Clark County Health Department’s Lead Public Health Nurse Discusses Summer Safety

Friday, June 19th, 2026 -- 11:00 AM

Summer time brings warm weather and a lot of fun activities for people to enjoy.

But it also brings a number of hazards and even dangers with it too. I spoke with Kelsey Wussow, the Lead Public Health Nurse with the Clark County Health Department, and she discussed some of those hazards in more detail.

Listen to the interview with Kelsey here!

Riley: "What are some of the dangers people can experience with high heat and how do they protect themselves from the heat?

Kelsey: "Yea, that is a great question. So, most people can agree that high heat is uncomfortable, but many people may not realize that it can also be lead to significant health concerns and even death."

"Some health consequences associated with high heat may include dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Often times, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are used interchangeably but they are different."

"Heat exhaustion is a common, serious heat-related illness that occurs when your body overheats and loses excessive water and salt, usually through heavy sweating. It often strikes during strenuous physical activity or prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity."

"Signs and symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, rapid/weak pulse, and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the body overheats and cannot properly cool itself down, causing the body’s core temperature to rise to dangerous levels."

"In this instance, 911 should be called. Signs and symptoms include confusion, throbbing headache, red/hot, and dry skin, body temperature above 103 degrees, and rapid or strong pulse.f this is not immediately addressed, it can result in brain and other organ failure."

"To prevent these heat-related illnesses, there are some simple things you can do or avoid, to ensure you can enjoy the hot temperatures safely:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between the hours of 10am and 2pm
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Seek cool areas, or air conditioning when able"

Riley: "What are some of the dangers people can face regarding ticks and mosquitoes and what can people do to protect themselves?

Kelsey: "Yes, so let’s first talk about ticks. Ticks are very common across Wisconsin and they can spread diseases to people and pets through their bites, more often in the Springtime through early fall."

"The most common tickborne diseases in WI include Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis, with Lyme disease being the most common. How this happens is, they attach to the skin and can pass germs while feeding on the host, whether that be a human or an animal."

"It’s important to always check yourself, your family members, and your pets for ticks, especially after spending time in the woods, tall grass, or brush. If you can avoid these areas, that is best, however if you are spending time in wooded and brushy areas, consider wearing a long sleeve shirt, tucked into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks."

"The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the risk of infection, so quick removal is key. Let’s talk about proper removal. The best and most efficient way to
remove a tick is by using a narrow-bladed tweezers as close as possible to the skin."

"You should pull upwards and out with a firm and steady tension. Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or any other products to remove a tick. Be careful not to squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick, as that may contain infectious fluids."

"And do not twist the tick, since that can cause the mouthparts to break off and stay in the skin. A final note on tick removal, be sure to clean the bite site after removal and wash your hands with soap and water. Be on watch for a rash or fever within 30 days of tick removal, and visit your doctor either of those occur."

"Mosquitoes can also spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and dengue; although it is uncommon to contract these diseases in WI. Their bites transmit these illnesses, and even a brief bite lasting only a few seconds is enough to pass them on."

"Peak mosquito activity in WI runs May through September. To minimize the risk of mosquito bites, use approved insect repellents and eliminate standing water around your property where mosquitos breed."

Riley: "What are some of the dangers people can face in regards to water (via swimming, boating, etc.) and what can people do to protect themselves?

Kelsey: "Great question! It seems simple, but NOT BEING SEEN in or on the water can be very dangerous. What we recommend is to wear bright colors such as neon pink, orange, yellow, and green. Dark colors are difficult to see, especially when you are submerged in a natural body of water."

"Always have a designated “water watcher” or an adult that’s sole focus is to keep an eye on children playing in or around water. Drowning is silent and if the water
watcher is distracted, children can easily drown within a very short period of time."

"Wear a lifejacket if you do not have strong swimming skills while on a boat and while playing in the water. The type of lifejacket you use is important, you should use a coast guard approved jacket that fits your weight or chest size appropriately."

"Depending on what recreational activity you are participating in, you may need to consider wearing a specific type of jacket, recommended for
that activity."

"Lastly, it’s important to take frequent breaks in the summer when boating or swimming, as fatigue can come on quickly for the very young, very old, or those
with underlying health conditions."

Riley: "If people are going to be having summer cookouts, what should they do to keep their food and themselves safe?

Kelsey: "Ahh yes, we sure love a good cookout here in WI on those nice summer days, don’t we? First off, be sure you are storing your food appropriately before cooking. For example, fridge temperatures should ideally be at 37 degrees F or between 33-40 degrees F."

"Raw meat should be stored on the bottom of your fridge to prevent drippings onto other food items which can lead to contamination of those other foods. Prevent cross-contamination by preparing your meats separately from fruits and vegetables; and place cooked meat on clean plates, not on those used for raw meats."

"Be sure to cook foods to the proper temperature and use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature at the middle or thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones, fat, or gristle, as those areas heat differently."

"Routinely clean your grill to ensure old residue is cleaned off. If you plan to keep perishable foods on the table for more than two hours (or one hour in temperatures above 90 degrees F), keep hot foods hot, and cold food cold, to avoid spoilage which can lead to illness."

"So, for example, hot foods should be heated at or above 140 degrees F by using dishes designed to hold and gently heat food, like a metal pan, with
an outer pan of hot water or an alcohol lamp. Cold foods should be chilled at or below 40 degrees F by placing them on bowls of ice or keeping them inside a cooler near the picnic table."

Riley: "Severe storms can cause a multitude of dangers during the summer, what are things people can do to prepare and keep themselves safe?

Kelsey: "The best thing you can do is to be weather aware, meaning, check the weather before making plans. This starts a few days before severe weather hits. At this time, you can take time to ensure you have emergency supplies on hand, identify your safe spaces, and communicate plans to your family members or others in your home."

"Some emergency supplies to stock up on may include non-perishable food and water, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kid, sleeping bags and warm blankets, medications as applicable, and other items as appropriate.

"The day before severe weather hits, ensure your safe space or shelter is clean and accessible and adjust any plans, as needed. The day of the severe weather, it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of any active watches or warnings, and get to your safe space or shelter as soon as a
warning is issued, as you may only have seconds to take action."

"Be sure to have your communication devices charged, in the case that you lose power."

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.