Everyday in Maricopa County, your Public Health Department is working with hospitals, schools, long term care facilities and even residents to gather data on outbreaks occurring in our environment. There are many topics that affect our county on a seasonal basis while others happen infrequently. Some of the more common include:

The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new Influenza virus continues to grow in the United States and internationally.  A vaccine is currently being tested and is expected to be available in the fall.  Do your part today and practice excellent hygiene, get rest and stay home if you become sick. If you are pregnant, diabetic, asthmatic or have other serious respiratory and heart related conditions, please be sensitive to your health needs and see your health provider if you become sick with Flu.

For more information, read our extensive website and learn how to help stop the spread of Flu this season.

Each year, 36,000 people in the United States die from the Flu, yet we have a vaccine that most of the population chooses to ignore. This year getting vaccinated for Seasonal Flu is essential. Protect those around you by doing your part to stop the spread of Flu - get vaccinated!

Now that we are experiencing pandemic Flu with the H1N1 virus, we can see there is still much to do. This pandemic appears to be mild; however, we are not out of the woods. Take a moment now to review the resources we have gathered to help you prepare for any health crisis or more severe Flu season. Visit Flu.gov to learn how the Federal, state, and local governments continue to improve their readiness and collaboration, and learn how you too can contribute to stopping the further spread of Flu.

Summer months in the Valley of the Sun are not only warm, they can be dangerous in much the same way that winter is in other parts of the country. The human body is equipped to handle this heat if you follow some easy recommendations. Read on....

A bird disease passed through mosquitoes, somehow we humans got caught in the middle. Each year during our summer months, Maricopa County Environmental Services monitors birds and mosquitoes that may be carrying the virus and Public Health works within the healthcare system to monitor human cases. Getting rid of standing water on your property and using repellant are a few good ways to protect yourself and your family.

Pertussis or whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory illness characterized by severe spasms of coughing that can last for several weeks or even for months. It is usually spread from person-to-person through close contact with respiratory droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes.

Coccidioidomycosis more commonly known as Valley Fever is an infection caused by a fungi endemic to parts of Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico, and elsewhere in Central and South America. The valley fever fungus lives in soil and is spread through the air. It is treatable with fungus-killing medicines.

Every day, health issues are being monitored here in Maricopa County by our team of nurses and disease investigators. The latest topics can be found here. Coming Soon!