Myrtue Public Health

04/30/2026

Spring has sprung and rains have brought much needed moisture to our area. But, too much rain and floods can be damaging.

Floods, big or small, can have devastating effects on your home and your family. You can take steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding.

https://www.cdc.gov/floods/about/index.html

04/29/2026

Mushroom Poisoning Prevention

🍄Before letting children and pets go outdoors, check nearby areas for mushrooms and remove them if found.
🍄Teach children all wild mushrooms may be poisonous. Correctly identifying edible wild mushrooms can be difficult, even with the aid of field guides.
🍄Unless you have been trained to do so, people are recommended to avoid picking and eating wild mushrooms.
🍄If someone eats a wild mushroom, call the Iowa Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 to discuss mushroom poisoning treatment.

More information below:

Mushrooms are popping up everywhere this spring — in yards, parks, and along trails.

The problem?
Some wild mushrooms can be highly toxic, even in small amounts.

✔️ Don’t let kids or pets eat mushrooms found outdoors
✔️ Never assume a mushroom is safe
✔️ When in doubt, don’t touch or taste

Want to know what to watch for this season?
👉 Read more: https://www.iowapoison.org/prevention/common-types-of-poisoning/mushrooms

04/29/2026

Increase in Shigellosis Cases as Warm Weather Begins

Iowa HHS is seeing an uptick in Shigella activity as we transition into warmer months. A total of 47 cases of shigellosis have been reported in Iowa this year - a 37% increase from the 5-year average.

Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the bacteria, Shigella. People infected with Shigella may experience diarrhea, fever, stomach pain and bloody stools. Others may not have any symptoms. Shigella has a very low infectious dose and can spread easily via the fecal-oral route, especially within households or high-risk settings such as food service, childcare, or health care.

The best tools to prevent the spread of Shigella are hand hygiene and staying home while sick. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and running warm water for no less than 20 seconds after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before eating or preparing food. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not available.
Infected people should stay away from school, childcare, or work while they have diarrhea.

Reported cases of shigellosis are investigated by local public health partners to provide recommendations to reduce further spread and identify potential sources of transmission. Iowa HHS reviews the data collected across the state, looks for common sources of transmission among the cases, and monitors case trends.

For more information, visit hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information and scroll down to Shigella.

04/28/2026

Join Myrtue's Learning for Life Fishing for Fun!🎣🐟
📆Monday, May 18th
🕔Event starts at 5:00.
Sign up at https://shorturl.at/sa7nj.

04/28/2026

Who doesn't love being outdoors when the weather is nice?! One way to enjoy the outdoors is to pack a picnic! Follow these 5 Tips for a Heart-Healthy Picnic to make it even better!! 🧺🍎🥕🥪

04/28/2026

National Measles Update

As of April 23, 1,792 confirmed measles cases were reported by 37 jurisdictions in the United States in 2026. Of these, 93% were outbreak-associated, and 92% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Over 75% of U.S. cases have been reported from four states: South Carolina (668), Utah (425), Texas (180),
and Florida (134).

No cases of measles have been reported among Iowa residents in 2026. Iowa identified 9 cases of measles in 2025. Prior to 2025, Iowa identified 2 cases of measles in 2019.

The best prevention for measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles is characterized by a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (the three “C”s), followed by a maculopapular rash that spreads from the head to the trunk to the lower extremities. Consider measles in patients presenting with febrile rash illness and clinically compatible symptoms, especially if they recently
traveled to an area impacted by an outbreak or were exposed to a person with febrile rash illness.

Patients who plan to travel to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks prior to departure. Even if travel is less than two weeks away, patients should still receive a dose of MMR.

Contact Myrtue Public Health at 712.755.4308 for vaccine information and vaccination history and visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information.

04/27/2026

Myrtue's Public Health and Thriving Families Alliance's Community Baby Shower was held Saturday to celebrate expecting parents and parents of infants 6 months of age and younger.

Games, prizes, giveaways, and brunch with 'Momosas' were enjoyed by moms, dads, and support people.

Thank you to our Community Partners for their informative presentations and handmade gifts:
Learning for Life
Dr. Kelly Anderson OB/GYN
Jennifer Bruck, ARNP
Cara Cacy, Certified Lactation Consultant and Car Seat Inspector
Michele Monson, Myrtue Birthing Center
WIC, Molina Healthcare, Harlan Library, Firefly, Headstart, Hearts and Hands Sewing Club, and Harlan High School HOSA.

04/27/2026

Thriving Families Alliance hosted the Harlan Home Visitor Celebration last Friday.
Amy Hoffmann was honored for Myrtue's Learning for Life program.
Crafts, home activities, books and treats were shared with those that attended.

04/27/2026

Myrtue Medical Center Lung Cancer Screening

❓WHAT IS A LUNG CANCER SCREENING❓
A low-dose computed tomography (CT)scan is the only recommended screening test used to find lung cancer. While laying down on a table and being slid into the CT machine, you will be asked to hold your breath for short intervals while images are being taken. The CT scan takes around ten minutes to perform.

❓WHY LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS❓
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the USA. An estimated 2,600 new lung cancers will be diagnosed among Iowa residents in 2026. Screenings are used to detect lung cancer early.

You can find more information from the American Lung Association at savedbythescan.org or by calling the Lung Helpline at 1.800.586.4872.

☎️Call Myrtue scheduling at 712.755.4516 for an appointment with your healthcare provider to talk about a lung cancer screening.

See below for more information:

04/27/2026

There are so many reasons to quit to***co. 🚭
Especially when you realize it’s the leading preventable cause of death for Iowans.

Quitline Iowa offers free, non-judgmental support. Sign up now: quitlineiowa.org

04/26/2026

Sleep is essential for your child's health — it’s kind of like recharging your body’s battery!

😴Getting the right amount of sleep helps your child:

⛹️‍♀️Feel energized for sports and play
🍌Make healthier food choices
🤢Fight off sickness and get well sooner if you do get sick
🎒Focus better in school
📉Stay at a healthy weight and lower the chance of getting diabetes
😊Feel happier and handle emotions better

But studies show that about a third of 6- to 12-year-olds and more than half of teens do not get the sleep they need. Given the health benefits of sleep and the risks of not getting enough sleep, it’s important to take kids’ sleep seriously.

For more information on sleep hygiene for kids and teens, wind-down planner, and fit kit sleep tracker, see below:

Why is sleep so important? Sleep is essential for your health — it’s kind of like recharging your body’s battery! Getting the right amount of sleep helps you:Feel energized for sports and playMake healthier food choicesFight off sickness and get well sooner if you do get sickFocus better in sc...

04/25/2026

There are a lot of spring and summer events being planned in Iowa! Some of them will be in our own community. Are you planning to attend some of them?

When crowds are expected, it's always a good idea to be alert for signs of suspicious activity. If you suspicious, report it to law enforcement or contact 911.

Learn how to spot suspicious activity: go.iowa.gov/4Bhx

Are you planning to attend spring or summer events in Iowa?

When crowds are expected, it's always a good idea to be alert for signs of suspicious activity. If you suspicious, report it to law enforcement or contact 911.

Learn how to spot suspicious activity: go.iowa.gov/4Bhx