The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) has confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus disease in Iowa in 2016.

As back-to-school time creeps closer, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds parents that oral health is important for a child’s overall health and school readiness. While a bright smile is an attractive feature, research shows dental health has an impact far deeper than outward appearance. Tooth decay impacts a child’s ability to learn, speak, eat and sleep.

Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Gerd Clabaugh today announced Dr. Dennis Klein has accepted the position of Iowa State Medical Examiner. Dr. Klein has served as interim State Medical Examiner since Dr. Julia Goodin resigned in January to pursue a career opportunity with the Tennessee Department of Public Health. “Dr. Klein has been involved with many death investigations, forensic autopsies and expert testimonies since joining the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner (IOSME) in 2000,” said Clabaugh. “This in-depth knowledge and experience will provide for a seamless transition into this new position.”

The Iowa Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) annual HIV Surveillance Report for 2015 finds there were 124 new HIV diagnoses last year, an increase of 27 percent from the 98 cases reported in 2014. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that six Iowa communities have been awarded fluoride certificates by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association (ADA). Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to an optimal level for preventing tooth decay.