September 17, 2026
Des Moines County Cancer Presentation and Discussion - September 30, 2026 3:00-4:00 at Burlington Public Library
Presenter information:
Mary Charlton, PhD
Professor, University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology
Director, Iowa Cancer Registry
About the Project: Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer in the U.S. The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project is a public health initiative aimed at enhancing cancer education and community engagement across all of Iowa's 99 counties. Representatives from the 99 Counties Project will share the latest cancer data related to Des Moines County and provide residents with an opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions.
Cancer in Des Moines County:
In looking at the cancer rates for Des Moines County, we noted the top 5 cancers are:
#1 Prostate cancer. Age-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (138.9 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state rate (133.4 per 100,000), but statistically higher than national rate (119.9 per 100,000).
#2 Female breast cancer. Age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (118.8 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (139.2 per 100,000) and national (133.0 per 100,000) rates.
# 3 Lung cancer. Age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (70.6 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (59.6 per 100,000) rate, but statistically similar to the national rate (51.8 per 100,000).
#4 Colorectal cancer. Age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (50.4 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (40.3 per 100,000) and national rate (36.9 per 100,000).
#5 Uterine (Endometrial). Age-adjusted uterine cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (41.3 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state rate (30.8 per 100,000) but statistically higher than the national rate (28.2 per 100,000).
August 26, 2026
Des Moines County Public Health, in conjunction with the Marion County Public Health Department, is offering free radon test kits. The kits are available to anyone in Des Moines County who owns a home. Mobile Homes are also encouraged to test, especially if your home has skirting. Test Kits can be picked up at our office at 505 Curran St., Burlington, Iowa. For more information, call our office at 319-753-8290
August 18, 2026
Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local public health agencies are responding to an outbreak of measles in southern Iowa.
August 6, 2026
Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) reports the first West Nile virus (WNV) infection identified in 2026. The individual is an adult (18-40 years) from eastern Iowa and the infection was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Laboratory.
July 16, 2026
This recall involves the copper cup found in the Flashgitz-branded Space King No Girls Allowed Relic Lunch Boxes. The Relic Box is a retro style lunch box containing a limited-edition bundle of collectibles for fans of the web cartoon Space King.
July 8, 2026
Des Moines, IA - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) has confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult resident of central Iowa. Measles infection was acquired during international travel. This is the first measles case that has been identified in Iowa in 2026.
June 30, 2026
Being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health and well-being. Whether you're taking a short walk, going for a bike ride, enjoying a run, or spending time outdoors with family and friends, our community trails provide safe, accessible spaces to help you stay active. This trail map was developed to encourage healthy living by making it easier to find and enjoy local trails. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, increase energy, and enhance overall quality of life. Every step counts, and our trails offer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to incorporate movement into their daily routines.
June 17, 2026
CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Darice "Timeless Minis" Miniature Red Wagons, Chairs and Watering Cans Immediately Due to Risk of Injury from Lead Poisoning; Violate Federal Ban for Lead in Paint
February 26, 2026
This is a notification of a product recall due to lead.
December 12, 2025
TBC Distribution Corporate of Brooklyn, NY is recalling Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder 40g, best before date 15.09.2027 because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms.
November 19, 2025
All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve "anywhere pack" sticks. ByHeart infant formula products makes up approximately 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States and this outbreak does not create shortage concerns of infant formula for parents and caregivers.
September 12, 2025
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases among individuals living in north central Marshalltown. Since the beginning of the investigation, 21 individuals have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease and an older adult with underlying health conditions has died. Iowa HHS shares our condolences to the family and friends of this individual.
July 15, 2025
(Des Moines) - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Eastern Iowa and is notifying the public of potential exposure locations. The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of seven confirmed measles cases in 2025. As of July 8th, 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States. Of these, 1,185 (92%) were unvaccinated, and 103 (8%) had received at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
June 12, 2025
Iowa Health Officials Confirm Third Measles Case in the State (Des Moines) - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting the state's third measles case of 2025 and is notifying the public due to potential exposure in public areas. The investigation has determined this measles case is not related to the first two cases in Iowa.
May 29, 2025
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in central Iowa in an unvaccinated adult. The case tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory and is the first confirmed case of measles in Iowa this year, and the first case in Iowa since 2019.
December 23, 2024
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa.
August 22, 2024
Today, Governor Kim Reynolds unveiled a new, first-of-its kind-in-the-nation, website called Iowa Child Care Connect (childcareconnect.iowa.gov) to help Iowans more easily find child care availability near their homes, where they attend school or near parents and caretakers work places.
November 8, 2023
As reported in a safety alert issued by FDA on October 28, 2023, the FDA, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) are investigating reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity. The NCDHHS investigation identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches as a potential shared source of exposure. As part of their investigation, NCDHHS analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, detecting extremely high concentrations of lead.
June 16, 2023
Campylobacteriosis (often called campy) is a diarrheal disease caused by infection with the bacterium Campylobacter. It is the most common cause of diarrheal disease in the United States. 2.5 million cases are estimated to occur annually. Most often the illness is fairly mild and requires little to no treatment other than hydration and rest. However, Guillain-Barre syndrome and reactive arthritis are two long-term complications that have been linked to campylobacteriosis. Campylobacteriosis is reportable to the Iowa Department of Public Health by Iowa Administrative Code 641 chapter 1.
April 14, 2023
Des Moines, IA - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces today that some Medicaid members' personal information was compromised in a national data breach affecting a contractor's computer system last year. The Iowa Medicaid system was not breached.
November 16, 2022
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces two initiatives focused on healthy habits, nutrition and addressing food insecurity for Iowa families.
October 27, 2022
To help address the issue of opioid misuse, the Iowa Department of Health of Human Services (HHS) is expanding their initiative to provide naloxone (the opioid overdose reversal medication) to Iowa organizations, businesses and schools, which may be in a position to render aid to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose.
September 7, 2022
HHS Announces First West Nile Case of 2022
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the launch of 988.
August 12, 2022
Public health officials are tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don't normally report monkeypox including the United States.
July 8, 2022
Beach closed due to a possible connection to a confirmed case of a rare brain infection.
July 1, 2022
The risk to the general public is considered low.
May 12, 2022
The Iowa Departments of Public Health and Human Services provide an update on infant formula as they work to provide information and resources to Iowans who are impacted by the shortage.