El Paso County Public Health

08/06/2025

A bat found in Colorado Springs was confirmed to have rabies, making it the first animal to test positive for the disease in El Paso County this year. An individual who had contact with the bat is receiving appropriate treatment to prevent rabies.

Public health recommends the following precautions be taken to prevent rabies:

• Avoid contact with any wild animal, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and keep pets on a leash.
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies by using a licensed veterinarian. Rabies shots must be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian.
• Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside.
• If people or pets are bitten or scratched by an aggressive, wild, or unknown animal, call your doctor/veterinarian immediately and report the incident to EPCPH at elpasocountyhealth.org/infectious-diseases-public-health-response/infectious-diseases-2/report-animal-bite/.
• Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
• Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals such as skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available. Please do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Bat bites can be difficult to detect. If you find a bat in your house, contact EPCPH at 719-578-3220.
• If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for options at 719-473-1741.

For additional safety precautions, visit https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/rabies/

08/01/2025

Don't Miss Out! Healthy Start for Happy Learning!

Getting ready for the new school year? We've got you covered! El Paso County Public Health is hosting a Back-to-School event with a Vaccination Clinic on August 2 at our Valley Hi office to help prepare students for the upcoming school year.

Here's what you need to know:
-Vaccines are available to those who are interested and have Medicaid or no
insurance. Vaccine Eligibility: Medicaid or no insurance.
-A parent or legal guardian (with guardianship paperwork) must be present with the
child.
-Please bring all previous vaccine records with you.
-Register here. https://my.primary.health/r/el-paso-county-public-health?key=
Walk-ins are also welcome as time allows.

We'll also have FREE BACKPACKS & school supplies available and much more to help you prepare for a successful academic year!

Let's make sure our students are healthy and ready to learn! See you there!

07/28/2025

The Maternal Child Health Program at El Paso County Public Health invites you to a screening of UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.

With around 16.8 million Americans caring for children with disabilities, their struggles represent a critical public health issue. This documentary provides an honest look into their lives, highlighting the need for support and understanding.

September 3, 2025, 10:00-11:30 AM
Virtual

Let’s come together to support these amazing caregivers! RSVP to raingray3@elpasoco.com for invite and link.

07/24/2025

Today is self-care day! Self-care can be a lot of things, but it's more than just pampering yourself. It's about making sure you're taking care of yourself in all aspects of your life.

What are some of your favorite self-care activities? Let us know in the comments!

07/22/2025

Summer is a great reminder for everyone to remember the following tips to help prevent heat-related illnesses:

Beat the heat by seeking shade or staying cool indoors
Stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen
Stay informed

For more heat-related tips, visit https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/infectious-diseases-public-health-response/public-health-response/extreme-heat/

07/16/2025

Make sure to stay weather aware today! Follow US National Weather Service Pueblo Colorado for weather updates. For safety tips, visit: https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

Strong to severe storms are expected to develop this afternoon along the eastern mountains, and then push eastward across the plains this evening. Strong outflow winds and large hail are the most likely hazards. Make sure to stay weather aware today!

07/14/2025

This July, we are celebrating Pak and Recreation month recognizing the people, spaces and programs that create a sense of belonging at El Paso County, for more information visit: https://coloradosprings.gov/PRCS "Build Together. Play Together"

07/11/2025

Are those unexpected guests getting a bit too comfortable this summer? With mosquitoes buzzing back into action, it’s crucial to safeguard against vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus. 🦟 Be sure to use EPA-registered insect repellent with ingredients such as DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Stay safe and enjoy your summer activities!

07/08/2025

The summer months are a great time to remind ourselves about staying rabies aware. While rabies is a serious viral disease, the good news is that it's preventable! If you or someone in your family happens to be bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, please reach out to your doctor right away. Don’t forget to give El Paso County Public Health a call at 719-578-3220 or 719-235-2278 after hours—your health is important! Want to learn more about rabies? Check it out here: https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/rabies/

07/04/2025

REMINDER: El Paso County Public Health offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 7.

07/03/2025

El Paso County Public Health offices will close at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and remain closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 7.