The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus disease in Iowa in 2017. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, Poison Control Center and Office of Drug Control Policy issued an advisory today to warn Iowans of a new synthetic opioid drug threat recently discovered in Iowa.

Falls are a significant concern for Iowans, especially for the state’s aging population. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for those over the age of 65, with the highest rate in those over the age of 84.

On May 12, 2017, Governor Branstad signed legislation expanding the Medical Cannabidiol Act, first enacted July 1, 2014. Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) filed emergency rules implementing a portion of the new law which provides that a person may recommend, possess, use, dispense, deliver, transport or administer cannabidiol if the recommendation, possession, use, dispensing, delivery, transport and administering of such is in accordance with the law.

Thursday, June 15, 2017, Governor Reynolds will sign a proclamation declaring June 18 through 24 as Drowning Prevention Week. Over the last 10 years, an average of 37 Iowans has died each year from accidental drowning. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans that water safety is for everyone, not just children.