Arizona Department of Health Services, Director’s Blog

CDC Report Highlights Rare Cases of Paralysis in Maricopa County Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report this week in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) about five Arizona children diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM).  AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness […]

By | July 25th, 2017|Preparedness|Comments Off on CDC Report Highlights Rare Cases of Paralysis in Maricopa County Children

Opioid Response: Updated Data and Expanding Naloxone for First Responders

We have seen more 1,100 possible opioid overdoses reported to us since the enhanced surveillance executive order went into effect on June 15. With more required reporters reporting, we expected that we might see an increase in the number of overdoses reported. During this four-week period, 146 deaths were reported as suspected opioid […]

By | July 24th, 2017|Prevention|Comments Off on Opioid Response: Updated Data and Expanding Naloxone for First Responders

Be Vigilant to Stay Safe While Swimming

In the summer months many of us find our way to a local swimming pool to cool down. Whether you use your own pool, a neighbors’, the community pool, or even a plastic kiddie pool, our Injury Prevention team reminds you to stay vigilant when children are around water.

A fun day […]

By | July 21st, 2017|Prevention|Comments Off on Be Vigilant to Stay Safe While Swimming

Tips to Help Your Family to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Temperatures in Arizona during the summer soar, and heat-related illnesses are common. Anyone can be susceptible to heat-related illness, but those at greatest risk are children under age four, adults over age 65, homeless people, outdoor workers, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

Following some simple […]

By | July 20th, 2017|Preparedness|Comments Off on Tips to Help Your Family to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Prepare Fruits Safely to Avoid Foodborne Diseases

Summer is here, and that means a new set of seasonal fruit to enjoy. Summertime also means an increased risk for foodborne illnesses, as bacteria multiply faster in warmer temperatures. The last thing you want on a vacation, road trip, or at a backyard barbecue are sick kids. Thankfully, washing fruits thoroughly […]

By | July 19th, 2017|Preparedness|Comments Off on Prepare Fruits Safely to Avoid Foodborne Diseases

Be Prepared for the Start of the New School Year by Vaccinating Your Kids

Parents, are you ready for the new school year?  Meeting teachers, organizing backpacks, and packing lunches are some of the many things you are prepared for, but what about your child’s vaccination status?  As the first day of school approaches, take a quick second to review Arizona’s state mandated immunization requirements for children […]

By | July 18th, 2017|Preparedness|Comments Off on Be Prepared for the Start of the New School Year by Vaccinating Your Kids