Itasca County Public Health

09/09/2026

Health officials request information from people who used ASAP Wildlife Services MN amid potential rabies exposure investigation.

State health officials are attempting to contact customers of ASAP Wildlife Services MN who had bats or other mammals submitted for rabies testing on their behalf from Sept. 1, 2025, through today, Sept 9, 2026.

Based on information provided to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), officials believe ASAP Wildlife Services MN operates in the Twin Cities metro area and has not consistently submitted animals for rabies testing. At least one customer has been told of negative results from a laboratory that does not perform animal rabies testing.

If you used ASAP Wildlife Services MN from Sept. 1, 2025, through today and had a bat or other wild mammal submitted for rabies testing on your behalf by the business, please call MDH at 651-201-5368. MDH rabies disease specialists will assess whether testing was performed and advise you on the need for rabies prevention shots.

MDH is taking the unusual step of requesting people who used ASAP Wildlife Services MN in the past 12 months to contact the department directly because, thus far, the business has not been responsive to state outreach. This step is necessary to determine whether rabies testing was performed and to ensure no one is at risk of rabies. Rabies symptoms can take a long time to develop, which is why the state is requesting more information from ASAP Wildlife Services MN going back as far as 12 months from today.

In Minnesota, animals are submitted for rabies testing at the University of Minnesota, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the test is performed at the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory. Only state public health laboratories or designated university veterinary diagnostic facilities are approved to perform animal rabies testing. If a Minnesota animal is tested in an out-of-state laboratory, both negative and positive results are reported to both the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

This situation is a reminder that bats in Minnesota can carry rabies. Rabies is a fatal illness that is transmitted through bites from infected animals. Bats are of particular concern because their teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark. If a person has any physical contact with a bat or finds a bat in the room of a sleeping person or unattended child, the bat should be captured safely and submitted for rabies testing. Never touch a bat with bare hands. Information, including a video, on how to safely capture a bat for testing can be found on the MDH website.

MDH staff note that if someone has been bitten by or exposed to a bat, it is very important to test the bat for rabies. If this is not possible, then rabies prevention shots should be given as soon as possible.

Anyone who has concerns about an animal bite or an encounter with a wild animal should contact their healthcare provider promptly. To learn more about rabies and how to protect yourself, visit the Rabies page on the MDH website. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/rabies/index.html

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health also stresses the importance of working with your veterinarian to keep pets and livestock up to date with rabies vaccinations. For more information, visit the BAH website or talk to your veterinarian about concerns specific to your animals.

Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is caused by a virus and is typically spread by an infected animal biting another animal or person. The rabies virus dies quickly when it is exposed to UV light or air so it can’t survive in the environment for long. That means we ...

09/08/2026

It's 988 DAY.
988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and su***de prevention. The theme for 988 Day 2026 is 988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough. This theme reminds us that you don’t have to be in crisis to reach out to 988. Whatever you’re facing, big or small, your reason for seeking support is reason enough.

08/27/2026

A message from NAMI MN that we wanted to share as school is approaching: "As we move through the final weeks of summer, it is especially important to pay attention to ourselves, our loved ones, and the people in our communities. There is something important about su***de prevention that many do not know: deaths by su***de tend to increase during the late summer months—contrary to common belief, deaths by su***de are not generally at their highest during the holidays season."
Remember that 988 can be called from any phone. It's free, confidential, and there's a trained person on the line for you, 24-7.

08/13/2026

Are you currently on SNAP? Do you know about the Grand Rapids Farmers' Market? See the flyer below on how you can get even more local food! Also, goMARTI has a stop just across the street.

07/17/2026

As we look at the air quality forecast, it looks like we will have smoke in the air for a while longer. Some quick tips: Use a HEPA filter with an air purifier in your home. You can make a less expensive air cleaner by using a filter on a box style fan. You can find details online for different ways to do this. Check the filter on your furnace (if you have forced air) and install a HEPA filter if it can use one. If your home has an air exchanger, perhaps shut that off until the air quality gets better outdoors. Don't open your windows. Limit your time outdoors. Take breaks. Wear an N-95 mask if you need to be outdoors.
Current Air Quality Conditions (MPCA): Current Air Quality Conditions - MPCA https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air-quality-conditions
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather (MDH): Natural Disasters and Severe Weather https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/emergency/natural/index.html
MDH’s Wildfire Smoke webpage: Wildfire Smoke - MN Dept. of Health. This contains information on the health impacts of wildfire smoke; who is most at risk; what people can do; a tipsheet on how to stay safe when it’s smoky; a description of the AQI; links to the MDH’s Minnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Childcare; and links to other resources, including MPCA’s. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/emergency/natural/wildfires.html
Heat: Planning for and Responding to Extreme Heat - MN Dept. of Health, and tips to stay safe when it’s hot here: Extreme Heat - MN Dept. of Health. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/climate/heatpro.html

Extreme heat causes more deaths in the U.S. than flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. In the years ahead, extreme heat events are expected to become more common, more severe, and last longer due to climate change. 

07/15/2026

Air moves long distances and carries pollutants. During air quality alerts due to wildfires, the air is mixed with harmful smoke. Wildfire smoke spreads or lingers depending on the size of the fires, the wind, and the weather.

The air quality index (AQI) is color-coded. Air quality alerts are issued when the AQI is forecast to reach an unhealthy level, which includes forecasts in the orange, red, purple, and maroon categories. For a full description of each air quality category, visit airnow.gov.

What we are in for today: Maroon air quality: Hazardous

Sights and smells: In areas where air quality is in the maroon AQI category due to wildfires, the sky will look smoky. The air will seem hazy or smoky and you won’t be able to see long distances. The air will smell strongly of smoke.

Health effects: This air is hazardous for everyone, and everyone will be affected. Most people will have irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

What to do: Avoid physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups should stay indoors, keep activity levels low, and keep indoor air as clean as possible.

See this site for more info and up to date conditions: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Grand%20Rapids&state=MN&country=USA

AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.

06/10/2026

Now is a good time to review your severe weather safety plans, ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness. Stay informed and monitor forecasts for updates from the National Weather Service.

06/03/2026

Are you pregnant and on IMCare? See the flyer for some details on getting a car seat.

05/27/2026

If you are struggling with your mental health, we want you to know recovery is possible!

05/18/2026

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a great resource for education and information about substance use and mental health. Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/ for more information!