Public Health News
Clark County Public Health has seen a 30% increase in permit applications for onsite sewage system repairs compared to the last two years – another potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There can be many reasons that an onsite septic system can fail, but we suspect that with so many families working and learning together at home that many systems are seeing volumes of wastewater much higher than normal,” said Chuck Harman, Environmental Public Health program manager. “Any onsite septic systems that are older, have not been kept up to date on their inspections and maintenance… Read More
Nearly 300 patients who visited a Salmon Creek chiropractic office last week may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should quarantine immediately.
Clark County Public Health is urging people to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.
The number of new COVID-19 cases has plateaued in Clark County after a dramatic increase in cases from late June through mid-July. A recent state report attributes the plateauing number of cases across the state to face covering requirements and the governor’s decision to pause the Safe Start reopening plan… Read More
Clark County Public Health is upgrading its advisory at Vancouver Lake to danger after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water. The cyanobacteria bloom continues to cover most of the lake.
Results from water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington State Department of Health. Given the elevated toxin levels and the extensive cyanobacteria bloom at the lake, Public Health is upgrading its current advisory to danger and advising against all recreation on the lake.
Danger… Read More
Clark County residents can explore 15 local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques and hear from the host gardeners during this year’s Natural Garden Tour. But rather than driving to properties across the county, residents can now experience the annual celebration of natural gardening without ever leaving their homes.
The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour incorporates videos and photos of the properties, as well as interviews with local gardeners, into an… Read More
Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses during the upcoming hot weather.
The extreme temperatures can create a risk to health and safety.
“Elderly people and young children are especially vulnerable during intense heat,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “We encourage everyone to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings and drink plenty of fluids.”
Here are some additional steps to take to prevent heat-related illness:
… Read MoreClark County Public Health and the Battle Ground Public Works Department want to notify residents of a sewage release into Woodin Creek, also known as Weaver Creek, in Battle Ground.
Public Health has determined that the current health threat is low but is cautioning the community to avoid contact with Woodin Creek waters for at least another 24 hours. Anyone who has had contact with water in the creek should wash those areas with warm water and soap.
An estimated 300 to 400 gallons of wastewater was released from approximately 8:45 to 10:40 pm Friday. The wastewater… Read More
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is gathering information about an active case of tuberculosis at Heritage High School. While the individual spent time in the building prior to schools closing in March, the risk of the disease spreading to students, staff and the public is low. Public Health currently has no evidence of additional cases at Heritage High School.
A local health care provider reported the possible tuberculosis (TB) case involving an individual associated with Heritage High School to Public Health on June 4. Public Health confirmed the case on June 6.… Read More
Clark County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at a Vancouver food establishment and is concerned people who visited the facility June 19-25 may be at risk of getting sick.
Public Health has so far linked 18 cases – four employees and 14 customers – to Orchards Tap Bar and Grill. Anyone who visited Orchards Tap between June 19 and June 25 should contact their health care provider and request testing for COVID-19, even if they do not have symptoms.
Individuals who were at Orchards Tap should tell their health care provider that they were potentially exposed… Read More
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s application to move into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan has been put on pause. This afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide two-week pause on the reopening process, following an increase in new COVID-19 cases and the percentage of tests coming back positive.
As a result, Clark County will remain in Phase 2.
“Public Health supports the governor’s decision to pause the reopening process,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of new cases… Read More