Garfield County Public Health update

COMMUNITY NOTICE
June 1, 2022

Garfield County Public Health updates and resources on current and seasonal issues.

Infant formula shortage
Resources for those needing infant formula.
Information on how to enroll in your local WIC program.

Monkeypox
There are two presumptive cases of monkeypox in Colorado awaiting official confirmation by the CDC. The first acquired the virus through travel and spread it to the second individual. Both are in isolation and recovering at home.
• Monkeypox is an extremely rare viral infection that begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. A rash typically develops 1-3 days after fever. This strain has a fatality rate of less than 1 percent.
• There is an effective vaccine that should be given soon after exposure.
• Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals and contact a healthcare provider if you begin having symptoms.
• Learn more basic facts about the virus from the experts at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Hantavirus
In the past, Garfield County has lost lives to hantavirus, which is an illness transmitted from infected deer mice. Hantavirus is typically transmitted when a person breathes in particles from mouse urine, feces, and saliva. If you see signs of rodents, take precautions and follow instructions to clean the area properly. Hantavirus information

Mosquito-borne Illness
Colorado is home to mosquitos that carry the West Nile virus. Colorado has had cases of the virus every year since 2002. These mosquitos are typically active from June to September. People become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Learn about symptoms and ways to prevent bites.