Decatur County Public Health

06/19/2026

💉 Vax Facts Friday

There's a lot of information about vaccines online—and not all of it is accurate. Each Friday, we'll share evidence-based facts to help answer common questions and provide trusted information about vaccines and the diseases they help prevent.

Today's Vax Fact:

06/09/2026

🚨 HEAT ADVISORY 🚨

‼️‼️cancelled‼️‼️ 7pm

A Heat Advisory has been issued for portions of central and western Iowa, including our area.

📅 Issued: June 8 at 2:11 PM CDT
⏰ In effect: Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM CDT
🌡️ Heat index values up to 105° are expected.

Hot temperatures combined with high humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Please take precautions if you will be outside or working in the heat.

✅ Drink plenty of water
✅ Limit outdoor activity during peak heat
✅ Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning
✅ Check on elderly neighbors, vulnerable family members, and pets
✅ Never leave children or pets inside vehicles

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe.

Decatur County Emergency Management
Decatur County Sheriff’s Office

06/05/2026

💉 Vax Facts Friday 💉

Did you know vaccines have been protecting communities for more than 200 years?

From the first smallpox vaccine in 1796 to today's advanced vaccines that help prevent serious diseases, immunization has played a vital role in saving millions of lives around the world.

📚 Check out our infographic, "A Brief but Spectacular History of Vaccines," to explore key milestones in vaccine history and learn how scientific discoveries have helped improve public health for generations.

Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

🔍 Take a look, share what you learn, and join us each week for more content!

Source:
Voices for Vaccines – A Brief but Spectacular History of Vaccines

06/01/2026

☀️🧴 Hey sunshine lovers—let’s talk sun safety! 🧴☀️
We’re thrilled to share that Decatur County is taking part in Iowa’s Sun-Safety Initiative to help keep our community protected from harmful UV rays all summer long!

Did you know that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States? While many skin cancers can be treated successfully, melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—can be life-threatening. The good news is that many cases can be prevented by practicing sun safety and avoiding indoor tanning beds.

A big thank you to our partners and sponsors for making this possible:
✨ Iowa Cancer Consortium
✨ Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
✨ University of Iowa Health Care Melanoma Program

To help protect our community, FREE SPF 50 sunscreen is now available at the:
🏊 Leon Swimming Pool
🏊 Lamoni Swimming Pool

And that's not all! Decatur County Public Health will be distributing FREE sunscreen at community events throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for us at local events and be sure to grab some sunscreen for you and your family!

☀️ Sun Safety Tips:
✅ Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
✅ Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
✅ Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
✅ Seek shade during peak sun hours
✅ Avoid indoor tanning beds

Remember: Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin tone or whether they tend to tan or burn.

Let's make this a safe and sun-smart summer in Decatur County! 🌞💙

Learn more about skin cancer prevention and sun safety here:
https://canceriowa.org/sunblock-uncovered-essentials-for-optimal-protection/

06/01/2026

🌿🕷️ **Tick Season Is Here—Protect Yourself!** 🕷️🌿

Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, but it's important to take steps to prevent tick bites and the diseases they can carry.

Our latest infographic highlights simple ways to reduce your risk, including:
✅ Using EPA-registered tick repellents
✅ Wearing protective clothing
✅ Performing daily tick checks
✅ Protecting pets and outdoor gear
✅ Staying on cleared trails

A few minutes of prevention can help keep you and your family safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Take a look at the infographic below and share it with friends and family to help spread awareness!

*Information adapted from Mayo Clinic tick bite prevention recommendations.*

🌲☀️🐕

06/01/2026

According to the 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report, more than 21,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year in Iowa.

Read the full report from the Iowa Cancer Registry:https://shri.public-health.uiowa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Cancer-in-Iowa.pdf

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.