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Public Health News

The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a position on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.

The open position is for a nurse practicing in Clark County. The three-year term begins Oct. 1, 2022 and ends Sept. 30, 2025.

The advisory council meets 5:30-7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every even month via Zoom. When in-person meetings resume, they will be 6-8 pm in the main conference room on the second floor of the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.

The Public… Read More


Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Lacamas Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria at the lake dissipated and is no longer present.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, harmful algal blooms may return as conditions change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

The public can report algal blooms on the Public Health website. Information about swim beach… Read More


Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of monkeypox virus infection in a Clark County resident.

Public Health was notified Monday morning that a Clark County resident – an adult male with no recent travel history – tested positive for monkeypox. The case is isolating at home.

Clark County Public Health is working with the person who tested positive to identify individuals who were in close contact with the case while he was contagious. Public Health will notify those individuals of their possible exposure and facilitate vaccination for eligible close… Read More


Clark County Public Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses during the upcoming stretch of hot weather.

Several days next week temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 90s and may climb above 100 degrees. Overnight low temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 60s. The length of the hot spell, coupled with warm overnight temperatures that provide little relief from the heat, can create a risk to health and safety.

“It’s important that people find reprieve from the heat. Spending even a few hours in air conditioning can… Read More


Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory at Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Health officials recommend:

  • No swimming or water skiing.
  • No water contact for… Read More

Mosquito season is in full swing. And after a mild season in 2021, this year’s mosquito population is bigger than usual. Clark County Mosquito Control District has been working to reduce the mosquito population since April and continues to treat areas with high numbers of mosquitoes across the county. As crews work to control the mosquito population, Public Health is encouraging everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito habitats on their property.

The species of mosquitoes that are currently active in Clark County lay their eggs in the damp soil along… Read More


Clark County residents looking for natural gardening inspiration can explore nine local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques during this month’s Natural Garden Tour. After two years of virtual events, the annual event will once again invite visitors to take self-guided tours of urban and rural gardens across the county.

Visitors can take free, self-guided tours 10 am to 4 pm Sunday, July 17. From the heart of Vancouver to the headwaters of the Washougal River, featured gardeners have gradually transformed their landscapes in sustainable ways while enjoying the beauty… Read More


Clark County Public Health has lifted the swim beach warning at Vancouver Lake after the latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.

Public Health has been monitoring water quality at the Vancouver Lake swim beach since early June when routine testing revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has been collecting water samples at least once a week to check bacteria levels. Test results from water samples taken on Tuesday showed improved water quality, prompting Public Health to lift the warning.

Public Health will continue… Read More


Clark County residents can help prevent fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of fireworks after their Fourth of July celebrations.

Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. And fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. To prevent waterway contamination, residents should sweep up and dispose of fireworks… Read More


Clark County Public Health has lifted the closure at Vancouver Lake but has issued a warning for the swim beach. Health officials continue to advise against swimming or wading at the Vancouver Lake swim beach. Public Health has also lifted the warning for the Battle Ground Lake swim beach.

Vancouver Lake

Public Health closed Vancouver Lake to swimming and wading on Friday, June 10 due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has continued to monitor the swim beach. Test results from water samples collected on Tuesday showed water quality has… Read More