Environmental Health

National air quality has improved since the 1990s. Many challenges remain in protecting public health and the environment from air quality problems. Air pollution in the United States poses a public health threat affecting potentially millions of people nationwide. It is associated with health problems like:

• asthma

• increased emergency department visits for breathing and heart problems

• increased hospital stays for breathing and heart problems

• increased illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis

Use the tips and resources on the below link to help you stay up to date about the risks and health impacts of air quality, provide a healthier home, and keep you & your family safe when indoors or outdoors. 

Air Quality and Your Health Page 

Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is caused by a virus and is typically spread by an infected animal biting another animal or person. Rabies is fatal if treatment is not started before the appearance of symptoms. Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Rabies page.  

While the risk of contracting rabies in St. Louis County is low, a person who has been bitten should contact their healthcare provider immediately to determine what treatment is recommended. As public health professionals, we provide follow-up on reported animal bites and assess the risk of rabies transmission. We work with the person who was bitten and, if the animal is a pet, the animal’s owner to evaluate and provide availability to testing and treatment, if necessary.  

Fill out an Animal Bite Form to report a bite to your local public health professionals.

A public health nuisance is defined by Minnesota law as any activity or failure to act that adversely affects the public’s health. Although some situations may qualify as a public nuisance, not all situations are a public health nuisance.  A public health nuisance is one that may affect health or disease. For example, a yard full of clutter may not be appealing to look at, but it does not affect human health nor harbor disease. A few examples of a public health nuisance could be: 

• Insect or rodent infestations 

• Clandestine drug manufacturing 

• Unsafe living situations that affect children or vulnerable adults 

• Improperly stored waste 

We evaluate public health nuisance complaints in the county, providing education, resources, and follow-up as needed. If you have a potential public health nuisance to report, call the public health mainline nearest you or complete the Public Health Nuisance form. We cannot take anonymous complaints or reports; a name and contact information are required with all reports.  

To report a natural or human-caused emergency that may have serious public health consequences, call 9-1-1.   

We provide education, resources, and follow-up for children and pregnant people with elevated levels of lead in their blood. To learn more about our services, contact Sarah Lehrke. Learn more about sources of lead from the Minnesota Department of Health. 

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