Wabaunsee County Maternal & Child Health Services

04/07/2026

Welcoming a new baby soon? 💕
Here’s one simple way family & friends can help protect that sweet little one:
Newborns are especially vulnerable to whooping cough (pertussis), a serious illness that can be life-threatening in the first few months. They don’t start their own vaccines until about 2 months old—so they rely on us for protection.
That’s where the Tdap vaccine comes in.
When parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers are up to date, it helps create a “cocoon” of protection around baby 👶
💉 Kansas families:
The “Cocoon Project” offers FREE Tdap vaccines for adults (19+) who will be around a newborn.
✔️ Who should get it?
Anyone planning close snuggles with baby 😊
✔️ When?
At least 2 weeks before meeting baby is best!
It’s a small step that makes a big difference ❤️
Let’s keep our newest little humans safe and healthy.
Call the Health Department for an appointment: 785-765-2425!

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03/25/2026

WABAUNSEE COUNTY (KSNT) – Kansas transportation authorities report I-70 traffic will need to slow down when heading west through Wabaunsee County due to a bridge project.

Kate Craft with the Kansas Department of Transportation announced in a press release that workers will start a bridge repair project soon on I-70 west in Wabaunsee County. The project is set to start on Monday, March 30.

Craft said the project consists of deck patching, concrete surface repairs and overlay on the structure which is over Pretty Creek just east of the K-99 interchange.

Drivers will only be able to use one lane when heading west on I-70 in the project area. A 12-foot width reduction and a speed limit of 60 mph will be in place as well. Workers will be present at the job site Monday to Friday during daylight hours. KDOT anticipates the project to be wrapped up by late June this summer.

A map of the project area can be found below:

03/25/2026

KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Prescribed Burns

TOPEKA, Kan. – Conditions were ideal for burning in the Flint Hills and all surrounding areas yesterday, March 24. Any early burning activity today, combined with remnant smoke from yesterday’s activity, will lead to elevated air pollutant levels throughout central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are expected to exist through early Thursday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Moderate to Unhealthy for sensitive groups, and even Unhealthy in localized areas. You can view the current air quality, AQI and fire activity for your area on AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Burning within the Flint Hills occurs annually to help preserve the tallgrass prairie, control invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar and Sumac and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning minimizes risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas and can be carried long distances.

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and substances that can form ozone. PM and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children, and elderly may experience worse symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
KDHE and partners continue to implement the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan to help mitigate air quality impacts that result from burning. The plan includes recommendations to minimize and disperse the smoke produced by burning.

For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills and the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, please visit the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management website.

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02/19/2026

Influenza A is spreading rapidly in our county. Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and complications.

We have a limited supply of both regular-dose and high-dose flu vaccine available. It’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Call 785-765-2425 today to schedule your flu shot while supplies last.

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02/19/2026

01/13/2026

TOPEKA — Kansas is suffering from the worst outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country, with nearly 414,000 birds affected, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

HPAI, an umbrella term for avian influenza that includes highly contagious strains such as H5 and H7, is considered a low public health risk, although it can pass to humans through birds and dairy products from infected cattle, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers,” according to CDC.

As of Friday, there are four affected commercial flocks and six affected backyard flocks reported in Kansas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Avian influenza kills almost 100% of the birds it infects.

The bulk of the infected birds, about 380,000, in Kansas were reported to be in a commercial operation in Pottawatomie County, USDA reports said.

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12/30/2025

Avian Influenza is in the State of Kansas. Cases are following the path of migrating geese. Please be aware, and watch for sick or deceased birds. Keep a close eye on your flocks including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks and geese.

12/16/2025

Just a note to let you know that there will not be a nurse available at the Health Department the week of the 22nd. Our nurses are taking some much needed time to spend with family and friends. Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season........

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12/03/2025

Just a reminder that we have flu and COVID vaccine available. Once stock is depleted, we will not be ordering any more for the season. It's not to late to protect yourself, so get them while we have them in stock!