Adair County Public Health

05/19/2026

Salmonella Outbreak: 5 children age 2 and under sick, 2 hospitalized, in 4 states. All had contact with pet veiled chameleons.

Reptiles can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Take steps to keep yourself and your pet healthy.
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/chameleons-05-26/index.html

05/19/2026

St. John's is open to serve as a storm shelter this evening, Monday, May 18, 2026. There is a tornado shelter room on the lower level, on the south wall.
As always, all are welcome.

05/18/2026

This EMS Week, we celebrate the incredible dedication, compassion, and quick response of our EMS team. 🚑💚

Thank you for being there in life’s most critical moments and for serving our communities with skill, courage, and heart every single day. Your commitment does not go unnoticed — we are grateful for all that you do!

05/17/2026

05/13/2026

Hantaviruses are primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, saliva, or
nesting materials. When fresh rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are disturbed, virus particles can
become airborne. People may become infected by breathing in contaminated air. Infection can also occur if
contaminated materials come into contact with a cut in the skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth. One type of
hantavirus, Andes virus, has been associated with limited person-to-person transmission. Andes virus is found
in South America, and the rodents that carry Andes virus are not found in the United States. Symptoms of
Andes virus infection typically appear 4 to 42 days after exposure, and individuals are generally considered
infectious only while symptomatic.
Rodent control is the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection. Wild rodents should be excluded
from homes and controlled around human living areas. People should avoid contact with rodent urine,
droppings, saliva, and nesting materials. If evidence of mice or rats is present in or around a home, cleanup
should be done safely and in accordance with public health guidance.

05/11/2026

It's and here are this week's mobile food distributions. You can see our mobile pantry schedule several months in advance anytime at https://foodbankiowa.org/find-food/mobile-pantry-program/

05/08/2026

Are you spending more time in the outdoors? Adult are most active from April-September. Make sure you check your body & clothes for ticks after outdoor exposure. 🕷️

✅ CDC--Removing a Tick: http://go.iowa.gov/AnYs
✅ Iowa HHS--Tick-borne & Mosquito-borne Disease: https://go.iowa.gov/3shF

05/08/2026

Did you know May is Month?

Sun ☀️ exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging, eye damage, & skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Before you head outside, make sure you check out these tips!

More info: https://go.iowa.gov/X7CC

05/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Join us at your local library for family-friendly activities that support creativity, connection, and well-being. From Children’s Story Time to Junk Journal Crafts, all events are free, and supplies are provided.

See dates and locations below!

05/04/2026

Ticks are already active this spring in wooded areas, tall grasses, shrubs, and even in gardens and backyards—anywhere they can easily latch onto people or animals.

To help reduce your risk:
-Avoid tall grass, dense brush, and leaf litter.
-Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
-Apply an EPA-approved repellent, preferably one containing DEET or picaridin.
-Carefully inspect your body, clothing, and pets. If you find a tick, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.

05/04/2026

🚨 FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Possible Salmonella Contamination 🚨

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Recall Alert for a variety of meat and poultry products made with FDA regulated dairy ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
These products should NOT be eaten, sold, or served.

🔎 Check the list of affected products: https://usda.pulse.ly/jbksxqwkbn

🔎 View the list of affected labels: https://usda.pulse.ly/imhacdmuxa

If you have any of these items in your fridge or freezer, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

❗ Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps - usually appearing 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food. Older adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of severe illness.