Adair County Public Health

12/26/2025

📢 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in Southwest Iowa Wild Geese 🦆
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that Avian influenza has been found in Canada geese at Green Valley Lake and Lake of Three Fires in southwest Iowa. This is part of ongoing activity seen in wild waterfowl this season.

What you can do to stay safe:
• Avoid touching sick or dead wild birds
• Do not attempt to move or dispose of bird carcasses
• Wash hands after outdoor activities, especially near waterfowl
• Report groups of dead birds to wildlife authorities

🐕 Pet Health Reminder (especially for dogs):
Dogs should be kept away from dead birds and areas where waterfowl gather, such as lakes, ponds, and shorelines. Dogs that sniff, mouth, or retrieve bird carcasses may be at higher risk of exposure.

👉 Read the full DNR press release here:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/news-release/2025-12-18/canada-geese-test-positive-avian-influenza-green-valley-lake-lake-three-fires

12/24/2025

The public health office will be closing at noon today and closed tomorrow. Have a safe and merry Christmas.

🎄 Holiday hours update: Greenfield Primary Care & Walk-In Clinic will be OPEN December 24 from 7:30AM – 12PM.

Please note: Stuart Primary Care Clinic will remain closed for the holidays.

As always, ACHS ER is OPEN 24/7.

12/23/2025

Check out the awkward photo contest on the Adair County Health System page and give a like to the public health staff!

12/23/2025

Cold and flu season is here—even if they weren’t invited. Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are circulating this holiday season. Protect yourself and others by staying home when sick, washing hands often, and staying up to date on vaccines.

12/22/2025

Parents: as you get ready for holiday travel, make sure you and your loved ones are protected against measles before departure, no matter where you are going. The best way protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/plan-for-travel.html

12/20/2025

When enjoying the outdoors, do not approach wild birds that appear sick or dead and bring them home. Sick birds can carry germs, like Salmonella and avian influenza.

Learn more about avian flu from the Iowa DNR: https://www.iowadnr.gov/news-release/2025-12-18/canada-geese-test-positive-avian-influenza-green-valley-lake-lake-three-fires

12/19/2025

Winter brings fun, beauty… and a few extra risks. ❄️

Here are the top winter safety tips to help you avoid common cold-weather injuries.

And remember, whether you need primary care, walk-in care, or emergency care, ACHS is here for you all season long.

12/18/2025

🚫🦢 Keep your distance from sick geese or birds that can be easily approached
🐕🐈 Keep pets away from sick or dead birds and do not allow them to eat carcasses
🧤🚪 Do not handle sick birds or bring them into homes or shared spaces
🦠ℹ️ No U.S. human cases of H5 have been linked to wild birds; cases have occurred from close contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle
☎️🐦 See 20+ dead birds in one area? Contact local wildlife staff
🌐 Wildlife staff contacts: https://www.iowadnr.gov/about/contact/staff-offices
Found a single or a few birds? Follow disposal guidance: https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/resources/avian-influenza-resources

12/18/2025

The Polk County Health Department, in coordination with Iowa Health and Human Services, has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Polk County infant who was too young to be immunized.

The infant recently traveled to an area where measles is spreading. At this time, there are no known public exposure locations associated with this case, and no additional measles cases have been identified in Polk County.

Ensuring you and your family are up-to-date on MMR vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones — including those too young to be vaccinated and others who are at higher risk for serious illness.

For additional information, visit: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/public-health-officials-confirm-measles-case-in-polk-county/

12/17/2025

Holiday stress often grows when we try to manage what isn’t ours to carry.

Let this be your reminder to release what’s outside your control and gently protect what’s within it.

Peace doesn’t come from controlling everything. It comes from choosing where to place your energy.

12/16/2025

Give the . Get vaccinated before the holidays.

12/15/2025

If you’re struggling with heating bills this winter, Iowa’s LIHEAP program can help.
It offers one-time assistance for low-income households and protects against winter shut-offs.

Here’s a link where you can apply for help with heating bills in Iowa through the Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
Apply online for Iowa LIHEAP:

https://liheap-apply.hhs.iowa.gov/s/benefit-assistance-eligibility