Bell County Health Department

10/22/2026

Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for both baby and parent, and it is also associated with a lower risk of SIDS.

Exclusive breastfeeding offers the greatest protection, but any amount of human milk can make a difference. Every family’s feeding journey is different, and support can help parents make informed choices that work for them and their baby.

Learn more about breastfeeding and safe sleep at www.safesleepacademy.org.

10/21/2026

Some of our HANDS families have decorated pumpkins to match their favorite book and we need your help selecting a winner! Please "like" your favorite pumpkin on this post to help us choose. Whichever family's storybook pumpkin receives the most likes will win a prize! The winner will be selected next week. Thank you!

10/21/2026

Nearly 1 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer is under the age of 45. While there are some risk factors you can't control, there are some choices you can make to lower your breast cancer risk. Find out how to reduce your risk: www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/prevention/

10/20/2026

This Halloween, don't be spooked by the Nutrition Facts label!

Unmask what's really inside your food from added sugars to artificial ingredients and choose the best options for you and your family.

Empowered families make healthier choices. 💪 https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

Sweater weather is officially here, and that means one more thing to check before you buckle up: removing the bulky coat before buckling the car seat. A thick coat can compress in a crash, leaving the harness too loose to do its job. Buckle and secure the harness first, then you can add the coat over the top or use it as a blanket instead. This small move can make a big difference in how well the harness can protect your rider.

10/19/2026

10/15/2026

Hello, Kentucky! Washing hands with soap and water is a simple, effective way to stay healthy and keep germs from spreading.

10/15/2026

Contact us to make an appointment to book some time with the Bell County Health Department's Breast Feeding Peer Counselor, Jessica Jones, at 337-7046 or 248-2862.

Going back home? Introducing family foods? Back to work? Feeling discomfort?

⏰ Whenever you need help with breastfeeding, it should be there for you!

Skilled breastfeeding support should be available for ALL women from pregnancy, for as long as they wish to continue 🤱.

10/14/2026

Outbreak Investigation

On October 7, the Laurel County Health Department (LCHD) received a report of a suspected measles case, prompting a public health investigation. Subsequent investigations, conducted in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), identified additional cases, revealing a measles outbreak dating back to late August.

At this time 56 cases have been identified within several large households with limited interaction with the broader community. The total number of cases reflects all cases identified since late August and should not be interpreted as the number of individuals who are currently ill or infectious, as some cases occurred earlier in the investigation period.

There have been no identified public exposures associated with these cases. The investigation remains ongoing and if any potential risk of exposure to the broader public is identified, appropriate notifications will be issued.

At this time, we encourage residents to stay informed. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. One dose of MMR provides 93% protection against measles, and two doses provide 97% protection. Make sure you and your family are up to date on vaccinations and know the signs and symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and rash.

If you’re vaccine status is unknown, you may be able to access it here: https://kyirpublicportal.ky.gov/

For the latest information about measles, including vaccination, symptoms, potential exposures, and other resources, visit our Laurel County Measles Dashboard or the KY Department for Public Health’s measles webpage.

🟦Laurel County Measles Dashboard: https://dashboards.mysidewalk.com/measles-dashboard-laurel-county-f1f2476c7bbc

🟦KY Department for Public Health's Measles Dashboard: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/measles.aspx