Katie Reuter with Henry County Public Health provided updates on key public health issues at this weeks County Supervisors meeting, including monitoring the measles outbreak across the country. The county’s MMR vaccination rates remain high at 95% for two-year-olds and 97.8% for adolescents, helping prevent local outbreaks.
Influenza cases are declining, though one long-term care facility has reported an outbreak. Officials are also monitoring a non-infectious latent tuberculosis case.
Legislative concerns include a proposed Iowa Senate bill (SF 360) that would criminalize administering mRNA vaccines, which public health officials strongly oppose.
Funding cuts are affecting programs such as Early Childhood Iowa’s fluoride varnish initiative and senior meal services. Health officials are exploring potential solutions, including partnerships with local institutions. Rising obesity rates (now 40%) and increased food insecurity in the county remain major concerns.
A virtual town hall on public health district realignment is scheduled for March 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.