Wilkes Health

08/31/2026

State officials have shared new information about potential rabies exposure linked to baby goats at a mobile petting zoo in Iredell County.

The goats were likely exposed in late July and may have been infectious at multiple public and private events through Aug 27. Anyone who had direct contact with these animals should call their local health department to learn whether preventive care is needed. Rabies is rare but serious, and early guidance can help protect your health while the investigation continues.

Read the full release here➡️ https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/28/ncdhhs-confirms-rabies-mobile-petting-zoo

08/11/2026

🗣️ WILKES COUNTY YOUTH — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Wilkes County Youth Survey is more than just a survey—it’s an opportunity for young people to have a voice in the future of our community. 💙
Your answers help us better understand what youth are experiencing, what challenges they face, what resources they need, and what would make Wilkes County a better place to grow up.
📊 Why does your participation matter?
Your feedback can help schools, families, community organizations, and local leaders make better-informed decisions and create programs and opportunities that truly meet the needs of our youth.
👉 Take the Wilkes County Youth Survey and make your voice count! Consents are going to start coming out at the beginning of the school year for 7-12 grade students.
Your Voice. Your Future. Our Community. 💙

07/27/2026

07/15/2026

Have questions about your child's car seat, want to make sure your child's seat is in properly, or if their seat is the most appropriate for them? Please join Safe Kids Wilkes County for a car seat check this Friday 10am-1pm at McNeill Auto Group for a car seat check.

07/14/2026

The heat index is going to reach unhealthy levels this week. Remember to protect yourself! Heat of this magnitude can be dangerous to your health, particularly for people who are more exposed to extreme heat or more sensitive to extreme heat. This includes:
• People without access to air conditioning
• People working or exercising outdoors
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• People with disabilities
• People with underlying health conditions
• People who live alone
To prevent heat-related illness:
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic drinks
• Reduce outdoor activities
• Stay in air conditioning as much as possible
• Watch for symptoms of heat-related illness
• Stay informed

Stay cool and drink plenty of water. For more information, visit https://dph.ncdhhs.gov/heat

07/13/2026

North Carolina is seeing an increase of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that causes upset stomach. To avoid infection, make sure you are handling and cleaning fresh produce appropriately. This includes thorough hand washing before and after preparing fresh produce. People can become infected by eating food or drinking water that has the parasite. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea. The time between being exposed and becoming sick is usually about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more.

General Rules to Reduce Your Risk:
-Cook when you can. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
-Wash all fresh produce under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it.
-Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or eating food.
-Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
-Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.
-Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce.

You can get tips and advice on how to wash your produce by going to the The Organic Center's Produce Wash Guide website to download their guide.
https://organic-center.org/produce-wash-guide-0

For more information on cyclosporiasis please visit the NC Department of Health's website https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/cyclosporiasis.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawTBuAlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexyI8F0QGomc8S-YaIvDcPNy1h4_XKlJ2hk1Q9FEirFYSW0LVg1EDn7wgXN4_aem_DfayO9ErxTUrIaR6gZjPLw

06/19/2026

You are not alone.
You matter! You are important! 💜

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org

For more information visit www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

06/10/2026

Wilkes Health holds free monthly Safe Sleep classes in effort to prevent cases of SIDS/SUID. The green flyer contains the schedule for our future Safe Sleep trainings for anyone who is interested. To attend, you must be pregnant or up to 3 months postpartum at the time of the scheduled class and a Wilkes resident.

Classes will be held at our new office location: 126 Executive Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

If interested or you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 336-651-7468.

05/22/2026

This move applies to the WIC and Health Promotion Department!

‼️We are MOVING! Starting the week of May 25th, we will be moving to our new location. We will still be operational at our current location during this moving process. If you have an appointment during this time, please contact us should you have any questions about where your appointment will be completed. The new address is: 126 Executive Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Should you have any questions, contact our office at 336-651-7451!

05/21/2026