Public Health News Archive

Three hospitalized Mesa County residents have tested positive for West Nile virus during the month of August. All three cases were over 70 years old. “Last year we had one hospitalization in September,” said Rachel Burmeister, Disease Surveillance and Emergency...

If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741. __________________________ Death by suicide is preventable and takes support from all levels of our community. This is...

Mesa County continues to be touched by the tragic impacts of drug overdose.  Throughout the past year there have been more than 1,140 deaths related to overdoses in Colorado. According to the Mesa County Coroner's Office, local deaths due to overdose numbered 32.  To...

Mosquitoes from two trap locations in Fruita and Grand Junction have tested positive for West Nile virus. The Grand River Mosquito Control District collected the mosquitoes on August 8 and 9, 2023. The types of mosquitoes that tested positive were identified as Culex...

Local Situation For the first time this season, Mesa County has a confirmed human case of West Nile virus. This resident may have been exposed to the positive mosquito out of state, but this case serves as a reminder to protect yourself from mosquitoes wherever you...

Back-to-school checklists may include routine vaccinations and Mesa County Public Health is here to help make it as easy as possible. We’re hosting a Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a walk-in clinic, so no...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire restrictions in place, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory starting on Friday, July 21. Agricultural burning will only be allowed through a permitting process at the...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741.   BACKGROUND The annual suicide report is prepared...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of a food safety alert involving raw oysters that were distributed in Colorado. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Restaurant inspection reports are now available on the Mesa County Public Health (MCPH)  website. There are reports for any establishment in Mesa County that sells or serves food. Our team inspects...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 8. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 7. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us Mesa County Commissioners appointed Stephen Daniels and Marguerite Tuthill to the Board of Public Health on July 6.  Stephen Daniels will serve on the board through 2026. He received his Masters of...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 6. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 28 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 29 because of air quality concerns and fire safety. Burning of any kind,...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 26 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 27. Burning of any kind, including agricultural...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Regional Situation The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora on the Western Slope. According to CDPHE, 62 cases have been reported...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 22 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 23. Burning of any kind, including agricultural...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Providing accurate COVID-19 information continues to be a priority for Mesa County Public Health. The COVID-19 webpage remains a favorite page for our community. Disease Surveillance and Emergency...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of a recall involving frozen strawberries that could have been sold in Mesa County. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating an outbreak of...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   The new Board of Public Health met on June 6.  The Board placed Executive Director Jeff Kuhr on paid administrative leave. Mesa County Deputy County Administrator Todd Hollenbeck was unanimously...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Four of our Board of Public Health members have submitted resignations. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is grateful for their guidance and support during their terms.  “These wonderful...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   After more than three years, the national public health emergency for COVID-19 will officially end on May 11, 2023. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is grateful for community support as we...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   What’s New for COVID-19 Vaccinations The Public Health Clinic is now taking appointments for the second bivalent COVID-19 booster. People who are 65 or older and have received a Pfizer or Moderna...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory until 9 p.m. tonight. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not recommended during this advisory period. The National...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Residents can learn about current community initiatives on the new Healthy Mesa County website. It’s a way for Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) to showcase the exciting work underway with our...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to strong winds, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory until 11 p.m. tonight. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not recommended during this advisory...

Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us   Due to strong winds, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory until 6 p.m. today. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not recommended during this advisory period....

Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of a recall involving raw oysters and canned shrimp that could have been sold in Mesa County.    WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD DO If you have the recalled raw oysters, do not eat them. Throw them out right away.   The oysters...

TIMEFRAME Mesa County Public Health will begin accepting residential burn permit applications on March 1. The spring burn season runs through April 30 for the City of Grand Junction, and through May 31 for the rest of the county. Mesa County Public Health issues...

Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of ready-to-eat sausage products being recalled that could have been distributed in Mesa County.  The manufacturer, Daniele International, is recalling approximately 52,914 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage products for...

HOW TO REGISTER Families can sign up for Universal Preschool starting on January 17th by visiting  upk.colorado.gov. During the registration process, families will answer 12-15 questions and then select their preferred providers.  If they don't know who is...

New online resources are available for residents to understand local trends in respiratory illness rates. Mesa County Public Health will share trends with the public regarding COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV. In these updates we'll share the latest numbers, as well...

The COVID-19 testing site at Colorado Mesa University will close on Saturday, January 14. It is one of 20 COVID-19 community testing sites across the state that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will close later this month. The change...

UPDATE The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Mesa County Public Health will transition to the main Public Health Clinic starting on January 4th. All COVID-19 vaccines and boosters will be administered by appointment only. Mesa County Public Health is excited to continue to...

