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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">July 8, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Jordan Bales
<br />Environmental Health and Safety Manager
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.441.6613
<br />Jordan.Bales@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">CORRECTION: 2024 Communicable Disease Report released to the public</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CORRECTION: Correct link added that leads to report<br /><br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has released its 2024 Communicable Disease Report, highlighting trends in reportable illnesses and public health risks across the county. The full 2024 Communicable Disease Report is available at <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/health/clinical-services/disease-surveillance/">CoMo.gov/health/clinical-services/disease-surveillance/</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most notable findings this year is a significant increase in the rate of reported animal bites. Animal bites are considered a communicable disease risk due to the potential for rabies and other infections. In 2024, PHHS saw a sharp rise in the number of reported bites, prompting concern and a call to action for the community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PHHS is reminding residents of the following steps to help reduce bite incidents:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Always supervise children around pets and unfamiliar animals.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid approaching animals you do not know, especially if they are tied up or roaming freely.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow local ordinances regarding leash laws and animal restraint. (Visit</span> <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/health/animal-control/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CoMo.gov/health/animal-control/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for details.)</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies and licensed.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Report stray or aggressive animals to Animal Control at 573.449.1888.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></li>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The increase in bite cases is also a reminder of the critical role Animal Control plays in protecting public health and safety. PHHS will continue monitoring trends and evaluating resources to respond effectively to this growing need.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information or questions about the report, please contact Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services at 573.874.7355 or PHHS@CoMo.gov.</span></p></div>
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<div class="content"><strong>Location:</strong> <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6f3861f1e730435182b939631f4731aa/page/page/#widget_32=search_status:%7B%22searchText%22%3A%221005 W. Worley St.%22%7D" target="_blank">1005 W. Worley St.</a></div>
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<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
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