The Lexington Times

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Health Department Honors Public Health Nurses During National Nurses Week

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.'s Zeta Phi Chapter honored the public health nurses of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department with a proclamation event during National Nurses Week on May 12, celebrating their commitment to community wellness and health equity.

UK physician honored for leadership in fighting infectious diseases

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Dr. Nicholas J. Van Sickels, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at the University of Kentucky, was honored at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department's May 11 Board of Health meeting. He received the 2026 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award for his leadership in responding to measles and monkeypox outbreaks.

UK physician honored as Lexington Public Health Hero for infectious disease work

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Dr. Nicholas J. Van Sickels of the University of Kentucky received the 2026 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award for his leadership during measles and monkeypox outbreaks and for creating nationally recognized infectious disease protocols.

Rabid bat confirmed in Lexington's Seven Parks area

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department confirmed a rabid bat in the Seven Parks/Elizabeth Street area and is urging residents to ensure pet vaccinations are current and to avoid contact with wildlife.

Lexington Health Department seeks nominations for 2026 Public Health Hero Award

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is accepting nominations through Feb. 28 for the 2026 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award, which recognizes individuals dedicated to improving public health in the community.

Health Department alerts residents to potential measles exposure

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has alerted residents to a potential measles exposure at the Hyatt Place Hamburg and Hamburg Panera following a visit by an unvaccinated traveler from out of state in early January.

Lexington Health Dept. Launches PATH Mini-Grant Program

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has launched the PATH mini-grant program, offering organizations up to $5,000 to support community health projects in priority areas. Applications are open through January.

Fayette County Reports 37 Pertussis Cases Since October

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed 37 pertussis cases since October 2025, with the majority involving school-age children, 35 of whom were vaccinated. Health officials urge vaccination and booster updates while advising caregivers to monitor for symptoms.

Lexington health chief honored with UK's prestigious Hume Medallion

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Dr. Steve Davis, Medical Director of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, was awarded the University of Kentucky College of Public Health's prestigious Hume Medallion, the college's highest honor, for his leadership in creating Kentucky HANDS, a statewide maternal and child health program.

Lexington health official named 2025 APRN of the Year

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Trenna Vandergrift of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department was named the 2025 APRN of the Year by the Kentucky Department of Public Health, recognized for her 16 years of clinical expertise, mentorship and patient advocacy.

Fourth West Nile case confirmed in Fayette County as state warns of mosquito surge

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department confirmed its fourth West Nile Virus case as Kentucky grapples with a historic surge of mosquito-borne illnesses this season. The statewide numbers far exceed historical averages, prompting a health alert and intensified mosquito control efforts.

Health Department Offers Free Flu Shots at Four Lexington Locations

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is hosting free flu shot clinics on October 1, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at four locations across Lexington. Registration is recommended and required for those wanting high-dose vaccines.

Lexington reports 3 West Nile cases, launches mosquito spraying

· Lexington Health Department AI Generated Edited

Lexington health officials identified three West Nile Virus cases in late summer and early fall, prompting mosquito spraying campaigns across multiple city zip codes and contributing to a statewide outbreak.