ADHS has consistently followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and today’s updated CDC recommendations on mask use are no exception. The CDC’s mask recommendations now vary according to a community level that considers COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents and COVID-19’s impact on the local healthcare system. The COVID-19 [...]
As we shared last week, an important change is coming to make our COVID-19 Data Dashboard even more useful. Saturday, Feb. 26, will be our last daily update to the dashboard. Weekly updates will start on Wednesday, March 2. Updating weekly is consistent with other infectious disease reporting and how public health uses data to [...]
Last year, more than 100 babies were born with syphilis in Arizona, including nine who were stillborn. Syphilis is completely preventable through timely testing and treatment. Testing should take place three times during pregnancy – at the first prenatal care visit, early in the third trimester (around 28-32 weeks), and at delivery. In Arizona, there [...]
Throughout the pandemic, your state government and Arizona’s hospitals have worked together to provide data critical to understanding and responding to the invisible enemy that is COVID-19. This partnership has made the ADHS COVID-19 Data Dashboard a go-to resource for the public, news media, and Arizona leaders. Updated daily and enhanced many times over these [...]
When the last state-run COVID-19 mass-vaccination site closed last June, with millions of Arizonans already protected, former ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ noted that in many ways the hardest work was just beginning. The vaccine was and continues to be widely available around the state. The focus for ADHS, local health departments, and others had [...]
Understandably, as most people made a concerted effort to stay safe from COVID-19, some other important health concerns may have received less attention during the past two years. As we mark American Heart Month, now is the perfect time to increase your focus on cardiovascular health. The Start Small, Live Big campaign from the Alliance [...]
An ADHS program to educate pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations is resulting in healthier babies across Arizona. A comprehensive evaluation covering 2006-2016 found that participation in Arizona’s Health Start Program improved low birthweight and preterm birth outcomes, prenatal care attendance, and on-time child immunizations. The report, which [...]
In just a few days, friends and families will gather for Super Bowl parties, 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 football and smiling about the great food to be enjoyed during the game: Wash up: [...]
Masking up and being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations are a powerful combination when it comes to reducing the risk of testing positive, according to a new study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Research has already shown that face masks and respirators, when worn [...]
Whether the result comes from a self-test or a laboratory, you should take steps right away to protect yourself and others if you test positive for COVID-19. A new ADHS resource, azhealth.gov/TestedPositive, has easy-to-follow instructions on what to do if you test positive. It includes an infographic suitable for printing and an option to have [...]
