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Mounting heat poses summer health hazards
As summer arrives in Idaho, so do a series of seasonal health hazards. With the first heat-related deaths of the year already reported this June, and with temps forecasted to be in the upper 90s and possibly 100s this week, it’s a critical time to talk about how to stay safe in rising temperatures, around water, and during wildfire season.Heat-related illness: know the warning
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As of Feb. 14, there are at least 32,100 outstanding positive lab reports that have not been reviewed by the local public health districts. Many of those lab records will result in new cases of COVID-19 being added to the dashboard. However, some reports are additional test
It is my honor to serve the people of Idaho.
I became the director of Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) in January 2019. I came to state government from the private sector, and I looked forward to a new challenge. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was committed
The number of children ages 5-11 years vaccinated against COVID-19 in Idaho remains very low, at less than 15 percent. We understand parents have questions about the vaccines and how safe they are for their children. Please consider the information below, and talk to your
Misinformation is circulating in Idaho across social media and other communication channels that could be, unfortunately, harmful to the health of Idahoans.
You
Idaho is feeling the effects of a nationwide shortage of blood, driven by a variety of factors. It’s the worst shortage in more than a decade, according to the American Red Cross. The shortage is helping fuel the need for part of the state to be in crisis standards of care
The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) exists to serve you. Our mission is to promote the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans.
Although the pandemic has shined a spotlight on the work of the Division of Public Health, DHW is also there when Idahoans have a crisis
Masks are a critical part of the tools we have to help keep us healthy during a pandemic with a respiratory pathogen. Here are some common questions about masks that we hope will inspire you to wear one that fits, is comfortable, and provides protection for you and those around
The COVID-19 data in Idaho is telling a consistent story when it comes to what is happening with vaccinated vs. unvaccinated Idahoans. The gap between COVID-19 cases in the vaccinated vs. unvaccinated is growing. Below are charts that outline what is happening in Idaho
As Omicron surges across the country and in Idaho, many of us are wondering how many more surges or waves we’ll have to endure, and when the pandemic will be considered over. There is no firm answer to that. The virus that causes COVID-19 will continue to mutate as it is spread
Over the past few weeks, we have seen the effects of a very, very contagious Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. Omicron currently makes up more than 88 percent of cases in Idaho. The percent of positive tests (percent positivity) doubled from 8.6 percent on Dec.
Omicron is more contagious than other variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. It is rapidly spreading in Idaho and across the nation.
Getting vaccinated and boosted at the right time is still the very best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness,