Throughout the summer, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) will highlight info and share resources related to extreme heat safety and heat-related illnesses. Once the state begins to heat up, it can become dangerous quickly, and we plan to share relevant heat safety info regularly. We plan to share steps you can take to [...]
Heat-related illnesses in Arizona have been trending upward since 2013. Preliminary syndromic surveillance data suggest 2023 had the most heat-related emergency room visits in the last decade. To better support Arizona through extreme heat as part of the Governor’s Executive Order on Extreme Heat Planning and Preparedness and Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan, the Arizona Department [...]
Recent data show that while Arizona’s rate of HIV infection has gone up slightly from the previous year, the rate of death from complications from the disease has decreased. This positive trend is due to multiple prevention methods, but most prominently the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) improve outcomes at the highest rate. Access to medication [...]
This weekend, friends and families will gather for parties to watch the Big Game, and we want to be sure you and your guests are safe – including from foodborne illness. Here are some tips to keep everyone focused on the game and the commercials and enjoying the delicious food: Check for recalls: There are [...]
Changes to your housing can be exciting and sometimes stressful life events. Whether you’re moving into a new home, doing renovations, evaluating your home’s current condition, or selling it, there’s one important action item you should include on your to-do list: testing your house’s radon levels. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that [...]
New HIV cases increased over the past year and so has access to services for those who need them. The rise in cases follows a dip in newly diagnosed cases due to reduced testing during COVID-19 lockdowns and mitigation measures. The HIV Surveillance program’s latest Annual Report shows there were 975 new cases in 2022 [...]
During this holiday season, you may celebrate with family and friends over a meal or two. If you’re the person cooking that feast, your loved ones are counting on you for more than a delicious meal. They're counting on you to keep health and safety in mind as you create your culinary delights. The American [...]
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, one key challenge was getting an accurate picture of COVID-19 infection rates in communities, especially for people who had COVID-19 but weren’t experiencing symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to get better visibility into infection rates and [...]
More than 10 years ago, Arizonans voted to approve the implementation of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Program. In 2020, the program expanded with the passing of Prop 207, allowing for the adult recreational use of marijuana. There are now many dispensaries and adult-use facilities statewide, where adults above the age of 21 can purchase marijuana [...]
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) caused by coccidioides immitis fungal spores. 3d rendered banner on blue background showing fungal filaments. Valley Fever Awareness Week begins today. Taking steps to stay safe from Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is especially important in Arizona, where the fungus that causes the lung infection grows naturally in the soil. [...]
