Latest news with #DDPHE
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Second measles case confirmed in Denver
DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver and Colorado departments of public health and environment have confirmed a second case of measles in Denver traced back to the first Denver case. This is the fourth case reported in Colorado, with the other two being in Pagosa Springs and Pueblo. The new Denver case is an adult who had household contact with the baby diagnosed with measles in Denver earlier this month. Baby infected with measles in Denver, marking second case in Colorado DDPHE said the adult has been in quarantine during their infectious period, and the department determined there is 'no risk of measles to the general public from this new case.' Since measles is highly contagious, the department advises any unvaccinated person to quarantine if they have the virus. The department also said the MMR vaccine is safe and effective; two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Denver health department tracking increase in nonfatal overdoses
DENVER (KDVR) — The number of nonfatal overdoses in the metro area is on the rise, according to the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, which looked at data from local emergency departments. However, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner is also investigating a number of deaths suspected to be overdoses, although toxicological screenings were pending for the cases as of March 26. DDPHE told FOX31 that so far in 2025, the medical examiner has not seen carfentanil or nitazenes in toxicology decedents. Man arrested in manhunt, accused of stealing truck, guns from Moffat County residence However, an addiction treatment center in Aurora told FOX31's Matt Mauro that isotonitazene is becoming more common in their work. The drug is 40 to 50 times more powerful than fentanyl. 'When we start to see these higher potency opioids, we are also seeing that standard dose of Narcan isn't enough,' said Jason Valderrama, a physician assistant in Loveland. 'People are needing to get multiple rounds, multiple doses of the Narcan in order to counteract the stronger opioid.' DDPHE's strategy to combat drug overdoses includes drug testing and data sharing, access to harm reduction supplies and treatment. 'It's important to stress that any illicit substance is inherently unsafe because it is not produced by pharmaceutical companies with stringent regulations,' DDPHE said. 'Consequently, the potency of illicit substances can vary widely, and paired with a drug user's tolerance or intolerance, can contribute to overdose risk. Because of this, we caution anyone who uses illicit substances of the danger involved and to always be as safe as possible.' The department encourages residents to carry naloxone and encourages drug users to test their drugs and know how to administer rescue breaths if the situation calls for it. DDPHE has more information about harm reduction strategies on its overdose prevention website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.