Washakie County Public Health

06/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monique McBride
Phone: 307-777-2438
The Wyoming Department of Health Reminds People to Prevent Mosquito Bites This Summer

Cheyenne, WY - June 1, 2026. The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as we move into warmer months to prevent West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

“Even if you don’t get bitten by mosquitoes often, one bite can still put you at risk of WNV infection,” said Courtney Tillman, Epidemiologist at the WDH. “It’s important that we all take steps to prevent mosquito bites and WNV infection.”

To protect yourself and your loved ones:

When spending time outdoors, use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that contain DEET, picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always follow label instructions.
Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors.
Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
Use tightly fitted screens on windows to keep mosquitoes out.
Remove standing water around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Use larvicides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, in water that does not drain, including ornamental ponds and water features. Always follow product instructions.


Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms. Approximately one in five people will have mild symptoms, like fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, severe illness or death can occur, particularly in those over the age of 55 or with chronic health conditions.

Information from the WDH about WNV can be found at badskeeter.org.

05/28/2026

News from the Wyoming Department of Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 26, 2026
Contact: Monique McBride

Phone: 307-777-2438

Radon Awareness Heightened By Winning Student Posters

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is proud to announce the winners of its annual radon poster contest, which is part of an overall effort to educate families about potential radon-related health risks.


Winners include:

3rd-6th Grade Category

1st Place: Chloe Rollema, 6th grade, Western Christian Academy, Worland
Teacher: Jodi Jordan

2nd Place: Zachary Weise, 5th grade, Pineview Elementary, Casper
Teacher: Jason Armstrong


7th-9th Grade Category

1st Place: Mirrary Hodgins, 8th grade, Centennial Junior High, Casper
Teacher: Samantha Shanor

2nd Place: Zoe Howard, 7th grade, Centennial Junior High, Casper
Teacher: Samantha Shanor


Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is dangerous and can be found in many places, including homes. Radon occurs naturally as a radioactive gas released from the element radium and is found in rocks, soil, and water. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to serious health risks. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.


“As uranium in the soil naturally breaks down, it turns into radon gas, which can seep up into a home and start to build up,” said Randi Norton-Herrington, Wyoming Cancer Program Outreach

and Media Coordinator.

“Ongoing exposure to higher, more dangerous radon levels can be lowered by adding radon-reducing measures to your home. The only way to know whether you have high radon levels is to test. That’s why we offer radon test kits at no cost to Wyoming residents. We want people to know the risk level within their homes so they can address potential problems,” Norton-Herrington said.

An elevated level of radon is considered anything over 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air). “That’s when the need for fixing is evident,” Norton-Herrington said.



The Wyoming Cancer Program offers radon test kits at no cost, while supplies last. Additionally, the program collaborates with local libraries to provide residents with access to continuous radon monitors.

To get a radon test, view the winning posters, or to find a participating library, please visit health.wyo.gov/radon.

Mission: To reduce the burden of cancer through evidence-based screening and prevention strategies, including education, support, collaboration, and resource sharing in Wyoming.