LOCAL & STATE SITUATION Four people were hospitalized for influenza in Mesa County in November. Three of these cases were in pediatric patients. Statewide, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports 517 flu-related hospitalizations since the...

Local Situation RSV has caused the first known outbreak of the season in Mesa County at a licensed childcare facility. Mesa County Public Health and the facility are working closely to implement procedures to reduce further spread. Some cases of RSV in Mesa County...

Mesa County Public Health is hosting two drive-thru flu vaccine clinics this month. The flu vaccine will be available for all residents six months of age and older.    WHEN: Saturday, October 15th from 9 AM - 1 PM Saturday, October 29th from 9 AM - 1 PM  ...

VACCINE CLINIC Mesa County Public Health is hosting a Senior Flu Vaccine Clinic. The high dose flu vaccine will be available for anyone over the age of 65: Monday, October 10th 9 AM - 12 PM Mesa County Public Health Room 1060 No appointment needed Coffee and donuts...

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2022: There is a second confirmed case of West Nile virus in Mesa County. Local Situation For the first time this season, a human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Mesa County. A male in his 60s has been diagnosed with neuroinvasive...

VACCINE CLINIC The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is hosting a free vaccine clinic for monkeypox in Grand Junction: Pride Fest on Sunday, September 11th 1pm - 6pm Main St. and 6th St. Register here. Those who receive their first dose of...

Appointments are now open for the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster at Mesa County Public Health. Anyone over the age of 12, who has completed their primary vaccination series or last booster at least two months prior, is eligible to receive the booster.  Last month, Mesa...

Mesa County Public Health is preparing to offer the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster vaccine. It has been formulated to fight against the Omicron variants that have spread throughout the U.S. In Mesa County, nearly all of the current COVID-19 cases involve the BA.5 Omicron...

On August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for persons exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Individuals who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 are no longer recommended to quarantine, regardless of vaccination...

LOCAL SITUATION Mesa County Public Health has received Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine and is ready to administer to the community. This vaccine is for residents who have not been previously vaccinated for COVID-19. To schedule an appointment, call 970-248-6900.  ...

LOCAL & STATE SITUATION For the first time this season, West Nile virus has been confirmed in a mosquito sample in Mesa County. The Grand River Mosquito Control District collected the mosquitoes from the Fruita area the week of July 18-22. The type of mosquito...

As families prepare for children to head back to the classroom, getting caught up on routine vaccinations may be on the checklist.  To help, Mesa County Public Health is hosting a Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, August 6th from 9 AM to 12 PM. This is a...

LOCAL & STATE SITUATION In Mesa County, ten animals, both domestic and wild, have been submitted for rabies testing so far in 2022. At this point, there have been no positive results. On average, about 30 animals are tested for rabies every year in Mesa County....

Starting next year, Mesa County four year olds will be eligible for ten free hours of licensed preschool per week. Bill 22-1295 was signed into law promoting better coordination of early childhood services and school readiness in Colorado. The partnering facilities...

LOCAL & STATE SITUATION There is one presumptive case of monkeypox in Mesa County. The individual is a male and local exposure is limited. Local healthcare and public health are working to ensure all impacted individuals have access to treatment and post-exposure...

BACKGROUND Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. This virus is in the same family of viruses as smallpox. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but less severe. They begin with flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and...

Parents are a core part of the workforce and child care is essential economic infrastructure. To assist families and child care facilities, The Partnership for Children and Families (PCF), Mesa County’s early childhood council, launched BridgeCare last week....

If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741. BACKGROUND Suicide Prevention is a priority for Mesa County.  An annual report is prepared in collaboration with Mesa County...

This week Mesa County launched a community survey, known as Tell Us. Tell Us is a 15-minute survey for all adults in Mesa County. Mesa County Public Health Director, Jeff Kuhr, explained, “Our community members are our local experts. They know our community best and...

BACKGROUND Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a bacteria. Whooping cough can be very dangerous for infants younger than a year old, as they are too young to be fully immunized against the illness. Even though...

LOCAL SITUATION Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was detected in wild great horned owls in Mesa County on May 19th. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, often referred to as bird flu, is a disease found in wild and domestic birds caused by the Avian Influenza A (H5N1)...

BACKGROUND Grand Valley Connects began providing services this week to Mesa County individuals and families. This program is a resource hub containing experts on local services. These experts, called Resource Navigators, provide personalized referrals to services in...

The 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season officially began in early October and ends in late May. Typically, Mesa County experiences its peak flu activity from mid-February to late April. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) recorded more flu activity than the 2020-2021...