Custer County public-health staff report rise in vaccinations, review local outbreaks and preparedness plans

Custer County Public Health staff reported to the Board of Health on May 22, 2025, that the department is tracking several communicable-disease items including a small cluster of pneumococcal pneumonia in schoolchildren, ongoing measles activity statewide, the newly detected Aedes aegypti mosquito in western Colorado and a continued rise in routine vaccinations locally.

The update, delivered to the Board of Health by public health staff, summarized why the items matter to local residents and listed near-term public‑facing steps such as continued outreach, vaccination offers and an upcoming Red Cross shelter training on June 25.

Public health staff said four school‑aged children were diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumoniae in April; all received antibiotics and one required oxygen for several days but none were hospitalized. "We had, back in April, 4 cases of pneumonia from school aged children. So all ended up on antibiotics and 1 ended up on oxygen," the presenter said. Staff said the cluster was linked to a sleepover and that the department increased communication with the school nurse to monitor illness reports.

The department also described its measles awareness work in Custer County — two press releases, posters and materials distributed to the school, library, Department of Human Services and the county clerk’s office — and said there were no confirmed local measles cases. Staff noted 5 confirmed cases in Colorado and continuing exposure investigations in Pueblo and Denver; they advised residents who believe they may have been exposed at Denver International Airport (reported terminal) to consult Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidance and to check CDC travel notices.

On vector surveillance, staff reviewed state reports that Aedes aegypti, the mosquito capable of transmitting Zika and dengue, was first detected in Grand Junction in August 2024. No human cases of those arboviral infections were reported to date, but staff said state agencies are performing mosquito control measures and testing. The presenter said, "no cases of any of these viruses have been reported to date."

The county’s disease‑tracking review (using EpicTrax) also identified long‑term trends: animal bites (primarily dogs), rabies specimen work, lead poisoning investigations (the county uses 3.5 µg/dL as a trigger for state investigation), campylobacter, pertussis and occasional plague in wildlife. Staff described steps to improve rabies specimen handling with a local veterinarian and to educate the public on avoiding contact with wild animals.

Vaccination and screening activity was highlighted: staff reported a net increase of 10 MMR vaccinations (four adults and six children) attributed to local awareness efforts; resumed TB testing (nine tests completed recently); and that the county will await federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance for the fall COVID vaccine formulation before offering county doses. The department said it was chosen for a state quality‑improvement project and will offer Tdap during free summer sports physicals for children. "We are hoping to increase compliance rates," staff said.

Public health staff described multiple ongoing and planned programs: dental screenings and fluoride applications provided in the preschool and childcare program by Traveling Smiles hygienist Jennifer Foster; a pilot well‑baby home‑visit series to support breastfeeding and postpartum care; free sports physicals with on‑site Tdap; a tobacco‑cessation and incentive program for pregnant people expanded to include cannabis cessation; a proposed electronic‑cigarette disposal pilot; and a youth arts program (Earth Sky Art Club).

Emergency‑management items included ESF 8 coordination (public health’s emergency support function), a mass‑fatality plan developed with mental‑health partner Solvista, and an announced Red Cross shelter training on June 25 (8 a.m. to noon). Staff also reported exploring countywide AED purchases and demonstrations of a lighter, rechargeable AED unit with universal pads that can stream real‑time patient data to responders.

Senior and volunteer programs were discussed: staff described outreach work with Landing Well, interest in piloting a volunteer help program modeled on Chaffee County’s Arc Valley Helping Hands, and a Department of Transportation survey intended to document rural transportation needs. Staff asked board members for feedback on service gaps for the coming fiscal year.

Staff provided two administrative items for board consideration: a proposed $1,200 annual stipend for Dr. Beck as the public‑health medical director (the existing stipend was $1,000) and a proposed lease renewal for the public‑health office. At the meeting the board moved and seconded to renew the office lease; vote recorded as unanimous "aye." Earlier in the meeting the board also voted to approve the minutes as presented.

The presentation included discussion of staffing and finance: staff said cross‑training reduced total department FTE by about 40% and that several grants and revenue sources are uncertain for the next fiscal year; the department said it will hold an internal grant workshop in July and continue collaboration with regional partners including the Upper Arkansas Council of Governments (UCOG).

Staff closed the update by encouraging residents to contact the department with questions about possible exposures, vaccination options and preparedness resources. The department also promoted a family‑fun public event on June 14 and a call for volunteers for upcoming training events.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes as written: motion made and seconded; vote recorded as Aye (Paul — aye; Candace/Country/Canada — aye; Lucas — aye). Outcome: approved.

- Lease renewal for public‑health office (contract with Pat Bailey/Solar Solutions): motion to accept and seconded; vote recorded as unanimous aye (record shows multiple aye votes including Lucas). Outcome: approved.

What’s next

Public health said it will continue surveillance and communication with state partners, provide shelter training on June 25, run free sports‑physical clinics starting in June with Tdap available, and pursue grant opportunities and partnerships to sustain programming.