Navajo Epidemiology Center

04/09/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗝𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 (𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗡) 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 (𝟬𝟰/𝟬𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health (NDOH), in coordination with the Diné Bikéyah Public Health Team, has confirmed a case of plague in Apache County within the Navajo Nation. The individual has fully recovered following appropriate medical treatment. This marks the first confirmed plague case in Apache County since 2015 and the fourth reported case since 2006. At this time, public health officials indicate the risk to the public remains low.

The Diné Bikéyah Public Health Team is working closely with local, state, and federal partners to conduct environmental assessments, identify potential exposure risks, and ensure appropriate prevention and response measures are implemented to protect community members.

“While plague is rare, we remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of the Navajo Nation,” said NDOH Executive Director Sherylene Yazzie. “Through strong partnerships and proactive public health response, we are working to ensure families have the information they need to reduce risk and protect themselves. Our priority is keeping our tribal communities safe through awareness, prevention, and early treatment.”

WHAT IS PLAGUE?
Plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. It is most commonly spread through the bite of infected fleas that live on rodents such as prairie dogs, squirrels, and rats. In some cases, plague can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their tissues.

Plague occurs naturally in parts of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, where the bacteria circulates among wild rodent populations and their fleas.

SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms typically appear within 2–6 days after exposure and may include:
• Sudden onset of fever and chills
• Headache and muscle aches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes (commonly called “buboes”)
• In more severe cases, cough, difficulty breathing, or bloodstream infection

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after possible exposure to rodents or fleas should seek medical care as soon as possible.

TREATMENT:
Plague is treatable with antibiotics, especially when identified early. Quick medical care significantly improves outcomes, so seek immediate medical attention at your nearest health care clinic or IHS hospital.

PREVENTION TIPS:
Individuals can reduce their risk by taking the following precautions:
• Avoid contact with wild rodents and their burrows
• Use insect repellent when outdoors
• Keep pets free of fleas and avoid allowing them to roam or hunt rodents
• Do not handle sick or dead animals
• Keep yards clean and free of debris that may attract rodents

CONTACT INFORMATION:
• Navajo Department of Health @ (928) 357-6757
• Navajo Epidemiology Center @ (928) 871-6539
• Apache County Public Health Services District @ (928) 333-6432
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ https://www.cdc.gov/plague/about/

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04/08/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 - 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟲–𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Public health is the foundation of strong communities. From preventing disease and promoting wellness to responding to emergencies and supporting families, public health professionals work every day to protect the health and well-being of our people.

At the Navajo Department of Health, we proudly recognize and thank our dedicated healthcare workers, public health professionals, Community Health Representatives, emergency responders, behavioral health specialists, and support staff who serve with compassion, strength, and resilience.

Through the guiding vision of Navajo Healing Navajo, we continue working together to ensure our communities have access to quality care, culturally grounded services, and the resources needed to live healthy, balanced lives in hózhó.

This week, we honor those who work tirelessly behind the scenes and on the frontlines to keep our Nation strong. Your commitment makes a difference every day!

04/01/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗝𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 (𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗡) 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦 (𝟬𝟯/𝟯𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health in partnership with the Dinè Bikèyah (Navajo Land) Public Health Team has confirmed that a second Coconino County resident has tested positive for measles on March 28, 2026. The first measles case of 2026 was announced on March 20, 2026.

The Dinè Bikèyah Public Health Team is working with local, state, and federal partners to notify individuals who have potentially been exposed to illness. Individuals who were at the locations at the dates and times listed below may have been exposed and should monitor for any signs or symptoms of illness.

ndividuals who were present at the following locations during the listed dates and times may have been exposed to measles. Measles is highly contagious and symptoms may develop up to 21 days after exposure. Community members should monitor for symptoms through the dates provided below.

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Exposure Associated with Current Confirmed Case

Page Unified School District Bus Routes 3 & 6
Stops include:
• Page High School
• Manson Mesa High School
• Page Middle School
• Desert View Elementary
• Lake View Primary School
• Page Preschool

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: Morning and afternoon bus transportation times
Monitor symptoms through: April 15, 2026

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Manson Mesa High School
500 S Navajo Dr., Page, AZ 86040

Dates:
• Monday, March 23, 2026
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Monitor symptoms through: April 16, 2026

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Tuba City Regional Health Care – Emergency Department
167 N Main St., Tuba City, AZ 86045

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time:
• 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Tuba City local time)
• 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Arizona time)

Monitor symptoms through: April 18, 2026

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Tuba City Regional Health Care – Main Hospital Building
167 N Main St., Tuba City, AZ 86045

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time:
• 10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (Tuba City local time)
• 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Arizona time)

Monitor symptoms through: April 18, 2026

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Exposure Associated with Previously Confirmed Case (Reported March 20, 2026)

Page High School
434 S Lake Powell Blvd., Page, AZ 86040

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Monitor symptoms through: April 2, 2026

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Safeway – Page, Arizona
650 Elm St., Page, AZ 86040

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monitor symptoms through: April 2, 2026

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Banner Page Hospital
501 N Navajo Rd., Page, AZ 86040

Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
Time: 12:40 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.
Monitor symptoms through: April 6, 2026

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BACKGROUND: Measles is a highly contagious and serious airborne viral infection. The primary transmission is person to person via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, direct contact). Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

SYMPTOMS: Fever, cough, runny nose, red-watery eyes, tired, achy, rash that usually starts on the face (starting at the hairline), extends down the body and can involve palms and soles.