05/26/2026

⚠️ AVISO INFORMATIVO DE SALUD PÚBLICA ⚠️
⚠️ ALERTA POR FLORECIMIENTO DE ALGAS: ESTANQUE DEL CAMPO DE GOLF DE WORLAND ⚠️
El Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Wyoming (DEQ), en colaboración con el Departamento de Salud de Wyoming y la Junta de Ganadería de Wyoming (WLSB), ha emitido una alerta por florecimiento de algas para el ESTANQUE DEL CAMPO DE GOLF DE WORLAND.
Esta alerta significa que podrían estar presentes en el agua florecimientos de cianobacterias nocivas (HCBs), también conocidos como florecimientos de algas nocivas (HABs). Si bien no todos los florecimientos de algas son perjudiciales, ciertas condiciones pueden generar toxinas que representan riesgos para las personas, las mascotas, el ganado y la vida silvestre.
📢 INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE DE SALUD PÚBLICA 📢
Se insta a los residentes a actuar con precaución en las proximidades de todos los cuerpos de agua locales durante los meses de clima cálido. Esta alerta sirve también como recordatorio para los propietarios privados de terrenos que cuenten con estanques, tanques, acequias de riego u otras fuentes de agua estancada, para que monitoreen regularmente sus aguas en busca de signos de florecimientos de algas nocivas.
👀 QUÉ BUSCAR 👀
Manténgase atento a la presencia de agua que luzca:
De color verde brillante, verde azulado o similar a una sopa de guisantes
Espesa o con una capa de espuma en la superficie
Con manchas flotantes, vetas o decoloración en la superficie
Con un fuerte olor a humedad o un olor desagradable
Si observa estas condiciones, evite el contacto con el agua y notifique al Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Washakie.
🩺 PAUTAS DE SALUD Y SEGURIDAD 🩺
Para reducir el riesgo:
Evite el contacto con el agua afectada
No permita que las mascotas ni el ganado beban del agua ni entren en ella
Lávese las manos y la piel expuesta después de cualquier contacto
Hervir, filtrar u otros tratamientos podrían no eliminar las toxinas
No permita que las mascotas ni el ganado beban del agua afectada ni entren en ella
Si personas o animales entran en contacto con el agua afectada, enjuáguese con agua limpia lo antes posible
Busque atención médica si presenta síntomas después de la exposición (tales como irritación cutánea, vómitos, diarrea o problemas respiratorios)
♿ CONSIDERACIONES DE ACCESIBILIDAD ♿
Esta información está disponible en formatos alternativos previa solicitud. Si necesita asistencia para comprender esta alerta, comuníquese con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Washakie al 307-347-3278 para recibir apoyo.
Los cuidadores y las personas de apoyo deben ayudar a comunicar los riesgos de seguridad relacionados con el agua a aquellas personas que puedan tener dificultades para reconocer visualmente los cambios en las condiciones del agua.
⚠️ ANTE LA DUDA, MANTÉNGASE FUERA ⚠️
Consulte los comentarios para ver recursos adicionales.

05/26/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATIONAL NOTICE ⚠️

⚠️ BLOOM ADVISORY WORLAND GOLF COURSE POND ⚠️
A Bloom Advisory has been issued for the Worland Golf Course Pond by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in collaboration with Wyoming Department of Health and Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB).

This advisory means that harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs), also known as harmful algal blooms (HABs), may be present in the water. While not all algal blooms are harmful, certain conditions can produce toxins that may pose risks to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.

📢 IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION 📢
Residents are encouraged to use caution around all local bodies of water during warm weather months. This advisory also serves as a reminder for private landowners with ponds, tanks, irrigation ditches, or other standing water sources to regularly monitor their water for signs of harmful algal blooms.

👀 WHAT TO LOOK FOR 👀
Be on the lookout for water that appears:

Bright green, blue green, or pea soup like

Thick or scummy on the surface

Gloating mats, streaks, or surface discoloration

Having a strong musty or unpleasant odor

If you observe these conditions, avoid contact with the water and notify Washakie County Public Health.

🩺 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE 🩺
To reduce risk:

Avoid contact with affected water

Do not allow pets or livestock to drink or enter the water

Wash hands and exposed skin after any contact

Boiling, filtration, or other treatments may not remove toxins

Do not allow pets or livestock to drink from or enter affected water

If people or animals come into contact with affected water, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible

Seek medical attention if symptoms occur after exposure (such as skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory issues)

♿ ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS ♿
This information is available in alternative formats upon request. If you need assistance understanding this advisory, contact Washakie County Public Health at 307-347-3278 for support.

Caregivers and support persons should help communicate water safety risks to individuals who may have difficulty recognizing visual changes in water conditions.

⚠️ WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT ⚠️

See Comments for Additional Resources

05/24/2026

Important information from the City of Worland

Be advised the Golf Course Pond is closed until further notice.

Please read the post below.

