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PERTUSSIS RISES IN WOODBURY COUNTY
Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in Woodbury County rose significantly in 2011. 34 individuals were diagnosed with the illness last year compared to only 2 cases in 2010.
Pertussis is a serious respiratory infection that is known for causing uncontrollable coughing spells that can make it difficult to breathe. The infection can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. Several of the cases in 2011 were infants although no fatalities were reported. Many of the cases did report receiving medical attention multiple times before the diagnosis was discovered.
This is disease is more common than a lot of us think. Many people have been vaccinated at some point in their lives and being vaccinated is the best way to prevent pertussis. However, vaccine protection fades with time and most adults are susceptible. In fact, adults are often the one that spreads the disease to susceptible children. Vaccine is now available for older children and adults and boosters are recommended for people of all ages in order to prevent infections.
Not all coughing is pertussis. Pertussis infection is usually characterized by a coughing spasms (10+ coughs without taking a breath) and vomiting due to the cough. The cough is usually worse at night. Cases don't usually have a fever and generally feel fine when they aren't coughing. Cough medicines are minimally effective.
People with a cough like this are encouraged to see their doctor and ask to be evaluated for pertussis. Early treatment of pertussis can prevent more severe symptoms from occurring. Treatment later in the course of the disease is effective at preventing the further spread to others, but may not eliminate the coughing.
Click here for pertussis fact sheet.
Please contact Tyler Brock at Siouxland District Health Department at 234-3908 for more information.
January is Radon Action Month - Has Your Home Been Tested?
Do you know if your home has elevated levels of radon? Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Iowa has the highest percentage of homes with elevated radon levels in the nation.
Radon is a breakdown product of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. Radon gas seeps into a house from the soil around and under the home; through cracks in the foundation, floor or walls; through hollow-block walls; and through openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps. Radon has been detected in new homes and in old homes, and in homes with or without basements.
Test kits are simple to use and inexpensive. Siouxland District Health Department is offering radon test kits for $5 each to walk-ins. Kits can also be purchased in most hardware stores or by calling the Iowa Radon Hotline at 800-383–5992.
Information about reducing radon hazards in your home as well as a listing of licensed measurement and mitigation specialists can be found at www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/radon.asp
Help Sioux City Go Blue 
Of the 900 communities in Iowa, ten will be chosen to receive direct support from the Blue Zones Project Team in their quest to become Blue Zones Communities. With your help, Sioux City could be one of them. Organizers are looking for places with lots of community support and they are going to measure that enthusiasm by the number of residents that pledge to participate if their hometown is chosen to become a Blue Zones Community.
Show your support and vote for your hometown by signing up below. Want to help your community even more? Ask your friends to pledge too and together we’ll make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.
VOTE to Show Your Support
To find out more about the BlueZone Community Project and to vote for your local community please click the following web link: http://www.bluezonesproject.com/
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