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(563) Frequent Health Topics
Avian Influenza or “Bird Flu” is a very contagious virus that normally makes birds sick. Recently, the virus has started to make cows sick. People who work with these livestock are at a higher risk of getting sick.
Bed bugs are insects that feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep.
Protect yourself. Most condoms are highly effective in preventing STDs. Public Health has free condoms available. Call 563-927-7551 or stop by during regular office hours. Additional resources are available at My IA Condoms and the CDC.
Flood water can be dangerous and increase the risk of infectious diseases and injuries. Visit hhs.iowa.gov/flooding for flood-related disease precautions and information.
Foodborne illness affects millions each year. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue or fever. After eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages, symptoms may start within hours or may begin days later. Most foodborne illnesses last from one to 10 days. Severity may vary depending on how contaminated the food was as well as the individuals’ age and underlying health. If you are feeling unwell and suspect food poisoning, contact 844-IowaSic or Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. Children are most often affected. The insects usually spread through direct transfer from the hair of one person to another. Contrary to popular belief, having head lice is not a sign of poor personal hygiene or an unclean living environment. Learn more about head lice from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC.
On-time vaccination is essential because it helps provide immunity before individuals are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Immunization Clinics are generally held the first Tuesday of each month. Delaware County Public Health provides immunizations to children who meet Vaccines for Children (VFC) eligibility from birth through 18 years old. Additionally, we provide adult immunizations including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and influenza.
Appointments are required; call 563-927-7551. Immunizations provided are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
CDC: Adult Immunization Schedule
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Immunization
Appointments are required; call 563-927-7551. Immunizations provided are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
CDC: Adult Immunization Schedule
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Immunization
Influenza or the ‘flu’ is a contagious disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue or a runny or stuffy nose. The flu can cause high fever and pneumonia and make existing medical conditions worse. All people 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. By getting the annual flu vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself and others.
CDC: Influenza (Flu)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Immunization – Influenza (Flu)
CDC: Influenza (Flu)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Immunization – Influenza (Flu)
Lead poisoning is preventable and continues to be a health concern for young children. Elevated levels can harm a child’s central nervous system and are linked with reduced IQ, behavioral problems and learning disabilities.
CDC: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
East Central Intergovernmental Association: Lead Paint and Healthy Homes Program (financial assistance)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever with cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (infection of the eye) followed by a rash three to five days later. It is transmitted airborne by droplet spread, direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person, and less commonly by articles freshly soiled with nose and throat secretions. If you suspect measles, contact your healthcare provider or Public Health immediately at 563-927-7551.
CDC: Measles (Rubeola)
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Measles
Mold can cause varying degrees of health effects from a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing to more severe reactions. Mold will grow where there is moisture.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases.
CDC: Mosquitoes
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Mosquito-borne Disease
CDC: Mosquitoes
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Mosquito-borne Disease
Symptoms of Mpox (monkeypox) can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms and a rash located on or near the genitals but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.
CDC: Mpox
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Mpox
CDC: Mpox
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Mpox
Public Health can provide advice to the public regarding Environmental Health nuisances including vectors (insects/organisms), rodents, and the controls needed to lessen exposure. A public health nuisance is any activity or failure to act that adversely affects the public’s health.
Opioids are a certain class of drugs that are used to reduce pain. Unfortunately, there are an increasing number of drug overdose deaths from these drugs.
CDC: Opioid Basics
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Opioid Overdose Information
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Opioid Treatment Program
CDC: Opioid Basics
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Opioid Overdose Information
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Opioid Treatment Program
Getting bit or scratched by a rabid animal can cause rabies in people and pets. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause serious disease if left untreated.
CDC: Rabies
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
CDC: Rabies
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) [also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STD)] can be serious if left untreated. Some outcomes can include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, or death. Use condoms the right way every time you have sex. Public Health has free condoms available. Call 563-927-7551 or stop by during regular office hours.
Hillcrest Family Services is a resource for Delaware County residents to promote health and wellness. They offer professional health services ranging from HIV testing; Women, Infant, and Children (WIC); tobacco prevention; and adolescent pregnancy prevention. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: STI Program
Ticks can transmit disease.
CDC: Ticks
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Tick-borne Disease
CDC: Ticks
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: Tick-borne Disease
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Delaware County Public Health provides immunizations to children who meet Vaccines for Children (VFC) eligibility from birth through 18 years old. Contact Public Health to learn more at 563-927-7551.
Vaping is the term often used to describe electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are small battery-operated devices that heat a liquid solution, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled. Some devices add flavoring, making vaping more attractive especially to adolescents. It is very important to note that no matter the delivery method, nicotine is addictive and dangerous.
CDC: Electronic Cigarettes
Iowa Department and Health and Human Services: Vaping – Electronic Smoking Device Information