Articles Tagged: Public health

The Legionella outbreak that sickened 74 people and led to two deaths in Marshalltown in August and September has been declared over after more than a month without any new cases.

Researchers at Iowa State University are testing a new mobile app that alerts residents when their homes begin to overheat — a tool designed to help prevent heat-related illnesses in vulnerable communities.

The number of Marshalltown residents diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease continues to climb as local and state public health experts reported last week they are working to identify the source of the outbreak.

The beginning of fall means back to school, cooling temps and the start of respiratory illness season. This season is also bringing new vaccination rules.

The number of Legionnaires’ disease cases among Marshalltown residents was up to 34 on Tuesday, as public health officials work to identify the source of the outbreak, State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue told the Marshall County Board of Supervisors.

Iowa State University’s Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program has been running since the 1960s, but only a handful of counties have their own surveillance programs in place to monitor insect populations and test for West Nile virus.

State health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease diagnoses in Marshalltown that have affected 21 people and led to one death.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has reported the first positive case of West Nile virus of the year in an adult in northern Iowa.

Students and staff in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City schools who are exposed to measles and do not have proof of vaccination will be required to stay home 21 days after exposure.

Government data, collected by the Iowa Environmental Council, shows some parts of Iowa are at higher risk of seeing wildfires — and they could see that risk increase in times of drought. What is the risk? And how can Iowans mitigate it?

State officials are warning the public that they may have been exposed to measles at four locations in northwest Iowa last week.

The best defense against measles is the vaccine, according to Iowa public health professionals. Here’s what to know about the vaccine, its effectiveness and options for infants.

An Eastern Iowa resident who tested positive for measles went to several stores, pharmacies, a day care and a golf course last week when they were contagious. Public health officials are asking the public to fill out a form if they may have been exposed.

House File 299 would require schools and child care centers to include information about obtaining vaccine exemptions in any public communication to parents or guardians following recommendations by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Raw milk could be sold in grocery stores and farmers markets under an Iowa House bill advanced Tuesday that drew strong warnings and objections from public health professionals, veterinarians and the Iowa State Dairy Association.