Barton County Health Department

11/21/2025

🦇 Rabies Surveillance in Kansas 🐶

Did you know that the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory submits rabies test results for all animals tested in Kansas directly to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)?

You can easily explore this data yourself through the Kansas Environmental Public Health Tracking Program. Staying informed helps keep our families, pets, and communities safe!

🔗 Stay aware. Stay protected.

If you'd like it shorter, more formal,

11/18/2025

• In the United States, bats are the most reported animals with rabies.
• Most people in the U.S. who die of rabies were exposed to a rabid bat.
• Avoid touching bats and see a medical professional if you may have had contact with one.
• Learn how to keep a bat out of your home.
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html

11/15/2025

While rabies is well controlled in the U.S., more than four million Americans report being bitten by animals each year. More than one million Americans receive rabies-related medical care from local or state health departments.
If you've been in contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, particularly if you've been bitten or scratched, do the following:
• Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes to flush out any virus.
• Talk with a healthcare or public health professional about your risk and if you need rabies-related care.
• Tell your healthcare provider or public health professional about the type of animal you encountered.
• Make note of and tell your healthcare provider or public health professional if you see any signs that the animal is not acting normally.
• If the animal that bit you is a pet, ask the owner for proof that the animal is up to date on their rabies vaccination.
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html -when-to-seek-medical-care

11/13/2025

The best way to avoid rabies in the U.S. is to keep your distance from wildlife.
Never approach animals who appear to be injured, sick, or dead, especially if you see animals during the day who are usually active at night (bats, raccoons, etc.). Instead, call animal control for assistance when needed.

Pet owners can lower their risk by keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines. Also, keep pets away from wild animals as much as possible.

Learn more:
👉

Learn about rabies prevention for you and your pets.

11/11/2025

Due to the Holiday, The Health Department will be closed today. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, November 12.

11/06/2025

🦇💉 Did you know? Each year, nearly 100,000 Americans need to get vaccinated for rabies after a possible exposure!

Rabies is 100% preventable with prompt medical care — but once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal. 😔

🐕‍🦺 Keep your pets’ rabies shots up to date
🚫 Avoid contact with wild animals
📞 If you’re bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately and contact your healthcare provider or local health department.

Let’s keep our community safe and rabies-free! ❤️

11/04/2025

🐾💉 Rabies is 100% preventable — but once symptoms start, it’s almost always deadly.

Here’s what you should know ⬇️
• 🦇 Rabies is a viral disease that can be deadly if medical care isn’t received before symptoms appear.
• 🐕 It spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
• 🦝 In the U.S., the animals most often found with rabies are bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes.
• 💉 Each year, about 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations after possible exposure.

✅ Keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.
🚫 Avoid contact with wild animals.
📞 If you’re bitten or scratched, wash the area and contact your doctor or local health department right away.

Let’s work together to keep Barton County safe and rabies-free! ❤️

11/03/2025

Come Join us in Hoisington on Saturday November 8th from 10:00-12:00PM

11/03/2025

November is all about gratitude and health! Join our events to stay well!
https://conta.cc/3JzoOif

Email from Barton County Health Department Stay up to date with your Barton County Health Department!     Laboratory Services r202“Supporting a Healthy, Grateful Community” “Supporting a Healthy, Grat

10/28/2025

🎃 Halloween Safety Reminder! 🎃

Before enjoying treats, check all candy for tampering — look for tears, discoloration, or unwrapped items. Only eat commercially wrapped treats and be cautious with homemade goods. 🍬

🚨 Be aware of look-alike drugs like fentanyl or THC gummies that resemble candy. If you suspect something dangerous, call Poison Control: 800-222-1222.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween! 👻
— Barton County Public Health

10/09/2025

📢 WIC Update: Important Information for Families

Due to the federal government shutdown, there is uncertainty about how long WIC funding will continue.
Here’s what you need to know right now:

✅ Keep using your WIC benefits — continue shopping, redeeming food, and attending appointments while they’re active.
📞 Check with your local WIC clinic before your appointment to confirm it’s open.
🚨 If your clinic closes, contact KDHE at 785-296-3683 for assistance.
🛒 Plan ahead by purchasing shelf-stable, healthy foods when possible.
🤝 Community resources like food banks and local pantries may help if services are disrupted.

Barton County Health Department is monitoring the situation closely and will share updates as soon as we have them.

If you have questions, please call 620-793-1902