Jefferson County Public Health

09/01/2026

Game day food safety deserves a solid game plan. 🏈

Keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, cook meat all the way through and don’t let wings, dips or other foods sit out for more than 2 hours.

When in doubt, throw the flag. 🚩www.jeffco.us/Food-Safety

08/31/2026

Overdose loss reaches far beyond one person. It affects families, friends and whole communities.

International Overdose Awareness Day is another day to remember the people we have lost and support those who are still here.

Overdose can be prevented. Naloxone, test strips, education and caring support can help save lives. www.jeffco.us/Points-West-Syringe-Services-Program

08/26/2026

Heads up: West Nile Virus has been detected in Jefferson County mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes collected from testing sites at Harriman Lake Park in Littleton and Wilson Family Park in Lakewood have tested positive for West Nile Virus. While most people who get West Nile Virus don’t show symptoms, the virus can make some very sick, especially in older adults and those with certain health conditions.

The best protection is prevention. Follow the four D’s to lower your risk:
DRESS in long sleeves and pants. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes help keep you cool and covered.
Avoid the outdoors at DAWN and DUSK when mosquitoes are most active.
DRAIN standing water around your home (birdbaths, buckets, lids, pet bowls), anything that can collect water and give mosquitoes a place to breed.
DEFEND yourself with an EPA-approved mosquito repellent.

Learn more about protecting yourself and your family: http://www.jeffco.us/westnilevirus
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Aviso: Se ha detectado el virus del Nilo Occidental en mosquitos del condado de Jefferson.

Los mosquitos recolectados en Harriman Lake Park en Littleton y Wilson Family Park en Lakewood dieron positivo al virus del Nilo Occidental. Aunque la mayoría de las personas que contraen el virus no presentan síntomas, algunas pueden enfermarse gravemente, especialmente los adultos mayores y las personas con ciertas condiciones de salud.

La mejor protección es prevenir las picaduras. Siga estos cuatro pasos para reducir el riesgo de picaduras de mosquitos:
VÍSTASE con camisas de manga larga y pantalones. La ropa holgada y de colores claros puede ayudarle a mantenerse fresco y cubierto.
EVITE estar al aire libre al AMANECER y al ANOCHECER, cuando los mosquitos están más activos.
DRENE el agua estancada alrededor de su casa, como la que se encuentra en bebederos para aves, cubetas, tapas y recipientes para mascotas. Cualquier objeto que acumule agua puede convertirse en un lugar donde los mosquitos se reproduzcan.
PROTÉJASE usando un repelente de mosquitos aprobado por la EPA que ayude a prevenir las picaduras.

Obtenga más información sobre cómo protegerse y proteger a su familia: http://www.jeffco.us/westnilevirus

08/20/2026

Are you ready for flooding? 🌧️

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office - Emergency Management reminds residents that floods can happen anywhere in Jefferson County, from mountain canyons and burn scars to urban streets and creeks.

Prepare now:
• Sign up for emergency alerts at LookoutAlert.org
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
• Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Have an emergency plan and supplies ready

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

08/17/2026

Air quality can affect recess, sports, the walk to school and other outdoor activities. Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) can help you plan ahead and know when extra care may be needed.

Through the Love My Air program, it's easy to check real-time air quality in your neighborhood. Learn more and check the air quality: www.jeffco.us/Air-Quality

08/13/2026

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but simple steps can help lower your risk. Limit your time in strong sunlight, cover up and choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

08/12/2026

Two foodborne outbreaks have made headlines lately, but they are not the same outbreak.
The good news: both situations are moving in the right direction.

The lettuce tied to Cyclospora is no longer being sold, and the jalapeños tied to Salmonella have been removed from the restaurants that served them.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms often start within a few days after eating contaminated food. www.jeffco.us/2408/Food-Safety

08/11/2026

We know recent announcements about childhood vaccines may leave parents feeling confused or concerned. Here’s what families should know: Vaccines remain available, and the science has not changed. Decades of research have found that the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks of the diseases they protect against.

If you have questions about vaccination or what recent policy changes mean for your child, talk with your child’s health care provider or make an appointment with our clinic. To schedule an appointment, call us at 303-232-6301. We’re here to listen, answer questions, and help families make informed decisions based on reliable medical evidence.

08/11/2026

Wild animals can carry rabies - do not touch, feed or try to pick them up. Keep your distance and call your local animal control agency for help.

If you are bitten or scratched, or think you may have had contact with a wild animal, contact Jefferson County Public Health. This includes waking up and finding a bat in your home.

Learn more about rabies and how to stay safe: www.jeffco.us/Rabies

08/10/2026

Check out the list of cooling centers & other resources: www.jeffco.us/5225/Climate-Resiliency

Don't have A/C?☀️

To help you stay resilient against extreme heat, Jefferson County Sustainability has created a list of local community centers where you can cool off during operating hours.

Check out the list of cooling centers & other climate resiliency resources now: https://www.jeffco.us/5225/Climate-Resiliency