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The LPHA Hub is not searchable on the web and is only intended for use by staff of DHSS and local public health agencies. However, anyone with a direct link is able to gain access. We encourage you to avoid sharing LPHA Hub links with anyone outside of DHSS or LPHAs. If information is needed for external users, please download and send the file, or copy/paste and provide separately. Thank you.

Emergency Response Center (ERC):  800-392-0272

Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates, DHSS  

DHSS Updates

MCH FFY2027 Kick Off Meetings  

Kick-off meetings for the FFY2027 MCH Service Contract will take place around Missouri October 1 - 22. See the Hub Calendar for details.

Cyclosporiasis Update  NEW!

​DHSS continues to investigate laboratory reports of Cyclosporiasis and has formally been added to the list of states affected by the national outbreak as of Aug. 5. As many of you know, each laboratory report of Cyclosporiasis is reviewed before they are added to the case count – this takes time and effort to investigate. It takes additional time to provide that data to the CDC so they can determine whether enough of our cases are tied epidemiologically to the current suspected cause of lettuce from Taylor Farms. CDC is also evaluating national data to determine if additional sources should be recalled.

 

Missouri's public-facing dashboard of communicable disease data shows 1,095 active Cyclosporiasis cases as of Aug. 2, 2026. This data is updated every Sunday, and another significant increase is expected this week as cases are investigated and confirmed.

 

DHSS is encouraged by successful recall effectiveness checks of Taylor Farms lettuce and thank all LPHAs for their hard work to accomplish those. The recall effectiveness checks found no recalled product in grocery stores or restaurants. DHSS is continuing to group cases into outbreak clusters for potential investigation as we review interview data.

 

The Missouri Rapid Response Team (MRRT) within the DHSS Office of Emergency Coordination continues to be activated as the reported Cyclospora outbreak continues.

 

Here’s a picture of the differing data sets: 

1) DHSS – All Cyclosporiasis cases reported by Missouri

Lab confirmed & probable cases.

Individuals are symptomatic.

These cases have been investigated and include cases that involve foreign travel, which are not included in CDC data.

These cases also include domestically-acquired cases, which are included in CDC data.

Missouri’s 2026 total is 1,095. (link)

While DHSS is not releasing county-level data at this time, individual counties are welcome to release their own data publicly if they choose.

New webpage on Health.mo.gov focused on Cyclosporiasis

2) CDC – All domestically-acquired Cyclosporiasis cases; 47 states reporting domestically-acquired cases. (link)

3) CDC – All domestically-acquired Cyclosporiasis cases related to outbreak

CDC Link

FDA Link

15 states, including Missouri, reporting domestically-acquired cases tied to the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis cases confirmed by laboratory testing that also have epidemiological links to the national outbreak (consumed Taylor Farms lettuce, for example).

Salmonella Outbreak  NEW!

CDC and public health officials in several states, including Missouri, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to jalapeño peppers. The investigation was initiated following hundreds of reported illnesses across the country. Missouri was one of 27 states where laboratory surveillance and whole genome sequencing confirmed matching cases of the outbreak strain. Public health officials traced the source of contamination back to fresh jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed nationwide by Coast Citrus Distributors. The distributor supplied wholesale networks and Mexican-style quick-service restaurant chains like Chipotle and Qdoba operating in affected states like Missouri.  FDA is working to determine if jalapenos went to grocery stores. If affected jalapeño peppers were also available at stores, FDA may announce additional recalls on their recalls page.

► Big River E. coli Concerns  NEW!

DHSS is advising the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Department of Conservation on public health protocols as they address elevated e. coli levels near a failing wastewater treatment facility in Leadwood, Missouri. Tactics discussed include signage to discourage swimming in the area, increased testing frequency and more.

DHSS Website  

Please provide feedback on the new DHSS website using the feedback survey link at the top of each page.

 ​New Administrator / All In Meeting

Slide decks from presentations will be posted soon on the CLPHS page on the Hub

► Environmental Training  NEW!

