La Paz County Health Department

05/21/2026

The Arizona Department of Health Services annual Healthy Swimming Poster Contest is now open!
Arizona children can submit original artwork promoting healthy swimming and water safety for a chance to win prizes. This year's contest aligns with the CDC's Healthy Swimming week theme: "Don't Let the Diarrhea Sink the Fun This Summer!"
The contest will remain open through July 6. Please feel free to share the attached flyer and entry form whiting your organizations networks, and communities.

05/21/2026

05/19/2026

May 18 - 24, 2026 is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week
Young kids sitting in the shallow end of the pool together.
We all share the water we swim, play, or relax in. Each of us can help protect ourselves, our families, and our friends from germs that cause diarrhea.

Key Points
Diarrhea is the most common illness linked to water we swim in (like pools and rivers).
You can get diarrhea by swallowing water that has germs in it.
Filters and disinfectants (like chlorine) work together to kill germs.
Sunlight, leaves and debris, sunblock, laundry soap in suits, hair care products, and skin oils break use up the disinfectant in the water that is needed to kill germs.

Germs
Diarrhea causing germs include Cryptosporidium (Crypto), Giardia, Shigella, Norovirus, and E. Coli O157:H7.
A properly chlorinated pool is recommended to have a free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm and pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
These germs can survive in properly chlorinated water for minutes to day, depending on the germ.
E. Coli O157:H7 = within 1 minute
Crypto = more than 7 days

Do Not
P**p in the water. Germs from one accident can spread throughout the pool and make others sick.
Swallow the water. Swallowing even small amounts of water containing germs can make you sick.

Do
Stay out of the water is you are sick with diarrhea. If you have Crypto, do not go back in the water until 2 weeks after diarrhea has completely stopped.
Rinse off before going into the water. A one-minute shower removes most of the dirt, sweat, and oils on you rbody that use up the pool chemicals needed to kill germs.
Take kids on bathroom breaks. Regularly take kids to the bathroom so they don't go in the water.
Check diapers every hour. Remember, swim diapers are not leak-proof. They can only delay p**p germs from getting into the water for a few minutes. Change diapers away from the pool to help keep germs out of the water. ALWAYS wash your hands after going to the bathroom and changing diapers.

Link to additional information Preventing Diarrheal Illnesses | Healthy Swimming | CDC

05/16/2026

Today, our Community Health Workers (CHWs), joined Parker Regional Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, the Sheriffs Department (LPCSO) and Fish and game in the Life Vest Exchange event! CHWs took care of Naloxone distribution to help keep our river and community safe. 🌊🦺💙

Proud to continue this strong partnership through prevention, education, and community support while helping protect lives both on and off the water.

05/16/2026

Mosquito Season has Begun
La Paz County Health Department Normal Surveillance is Ongoing
Mosquitoes from a routine collection site tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Cibola area. This is the first WNV positive sample in La Paz County since June of 2023. No human cases of WNV have been reported in La Paz County this year. With West Nile Virus being the most common mosquito borne disease in Arizona, it is extremely important to take precautions to protect yourself.

About West Nile Virus: Transmission usually circulates between mosquitoes and birds. A mosquito feeds on an infected bird and acquires the virus. The mosquito can then pass the virus on to other birds during feeding. Mosquitoes can also transmit West Nile to humans and other mammals, such as horses. Humans and horses are considered "dead end" hosts.

Most infected people will have no symptoms. Others will develop fever, headaches, and body aches. Sometimes hospitalization is required; in rare cases, death may occur. People with symptoms should contact their health care provider. There is no human vaccine for WNV, and there are no specific treatments. The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquito bites.

Prevent Mosquito Bites:
Do not go outside around dawn and dusk when these mosquitoes are active.
Wear insect repellent. EPA registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 (as directed on the product label).
Cover Up. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when mosquitoes are most active.
Use air conditioning or have intact window and door screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your Home:
Tip and Dump. Inspect your yard for standing water sources, such as flower pots, bird baths, children's toys, and tires.
Secure your Home. Check screens for tears and secure fit. Look for cracks, holes, or gaps in your home, spaces where mosquitoes can enter. Repair any issues.
Clean and scrub pet dishes and water features weekly.
Swimming pools, ponds, and fountains require working pumps and regular maintenance.

The La Paz County Health Department will continue enhanced mosquito surveillance throughout the County. For more information, please visit the ADHS website at https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/mosquito-borne/protection-from-mosquitoes/index.php

05/14/2026

Congratulations to PAACE!! Our team, Human Services Division & CHWS are proud to support our community partner, PAACE La Paz County Youth Council, at their Mental Health Resource Fair. 💚

05/13/2026

You are not alone. 💚 This Mental Health Awareness Month, we stand with our community in support, hope, and healing.

05/13/2026

Huge thanks to our Community Health Workers for an amazing presentation on heart disease prevention. Thank you to the community members who took the time to participate in this workshop! ❤️

05/13/2026

Thank you, Human Services Team/ CHWs for an amazing presentation on self-care and stress regulation. And huge thanks to all the community members who took the time to attend and support this meaningful workshop. This is just the beginning of many more to come.💛