Keep Up-To-Date:

Federal, state and county health agencies are monitoring public health incidents, seasonal flu and novel coronavirus that can affect large segments of the population.

COVID-19 | Novel Coronavirus

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world. The CDC Community Levels COVID-19 Tracker measures the impact of COVID-19 illness on health and healthcare systems. Click here for more information.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

Symptoms:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breathe or difficulty breathing
• fatigue (tiredness)
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting 
• diarrhea

Take actions to prevent the spread of disease. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home when sick (except to get medical care). Disinfect surfaces. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Stay six feet away from people who are not part of your household.

Vaccines are now widely available. In many cases, you do not need an appointment. The CARES Act continues to allow for COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone ages 5 years of age and older living in the United States at no cost-sharing when using any insurance, when the provider accepts insurance.

Vaccines and booster(s) continue to offer effective protection against serious illness and hospitalization. We encourage you to contact your health provider to discuss options or visit www.azdhs.gov for vaccination locations.

Seasonal Flu | Influenza

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

Symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Seasonal flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. The timing of flu is difficult to predict and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Reduced population immunity due to lack of flu virus activity since March 2020 could result in an early and possibly severe flu season.

The CDC recommends not waiting for flu activity to be rising or high in the community to get a flu vaccine. Remember, after you are vaccinated, your body takes about two weeks to develop antibodies that protect against flu. Ideally, you should get vaccinated against flu by the end of October.

Monkey Pox | Poxvirus

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tracking multiple cases of Monkeypox (Poxvirus) that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report Monkeypox, including the United States.

It’s not clear how the people were exposed to Monkeypox, however anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has Monkeypox is at risk.

Anyone with a rash that looks like Monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has Monkeypox. People who may be at higher risk might include but are not limited to those who:

1. Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like monkeypox or someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox
2. Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
3. Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox activity has been ongoing
4. Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

Additionally, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health has preparedness information available on its Web site, www.wearepublichealth.org that offers specific guidance for individuals, employers, schools and community groups about how to become prepared for a health emergency.

Visit FEMA's website for even more information.