June 2008 News
The Black Hawk County Health Department, Environmental Health Program is distributing water test kits to private well owners/users impacted by flooding.
Test Kits can be picked up Monday (June 30th) through Wednesday (July 2nd) at:
Test kits will not be available on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at any of the pick up sites.
If well owners have questions about the testing process, or the procedure for rehabilitating your well, they can call the Health Department at 319-291-2413.
Information packets on cleanup after flooding are available at the following locations:
The information packets include Frequently Asked Questions about child care, flooded septic systems, flooded basements, mold, how to deal with contaminated food, wet carpet, contaminated wells and other miscellaneous flood related topics.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Flood and its aftermath.
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) 6/13/08 press release on Heat Illness during Flood Response
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) on flood related disease precautions and information.
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) 6/23/08 press release on flood cleanup and mosquitos.
During times of flooding people are often reminded to receive a booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine even though flooding is not shown to be a risk for tetanus.
Tetanus infection (lockjaw) can occur with a wound which breaks the surface of the skin; in particular, puncture wounds or deep cuts can result in infection. There are two types of vaccine that are routinely used for a tetanus booster does; tetanus diphtheria (Td) or tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
In order to determine if you need to be vaccinated, it is important to know your vaccination history.
Please answer the following questions:
Depending on your answer to the above questions, you may need to be vaccinated for tetanus. Consult with your local public health department or your healthcare provider.
The CDC has provided frequently asked questions and answers on Tetanus.