05/01/2026

News from the Wyoming Department of Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 1, 2026
Contact: Monique McBride
Phone: 307-777-2438

First Wyoming Measles Case of 2026 Reported from Fremont County

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult from Fremont County with unconfirmed vaccination status. While everyone exposed is at risk of infection, the highest risks are to infants, non-immune pregnant women, and immunocompromised people. Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe illness. This is the first reported case in Wyoming in 2026. Fifteen cases were reported in 2025.

Members of the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times. The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious individual leaves an area.

Walmart Supercenter, 1733 N Federal Blvd, Riverton, WY 82501
April 24, 2026, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Maverik, 819 E. Coulter Ave, Powell, WY 82435
April 25, 2026, 10:45 AM - 1:00 PM

“We are asking individuals who were potentially exposed to self-monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date, and consider avoiding crowded public places or high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, State Health Officer with WDH.

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

Fever;
Cough;
Runny nose;
Red eyes; and,

A characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads down the body.

If you believe you have been exposed and develop these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider or local emergency room/urgent care by telephone regarding your symptoms. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.

Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Infants less than 1 year old who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for infection and severe disease. WDH recommends these individuals contact their healthcare providers regarding their potential measles exposure, even if they have not developed symptoms. People who have received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune and are unlikely to develop measles.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” said Dr. Harrist. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, and we recommend that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.”

Information about measles in Wyoming, including case counts and exposure locations, can be found here:

The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit conducts surveillance for infectious diseases and investigates clusters and outbreaks.

04/28/2026

Come support a Drug Free Community!

Plan to join us on May 6 from 6-7:30 for our Annual Drug Free Communities Prevention Walk! Hope to see you there!

04/28/2026

Mark your calendar! Deadline to apply for assistance is April 30.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible Wyoming households by paying a portion of their winter home heating costs, assisting with heating emergencies, and improving home energy efficiency.

The deadline to apply is this Thursday, April 30. If you or someone you know could use help, now is the time to act.

Visit Wyoming211.org to get connected to application support and resources.

03/12/2026

One conversation could connect you to food, housing help, healthcare, and more.

Call, text or search online at www.wyoming211.org today.

We are here for you when you need it most.

03/11/2026

News from the Wyoming Department of Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Contact: Lindsay Mills
Phone: 307-777-8622

Whooping Cough Continues Wyoming Spread

Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) officials are concerned about the ongoing, active spread of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state.

Kaylyn Friesen, vaccine-preventable disease epidemiologist with WDH, said there have been 26 confirmed pertussis cases in Wyoming so far this year. “While roughly two-thirds of the reported cases have been among Fremont County residents, pertussis has also been identified in other counties,” Friesen said.

Friesen noted that 148 cases were reported in Wyoming in 2025, the highest since 1951. “We are continuing to see outbreaks and high monthly case counts,” Friesen said.

Actual case numbers are likely higher because many illnesses are not recognized as pertussis, and others may not be reported. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and perhaps a mild cough. Pertussis is often not suspected or diagnosed until a persistent cough with spasms develops after 1 to 2 weeks. Infants and children can cough violently and rapidly with a loud "whooping" sound.

Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer with WDH, said, “One-third of infants less than 1 year of age who become ill with pertussis need to be hospitalized, and we know, in some cases, it can be deadly for these babies. Pertussis in the youngest babies can cause them to have pauses in breathing. Infants are simply more vulnerable and don’t yet have all the protection pertussis vaccines offer.”

Harrist said the Tdap adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine is especially important for those spending time with new infants, such as parents, grandparents, and other people who take care of them. “Also, if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about a Tdap vaccine because that can also help protect newborns,” she said.

Harrist recommends that all residents stay up to date with pertussis vaccines, as those who still become ill with pertussis after vaccination are less likely to have a severe experience. “In addition, people should consider seeing a medical professional for antibiotics if they have symptoms consistent with pertussis,” she said.

More information about pertussis can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/pertussis/.

The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit conducts surveillance for infectious diseases and investigates clusters and outbreaks.