Latest news with #DDPHE
CBS News
a day ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Denver, Aurora activate cooling centers during extreme, prolonged heat wave
Parts of Colorado are experiencing an extreme and prolonged heat wave this week. The heat has prompted CBS Colorado's First Alert Meteorologists to issue a First Alert Weather Day for Thursday, as hot, dry, and windy conditions grip much of the state. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. through Thursday evening across parts of Colorado. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment is urging people to take care of themselves during periods of extreme heat. They advise people at risk to stay inside in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible, drink more water than usual and don't wait until you are thirsty to drink, and avoid using the stove to cook. "If you do have to be outside, because we do acknowledge that a lot of people have jobs where they have to be outside, make sure that you are doing everything you can, reapply sunscreen as much as possible, pace yourself and rest often, pay attention- if you get any muscle cramping that can be an early sign of heat-related illness and then wear light and loose-fitting clothing," said Amber Campbell with DDPHE. Denver Parks and Recreation has opened the rec centers across the city as cooling centers during normal business hours on Thursday to everyone looking for a space to cool off. Those designated areas will be staffed and the public will have access to drinking water, restrooms and a place to sit. Denver Public Library locations are available to the public as an indoor reprieve from the heat. For information about library hours visit: Residents can also call 720-865-5444 to learn the status of cooling centers. Health experts also advise Colorado residents to check in on those most vulnerable, including pets, older adults and children. The City of Aurora has also opened some cooling locations to the public on Thursday.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
First human cases of West Nile virus detected in Denver, Jefferson County this season
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment announced Monday that the city's first human case of West Nile virus this season has been confirmed. Officials in Jefferson County have also confirmed their first human cases of the virus, with three people infected. There have been over one dozen cases of West Nile in Colorado this year, which has resulted in one death. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in eight of the 16 counties that have tested mosquitoes this year, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. In Fort Collins, the West Nile infection rate in mosquitoes is currently 11 times higher than the historical average, and four times higher than it was in 2023. The DDPHE is urging residents to take precautions to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito. Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed can help prevent an increase in mosquitoes. Officials said it's important to empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out items like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths and trash containers once a week. Cleaning out street and home gutters that may hold water can also help control the mosquito population. Wearing repellents with DEET, limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk and wearing long sleeves and pants outside can all help reduce the risk of being bitten. The city also advised residents to make sure windows and doors have intact screens to keep mosquitoes out and to avoid watering cement or streets, which can create puddles. Those infected with West Nile virus may feel fatigued and experience fever, headaches, body aches and rashes or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually appear within 3-14 days. Officials warned that, while anyone can be infected, those over 50 or with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms. Authorities urged anyone experiencing symptoms to consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Possible measles exposure locations in Denver, Boulder after new confirmed case
DENVER (KDVR) — Boulder County has a confirmed case of the measles after a resident returned from a trip to Europe, according to a press release on the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment website on Friday. One of the best hidden-gem beaches in America is in Colorado: List The person was a fully vaccinated adult and traveled to several areas in the Denver metro and Boulder County. Possible exposure locations include: Location Date/time When symptoms may develop Market Building 1400 16th St. Denver June 3-6: 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Through June 27 RTD Flatiron Flyer Denver and Boulder June 3: 6:45 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Through June 24 Little Finch Coffee Shop 1490 16th St. Denver June 4: Noon to 2:15 p.m. Through June 25 Whole Foods 1701 Wewatta St. Denver June 4: Noon to 2:30 p.m. Through June 25 RTD Flatiron Flyer Denver and Boulder June 5: 6:45 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Through June 26 Little Finch Coffee Shop 1490 16th St. Denver June 5: Noon to 2:15 p.m. Through June 26 RTD Flatiron Flyer Denver and Boulder June 6: 6:45 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Through June 27 Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St. Boulder June 6: 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. Through June 27 DDPHE said that based on available information, anyone who was in these locations during the dates and times mentioned may have been exposed to measles and should monitor symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. The department also said that it is especially critical to monitor symptoms for those who have not received the MMR vaccine. Measles symptoms will typically develop in seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms may manifest in ways, including: Fever Cough Runny nose Red eyes Characteristic rash that starts on the face The Department of Health said that the best way to prevent symptoms and the spread of measles is by getting the MMR vaccination. For those who do not know if they are vaccinated, visit the Colorado Public Portal website to check the immunization database. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Despite efforts, residents of Liggins Tower in Denver struggle with ongoing bed bug problem
In Colorado, landlords are legally required to maintain safe and sanitary living conditions. But for several residents of Liggins Tower, a senior living complex in Denver's Park Hill neighborhood, months of unresolved bed bug issues have left them feeling helpless. Nora McClain, 67, has been battling bed bugs in her apartment for months. "I had to get another mattress. Every time you turn around, you've got a note on your door," McClain said. A notice delivered to her door warned of a treatment scheduled for May 21. Nora McClain talks about bed bugs in her Denver apartment building, Liggins Tower, and the months-long effort to get them under control. CBS At the time the notice was delivered, the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment reported only one active bed bug case in a specific unit, which property management was treating. However, during a follow-up visit to the building on Friday, multiple residents said they were still dealing with the pests. Ben Gauwitz, a health investigator with DDPHE, said, "luckily, no one reported any rodent or roach issues, but it does appear there's a multi-floor bed bug issue." On the ninth floor, one resident showed a Ziploc bag filled with what he claimed were bed bugs collected from his unit. "How long have you been dealing with this?" we asked. "Eight months," the resident replied. A resident of Liggins Tower in Denver shows a health inspector a Ziploc bag of bed bugs on Friday, May 23, 2025. CBS Neighbor Galen Gulley also expressed frustration, describing the situation as "miserable." He said his mattress had to be replaced after bed bugs infested the seams. "It wasn't anything to have a couple bed bugs in my bed, but the mattress had to be replaced because they had gotten in the seams and laid eggs," Gulley said. Though Gulley said the situation is improving under a new property manager, it took time to see progress: "I was starting to lose hope." Property management told us the most recent inspection scored the building 93 out of 100. A spokesperson for the company said, "This score is a testament to our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards for our residents." DDPHE said they will continue to monitor the property. No violations were cited after the latest inspection because property management is working to address the issues. Anyone dealing with similar issues or who needs resources can reach out to the DDPHE's Residential Health Program.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Northern Colorado bat tests positive for rabies: How to protect yourself, pets
DENVER (KDVR) — On Wednesday, officials reported that a bat found 'acting unusual on the ground' near Highland Lake in Mead tested positive for rabies, the first animal case in Colorado for 2025. The bat was found on Monday, May 5, and submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for testing. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment received the results on Tuesday. Colorado Parks and Wildlife looking for invasive mussels in Colorado River The Weld County department is asking anyone who was in the Highland Lake area on Sunday or Monday and who thinks they or their pets may have had direct contact with this bat to contact the Weld County health department at 970-400-2290 as soon as possible. Rabies is known to infect mammals, but bats and skunks are the two main rabies carriers in Colorado. Not all bats have rabies, the WCDPHE reported, but a bat that is acting abnormally, like lying on the ground, being out during daylight hours, showing a lack of motor skills or acting aggressively, could be sick. Rabies is almost 100% fatal and impacts the nervous system. There is a vaccine for all domestic animals, including cats, dogs, horses and livestock. WCDPHE also noted that over the past few years, 'a variety of animal-to-human contacts have led to several dozen Weld County residents to require rabies immune globulin and vaccine for post-exposure treatment.' 'Effective vaccination treatment is available to prevent rabies if started before symptoms appear. There have been no human deaths related to rabies exposure in Weld County,' WCDPHE reported. How to prevent rabies exposure The news of the Weld County rabies case comes on the same day that the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment issued a warning on how residents can stay 'rabies-free this spring.' 'This year Denver Animal Protection has already responded to calls of people bitten by wild animals,' said Animal Protection Lt. Josh Rolfe in the DDPHE release. 'Rabies is more than just an animal issue—it's a serious public health threat that can be deadly to both people and pets. To avoid exposure to rabies, keep pets up to date with required rabies vaccination and never touch a wild animal.' Englewood dog rescue relinquishes license under PACFA agreement, will not face civil penalties DDPHE has strict rules surrounding rabies: Any skunk, raccoon, bat, coyote or fox handled by a person or in contact with a pet must be euthanized and tested for rabies, as there is no definitive way to test for rabies in a living animal. People who have handled wild animals must receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations. Pets must be quarantined for up to 45 days. 'Even a seemingly healthy animal could be carrying rabies and not exhibit any symptoms,' DDPHE stated. 'If you encounter these animals, do not approach or try to touch them and keep a safe distance. Touching wild animals presents a serious rabies risk.' Baby animals may be tempting to pick up, but DDPHE warned that many baby animals are not orphaned but are left alone in safe spaces while the adults search for food or other resources. The mother is usually close by, DDPHE reported. Also, birds will leave the nest before they can fly and will be seen hopping around the ground. The fledglings are able to feed on the ground and intervention usually does more harm than good, the agency stated. To contact the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, call 970-400-2290. For after-hours emergencies, call the Weld County Dispatch at 970-350-9600 and select option 1. To contact Denver Animal Protection, call 720-913-2080 or the Denver police's non-emergency number at 720-913-2000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
