World Health Organization Working Towards of Eliminating Hepatitis
This World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization continues to build upon its strategy to combat viral hepatitis and achieve the final goal of eliminating hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is often caused by a virus. The three most common viruses that cause viral hepatitis in the U.S. are hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis B [...]
Get Ahead on Back to School and Fall Sports by Making Sure You Have Your Child’s Birth Certificate
August is a busy time of year for many Arizona families. It’s time for back to school and enrollment for fall sports, both of which will likely require you to submit a copy of your child’s birth certificate. Our Bureau of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of Arizona vital records, including birth certificates. Directions on how [...]
CDC Report Highlights Rare Cases of Paralysis in Maricopa County Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report this week in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) about five Arizona children diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. This is [...]
Opioid Response: Updated Data and Expanding Naloxone for First Responders
We have seen more 1,100 possible opioid overdoses reported to us since the enhanced surveillance executive order went into effect on June 15. With more required reporters reporting, we expected that we might see an increase in the number of overdoses reported. During this four-week period, 146 deaths were reported as suspected opioid overdoses. Expanding the use of naloxone by first responders [...]
Be Vigilant to Stay Safe While Swimming
In the summer months many of us find our way to a local swimming pool to cool down. Whether you use your own pool, a neighbors’, the community pool, or even a plastic kiddie pool, our Injury Prevention team reminds you to stay vigilant when children are around water. A fun day in the sun can turn into disaster within [...]
Tips to Help Your Family to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
Temperatures in Arizona during the summer soar, and heat-related illnesses are common. Anyone can be susceptible to heat-related illness, but those at greatest risk are children under age four, adults over age 65, homeless people, outdoor workers, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications. Following some simple safety tips can help you and your [...]