Marshall County Iowa Public Health Department

09/09/2026

Head lice can happen to anyone—and having lice does not mean your child is dirty or unhealthy. Lice are also not known to spread disease.

Here are a few things every parent should know:

🔎 Know what to look for:
• Itching or feeling like something is moving in the hair
• Small live bugs close to the scalp
• Nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft, especially near the scalp

👧 Check your child's hair regularly.
The best way to find lice is to carefully check the hair and scalp, especially around the ears and the back of the neck. A fine-toothed nit comb can help.

Different lice treatments have different instructions, including when to repeat treatment. Always follow the product directions or talk with your healthcare provider.

Most importantly: Don't panic! Head lice are common, treatable, and not a reflection of your child's cleanliness.

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

Our office is closed in observance of Labor Day. We will be open again tomorrow regular business hours. Have a safe holiday!

09/02/2026

There has been a recent increase in measles cases in Iowa. Now is a great time to check your MMR vaccination status.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is your best protection against measles. A vaccine that has been around for decades and has a strong safety record.

Marshall County Public Health is offering FREE MMR vaccines to anyone regardless of insurance status.

Check your vaccination records, and those of your family, to make sure you’re all up to date. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status or whether you need an MMR vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

If you are not up to date and would like to schedule an appointment, call our office 641-844-2799.

09/01/2026

🚨Learn all you need to keep your home safe from radon💨!
Pre-register 📲 at https://go.iastate.edu/BCXWFH

08/27/2026

Marshall County Public Health is now offering FREE radon test kits to Marshall and Tama County residents. At this time tests are only available to those that own their home.

-Fill out the form below and someone from our office will contact you to schedule a pickup. https://bit.ly/4wPlX7d

-Stop by our office Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

📞 Please call ahead before stopping by. Back to school season is a busy time for our office, and staff may be out of the office when you arrive.

08/22/2026

Lead based paint is often hidden in older homes, especially around windows, doors, trim, and painted surfaces where paint chips, peels, rubs, or wears down. Marshalltown’s Lead Hazard Reduction Grant helps eligible families address those hazards and make their homes safer. The program focuses on reducing children’s exposure to lead, which is especially important for children under age 6 because their bodies and brains are still developing. If your home was built before 1978, taking a few minutes to complete the interest form is an easy first step toward finding out whether your home qualifies for assistance.

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Measles Alert in Iowa

A southern Iowa resident with measles recently traveled to areas in the Des Moines metro area.

Measles spreads very easily from person to person. If you were at one of the places listed below, you may have been exposed.

Possible exposure locations:

Natural Grocer’s, Clive
July 28 | 2:30–5:00 p.m.

Vero Health Center, West Des Moines
July 28 | 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Office Depot, West Des Moines
July 28 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.

Menards, Clive
July 28 | 6:00–8:30 p.m.

Menards, Des Moines
July 28 | 7:00–9:30 p.m.

Wells Hometown Drug, Bloomfield
July 30 | 4:30–7:00 p.m.

JR Feed and Supply, Bloomfield
August 9 | 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Symptoms may include:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
red rash

If you think you were exposed and develop symptoms, call your doctor or emergency room BEFORE going in. Tell them you may have been exposed to measles. This helps protect other patients and staff.

For the latest information, visit Iowa HHS: https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information

Marshall County Public Health is here to help. If you have questions about measles or your vaccination records, please contact us.