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Public Health

This website is a tool for the public to use to find information about health issues and resources available in Vilas County. Public health refers to the well-being of the whole community.

Click Here For COVID-19 Information 

Or go to the tab on the left and click COVID-19

Vilas County Community Baby ShowerCommunity Baby Shower Invite

For more information or questions, call Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656.

Join our Team!  
Hiring Flyer

The Public Health Department is looking for an Administrative Assistant II position.  This position performs a variety of clerical, financial, and administrative duties to support the operations of the Vilas County Public Health Department. All duties and responsibilities are performed under the direction of the Public Health Director.  For a detailed position description or to apply, visit Vilas County Employment Opportunities. 

This March, Remember Groundwater Awareness

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We use groundwater every day and life as we know it would be impossible without it.  Groundwater is the world's most sought-after natural resource, and it supports our entire ecosystem. Groundwater is water found in cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock underground. Approximately 70% of Wisconsin uses groundwater for drinking. 

During this year’s National Groundwater Awareness Week, the Vilas County Public Health Department would like to remind well owners to test their water every year to prevent illness caused by bad water.

Vilas County offers the following water tests:

  • Bacteria: $20
  • Nitrates: $25
  • Arsenic: $25
  • Lead: $35
  • Cumulative Only: $10
  • 3 Piece Property Transfer Kit (Bacteria, Nitrates and Arsenic): $45.00
  • Homeowner Kit (Bacteria, Nitrates, Arsenic, Hardness, pH, Iron, Alkalinity and Chlorine): $70.

Special water sampling bottles must be used for water testing and are ready for pick-up at the Vilas County Public Health Department, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.

Water samples should be taken the same day as they are brought in for testing and can be dropped off at the Health Department, on Wednesdays only from 8am-12pm.  For more information call, 715-479-3656. 

March is National Nutrition Month 

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Every March is celebrated as National Nutrition Month to create a greater awareness of the importance of nutrition.  The Vilas County Public Health Department invites everyone to learn about making good food choices and developing healthy eating and activity habits.

Healthy eating habits has many benefits, like

  • Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy.
  • Supports muscles.
  • Boosts immunity.
  • Strengthens bones.
  • Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding.
  • Helps the digestive system function.

Health Eating - Adults

Health Eating - Children

A healthy diet is important for good health.  It can protect you against many lasting diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet means eating a variety of nutritious foods and eating less salt, sugar, and bad fats.


For more information, visit Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity | CDC

Test your Home for Radon Gas  

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January is National Radon Awareness Month, and the Vilas County Public Health Department wants you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your home for Radon. 

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States among non-smokers and the second leading cause for smokers. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, resulting in more deaths per year than drunk driving, drowning, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.  Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe.  It can get into any type of building- homes, offices, and schools- and build up to high levels.  But you and your family are mostly likely to get your greatest exposure at home.  That’s where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon.  Radon occurs naturally at low levels in the earth throughout the United States and unless it is specifically tested for, radon cannot be detected. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.  The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.   Testing is inexpensive and easy – it should only take a few minutes of your time. Protect your family and test your home. 

You can fix the problem.  The cost of lowering radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The cost to fix can vary widely. Consult with your state radon office or get one or more estimates from qualified contractors.

Radon Test kits are available at the Vilas County Public Health Department for $15.00. Please call 715-479-3656 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. with any questions. 

It's Winter in the Northwoods

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Northern Wisconsin winters are known for bringing severe weather and fridged temperatures.  Prepare against cold weather dangers this winter and avoid cold-related illness or injury.   

When working or playing outside this winter, be prepared and be aware of:

Hypothermia
Hypothermia is one of the leading dangers from working in the cold and can be the hardest to recognize.  Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below 95° F.

Early signs of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Feeling tired
  • Loss of coordination
  • Confusion

In severe cases of hypothermia, your body will continue to lose more heat, the shivering will stop, your skin may turn pale or blue, the pupils of your eyes will dilate, your pulse and breathing will slow, and you will eventually lose consciousness.  Hypothermia can be fatal.

Frostbite
Frostbite happens when a part of the body freezes, which causes damage the tissue. Many parts of the body are vulnerable to frostbite, including your fingers, toes, nose, and ears.

Warning signs of frostbite include:

  • Numbness or tingling,
  • Stinging, or pain on or near the affected body part.
  • Affected skin may appear red, then pale, then bluish white.

In severe cases of frostbite, if the affected tissue is too damaged and cannot be saved, the body part may need to be removed to prevent worsening health problems.

Be mindful of the temperature and the wind chill outside.  Avoid going outside when temperatures and wind chill are at dangerous levels.  If you must go out, make sure you wear the proper clothing to cover areas susceptible to frostbite.  

To avoid cold related injuries like hyperthermia and frostbite, be aware of the weather and avoid unnecessary exposure to any part of your body to the cold.  The colder it is outside, the faster hypothermia and frostbite can set in. Remember to wear the right clothing for outside activity:

  • Several layers of loose clothing
  • Warm gloves and hats
  • Waterproof and Insulated boots or shoes
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For more information, visit Climate and Health: Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips | Wisconsin Department of Health Services  and Cold Related Illnesses | NIOSH |CDC.

Protect yourself and loved ones This respiratory illness season

The Vilas County Public Health Department wants to encourage community members to get their seasonal Flu shot.  During the month of October, Vilas County Public Health Nurses will be coming to a community near you to administer seasonal influenza shots. The cost for the regular, quadrivalent seasonal flu shot is $30.00 and $75.00 for the High Dose for ages 65 and up.