The Bureau of Environmental Health Regulation and Licensure (formerly Bureau of Environmental Health Services) is conducting a survey of stakeholders who attended the 2026 Training Academy. Your input helps ensure our training remains relevant and supports your work. The survey is on the Survey Monkey platform and is anonymous. However, if you have more input than there is space for on the published survey, you may email karen.bena@health.mo.gov. Please use the subject line "Survey Response."

Upcoming ​​​​Due Dates

Aug 12: CHIP HSI Net Expeniture Report due for Quarter Ending 06-26 (April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026)

► Oct 1: Deadline to complete PHAB Readiness Assessment (at no cost)

Calendar
Hot Topics

Alpha-Gal Syndrome, DHSS
► Chemical Water Testing (revised test request forms):  

Communicable Disease Data Dashboard, DHSS

Cooling Centers Map, DHSS

► Hep C Testing:  Free Hepatitis C testing through the State Public Health Lab (10/20/2025 letter) (instructions)  
Kratom, DHSS  

Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace: Brown University offers Missouri LPHAs free online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction courses. To enroll, email mindfulness@brown.edu with the subject line Mindful-Missouri to apply the LPHA  discount. View the class schedule

Missouri Environmental Health Specialist Survey

Public Health and HIPAA (informational brochure)  
► Radon text kits available free to the public and videos on how to use the test kit (also in Spanish). (link)  

Cancer 

Addressing Cancer Concerns (video)

Cancer, Chemicals, and the Environment (video)

Cannabis

Cannabis Regulation (main webpage), DHSS

General FAQ

Adult Use FAQ

► Complaint Forms

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention 

Missouri Lead Risk Assessment Tool

2025 High Risk Lead Map

Lead Poisoning Prevention landing page

Naloxone

Standing Order (updated 6/3/2026)  

Naloxone Pick Up Locations in Missouri

 

Sexual Violence
Sexual Violence Services, DHSS

► Sexual Assault Response: SAFEvT, Sexual Assault Forensic Exams via Telehealth Network (sites map)
Sexual Violence Statewide Resource Map  

 

Tobacco
► Smoke-free Housing:  Missouri Smoke-free Housing Directory  

► Missouri Tobacco Free Workplace Toolkit, from DHSS

 

Vaccinations / Immunizations
School Vaccination Requirements and Resources, DHSS

Missouri School Immunizations Dashboard, DHSS

Vaccine Guidance from DHSS and the State Board of Nursing regarding the updated vaccination schedule
COVID-19 vaccine available for VFC providers to order via ShowMeVax  
► Docket® vaccination portal (smartphone app and web platform)
Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guidance 
ShowMeVax, Missouri Immunization Registry 
► CDC Revised Immunization Recommendations 

2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics

Wastewater
► Wastewater Surveillance: Program Update

► Wastewater: Find a Professional Tool  

► SB 914 was signed into law and updates state sewage regulations as of Aug 28, 2026. Changes include:

  • Elimination of percolation tests from the rules, replacing them with soil morphology evaluations.

  • Removal of the $90 permit fee cap, enabling the DHSS to set more current, cost-based permit fees.

Quick Links

​​​​​National News

 8/5/2026: Erica Schwartz is confirmed by Senate vote this week as the Director of the CDC after the position has remained vacant for nearly a year. (link)

 8/5/2026: FDA approves first mRNA flu vaccine for use on adults age 50 and over. The vaccine from Moderna was found to be about 27% more effective than a standard flu shot during trials. (link)

 8/5/2026: CIDRAP and Unbiased Science release a new tool called “What’s the Risk?” that helps users compare the risk of vaccines against illness. (link)

 8/5/2026: Dr. Fauci continues to take heat for his recent responses to questions posed during a Senate committee hearing on his actions during the COVID pandemic. A Senate committee votes today on whether to hold him in contempt of Congress. (link)  

 8/5/2026: CDC reports 3,437 cases of Candida auris (C. auris) have been identified in 27 states so far this year, about 1,000 fewer cases than last year at the same time. (link)