VACCINE: 2 doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended as the best way to protect against measles.
• 1st dose at 12 months of age.
• 2nd dose at 4 years of age.
• Babies under 12 months of age do not have a mature enough immune system to be vaccinated against measles, so it is essential to ensure that anyone who will be interacting with them has received the measles vaccine.
• The MMR vaccine is available at all Indian Health Service / 638 facilities.

ISOLATION: Those experiencing fever, cough, runny nose, rash, or any other symptoms of measles should:
• Self-isolate, stay away from others, and contact your healthcare provider by phone. Let them know you are concerned you may have measles. They will provide instructions for you to visit their office at a time that will not risk exposing others.
• If you do not have a healthcare provider and need to seek care, please contact the hospital by phone before visiting and let them know that you suspect measles.

TRAVEL: Use precaution when traveling off the Navajo Nation where there are ongoing measles disease outbreaks, especially those with weakened immune systems (elderly, babies, children, patients undergoing chemotherapy, etc.).

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For more information about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html

• Navajo Department of Health @ (928) 357-6757
• Navajo Epidemiology Center @ (928) 871-6539
• Tuba City Regional Health Care Public Health Hotline @ (928) 606-4647

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02/19/2026

📝Navajo Nation Health Survey, Navajo Epidemiology Survey, now through Summer 2026.

NNHS Interview team will be in Eastern Agency to conduct health surveys (adults 18+). The purpose of the health survey is to identify risk factors associated with increased risk of disease within our community. To achieve this participant will be interviewed in person during a home visit.

Your participation will be appreciated!

☎️Contact Information: 928-871-6542 📩Email: [email protected]

02/18/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗝𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 (𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗡) 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔 (𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗣𝗢𝗫) 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗝𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝟬𝟮/𝟭𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and Navajo Epidemiology Center, in coordination with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and 638-Tribal Health Organizations are notifying the public of confirmed varicella (chickenpox) cases on the Navajo Nation. Chickenpox is a vaccine preventable disease, and we encourage all Navajo Nation residents to stay up to date with their vaccinations to provide immunity against dangerous diseases and to protect both yourself and your community.


ABOUT VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX):
Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral illness that causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, and fatigue. While chickenpox is often mild, it can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. The varicella vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against the serious potential complications of the disease and to prevent its spread in the community.

Adults born before 1980 and individuals who have previously had chickenpox are generally not at risk. Those who have received two doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and are not immunocompromised are at very low risk.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD WAS EXPOSED:
Individuals who were exposed and have never had chickenpox and have not received two doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

• Receiving the varicella vaccine within five days of exposure or immune globulin within 10 days may prevent illness.
• Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and seek medical care if symptoms become severe.
• Symptoms typically develop 8 to 21 days after exposure.

PREVENTION:
The best protection against chickenpox is vaccination. During a varicella outbreak, it is important that:

• Children receive their first dose at 12-15 months of age, and
• The second dose at age 4-6 years old and it’s never too late to catch up on vaccination. Vaccines are free at IHS and Tribal Health facilities.
• Families are encouraged to check vaccination status with their healthcare provider.

VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL IHS AND TRIBAL HEALTH FACILITIES:
• Visit the Navajo Nation Vaccine website: https://ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/Vaccine-Schedule

For additional information about varicella (chickenpox), visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at: www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/index.html


For ongoing updates, follow the Navajo Department of Health on Facebook and Instagram.

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02/18/2026

𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗦 𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡 (𝟬𝟮/𝟭𝟳/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲)

Getting a Tribal ID, state ID, or Driver License can be confusing — especially with different requirements across the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This graphic breaks it all down in one place, including:

✔️ Tribal ID requirements

✔️ Standard ID vs. REAL ID

✔️ Costs and validity periods

✔️ Documents needed

✔️ TSA travel eligibility

Please review the information carefully and plan ahead, especially if you need a REAL ID for travel. Requirements and fees may change, so we encourage everyone to contact the appropriate office listed on the graphic for the most up-to-date information.

Please share this with family, elders, and community members who may find it helpful.

01/07/2026

01/02/2026

12/30/2025

Vaccines safeguard our families and strengthen our communities.

Choosing vaccination means caring for your loved ones and supporting your community. Protect what matters most—get vaccinated today!

Video created from Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, Tuba City Regional Health Care and our Navajo Epi Center.

12/23/2025

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! 🎉

12/11/2025

🌨️December Public Health Message: Be Ready! Winter Weather❄️

As winter settles in, please stay warm, stay prepared, and check on family and elders. Cold weather brings health risks, but small steps like bundling up, staying hydrated, and keeping emergency supplies on hand can help. Keep our community safe. Wishing everyone a warm, healthy, and peaceful December❄️🤍