Note regarding staff
e-mail address changes

New Environmental Health Fee Schedule.

CDC answers your questions about
MRSA in the schools.

May 9, 2008 - Vaccination is the Best Protection Against Measles
Hayden, ID — Confirmation of measles, a highly contagious virus, in Central Washington has prompted Panhandle Health District (PHD) to advise people to verify that they and their children are current on measles vaccinations.

“Measles is a very serious, old-fashioned childhood disease that can have some very bad side effects for some kids,” said Randi Lustig, PHD’s epidemiology program manager. “People should make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.” Read the whole story...

April 25, 2008 - Good Hygiene Helps Prevent Norovirus Spread
Hayden, ID -- After several recent outbreaks of Norovirus, a virus that can cause Gastroenteritis or what is sometimes called the “stomach flu,” the Panhandle Health District (PHD) is reminding people to protect themselves and others by washing their hands frequently and disinfecting household surfaces.

“We know Norovirus is present in the community and it’s unpleasant to have,” says Randi Lustig, program manager of PHD’s epidemiology department. “We want the public aware that it can have particularly detrimental effects on the elderly and infants.”  Read the whole story...

Special -
When people raised concerns about possible mold in one of the Lake Pend Oreille School District's schools last year, Superintendent Dick Cvitanich went further than investigating the alleged problem.
Following a recommendation from the district's facilities director, Cvitanich invited a team from the Environmental Protection Agency to check all the district's buildings. Read the whole story.

April 11, 2008 -- Foundation Offers Money for Public Health
Hayden-The Panhandle Public Health Foundation is accepting applications from non-profit organizations and governmental agencies in Idaho's five northern counties for a total of $3,000 in grants to help with public health services.
The Panhandle Public Health Foundation is a non-profit corporation that began in 2004 to support current and new innovative programs that improve the health of Panhandle communities. It raises money through donations and charitable events, such as its annual Pedalin' for Public Health bike ride in August. PPHF awarded $2,000 in grants last year. In 2008, the foundation will award one $3,000 grant or two $1,500 grants. Applications are due by May 30. Applications can be downloaded here.

March 20, 2008 -- Panhandle Health District Launches
Child Abuse Prevention Month Events
Hayden, ID -- Dignitaries and fields of colorful pinwheels available for picking will kick off a month of springtime events designed to raise public awareness in northern Idaho that child abuse is preventable.
Read the whole story...

Special -
Dave Braucht gave himself a present the day before his 50th birthday: a pass to a longer, healthier life. It didn't come easily.
It began with a colonoscopy, a test that screens the large intestine for polyps, which are growths of extra tissue. Dave's birthday experience included a polyp, a diagnosis of cancer, surgery and a terrified wife. But it ended in celebration. Dave's cancer was local, removed, hadn't spread and required no further treatment because he had enabled doctors to catch it early. Read the whole story...

Soap up! The 12 germiest places in your life.
Could your purse be making you sick?
Sure, there are outbreaks of microbes and viruses across the country, but some of these germs are lurking where you least expect them. “Health” magazine senior editor Frances Largeman-Roth pinpoints the 12 germiest places you’re likely to encounter during an average day and devises ways for you to keep clean. After all, the fight is in your hands. Literally. Eighty percent of infections are spread through hand contact. So wash up, people, and get ready to wage a bit of germ warfare of your own.
Read The full story...

Current Health Topics

• Pandemic Flu
• Avian Flu
• West Nile Virus
• Pandemic and Avian Influenza Resources
• Communicable Disease Reporting
• Septic Flow Rule Making Portal

Hayden
Kootenai County
8500 N. Atlas Road
Hayden, ID 83835