Environmental Health Services Division Newsletter – Week of March 23, 2026

Emergency Public Health Preparedness and Environmental Health Line: (775) 866-1342

24 – Hour Communicable Disease Reporting Line: (775) 866-7535

Welcome to the virtual newsletter for the Environmental Health Program! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly at HealthPermit@CentralNevadaHD.org or you can contact to phone number (775) 867-8181

Spring Break Travel Health & Environmental Safety Tips

Spring break trips may also involve different kinds of outdoor activities, different environments, and different sources of food, air, soil and water. There are a few precautions one should take in order to avoid getting sick, hurt, and harming the environment during a trip.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
It is very important to drink a lot of water during your trip, especially when traveling in a hot climate or engaging in any physical activity outdoors. It is also very important to use sunscreen to prevent sunburns and any potential damage to your skin in the future. If you are swimming or snorkeling, it is best to use a reef-safe sunscreen.

Practice Safe Food and Water Habits
Before consuming meals, wash hands with soap and water. Select food vendors and restaurants with good food safety practices and established permits. Avoid eating undercooked meat and seafood products. When traveling to other countries, drink bottled water if the safety of the drinking water is unknown. These steps can help you avoid illnesses like Norovirus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli infections.

Reduce Waste and Protect the Environment
Carry reusable items such as a water bottle, utensils, or bags. Dispose of the waste properly. Help keep the beach, park, or other play areas clean.

Protect Natural Habitats and Wildlife
Stick to the marked and known trails while visiting the natural habitat. Refrain from feeding the animals, as it may harm them.

Preparing for Travel Health Needs
Travelers need to ensure that they carry their essential drugs and a first aid box. Travelers to a region where mosquitoes are prevalent need to take measures to prevent bites to reduce the chance of acquiring Dengue fever or West Nile fever infection.

Respecting Local Communities and Regulations
Travelers need to ensure that their activities are in line with environmental regulations and that their business goes to those who are environmentally friendly.

Public Health Reminder:
Good travel habits can help prevent illness and protect the communities and environments we visit. Good travel habits can help create a healthier and more sustainable spring break experience for everyone.

RECALL NOTICE – As of February 3, 2026

Outbreak Information

Current Outbreaks | Foodborne Outbreaks | CDC

Do You Know What is a Foodborne Outbreak?

FDA ACTIVE OUTREAK INVESTIGATIONS – As of 2/16/2026

HELPFUL FOOD-SAFE TIPS FOR THE ROAD!

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HELPFUL COOKING REMINDERS

Cook to Safe Temperatures

Use a thermometer — doneness is about temperature, not color.

FoodSafe Internal Temp
Poultry (whole or ground)165°F / 74°C
Ground meats160°F / 71°C
Beef, pork, lamb (steaks, roasts, chops)145°F / 63°C + rest
Fish145°F / 63°C

Store Food Safely

✔ DO

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours
  • Keep raw and cooked foods separate
  • Use clean, covered, labeled containers
  • Cool foods from 135 Degrees F to 70 degrees F within 2 hours then from 70 degrees F to 41 degrees F or below within 4 hours

✘ DO NOT

  • Store food on the floor
  • Keep food outdoors or near pets
  • Leave perishable food at room temperature

Thaw Foods Safely

Avoid thawing food on the counter or outdoors.

Safe methods:

  • Refrigerator thawing (best practice)
  • Cold-water thawing (change water every 30 minutes)
  • Microwave thawing (cook immediately)

Public Health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks | FDA

CDC Current Outbreak List | Outbreaks | CDC

FDA RECALL ALERT

FOOD SAFETY DURING PUBLIC GATHERINGS

Preparing for Safe Thanksgiving

Preparing Your Holiday Turkey Safely | Food Safety | CDC

What You Need to Know about Foodborne Illnesses | FDA

Cook – Off Temporary Food Event Information

CNHD HAN ALERT

Multisociety guidance for sterilization and high-level disinfection | Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology | Cambridge Core

BE AWARE OF CLOSABLE OFFENSES

At CNHD, we value our local businesses and hope for each business to thrive! We would like to share valuable insight into opportunities businesses should be aware of to avoid negative consequences:

Morbidity and Mortality Report on Contributing Foodborne Illness Factors

Contributing Factors of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks — National Outbreak Reporting System, United States, 2014–2022 | MMWR

WEATHER UPDATE

10-Day Weather Forecast for Eureka, NV – The Weather Channel | weather.com

10-Day Weather Forecast for Fallon, NV – The Weather Channel | weather.com

10-Day Weather Forecast for Lovelock, NV – The Weather Channel | weather.com

10-Day Weather Forecast for Hawthorne, NV – The Weather Channel | weather.com

Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays | FDA

Food Safety Tips for the Holidays | FoodSafety.gov

FOOD RECALLS

Recalls & Public Health Alerts | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA

FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS

CDC Current Outbreak List | Outbreaks | CDC

Active Investigations of Multistate Foodborne Outbreaks | Foodborne outbreaks | CDC

FoodSafety.gov

Outbreak Investigations: Response | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)

Public Health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks | FDA

PUBLIC OUTREACH – EATING OUTDOORS

Food Facts From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov)

SAFE GRILLING TEMPERATURES

Food Facts From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov)