Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has posted warning signs at Klineline Pond after routine testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness when water is accidentally swallowed.

Test results for one of five water samples collected at Klineline Pond on Monday showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The other samples had bacteria levels within acceptable water quality standards.

Public Health collected additional samples this afternoon. The results of those tests will determine the next steps, which could… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has posted caution signs at Vancouver Lake due to the possible bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

A blue-green algae bloom has not been detected at the Vancouver Lake swim beach area but suspected blooms were identified at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Public Health is currently awaiting sample results from these two locations to determine if toxins are in the water.

Public Health is advising people to watch for other blooms when recreating in the lake and to… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses during the stretch of hot weather this week.

The length of the hot spell, coupled with warm overnight temperatures that provide little relief from the heat, can create a risk to health and safety.

“Elderly people and young children are especially vulnerable during periods of intense or prolonged heat,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “We encourage everyone to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is investigating two cases of shigellosis, a bacterial infection spread through fecal-oral transmission. The cases were reported to Public Health today. 

The investigation has identified Battle Ground Lake as a possible source of the infection. Public Health posted signs at the lake this afternoon warning the public about the potential risk of infection. The lake and Battle Ground Lake State Park remain open.

Public Health collected water samples from the lake today to test for bacterial contamination and will have test… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. — Clark County Public Health is continuing its investigation into a potential case of measles in a young child. Public Health on Monday announced three locations where people may have been exposed to measles. Public Health has since identified a fourth public location of possible measles exposure.

Public Health is advising anyone who has been exposed and may have symptoms of measles to call their health care provider prior to visiting… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for three positions on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.

The board is accepting applications from Clark County residents for the following positions:

• A doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Clark County.
• A Clark County consumer of public health services.
• A representative from the Clark County Youth Commission or Clark County Youth House or a representative of local area high schools or colleges.

The openings are for three-year terms that… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. — Clark County Public Health is investigating a potential case of measles in a young child. The child, who is up to date on immunizations, was exposed by an individual later confirmed to have measles in Multnomah County. Clark County Public Health is advising anyone who has been exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles to call their health care provider prior to visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

People who visited three public locations may have been exposed to measles. Those include:

… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Master Composter/Recyclers will host an open house this weekend as part of the sixth annual Art in the Garden event.

The open house is 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 8, at the composting demonstration site at the Center for Agriculture Science and Environmental Education, CASEE, 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. The demonstration site is at the west end of the NatureScaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens.

The composting demonstration site lets visitors view different bins and compost systems, and see backyard compost being made. During the open… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Mosquito season has arrived, and the pesky insect population is higher than years past.

Clark County Mosquito Control District crews are finding a higher number of mosquitoes throughout the county this season than they have the last several years. Most recently, the area east of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has been a mosquito hotspot.

Mosquito control district officials suspect the mild weather during the winter, followed by an unseasonably warm spring, provided ideal conditions for the mosquito population to increase dramatically.

… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Booklets for the Green Neighbors Natural Garden Tour are now available at garden stores across the county.

Clark County residents will get a chance to wander through 12 diverse natural gardens that showcase earth-friendly gardening techniques from 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 15.

Booklets with the map and details about the free, self-guided garden tour can be downloaded from www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/gardentour or found at:

• Backyard Bird Shop, 8101 NE Parkway… Read More