by Alli Howe | Nov 28, 2023 | Food Recall, News
Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of a recall involving peaches, plums, and nectarines that may have been distributed in Mesa County. These products are no longer available at retail stores, however consumers might have frozen the fruit to use at a later time. The fruit is being recalled due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall has been linked to eleven illnesses.
Description of Recalled Products
- HMC Farms sold the fruit in stores including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Albertsons, and Sprouts.
- The fruit was sold between May 1 and November 15, 2022 and between May 1 and November 15, 2023.
- The fruit was sold as individual pieces and in packaging.
- Recall involves conventionally grown fruit. No organic fruit is being recalled.
What Should Consumers Do
- Check freezers for recalled products.
- Consumers should not eat these products and should discard them.
- Click here to see additional pictures of the recalled fruit.
Listeria Description and Treatment
- Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis. This can cause a serious infection in young children, older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
- Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Serious and sometimes fatal infections are possible in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.
- Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
by Sarah Gray | Nov 15, 2023 | News
The Mesa County Board of Public Health voted in favor today of entering into an At-Will Employment Agreement with Xavier Crockett to be the next Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health.
“We’re excited to welcome Xavier Crockett as our new Executive Director,” stated Stephen Daniels, Board of Public Health Chair. “Xavier’s experience in public health, his creativity, and management skills provides remarkable tools to serve the public health needs of Mesa County residents. In addition, he demonstrated the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Mesa County health community.”
The search for a new Executive Director began in August. The search yielded candidates from across the country. The process included multiple interviews with the Board of Public Health. He also met with the management team and leaders in the health community.
The Board has significant respect and appreciation for the work of Todd Hollenbeck during the transition to a new Executive Director. “The Board feels that Todd provided a steady hand, exceptional competence, and effective leadership during a challenging time,” said Daniels.
Crockett is currently the State Health Protection Director at the Georgia Department of Public Health following a decade of healthcare experience. Crockett is finalizing his Doctorate of Public Health through Walden University with an expected completion by the end of this year. He also received a Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Emergency Management from Philadelphia University.
“I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health. Together, we embark on a journey to shape the future of health and well-being in Mesa County, fostering innovation, collaboration, and a stronger, healthier community.”
Crockett will start on December 11, 2023. He will join the team during an exciting time, including the Community Health Needs Assessment process and the expansion of services at the Regional Laboratory. His local and state level experiences have prepared him for funding and implementing programs based on the needs of Mesa County. Crockett is also a trained epidemiologist and will lead with data-based decisions and evidence-based practices.
by Sarah Gray | Nov 14, 2023 | COVID19, News
The community is encouraged to test for COVID-19 before holiday gatherings and free testing kits are available.
“With the holidays approaching and COVID-19 numbers increasing in our community, now is the time to make sure you have these tests on hand,” said Julie Hartshorn, COVID-19 Outreach Educator.
The free tests are available for pick up during regular business hours inside the Health and Human Services Building while supplies last. There is a limit of two boxes per person, which includes four individual tests.
The rapid tests are easy to use and take less than 30 minutes to learn the results.
Testing for COVID-19 is important because you learn quickly if you are actively spreading COVID-19 to others and can start the recommended isolation. You can also begin treatment to reduce the severity of your illness.
“If you have symptoms, you can test and know right away before gathering with loved ones who may be more vulnerable to serious illness,” said Hartshorn.
WHERE TO GET TESTS
- Kiosk inside Health and Human Services Building
- 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction
- Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon.
WHEN TO TEST
- If you have symptoms. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
- After exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wait five full days to test after being exposed.
- Before gathering with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
- Call the Info Line at Mesa County Public Health at 970-248-6900.
by Sean Edens | Nov 7, 2023 | Food Recall, News
Certain apple puree and applesauce products are being recalled due to a potential of elevated lead levels. The FDA is currently investigating reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity. The investigation identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches as a potential shared source of the exposure.
Description of Recalled Products
- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
- Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs.
- Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. (specific lots of UPC 041497216123)
What Should Consumers Do
- Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve these products and should discard them.
- These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes to ensure they do not have any of the products listed above.
Symptoms of Lead Toxicity
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a child may have been exposed to lead.
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your child may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches.
Examples of products:
by Sarah Gray | Nov 3, 2023 | News
The Mesa County Community Services campus begins its new hours of operation on Monday, November 6th, 2023. The new hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – noon.
This change impacts the Workforce Center (512 29 ½ Road) and the Health and Human Services Building (510 29 ½ Road).
The new hours give community members earlier access to the most popular services, such as the Public Health Clinic and Economic Assistance. The public is encouraged to ask questions about hours for any services that are by-appointment only.
View a map of Grand Valley Transit routes that go to the campus.
Widely-Used Programs and Services
Human Services (970) 241-8480
Public Health (970) 248-6900
Workforce Center (970) 248-0871
- Business services including the business center, candidate screening, recruiting assistance and on-the-job training.
- Job seeker services including the Career Development Program, workshops and the resource room.
by Alli Howe | Oct 23, 2023 | COVID19, News
An updated COVID-19 vaccine is available to protect against the worst outcomes of the virus. Due to high demand, Mesa County Public Health is hosting two walk-in vaccine clinics. Anyone ages six months and older is eligible.
“Our community cares a lot about prevention. We’re excited to host these clinics and get as many people as possible protected for the respiratory illness season,” said Allison Sanchez, Clinical Services Manager.
Adult Clinic
- Monday, November 13, 2023, 9am – 4pm
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax will be available.
- Adults 18+
- Insured and uninsured.
- Bring your Insurance Card and ID.
Kids Clinic
- Saturday, November 18, 2023, 9am – 1pm
- Pfizer and Moderna will be available.
- Ages six months through age 18.
- Bring your child’s Insurance Card and ID.
Clinics are at Mesa County Public Health (510 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction).
Call our Info Line with more questions about the Community COVID-19 Clinics, 970-248-6900.
