Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Coverage of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in the Nexus archive.
- Qdoba joins Chipotle in removing jalapeños; salmonella outbreak spreads to 27 states
Qdoba removed jalapeños from all its restaurants after joining Chipotle Mexican Grill, following reports of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people across 27 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the illness is linked to jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors and grown in Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Wildfire smoke from Utah brings haze to Denver and the Front Range
Wildfire smoke from central Utah and the Pacific Northwest has caused a haze over Denver and the Front Range, leading to unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. The smoke is linked to health symptoms like eye irritation and breathing difficulties, with weather shifts expected to temporarily clear the air before more smoke arrives. High temperatures are forecasted to return by the weekend.
- Judge presses state and GEO Group over law meant to force health inspections at Aurora ICE facility
A federal judge heard arguments over Colorado's HB26-1276 law, which requires health inspections at the Aurora ICE Processing Center operated by The GEO Group. The law faces a legal challenge from GEO, which claims it is unconstitutional for targeting federal immigration detention facilities. The judge questioned the state's defense and the case remains unresolved as Adams County investigates a tuberculosis case at the facility.
- National trade association sues Colorado in attempt to block state’s free curbside recycling plan
A national trade association sued Colorado over its free curbside recycling plan, arguing over its management and funding. The lawsuit, filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on behalf of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, seeks to block the program until litigation concludes. The plan, funded by fees on packaging companies, aims to provide free recycling to over 700,000 homes and businesses by 2035.
- Weeks after health officials demanded access to investigate TB case, they haven't gotten into the ICE facility
Colorado health officials have not gained access to the Aurora ICE Processing Center operated by GEO Group to investigate a tuberculosis case, despite a three-week-old demand. ICE claims no active TB cases exist at the facility and asserts compliance with health guidelines, while activists and local leaders criticize the lack of transparency and consider legal action.
- Colorado is seeing a ‘significant increase’ in salmonella cases. Here’s what you should know.
Colorado health officials report a significant increase in salmonella cases this July, with over 250 cases reported compared to the five-year average of 125. The source of the outbreak remains unidentified, though whole genome sequencing is underway to trace potential links to food, restaurants, or suppliers. A nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to Midwest Poultry Services has sickened 98 people, but its connection to Colorado's surge is unconfirmed.
- CDPHE alerting public to increase in salmonella cases
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has reported over 250 salmonella cases in Colorado since July 1, as of July 28, surpassing the five-year average of 125 cases during the same period. The agency is alerting the public to this significant increase in cases.
- Colorado is seeing a ‘significant increase’ in salmonella cases. Here’s what you should know.
Colorado is experiencing a significant rise in salmonella cases, with over 250 reported in July compared to a 5-year average of 125. Health officials are using genome sequencing to identify the source, but no specific food, restaurant, or supplier has been confirmed. A nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to Midwest Poultry Services has also been noted, though its connection to Colorado's surge remains unconfirmed.
- Cases of the “explosive diarrhea” parasite increase in Colorado, but still no worry of an outbreak
Colorado has reported 178 cases of cyclosporiasis, with most linked to international travel. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states there is no current outbreak.
- With Colorado's free recycling rollout in motion, facilities prepare for more material
Colorado is implementing a free recycling program to increase recycling rates by shifting costs from households to producers. The initiative, led by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, involves organizations like Circular Action Alliance and infrastructure upgrades, including AI-powered sorting facilities in Denver and a new $110 million Waste Management plant.
- With Colorado's free recycling rollout in motion, facilities prepare for more material
Colorado is rolling out free recycling for all households, shifting recycling costs from residents to producers. The program, managed by the Circular Action Alliance and Interchange 360, aims to boost recycling rates and includes new infrastructure like AI-powered sorting facilities and a $110 million Aurora processing plant.
- Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park temporarily closes for E.coli levels higher than CDPHE allows
Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park is temporarily closed due to elevated E.coli levels exceeding CDPHE standards. The closure affects only the designated swim beach, which is routinely tested weekly, and it will remain closed until test results meet permitted levels.
- Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park temporarily closes for E.coli levels higher than CDPHE allows
The Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park is temporarily closed due to E. coli levels exceeding Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards. The closure affects only the designated swim beach, which is the only area routinely tested because it is the sole swimming zone. The park confirmed weekly tests usually show E. coli levels well below permitted thresholds, but this week's results were slightly elevated.
- State health dept gives GEO Group until Friday to allow tuberculosis investigation at Aurora ICE facility
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is demanding access to the Aurora ICE Processing Center and detainee medical records to investigate a confirmed tuberculosis case, citing barriers preventing a full assessment. The Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic and Adams County Health Department report limited access to the facility and patient data, with media suggesting unconfirmed additional cases.
