Van Wert County Health Department

07/28/2026

Mental wellness is something we can support through small, everyday habits. 💛
Talking to someone, going for a walk, listening to music, reading, journaling, or making time for nourishing meals can all be simple ways to care for your mental health.
You don’t have to do everything at once — even one small step can help you feel more grounded, supported, and refreshed.

07/27/2026

Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. is recalling certain shell eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled eggs were produced in Texas between June 6–July 3, 2026, with sell by/best by dates of July 20–Aug. 17. Check for carton codes P-1950 or 0840962 with Julian Dates 157–184.

Consumers should check their refrigerators for recalled eggs and throw them away or return to place of purchase for a refund. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-july-2026

07/27/2026

July's mobile food distribution event will be tomorrow July 28th!

07/27/2026

Back to school time is approaching quickly! Vaccination clinics will fill up quickly in the next month. Schedule now to avoid the rush.
Call 419-238-0808 extension 103 to schedule.

07/25/2026

Fresh fruits and vegetables are one of the best things you can do for your health—and we want you to keep enjoying them! 🍓🥕🌽
Recent Cyclospora investigations have been linked to specific produce products, but that doesn't mean you should avoid eating all fruits and vegetables.
Instead:
🥬 Support your local farmers and farmers markets.
🚿 Wash produce under running water before eating or preparing it.
🧼 Wash your hands and keep your kitchen clean.
🍳Cook to a proper temp of 160 degrees Fahrenheit
📢 Stay informed about food recalls and public health updates.
Buying local and practicing safe food handling helps protect your health while supporting our community.
👉 Swipe through for simple tips to safely enjoy fresh produce all season long!

07/24/2026

Read the update regarding recalled products and where they were sold: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

A complete list of recalled products found here:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/taylor-fresh-foods-recalls-iceberg-lettuce-central-mexico-because-possible-health-risk

Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

07/24/2026

Help us fight back against mosquitos and the diseases that they cause! Empty out any standing water around your property to prevent mosquito breeding sites.

07/23/2026

Our department continues to monitor the Cyclosporiasis outbreak. While the suspected products have been recalled, continue to follow good food safety practices when handling/using produce.

07/21/2026

VAN WERT COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT INVESTIGATING CONFIRMED CYCLOSPORIASIS CASES IN VAN WERT COUNTY

The Van Wert County General Health District is investigating three lab confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis among Van Wert County residents. Public health officials are working closely with the Ohio Department of Health, healthcare providers, and other public health partners to investigate reported illnesses and monitor the situation.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. While fresh produce—including berries, leafy greens, cilantro, basil, and other herbs—has often been associated with Cyclospora infections, the source of the current infections being investigated have been connected to shredded iceberg lettuce across five states. We advise the public to avoid consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell and the voluntarily recalled shredded lettuce products from Taylor Farms. As a reminder, the investigation related to this outbreak is still ongoing.

Symptoms typically begin 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include:
• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever

Without treatment, symptoms can last for several days to weeks and may recur over time.
Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help shorten the duration of symptoms.

The Van Wert County General Health District encourages residents to practice these food safety habits:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
• When produce is intended to be cooked, cook it thoroughly. Heating foods to 160°F (71°C) is the only known method to reliably inactivate Cyclospora parasites.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
• Gently scrub firm produce, such as melons, cucumbers, potatoes, and apples, with clean hands or a clean produce brush.
• Clean cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces before and after use.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
• Avoid eating produce that appears spoiled or damaged.

Although washing produce may not eliminate every possible contaminant, it remains one of the most important steps consumers can take to reduce the risk of many foodborne illnesses.

For more information about cyclosporiasis and food safety, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html

07/21/2026

We are experiencing issues with our phones. Calls are coming in to our lines, but many of the calls are being dropped. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you need assistance and cannot get through, please email our general email address at [email protected].