PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS ARCHIVE
Get Public Health Updates in Your Inbox
News Releases
Emerging public health issues that impact our community.
Respiratory Illness Activity Remains Low in Mesa County
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us LOCAL SITUATION There are promising trends for COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity in Mesa County. Since the beginning of 2023, hospitalizations have remained low for COVID-19 and flu. Numbers are also...
Mesa County Public Health Celebrates Importance of Nutrition with Spotlight on WIC
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us March is National Nutrition Month. The goal this month is to develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. Mesa County Public Health understands how the food choices we make contributes to...
Food Safety Alert: Raw Oysters, Canned Shrimp Under Recall for Possible Health Risks
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...
Open Burn Season Ready to Begin in Mesa County
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...
Food Safety Alert: Ready-to-Eat Sausage Products Recalled Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
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...
Mesa County Public Health Highlights Accomplishments in 2022
Mesa County Public Health shared our program’s achievements throughout 2022. It shows how our teams are all connected to a bigger picture; we’re not just working to make the community healthier and safer today- we’re improving systems that lead to sustained change...
Mesa County Families Can Soon Register for Universal Preschool
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...
Mesa County Public Health Providing Regular Update on Respiratory Illness Trends
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...
Community COVID-19 Testing Site Closing Amid Growing Demand for At-Home Tests
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 in Vaccination Operations at Mesa County Public Health
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...
First Flu Hospitalizations of Season Reported in Mesa County
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...
Mesa County Public Health Recommends Preventive Measures Amid First Local RSV Outbreak
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 Issues No Burn Advisory Due to Strong Winds
Due to strong winds, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory until 12 p.m. today. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not recommended during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Mesa...
Clean Out the Medicine Cabinet for Drug Takeback Day
LOCAL EVENT Saturday, October 29th is National Drug Takeback Day. Mesa County residents are encouraged to get rid of their unwanted or expired medications to keep kids and adults from misusing them. People may do so safely at several locations in the Grand Valley....
Hazardous Weather and Wind Advisory, Exercise Caution with Burning this Weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook and Wind Advisory for Mesa County and surrounding areas beginning October 22nd at 12:00pm until 10:00pm. Weather conditions will deteriorate over the weekend with southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with...
Mesa County Public Health Hosts Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinics
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 ...
Mesa County Public Health Hosts Senior Flu Vaccine Clinic
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...
MCPH Prepares for Flu Season, Vaccine Now Available
Flu season will soon get underway in Mesa County. The flu vaccine is now available at Mesa County Public Health for anyone in the community ages six months old and older. Flu season runs from October through May, with cases typically peaking in January and February....
First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Mesa County
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...
Updated Eligibility Requirements for Monkeypox Vaccine, Free Vaccine Clinic Scheduled
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...
Bivalent Booster Now Available at Mesa County Public Health
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...
Open Burn Season Ready to Begin in Mesa County
Mesa County Public Health will begin accepting residential burn permit applications on September 1. The fall burn season runs through September 30 for the City of Grand Junction, and through October 31 for the rest of Mesa County. Permits for everyone in the county...
Mesa County Public Health Prepares to Administer New COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
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...
CDC Streamlines Recommendations to Help People Better Understand Risks Associated With COVID-19 Exposure and Illness
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...
Novavax Vaccine Now Available at Mesa County Public Health
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. ...
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
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...
Mesa County Public Health Clinic Helps Families Prepare for Back to School
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...
Mesa County Working to Protect Local Families Against Animal Bites
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....
Colorado Prepares for Universal Pre-K, Local Agency will Coordinate Efforts 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...
First Case of Monkeypox in Mesa County, General Population at Low Risk
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...
Public Health Systems Respond to Monkeypox Outbreak, No Local Cases Yet
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...
BridgeCare Launched, Web-based Tool Will Help Families Find Child Care Openings
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....
2021 Suicide Report Released, Local Coalition Focuses on Prevention
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...
Tell Us: Mesa County Seeks Community Input for Priorities and Future Projects
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...
COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Younger Children, Mesa County Prepares for Distribution
Now all children, down to six months old, are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines on June 19th. Mesa County Public Health ordered Moderna and Pfizer vaccine in anticipation...
No Burn Advisory Issued Due to Critical Weather Conditions
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 17. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag...
No Burn Advisory Extended Through June 14
**The No Burn Advisory is extended through Tuesday, June 14.** The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and High Wind Advisory for Mesa County. The combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels will result in critical fire weather...
No Burn Advisory on June 12 Due to Critical Weather Conditions
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 12. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Red...
COVID-19 Community Level Moves from Medium to High
BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a new tool to help individuals and families make choices to prevent COVID-19. Community Levels for a specific county can be rated as low, medium, or high. Recommendations for controlling risk...
COVID-19 Community Level Moves from Low to Medium
BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a new tool to help individuals and families make choices to prevent COVID-19. Community Levels for a specific county can be rated as low, medium, or high. Recommendations for controlling risk...
Food Safety Alert: Peanut Butter Recall for Select Jif® Products
BACKGROUND J. M. Smucker Co. is recalling select Jif® peanut butter products sold in the U.S. due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide in retail stores and other outlets. This recall has expanded and it's been...
Whooping Cough Confirmed in Mesa County, Vaccination Best Tool for Prevention
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...
Confirmed Wild Bird Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mesa County, Human Risk is Low
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)...
Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Moves Inside Main Public Health Clinic
COVID-19 COMMUNITY VACCINATION CLINIC Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has responded to demand in COVID-19 vaccines since December 2020, starting with the first phase of distribution to healthcare workers. Staff have given over 75,000 vaccinations over the last 17...
No Burn Advisory Due to High Winds
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 19. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind...
MCPH Launches New Program, Grand Valley Connects
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...
No Burn Advisory Due to High Winds
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 11. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind...
No Burn Advisory Due to Strong Winds
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 8. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind...
No Burn Advisory Due to Strong Winds
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 7. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind...
2021-2022 Flu Activity Remains Low
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...
No Burn Advisory Due to Strong Winds
Contact: Alli Howe Call/Text: 970-697-4611 Email: healthinfo@mesacounty.us NO BURN ADVISORY DUE TO HIGH WIND CONDITIONS Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 29. Burning of any kind,...
Food Safety Alert: Ground Beef Products Recalled
Contact: Alli Howe Call/Text: 970-697-4611 Email: healthinfo@mesacounty.us FOOD SAFETY ALERT: GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS RECALLED DUE TO POSSIBLE E. COLI CONTAMINATION Background Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of ground beef products being recalled that could...
Highly Contagious Avian Influenza Spreading in Colorado
Background 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) virus. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu and show no signs of illness. They can carry the disease...
No Burn Advisory Due to Adverse Weather Conditions
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 21. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag...
Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise in Western and Southwestern Colorado
Protect yourself with vaccination. If you are sick, test, treat and remain at home. Though COVID-19 cases are declining across Colorado, other respiratory infections continue to circulate. Reported cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, were very low in Colorado from...
No Burn Advisory Due to Adverse Weather Conditions
Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued no burn advisory through 10 p.m. on April 19. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning...
Take Precautions Against Hantavirus and Plague Carried by Animals
TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST HANTAVIRUS AND PLAGUE CARRIED BY ANIMALS, POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO HUMANS Hantavirus and plague are two illnesses to watch for as residents begin spring cleaning projects. Precautions are especially important while cleaning homes, sheds,...
No Burn Advisory Due to High Winds, Fire Safety Concerns
Mesa County Public Health has issued a no burn advisory from Monday, April 11 at 3 p.m. to Tuesday, April 12 at 6 a.m. due to expected high winds. The National Weather Service forecast calls for strong, gusty winds, with gusts of 40-50 mph in the valleys and 50-60+...
MCPH Releases COVID-19 Impact Report: A Special Report Complementing the Community Health Needs Assessment
Two years after the first COVID-19 case was identified, Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is releasing a special report, complementing the Community Health Needs Assessment. The COVID-19 Impact Report is dedicated solely to the impacts of COVID-19 in Mesa County....
CDC Recommends Additional Boosters for Certain Individuals
Data continue to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals both from infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. For adults and adolescents eligible for a first booster dose, these shots are safe and provide substantial benefit. The...
Community COVID-19 Response Reduction
Community COVID-19 Response Reduction Testing, Vaccination, Treatments, and Case Investigation Still Available Since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Mesa County in March 2020, public health, emergency services, and health care providers have worked in...
Early Childhood Education Provider Selected for Clifton Community Campus
Mesa County Public Health in collaboration with Mesa County and several community partners is pleased to announce the selection of a provider for a new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center to be constructed on previously undeveloped land located at 3260 D 1/2 Road...
Spring Open Burn Season begins March 1
Spring Open Burn Season begins March 1 and runs through May 31 in Mesa County and through April 30 in the City of Grand Junction. Permits for everyone in the County (including those within city limits) are issued by Mesa County Public Health (MCPH). Residential Burn...
Free Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Tests Distributed at MCPH
FREE RAPID AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS DISTRIBUTED AT MCPH Limited supplies are available during regular business hours Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is distributing free rapid COVID-19...
Food Safety Alert: Certain Abbott Powdered Infant Formula Products
FOOD SAFETY ALERT: CERTAIN ABBOTT POWDERED INFANT FORMULA PRODUCTS BACKGROUND Abbott is recalling its Similac®, Alimentum ®, and EleCare® infant formula powders manufactured at its Sturgis, Mich. plant after four consumer complaints of infant illnesses with symptoms...
Community Health Needs Assessment Snapshot Highlights Recommendations for a Healthy Community
SNAPSHOT VERSION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) released the 2021-2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in June and has just released a condensed Snapshot version of the...
MCPH Launches Text Notification for COVID-19 Cases with Electronic Case Investigation Survey
Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is launching a new, online survey for COVID-19 case investigation. This streamlined process will make case investigation faster, easier, and more efficient for Mesa County residents. Case investigation is the process to determine...
Report Home COVID-19 Test Results to MCPH
As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to elevate cases to new highs in Mesa County, COVID-19 testing is increasingly important. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) recommends a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, sore throat,...
Masking recommendations as Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads
MASKING RECOMMENDATIONS AS OMICRON VARIANT OF COVID-19 SPREADS The use of a face-covering over the nose and mouth is a critical public health tool for preventing spread of COVID-19, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask. However, as the...
FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Dole-Branded and Private Label Packaged Salads
FOOD SAFETY ALERT: DOLE-BRANDED AND PRIVATE LABEL PACKAGED SALADS BACKGROUND The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released information about a recall on certain Dole-branded and private label packaged salads from two of its processing plants. The recall...