- State health dept gives GEO Group until Friday to allow tuberculosis investigation at Aurora ICE facility
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is demanding access to the Aurora ICE Processing Center to investigate a confirmed tuberculosis case, requiring the facility to comply by July 17. GEO Group, which manages the facility, faces requests for medical records and cooperation from health officials, who cite barriers to assessing exposure risks.
- Colorado sees increase in melanoma cases as UV exposure remains high
Melanoma cases in Colorado have increased over the past two decades, with a significant jump in 2020, according to state data. Dermatologist Maggie Catalano attributes the rise to greater awareness and preventive measures, such as regular skin checks and UV protection. Colorado's high elevation and strong UV exposure are highlighted as contributing factors to the risk.
- Study works to establish guidelines for Denver neighborhoods lacking shade as triple-digit heat approaches
A study led by CU Boulder's Sara Tabatabaie examines why some Denver neighborhoods lack shade, linking it to historical disinvestment and redlining. The research aims to establish guidelines for shaded spaces in areas experiencing higher temperatures, with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver city initiatives working to address the issue.
- CDPHE: No deaths in historic data for cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis cases have increased in the United States and Colorado, but the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) notes these cases are common during summer months. The CDPHE confirmed no deaths in historic data related to the parasitic illness, which causes diarrhea.
- Drinking water guidance for those impacted by Aspen Acres Fire
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises residents in Pine Drive Water District and Signal Mountain Ranch to use bottled water due to impacts from the Aspen Acres Fire. Water infrastructure in these communities is affected, prompting the guidance for returning residents.
- CDC, CDPHE report state cases of intestinal illness, caused by parasite, resulting most often in diarrhea
The CDC and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) report cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, with Colorado seeing 90 cases this year (up from 73 in 2025) and Michigan reporting a significant increase to 572 cases as of July 4. The CDPHE notes no outbreak in Colorado, and most cases there are linked to international travel.
- Denver ranked most polluted global major city in U.S. as wildfire smoke, ozone cloud Front Range
Denver was ranked the most polluted major city in the U.S. due to wildfire smoke and elevated ozone levels. An ozone action day alert is in effect for Colorado's Front Range Urban Corridor, with health officials warning against outdoor activity. Seven major wildfires are burning in Colorado, contributing to the pollution.
- Why overdose death numbers are higher among construction workers in Colorado, per new data from CDPHE
New data from Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment shows construction workers have a higher overdose death rate (93.5 per 100,000) compared to other industries (43.5). Factors include long hours, financial stress, job-related injuries leading to painkiller use, and a mental health crisis in a male-dominated field. Industry leaders are promoting peer support programs to address the issue.
- Front Range facing smoky skies and air quality alerts as West Slope fires rage
The Front Range in Colorado is experiencing smoky skies and air quality alerts due to wildfires on the Western Slope. Residents report health impacts and increased purchases of air purifiers, while authorities warn vulnerable groups about unhealthy conditions. The alert lasts through Tuesday, with businesses like McGuckin Hardware seeing heightened demand for air purifiers during fire seasons.
- Western wildfires expected to send smoke into Denver
Wildfires on the Western Slope and Utah border are sending smoke toward Denver, causing unhealthy air quality levels with high ozone and particulates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warns of health risks, particularly for those with asthma, while the Snyder fire near the Utah border has grown to 28,000 acres and killed three firefighters.
- Colorado health officials expect busy season for toxic algae blooms: Here's why
Colorado health officials anticipate a busy season for toxic algae blooms due to warmer temperatures and drought conditions. The blooms, which pose health risks through skin rashes and toxin ingestion, have already led to recreation restrictions at Jackson Lake State Park.
- Colorado health officials expect busy season for toxic algae blooms: Here's why
Colorado health officials expect a busy season for toxic algae blooms due to warmer temperatures and drought conditions. The blooms, which can produce harmful toxins, have led to recreation restrictions at Jackson Lake State Park, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is collaborating with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for monitoring.
- GEO Group Sues Colorado Over Immigration Detention Inspection Law
GEO Group, a company operating immigrant detention facilities in Colorado, sued the state to block enforcement of House Bill 1276, which mandates health and safety inspections of such facilities. The law, signed by Gov. Jared Polis, requires additional inspections and police training on immigration enforcement compliance. GEO argues the law violates federal preemption and contractual rights under the U.S. Constitution.
- Fatal Colorado hantavirus case not linked to cruise ship, officials say
A fatal hantavirus case in Colorado has been reported, but officials say it is not linked to a cruise ship outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed no Andes hantavirus cases are related. An adult in Colorado died from the virus.