The Public Health Department will bill Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and some Medicare replacements, so please bring your up-to-date insurance information. As you complete a short patient form, you can get flu-prevention advice from the experienced, registered nurses or the professional staff of the Public Health Department.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourage everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu. People who are at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

Please take the following precautions to protect your health:

  • Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Wear a face covering when appropriate; please visit Masks and Respirators (cdc.gov)
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.


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Please contact the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656 with any questions regarding the flu shots or flu shot clinics.  For additional information on respiratory illnesses visit, Protect yourself from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (cdc.gov).

Health Alert: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Recalled

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of cinnamon applesauce products due to lead exposure.  The recall is for the following products:

  • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches
  • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
  • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

applesauce-recall-flyer DEC 2023

Signs and symptoms of high blood lead levels including:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in activity level
  • Low iron levels in blood (anemia)

There is no safe level of lead in children’s blood.  High levels of lead affect children’s nervous system.  Because children are still developing, they have a higher chance of lead poisoning. 

Recommendations for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians:

  • Do not buy, eat, sell, or serve recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce pouch products because they may contain lead.
  • These products have a long shelf life. Check homes and throw away any of these products if found.
  • Most children have no visible or immediate signs of lead exposure. If you think your child may have been exposed to lead, contact your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.

For more information, visit www.fda.gov.

Lead May be a Hazard in your Home 

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As we near the holiday season, remember that many children’s toys may contain lead.  Children can be exposed to lead where they live, learn, and play.  This can include infants and toddlers putting toys into their mouth or their fingers, which may have been touching the toys.

Because lead does not have a smell and cannot be seen, you are encouraged to lower your child's chance of coming in contact with lead by following these tips:

1 Find the lead in your home. Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978. It is important to find and fix the lead in your home as soon as possible. Have your home inspected by a licensed lead inspector and don’t remodel or renovate your home until it has been inspected for lead.

2. Clean up lead dust. When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Lead dust is so small you cannot see it. Children get lead poisoning from swallowing dust on their hands and toys.
  • Use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust.
  • Clean around windows, play areas, and floors.
  • Wash hands and toys often with soap and water. Always wash your hands before eating and sleeping.
  • Use contact paper or duct tape to cover chipping or peeling paint.
3. Give your child healthy foods. Feed your child foods with calcium, iron, and vitamin C. These foods may help keep lead out of the body.
  • Calcium is in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
  • Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter, and cereals.
  • Vitamin C is in oranges, green and red peppers, and juice.
4. Learn more. Contact your local health department. We can answer your questions and connect you to other resources in your community.


Dealing with lead poisoning can be stressful. Be sure to ask for support. You may want to talk to other parents who have children with lead poisoning.

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To schedule a childhood lead screening, please contact the nurse at the Vilas County Public Health Department at 715-479-3656. Learn more at the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | CDC.

protect your Family from carbon monoxide 

During the fall and winter months we spend more time indoors, so the Vilas County Public Health Department wants to remind everyone of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially those who will be headed to the hunting cabin or to another location where there may not be carbon monoxide detectors.

CO- Smoke Detect

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common cause of deadly poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 450 people die each year and 20,000 experience other injuries because of CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because it has no odor and some of the symptoms are similar to the flu. People can be exposed to CO when charcoal, gas, oil, or wood are burned in poorly ventilated areas.

About 50% of all CO Poisonings occur in the home. Other places include cars, cabins, and tents. No matter where you live, prevent exposure and know the symptoms. Common signs of CO poisoning might include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion, and disorientation

At very high levels, CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness and death. If you think you may be experiencing CO poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.

Following these tips can help you and your family avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Detectors should be in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
  • Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a professional to make sure it is working properly and vents outside of the home.
  • Never run an engine in an enclosed space. If a car, snowmobile, generator or lawn mower is running, you must have a door open to the outside.
  • Generators should be run a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage, or right next to windows or doors.
  • Put a carbon monoxide detector in your camper, cabin or tent. With hunting season almost here hunters and other campers are encouraged to put a battery powered CO detector in their cabin, tent, RV or wherever they may be sleeping.

CO alarms are not replacements for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and the sound of CO alarms.  It is also suggested that you do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside your home.

For more information about carbon monoxide, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/co.htm 

Indoor Air Quality Colder temperatures have arrived, and winter temperatures can lead to worsened outdoor air pollution in the winter. That means you should take steps to create a healthy home environment during the winter months.

As we spend more time indoors during the winter our fireplaces, furnaces, and wood-burning stoves are hard at work.  It’s important to make sure that these appliances are well-maintained and properly adjusted so that they don’t release dangerous levels of pollution into the home.  
Here are ways you can help improve indoor air quality and your health at the same time:

  • Dust regularly
  • Replace furnace filters once every two months
  • Test for radon annually
  • Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detection device
  • Use non-toxic cleaning products
  • Keep bedding clean
  • Air out and clean mold-prone areas of the home
  • Open windows and doors when you can
  • When possible, reduce driving, combine trips, and don’t leave your vehicle engine idling.
  • In winter, set your heat at a lower temperature, especially at night, and wear lots of layers of warm clothing.

Indoor Air Quality

For more information, visit: Air Quality Issues | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Water Lab
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Water Test Kits are available in the lobby of the Vilas County Public Health Department Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm.

*Water samples are accepted on Wednesdays ONLY, between 8 am - Noon. 

All payment for all water tests needs to be either cash or check.  Please make checks out to Vilas County Public Health Department or VCPHD.

For questions or concerns, contact Graydon Skok at 715-479-3786 or skokg@uwosh.edu.  

Power Outages

A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.  A power outage may:

  • Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
  • Cause food to spoil and water contamination.
  • Prevent use of medical devices.
Tips:
  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
  • Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
To find out more ways to prepare for a power outage, please visit: How to Protect Yourself During A Power Outage or Power Outage Safety Handout

For tips on food safety, visit:
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

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