public health

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone in Maricopa County, effective July 16, 2018. This HPA is due to levels expected to exceed the federal health standard for ozone.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone in Maricopa County, effective July 5, 2018. This HPA is due to levels expected to exceed the federal health standard for ozone.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is reminding residents to stay away from bats after two bats in the Valley tested positive for rabies in the past week.

The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed today that a second fox in west Flagstaff has tested positive for rabies. The fox was in an area south of I- 40, east of I-17 and north of Zuni Drive in Flagstaff.

The fox was found and tested for rabies after residents walking in the area reported the animal attacked one of them. The individual is receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment. 

The National Weather Service issued its first extreme heat warning of the season for this Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm.  Temperatures may reach between 105-109 degrees and residents are advised to plan ahead and be aware of this sudden increase in temperature.

Strong southwest winds will continue to be a hazard through Tuesday. Spotting will be common and problematic. There is a potential for very active to extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread and moderate to long range spotting through the day. As topography aligns with the wind, expect to see an increase in fire behavior.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is advising residents to not eat and dispose of store-bought chopped romaine lettuce, including salads and salad mixes containing chopped romaine lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration indicated a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157 is likely associated with chopped romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region. Three cases of E. coli in Arizona have been linked to this multistate outbreak.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a dust High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Thursday, April 12, 2018, for coarse particulate matter (PM10) in Maricopa County. This HPA is due to particle pollutant levels expected to accumulate enough to exceed the federal health standard for PM10.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

It is that time again when weeds become a major nuisance in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) encourages property owners to be aware of the potential health impacts caused by dust from weed removal.

A permit from MCAQD is required when removing weeds by mechanized equipment (discing, blading or scraping) if this activity disturbs more than 1/10 of an acre. If the weeds are removed with a mower, weed eater or hand tool, a permit is not required.