Decatur County Public Health

05/29/2026

💙 Vax Facts Friday 💙

We’re excited to start a new weekly series focused on simple, reliable vaccine education and common health questions families may have.

There’s so much information online, and it can be difficult to sort through what’s accurate. Our goal is to share trusted facts, helpful resources, and supportive education in a welcoming, judgment-free space. 😊

We want to start out with some basics: Have you ever wondered exactly how vaccines work to strengthen and protect our bodies? Check out this awesome video to learn more! 🎥💉

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jprnyPWYVsA&t=15s

This week’s reminder: It’s always okay to ask questions and learn more. Open conversations and trusted information help keep our families and communities healthy. 😊

The body has a natural immune system that protects us when we come in contact with foreign organisms, like bacteria and viruses, that we call pathogens. The...

05/19/2026

Even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life.

Learn more about sunburn from The Skin Cancer Foundation: https://ow.ly/oiac50YUlCc

05/19/2026

Health Update: 2026 Hantavirus Outbreak

The CDC has issued an update regarding a recent Andes virus (hantavirus) outbreak linked to international cruise travel. While health officials are closely monitoring the situation, there have been NO confirmed U.S. cases connected to this outbreak at this time, and the overall risk to the public remains VERY LOW.

This infographic provides important information about symptoms, and prevention guidance for healthcare providers and the community.

Please stay informed, practice good rodent exposure prevention, and follow updates from trusted public health sources such as the CDC and WHO.

05/18/2026

The Decatur County Public Health Department has dropped off several Simple Kit Roth ID Tags to the EMA office, and they also have additional kits available at their building for families in need.

These Roth ID Tag kits attach directly to child car seats and contain important emergency information such as:
• Emergency contact information
• Child’s name
• Allergies or medical conditions
• Important notes for first responders

These tags can be extremely helpful during emergencies such as vehicle accidents, abandoned child calls, medical emergencies, or any situation where quick access to information could make a difference.

Not only can these kits assist police officers, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders, but they may also help members of the public who are trying to assist during an emergency.
We would like to help spread the word and encourage families to take advantage of these free safety kits. If you are interested in getting one, stop by the Decatur County IA EMA, Decatur County Public Health Department or the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office for more information.

05/14/2026

This campaign educates Iowans on the cessation support available from Quitline Iowa to overcome to***co and ni****ne use, including smoking, va**ng, smokeless and chew.

05/14/2026

05/08/2026

We are so proud to work with this amazing lady! 💕 Happy Nurses Week Alyssa!

04/23/2026

Happy Home Visitors Week!
We want you to get to know ours better! Tiffany and Amber have hearts of gold and show up every day ready to make a difference!