Public Health Information

First case of West Nile virus in El Paso County resident in 2023

El Paso County, Colorado – An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first human case in El Paso County this year.  

West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September. 

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Bat found outside Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center tests positive for rabies

El Paso County, Colorado –A bat found at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center in North Cheyenne Canyon was confirmed to have rabies, making it the first animal to test positive for the disease in El Paso County this year.

On Monday, July 10, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) was notified of the bat, which was found crawling on the ground during the day. The bat was promptly sent for testing, then confirmed positive for rabieson Thursday, July 13.   

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Public Health urges residents to take steps to protect themselves this summer

Plague, West Nile Virus and hantavirus more common during the summer months

El Paso County, CO – With the summer months upon us, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) is urging residents to protect themselves and their pets against diseases that can spread from insects, such as West Nile Virus, plague and hantavirus.

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El Paso County Public Health earns fourth consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

El Paso County, COThe Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for EPCPH’s 2023 Budget Book. This marks the fourth consecutive year EPCPH has received this prestigious recognition.

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El Paso County Public Health earns prestigious national Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties

El Paso County, CO – El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the second straight year. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The 2023 award recognizes the EPCPH Care Coordination program.

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El Paso County Public Health awards 2023 Partner Engagement Grant recipients

Awards issued to partners who focus on building capacity to improve community health 

El Paso County, CO – El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) has awarded 10 community partners with funding through a new community grant opportunity which focuses on building capacity in support of public health systems serving residents throughout El Paso County.  

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May 11 marks end of national COVID-19 public health emergency declaration

El Paso County, CO – Today, May 11, marks the end of the national COVID-19 public health emergency declaration. This shift—which represents significant progress—comes as the final phase of an ongoing, gradual transition to routine disease response. With this change, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) wants residents to know that resources remain available.

Throughout the pandemic, EPCPH prioritized increasing easy access to resources such as testing and vaccination, while removing barriers.

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El Paso County Public Health receives two new awards for excellence in financial reporting and achievement in popular annual financial reporting

El Paso County Public Health receives two new awards for excellence in financial reporting and achievement in popular annual financial reporting 

El Paso County Public Health noted for excellence in financial reporting for four straight years 


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El Paso County Public Health announces 2023 Partner Engagement Grant opportunity

Eligible programs and services invited to apply for grants up to $36,000 

El Paso County, CO – El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) announces new community grant opportunities to assist community partners in building infrastructure in support of the public health system to serve residents throughout El Paso County. 

The EPCPH 2023 Partner Engagement Grants will award grants of up to $36,000 to eligible organizations. Grant recipients must have a focus in at least one of the following areas: 

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