County Health Services

09/09/2026

Tonight at 5PM join us for a county level cancer update either in person at the Exira Events Center or In Guthrie center at the Courthouse or here online !
https://canceriowa.org/events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUOTLRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWVuelJyS2NGMDBVSWtLTTlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeWQXm2Ad0sIDISdOVBcwnvJPdZUge4kfnFTKAIDDM8l6G5AfhRllzr6MkDoQ_aem_HqB-TLFRdjDS4CXgmrvfOg

While much of the work is completed online, the Iowa Cancer Consortium hosts a variety of annual networking and educational events throughout the state.

09/08/2026

Learn about measles, mumps and rubella. We are talking about prevention looks like, what treatment is available and how it impacts our communities.

09/08/2026

Join us live this Evening to learn about Measles, Mumps and Rubella in the community with Dr. Steven Bascom! And then stay tuned for more providers over the next few weeks as we talk about vaccine preventable diseases!

09/03/2026

Come learn more about cancer in Guthrie and Audubon County! Join us in person in Exira at the Events Center or in Guthrie at the Courthouse or virtually on Wednesday September 9! https://canceriowa.org/events/

08/19/2026

⚠️ MEASLES UPDATE FOR GUTHRIE & AUDUBON COUNTIES ⚠️

Iowa health officials are responding to a measles outbreak in southern Iowa. As of August 16, 2026, 12 cases had been confirmed, with evidence of person-to-person spread.

https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2026-08-17/iowa-health-officials-confirm-measles-cases-southern-iowa-release-locations-potential-measles

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person has left.

Watch for these symptoms:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward

If you develop symptoms or believe you were exposed, call your healthcare provider or local public health department BEFORE arriving at a clinic, hospital or public health office. Calling ahead helps protect other patients and staff.

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Check your family’s vaccination records and contact Guthrie or Audubon County Public Health if you have questions or need help determining whether you are protected.

Please share this information and continue watching our page for local updates. For more information our office can be reached at 641-747-3972

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Cases in Southern Iowa, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

08/01/2026

Batman joined us in the Panorama Days Parade and then followed us to the T-Bone days Parade to kick off our Health Fair Season and the start of our community health needs assessment!

07/20/2026

If you are in Guthrie or Exira for ragbrai or any reason come check out our fundraiser for first responders and our imagination library program! We have pickles, water, pickle shots, stickers and t-shirts all Free will donation!

07/19/2026

Looking for a photo opportunity during ragbrai? Come on over to the health department in Guthrie Center and grab a picture with our giant brain!

07/18/2026

Every year we see cases of Cyclosporiasis in Iowa and here in Audubon and Guthrie county. On average the state will see between 100-200 cases in a year. This year we have seen 57 cases in the state reported as of July with a majority reported in just the last several months.

Nationally we are seeing an multistate outbreak that has been tied to iceberg lettuce this has local health departments like ours on the alert for local cases. We are actively monitoring cases on a daily basis and working with our local providers, partners and IHHS to make sure our communities are kept safe!

The risk for Audubon and Guthrie County remains low but we should all be vigilant about what causes cyclosporasis, the signs and symptoms and when to seek medical care.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water—often fresh produce.

Symptoms may include:

💧 Frequent, watery diarrhea
😣 Stomach cramps, bloating or gas
🤢 Nausea and loss of appetite
⚖️ Weight loss
😴 Fatigue

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure and may go away and return. If you have watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, contact your healthcare provider. Special stool testing may be needed. Treatment typically involves a prescription antibiotic, and staying hydrated is important.

Help reduce your risk by washing your hands, rinsing fresh produce under running water, refrigerating cut produce and following food recalls. Washing produce helps, but may not remove the parasite completely.

To report a suspected foodborne illness (food poisoning) you can call the state's dedicated IowaSic hotline at 1-844-469-2742 (1-844-IOWASIC)

Learn more from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis

Current outbreak information:

https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks

07/18/2026

Hey there are you gonna be coming our way during ragbrai? Stop in at our health departments for some free cool things, tshirts and support child literacy and first responders!