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Welcome to the new Siouxland District Health Department (SDHD) website. Click on the links to the left to find out more about our services or search our site using the A-Z index.
Woodbury County Fair August 4th - 8th
Come visit the SDHD booth at the Woodbury County Fair August 4th - 8th. We will be located in the varied industries building at the fair grounds in Moville. We look forward to seeing you there.
IDPH Warns: Do Not Keep Skunks as Pets!
Northwest Iowa family’s experience serves as warning
A northwest Iowa family’s experience is evidence not all cute creatures are cuddly. The family found a baby skunk and decided to bring it into their home to raise as a pet. When the skunk became ill several weeks later, a vet was called. The skunk was tested and found to have rabies. The consequences of trying to keep this skunk as a pet has been a painful reminder that wild animals should stay in the wild.
“This is a classic example of a good-hearted person trying to help a wild creature,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Unfortunately, even the cutest of wild animals can carry a variety of diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals. In Iowa, skunks are the reservoir for the rabies virus and all Iowa skunks should be considered potentially rabid. ”
In the case of the northwest Iowa woman, the skunk was likely infected with rabies before it was brought into the home. Since the skunk was rabid:
1) All five family members are receiving the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin;
2) approximately 20 other family members and friends who came in contact with the skunk are being assessed for exposure to rabies and at least 6 others are receiving rabies shots;
3) and the unvaccinated family dog will have to be put into quarantine for six months, or euthanized.
There are ways to prevent rabies:
· Avoid contact with all wild animals, especially skunks and bats.
· Vaccination of pets against rabies is the best way to reduce human exposure.
· Do not keep any wild animals as pets, especially skunks and bats.
· Animals that have had contact with any animal acting strangely or that might have rabies should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.
Heat stress safety critical for outdoor workers in the summer months
As the temperature and humidity rises, people who work outdoors should be aware of the risks of heat stress and how it affects their health and safety. This is especially important for those workers who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. There are five types of heat stress:
1. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature; the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Symptoms include hot, dry skin (no sweating), hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness, slurred speech.
2. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Symptoms include heavy sweating, extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, clammy, moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature, fast and shallow breathing.
3. Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization. Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting.
4. Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Symptoms include muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
5. Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Symptoms include heat rash that looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:
* Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
* Gradually build up to heavy work.
* Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
* Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity, and take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
* Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
* Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.
* Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
* Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
Wet conditions prompt West Nile concerns
Recent rains have caused increased amounts of stagnant and pooling water, raising concerns about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, including West Nile virus. Surveillance has been ongoing for several weeks; current mosquito levels are similar to last year's peak levels. There are more nuisance mosquito species than
disease carrying species, but both populations are active.
It is important that people take measures to prevent mosquito bites by:
1. Wearing mosquito repellant. Always read and carefully follow label instructions.
2. Wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when possible.
3. Paying special attention to peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn.
4. Checking and replacing torn screens.
5. Removing standing water around the home.
Flooding in Northwest Iowa
Due to the severe storms in NW Iowa, many communities are experiencing significant flooding. Besides the damage to property, flooding also creates many health related dangers. The Iowa Department of Public Health has information about how to deal with these issues.
Information on how to deal with flooding can be accessed at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/EmergencyResponse/Flooding.aspx
If you need assistance with your child care business, please contact Child Care Resource and Referral at 800-859-2025. Since some child care providers may not have access to phone or email, please share this information with anyone you know who might be affected by the flooding.
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