DDPHE Blog: Mpox in Denver Published on August 17, 2026 Mpox continues to circulate in Colorado, including Denver. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself, especially if you have been exposed to mpox or are at higher risk for exposure. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What You Should Know About the Recent Salmonella Outbreak Published on August 14, 2026 Public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers. CDC, CDPHE, DDPHE and public health officials in other states are working together to learn more about the illnesses and identify how people may have been exposed. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Back-to-School Vaccines Published on August 12, 2026 Colorado’s vaccine requirements have not changed. Experts at the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on decades of scientific evidence. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Avoiding Algae Blooms and Mosquito Bites this Summer Published on July 22, 2026 Summer in Denver means more time outside, enjoying Denver’s beautiful parks or — enjoying a warm evening in your backyard. However, warmer weather also presents some health risks that Denverites should be aware of: harmful algae blooms in ponds and lakes and mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile virus. Tagged as: , News, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What to Know About Overdose Prevention Published on April 29, 2026 The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) works to address substance use in our community by educating Denver residents about overdose prevention, treatment access, and harm reduction services. Tagged as: , News, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Your Summer Pet Safety Checklist Published on July 15, 2026 Follow these tips to ensure that, if the worst happens and your dog or cat goes missing, you’ll have the very best chance of getting them back quickly. Tagged as: , Animal Shelter, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: School Vaccines, What You You Need To Know Published on July 17, 2026 Every school year, it’s important we keep our schools and communities healthy and safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) urges all residents to check their vaccination records and ensure they are protected. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Healthy Back to School Tips and Habits Published on July 17, 2026 As the back-to-school season begins, families across Denver are preparing for the return of early mornings, packed lunches, and full backpacks. Set kids up for success with a healthy start to the school year and routines at home that can help them thrive physically and emotionally. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What Denver Residents Should Know About Cyclosporiasis Published on July 16, 2026 Have you had diarrhea that won't go away? It could be cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What You Need to Know About Blue-green Algae Published on May 01, 2026 Summer heat means algae blooms in our front range lakes. While DDPHE never recommends swimming, wading, or playing in Denver’s lakes and streams, here’s what residents should know as they enjoy their time in nature this season. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What Denverites Need to Know About Hantavirus Published on May 20, 2026 Recent news about a hantavirus outbreak affecting American travelers has raised questions and concerns across the country. While the situation may sound alarming, DDPHE experts say the risk to people in Denver remains very low. Here’s what you should know. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
The Raw Truth: What Denverites Should Know About Milk Safety Published on May 29, 2026 Milk does a body good — but only when it’s handled safely. Tagged as: , News, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Fentanyl Awareness Day – Making Harm Reduction Accessible Published on April 29, 2026 April 29 marks Fentanyl Awareness Day, a national observance that shines a light on the ongoing overdose crisis and the urgent need for prevention, education and compassion. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What to Know About Measles Breakthrough Cases Published on February 25, 2026 Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world—but it’s also highly preventable with vaccination. Here's what you need to know about breakthrough cases and how to find your vaccine records. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
Food Safety in Denver: What Consumers & Vendors Need to Know Published on March 18, 2026 Denver is home to a thriving food scene, with over 4,000 food businesses ranging from restaurants and bars to food trucks, bakeries, and grocery stores. Whether you're dining out, grabbing a bite at a food truck, or running a food business, food safety should always be a top priority. Tagged as: , Business Licensing, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Measles Published on February 25, 2026 Measles continues to circulate widely across the US and the world including several large, ongoing outbreaks. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment is here to provide guidance about what you should do if you or a family member has been exposed to measles. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Not so Sweet - Unregulated Products Pose Health Risk Published on January 20, 2026 The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) recently issued a warning about mushroom-infused products that are being sold in retail settings. These products may appear safe, but third-party laboratory testing has revealed serious concerns. Tagged as: , Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Protecting Pets and Communities by Ending Public Pet Sales Published on January 14, 2026 In 2025, Colorado took a major step toward improving animal welfare and public health. House Bill 25-1180 makes it illegal to sell, deliver, offer for adoption, or otherwise transfer any pet animal in public spaces across the state. Tagged as: , Animal Shelter, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: No Changes to Pediatric Vaccines in Colorado Published on January 08, 2026 The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) follows the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommended vaccine schedule, which is based on the latest scientific research. All vaccines recommended by the AAP are still available and covered by health insurance. Tagged as: , Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Staying Safe, Connected, and Supported this Winter Published on December 18, 2025 The winter season can be joyful — but it can also be exhausting and stressful, especially in the dark, cold months. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) wants you to start the new year on a full tank, with tips to protect your mental and physical health. Tagged as: , Announcements, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Denver Recommends Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns Published on December 08, 2025 The experts at DDPHE continue to recommend that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This is based on decades of scientific evidence showing that the vaccine is safe, effective, and one of the best tools we have to prevent serious liver disease and cancer later in life. Tagged as: , Public Health & Environment
