unfortunately, this is not true. Flooding is the nation’s number one natural disaster. Here’s what to watch out for in Jeffco as well as some important tips for staying safe.

Denver Public Health Warns Denver Has a Drinking Problem

Data released by Denver Public Health this month showed that more than one in four Denver adults — 27 percent — binge drink. Read more.

DATA ROUNDUP: VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE

3 different species of ticks living in Jefferson County carry 4 known diseases: Tick-borne relapsing fever, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever

96 human cases of West Nile were reported in 2018 in Colorado

5-10% of babies born to women with Zika infection had Zika-associated birth defects

Prevent Diseases from Insects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diseases spread by mosquito, tick and flea bites have tripled from 2004 to 2016 in the U.S. To learn more about vector-borne disease and what we do at JCPH, visit https://www.jeffco.us/2363/Animal-Borne-Disease.

GET INVOLVED

Join the Conversation & Receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Are you a young adult woman (ages 18-25) living in Jefferson County? Please join Jefferson County Public Health for a focus group discussion around sexual health. We will explore challenges and motivators related to accessing sexual health services, including family planning and STD prevention. Sign up to participate on Monday, June 10, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. (held in Spanish), or Tuesday, June 11 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (held in English) at Red Rocks Community College (Grays Peak room). Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, and snacks will be provided! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will be used to help design a new communications campaign for our community. Sign up today at: http://bit.ly/JeffcoFocusGroup

Bike to Work Day

Colorado celebrates Bike to Work Day on the fourth Wednesday in June every year and the entire month of June is designated Colorado Bike Month. This year, the day is set for Wednesday, June 26th. Want to join the fun? Check out resources from DRCOG to sign up for group rides, find bike to work day stations, order t-shirts or map out your ride.

PARTNER PROFILE

GoFarm

GoFarm is a nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the supply of and access to affordable, fresh, healthy, local food in Colorado. Learn how they strengthen the local food system and support local farmers, and find out how you can get fresh, local food throughout the Summer and Fall!

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.

June 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 6