Disease Data

Respiratory Illnesses are decreasing in Idaho – It is still best to wash your hands frequently, practice safe coughing and sneezing etiquette, and stay home when you are sick.

Backyard poultry- Backyard poultry can spread bird flu, campylobacter, E. Coli, histoplasmosis and salmonella. It is important to ensure proper care and hygiene when raising backyard poultry. Things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness is washing your hands with soap and water after interacting with the poultry or the areas in which they live. Keep material such as food containers or equipment separated from living or eating areas of your home. Refrain from putting poultry near your face. Also handle, storage, wash and cook farm fresh eggs safely to prevent the spread of disease. For more information please visit Backyard Poultry | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC

Food safety for farm fresh eggs – Unbroken, clean or fresh shell eggs may contain salmonella. Salmonella contamination can happen during egg development, as the egg exits the hens body, and after the egg is laid through the pore on the shell.  Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Egg dishes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or hotter. Raw and undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria that can make you sick. For more information please visit the USDA’s Shell Eggs from Farm to Table

It’s tick season – Northern Idaho is home to a variety of ticks, which can carry and transmit diseases. For more information about ticks, including images for identification and tips for preventing and getting rid of ticks, please see this guide from the University of Idaho.