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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.
First Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Woodbury County
The first case of human West Nile Virus in 2010 has been reported in Woodbury County. At this time, the case is also the first to be reported in the State of Iowa this year. The person infected is an adult male (18-40 years old). He was not hospitalized and has fully recovered.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms. But some people do exhibit symptoms such as fever, headaches, and sometimes a rash. In very rare cases (less than 1%), serious infections can occur. Those that are seriously infected, especially the elderly, may display symptoms such as a stiff neck, severe muscle weakness, disorientation, and convulsions. Please contact your family physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
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. Remove standing water around your home.
IDPH Offers Egg Safety Tips
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), along with state and federal regulatory partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and several state health departments, is participating in the investigation of Salmonella Enteriditis (SE) illnesses associated with the FDA recall of Wright County Eggs.
To date, no illnesses in Iowa have been directly linked to the egg recall; however, last year in Iowa, SE caused 84 cases of illness and so far in 2010, 86 cases of SE illness have been identified in Iowa. Eggs can be contaminated with SE, but are safe when properly handled. To reduce the risk of SE illness, you should:
- Keep eggs refrigerated at all times.
- Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
- Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
- Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking. Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods promptly.
- Avoid eating raw eggs.
If you believe you may have unknowingly eaten eggs that were included in the FDA recall, you should not be concerned about illness as long as the eggs were cooked thoroughly.
For more information about the FDA egg recall, visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm222501.htm. For information about Salmonella, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/idph_universalhelp/main.aspx?system=IdphEpiManual&context=Salmonella_factsheet.
Mold: How to prevent and cleanup
General information
Mold d can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.Mold will grow in areas where moisture is present. Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty.
Health effects
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people may develop symptoms that are similar to an allergic reaction. If you have an existing health condition such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, it can make those conditions worse.
Testing
Standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set and a mold test or inspection can be quite expensive. If you see mold growth or smell something musty, there is likely mold growing and you will need to fix the problem that is causing the mold growth.
Prevention
Removing the moisture source is the key for getting rid of mold. If you clean up and the moisture is still there, the mold will come back. To prevent mold growth:
- After a water leak or flood
- Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing.
- Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24-48 hours) after a flood or water leak.
- Ventilate the area with a fan or by opening a window.
- In a naturally humid space
- Use a humidistat to monitor the humidity level in your home. Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%.
- Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces, like basements.
- Use a ventilation fan for bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure the clothes dryer is vented outside the house.
Cleanup
If mold is growing in your home, fix the moisture problem and clean up the mold. Mold can be cleaned from hard or nonporous surfaces using detergent and water. Throw away porous materials that have become submerged or saturated.
Additional Resources
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