Welcome to the Polk County, Wisconsin Health Department Website
Our agency provides services with the goal of protecting, promoting and preserving the health of our communities through partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Our primary focus is the delivery of high quality public health services to the citizens of Polk County, Wisconsin. Please explore our department's website to learn more about what we do or to connect to a program that may be of benefit to you and your family. We value your comments and input on any of the posted reports and program services you have the opportunity to use or experience.
Blue-Green Algae
High concentrations of blue-green algae are sometimes detected in Polk County lakes. When this occurs, the Polk County Health Department issues a health advisory regarding recreational use of the lake. Blue-green algae is a toxin producing photosynthetic bacteria. Potential health concerns to humans and pets include skin rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, irritation of mucous membranes, liver damage, kidney damage, seizures, paralysis, respiratory failure, and in some cases death.
To avoid health risk, you and your pet should avoid swimming in water that looks like "pea soup", green or blue paint, or has a scum layer of puffy blobs floating on the surface. Do not let pets drink water from these areas. Do not let children play with the slimy water even if on shore. Always take a shower or bath after coming in contact with surface water and avoid hand to mouth contact.
It is also important to NOT try to kill the blue-green algae with any herbicide or algaecide such as copper sulfate. The dangerous toxins will be released into the water when the algae dies. A large scale die-off would produce extremely high levels of toxin.
To help reduce future blue-green algae blooms you should maintain native vegetation along shorelines as buffer areas, minimize activities that result in erosion, and reduce the amount of fertilizer on lawns.
Additional Links & Resources about Blue Green Algae:
COVID-19 TESTING
Polk County Health Department has rapid antigen and PCR tests available.
Pre-Registration is strongly encouraged for COVID-19 testing.
Click on this link to pre-register: https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/
A new registration is required for every visit to the testing site.
For information and resources related to COVID-19 or the COVID-19 Vaccine visit our COVID-19 Page Information Here
EPT Awareness Campaign
Did you know in 2010 a Wisconsin Law was passed allowing providers to prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) to partners of their patients who test positive for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without having to examine or see their partners first?
Since 2017 Polk County has had over 500 STI cases reported. Of these cases, providers only reported that 59 were offered EPT.
The Polk County Health Department is launching an EPT campaign this week to raise awareness of the importance within our community to not only test patients for STD/STI’s and educate on prevention, but to also provide confidential, low-cost EPT treatment to those most at risk of further spreading these infections. Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/std/EPT
#STDawarnessweek #STDs #STIs #health #publichealth #awareness #GYT #EPT
The Polk County Transit Feasibility survey is now LIVE! Polk County has partnered with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to investigate the demand for public transit and to develop proposal and potential funding sources for the solutions to meet those needs. Take the survey below to share your thoughts on what our community needs, and how public transit would impact you.
District 14 Covid-19 Zoom and Telephone [...]
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Child Care Providers
While the state has aggressively mobilized to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the Safer at Home order, many healthcare employees and essential workforce members still need child care to continue serving our communities. Find a map of available childcare in your area here.
Be Aware of Covid-19 Fraud
Please be aware that COVID-19 related fraud is on the rise. Scammers may offer COVID-19 testing or treatment through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits. Follow this link for more Covid-19 information and how to report suspected fraud.
Flu Symptoms
It's not always easy to distinguish between a common cold and the more serious influenza virus, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people
who are feeling under the weather can watch out for some telltale signs. Follow this link to learn more about flu symptoms and complications.
Staff - Contact us:
Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:30am-4:30pm
Closed on Holidays
Address:
Polk County Health Department
100 Polk County Plaza
Suite 180
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone:
715-485-8400
Email:
After Hours Emergency Phone Number:
Call 715-485-8300 or 911 in an Emergency to report:
- Public Health Emergencies
- Communicable Disease Outbreaks
- Environmental Health Hazards
- Bioterrorism Incidents
Why does the Polk County Health Department (PCHD) need this information? The Polk County Health Department is required by law to report and investigate events that may affect the public's health. This is why it is important for us to hear from you when you suspect an uncommon illness or event. To learn more about the health department's requirements, please click here.
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