Guest Commentary: Community Voice Central to Ending Overdose Crisis Published on August 31, 2025 Denver is facing the realities of an ongoing overdose crisis that continues to claim lives and strain families across the city. On its face, it is a public health emergency, but it’s also deeply personal. Every statistic, every siren, is a daughter or son, a parent, or a friend. Tagged as: , News, Public Health & Environment
School Might Be Back, But West Nile Virus Season Isn’t Over Published on September 11, 2025 Mosquitoes don’t follow the school calendar. While students are back in class, West Nile virus season continues until the first frost—usually in October or November. Here’s what you need to know. Tagged as: , News, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What to Expect When Public Health Calls You Published on June 09, 2025 Ring, ring…it’s your local public health department! Getting a phone call from your local health department might feel unexpected—or even a little intimidating—especially when you’re not feeling well. But don’t worry, a call from the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment is an important part of protecting your health and the health of our Denver community. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: How to Protect Pets from Tick-Borne Diseases Published on May 29, 2025 With spring in full swing, more people are enjoying the outdoors, which also means an increased risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne diseases. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Measles Safety Over the Summer Published on May 19, 2025 Summer is a season of adventure—family vacations, music festivals, international travel, and outdoor gatherings. But as travel increases, so does the risk of spreading and catching contagious diseases like measles. Here’s what you need to know about measles safety this summer, especially if you’re planning to travel. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Measles and Misinformation Published on February 27, 2025 You may have heard measles is spreading in some parts of the United States. While there is NOT a current outbreak of measles in Denver, there is a lot of misinformation swirling online around measles. Don’t make a “rash” decision regarding measles. Learn more about the virus and the vaccine from experts at the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Avoid Wildlife Contact this Spring to Prevent Rabies Published on April 21, 2025 Spring has sprung, which means more Denverites are venturing outdoors and encountering wildlife. While these creatures may seem adorable, they can pose significant risks, including the transmission of diseases such as rabies. Denver Animal Protection encourages residents to resist the urge to interact with or touch wild animals and instead prioritize safety for both humans and animals. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Protecting Kids Under 6 from Measles Published on April 16, 2025 Measles is very contagious. Nearly 1 out of every 3 children under the age of 5 who catches measles ends up in the hospital. Given the current measles outbreaks in neighboring states and cases popping up in Colorado, the risk of your child coming in contact with measles is higher than usual and your baby may be at increased risk for severe illness if they are exposed. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What it Takes to Raise Backyard Chickens in Denver Published on March 17, 2025 The price of eggs at the grocery store may have some of you coming out of your shells and asking about alternatives to the supermarket, like producing eggs in your own backyard. Here’s how to get started with your own backyard egg production:In the City and County of Denver, you’ll first need to purchase a food-producing animal permit for $25. Tagged as: , Animal Shelter, Public Health & Environment
On The Job: Disease and Outbreak Investigation in Denver Published on February 18, 2025 While the phrase “disease outbreak” may conjure images of chaos and flashbacks to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no need to panic. While disease outbreaks can be big or small, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) Epidemiology and Disease Intervention team is here to protect our Denver community through it all. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Sexual Health is Public Health Published on January 22, 2025 Sexual health is an essential element of a fulfilling, empowered life, and is a key pillar of public health for the Denver community. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment’s sexual health program Up Close supports informed sexual health information, prioritizing consent, and embracing a mindset that celebrates safe, consensual, and enjoyable experiences for all. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE On the Job: Our Public Health Nursing Team Published on July 25, 2024 “On the Job" is a new series on the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment’s (DDPHE) blog that highlights the work of different DDPHE divisions doing work in our community. The boots-on-the-ground work they do helps keep our Denver community safe and healthy. Tagged as: , Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Virus or Seasonal Allergies Published on April 07, 2024 It can be difficult to know whether a cough, sore throat, or runny nose are caused by a virus or seasonal allergies. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Foods Your Pet Should Steer Clear Of! Published on March 25, 2024 While we may look at human food as a treat for our pet, it’s important to remember human foods can make your pet sick and even lead to death. Denver Animal Protection staff veterinarians say most people food will give your pet an upset stomach and even some foods labeled “good” can be dangerous. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: Safe Medication Disposal in Denver Published on March 07, 2024 The abuse of prescription medicine is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, particularly among teens. Nearly 224,000 Coloradans misuse prescription drugs each year. Take Meds Back helps Denver residents safely dispose of unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: How to Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Published on March 29, 2024 The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment reminds residents that household hazardous waste must be disposed of properly to protect the environment and the health of our residents. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment
DDPHE Blog: What You Need to Know About Syphilis Published on February 05, 2025 Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that doesn’t always show signs or symptoms. Those who are pregnant can pass the infection to their baby without knowing it. Learn more about syphilis in Denver on the DDPHE Healthy Insights blig. Tagged as: , Announcements, News, Press release, Public Health & Environment