​​​​​​Missouri in the News

 8/5/2026: Missouri health officials confirm the state is now included in a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce grown in central Mexico, even though the CDC has not publicly announced the change. St. Louis Public Radio (link)

 8/5/2026: DHSS reports more than 1000 cases of Cyclosporiasis as of August 2. KSDK (link)

 8/4/2026: US News and World Report lists 12 Missouri hospitals as among the best regional hospitals in its new 2026 – 2027 report. US News and World Report (link)

 8/2/2026: Missouri has released preliminary 2027 health insurance rates, with public comments open through Aug. 31 and final rates expected by Oct. 31. Daily Journal (link)

News
Training

Learning Management System, Missouri Rural Health Association  

MO FPHS Model Training  NEW!

Mastering Missouri's Foundational Public Health Services Model (asynchronous online training module; 30 minutes)

Animal Bite & Rabies Investigations

Training video from DHSS 

► Human Trafficking Training

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office offers free training: 

  • July 28 – 30, Interdiction, Operations, and Illicit Massage Businesses (flyer)

Training video for non-forensic medical staff and LPHAs

► Water Fluoridation Training

DHSS’ Office of Dental Health (ODH) offers free, in‑person Introduction to Water Fluoridation Trainings. Each session includes a water plant tour following the training. Water and wastewater operators, LPHA staff, and dental professionals are encouraged to participate. DNR will provide 4 hours of continuing education credits for Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution certifications. ODH will provide 4 hours of continuing education for dental professionals. Classes will be held from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Register for upcoming training:

  • August 7, 2026 (Friday) – Jefferson City

  • August 14, 2026 (Friday) – Moberly

  • August 21, 2026 (Friday) – Kennett

  • August 31, 2026 (Monday) – Chesterfield

  • September 11, 2026 (Friday) – Rolla

  • September 17, 2026 (Thursday) – Joplin

  • September 18, 2026 (Friday) – Kansas City

Ongoing or Archived Training

Subrecipient Training (slide deck), M Mahaney, DHSS OA, 5/14/2023  

► FDA Training and Continuing Education

► TRAIN, CDC

► CIFOR (foodborne disease investigation and control), APHL

  *Note: Requires an APHL account.

► (HIPAA) Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, DHSS (link)  

Introduction to MO Health Alert Network System (HNS), DHSS 

Learning Connection, CDC

► SEMA Training Opportunities

Roots of Health Inequity, NACCHO  

Public Health Communications Collaborative Academy

► Community Water Fluoridation video training series 

► Grants Management and Compliance Training (eligible for incentive funds)  

► Sexual Assault Forensic Exams, training courses  

Sexual Harassment Annual Training, DHSS (link)  

► VFC 411 training sessions in 2026 (downloaded document) 

Vital Records Training Guide, DHSS

This program aims to strengthen the public health workforce by creating a pipeline program that supports students’ interest in public health and provides a pathway to permanent positions. DHSS has partnered with Missouri State University's MPH program to match interested students from across Missouri with DHSS and LPHA internships.

 

Students receive a stipend of $20 per hour up to $6,400 for completing an internship of up to 320 hours depending on academic program requirements and agency projects. Students and recent graduates in nursing, environmental health, undergraduate or graduate public health programs, and other disciplines interested in pursuing a public health career are encouraged to apply by the following deadlines:

  • Fall 2026 Semester: May 16, 2026

  • Spring 2027 Semester: October 17, 2026

  • Summer 2027 Semester: March 14, 2027

 

Agencies interested in hosting a student should also apply.

 

Interns are randomly selected and matched to DHSS or LPHA hosts. Hybrid models are acceptable, but fully remote internships are not supported. Selection announcements will be made on the following schedule:

  • Fall 2026 Semester: May 19, 2026

  • Spring 2027 Semester: October 20, 2026

  • Summer 2027 Semester: March 17, 2027

Direct questions to Rebecca Damron at MSU.

Pathways Internships
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This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

© 2024 by Ozarks Public Health Institute in partnership with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

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