West Nile Virus Detected in Hillsboro Mosquito Population

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) is reporting the first detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito population in Jefferson County this year. Specimens collected in unincorporated Hillsboro on August 22 were tested today, September 2, 2025, and confirmed positive for the virus.

JCHD Vector Division will begin implementing control measures in the affected areas of concern on the evening of September 2. JCHD’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the county for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.

The health department encourages residents throughout the county to be diligent in protecting themselves and their loved ones when they are outdoors. Protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be as simple as:

  • Use insect repellents that contain 20% - 50% DEET or Picaridin

  • Wearing light-colored clothes

  • Covering exposed skin

In addition to personal protection, residents can protect their homes and property by removing standing water sources such as waste tires, cans, buckets, flowerpot sills, or other containers holding water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in. 

 

For more information about the JCHD Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program, please visit the health department at www.jeffcohealth.org.

Jefferson County Health Department Announces Changes to Dental Services

Jefferson County, MO- The Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) will adjust its dental services to better meet the community's needs and ensure long-term program sustainability.

Effective June 27, 2025, the Senior Smiles to Go dental van will no longer provide services. However, it will be open for cleanings, fillings, extractions, emergency appointments, and denture adjustments for existing patients through Thursday, June 26.

This decision comes as JCHD reassesses how to best utilize limited resources in light of ongoing challenges with staffing and scheduling. Operating both pediatric and adult mobile dental programs has proven unsustainable. Expanded dental care access is now available through Compass Health and other providers throughout the county, helping to fill the gap in adult services.

 “This is the best way to keep meeting community needs while using our resources wisely,” said Steve Sikes, Executive Director of JCHD. “By focusing on what we do best and working with other providers, we can ensure everyone gets the care they need without overlapping services.”

The updated focus will allow JCHD to build stronger partnerships with school districts, extend services to new educational settings, and support preventive oral healthcare for children throughout Jefferson County.

Current or past Senior Smiles to Go program patients can request their dental records at jeffcohealth.org/dental. Inquiries from current, past, or future patients will be referred to the following providers:

  • Compass Health Network: 844-853-8937

  • A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health: 866-626-2878

  • Affinia Healthcare: 314-814-8700

  • Elks Mobile Dental Program: 573-690-6003

  • STL Emergency Dental: 314-200-3880

JCHD remains committed to promoting and supporting access to quality dental care for all Jefferson County residents. For more information, visit jeffcohealth.org or call 636-797-3737.

Smart Snacking

Snacks can provide a much-needed energy boost between meals. When life gets busy, it’s easy to reach for something easy to take on the go, like chips or cookies.  However, you can maximize your snack break by choosing fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, or protein. These groups can give you the energy you need to finish the day and keep hunger in check for longer. Check out the tips below for ideas on how to start smart snacking! 

  1. Keep healthy snacks on hand: Having snacks like fruits, veggies, yogurt, nuts, or cheese sticks on hand can make it easier to reach for them when you’re hungry. Try to fix these snacks up at the beginning of the week or when you have time. Take the time to wash and cut fruit and veggies or pre-portion yogurt or nuts; that way, they will be ready to grab when you need them! 

  2. Practice mindful eating: Eat your snack at a table or somewhere free from distractions like TV or phone. These distractions can lead to overeating even when you aren’t hungry. Avoid eating a snack out of boredom, as this can also lead to mindless eating. 

  3. Check out the nutrition labels on pre-packaged snacks: Pre-packaged snacks can be very convenient when you are busy. Take some time to look for snacks with low added sugars and high levels of protein or fiber. These types of snacks will curb your hunger for longer and give you more energy in the long run than something with lots of added sugar. Ensure you also check the serving size, as some prepacked snacks contain a serving size of 2 or 3 instead of 1.  

  4. Make sweets the exception rather than the rule: Having a sweet treat or a bag of chips is fine as long as it isn’t the snack you reach for every day. 

  5. Keep snacks entertaining: Try different combinations of foods and mix up your daily snacks so you don’t get bored. You could also take this time to try a food you’ve never had before! 

Want to try out some smart snack ideas but don’t know where to start? Check out these sites for ideas!