Emergency Preparedness & Response
Iowa County Health Department is the official agency of the County responsible for the promotion of wellness, prevention of disease and provision of a healthful environment. This is accomplished through activities involving assessment of the community, policy development and evaluation of programs.
Staff Members
Kathy Key, Secretary
Kari Bennett, RN, BSN
Ann Thompson, Interim Health Officer, RN, BSN
Environmental Health Consultant:
Troy Moris
Committee on Health Members:
Greg Parman
Phillip Mrozinski
Linda Pittz
John Meyers
Sue Steudel
Steve Deal
Tom Howard
Medical Advisor:
Dr. Paul Biere
Advisory Member:
Yvonne Eide, Division of Public Health
Iowa County Health Department Annual Report
Iowa County Health Needs Assessment
Health Care Providers & Programs
Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in a waste basket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Don't smoke.
It is always a good idea to practice good health habits.
• Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.
• Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.
Vaccinations are one key to healthy families
The Iowa County Health Department is concerned about the outbreak of Pertussis (Whooping Cough), a highly contagious lung infection that is sweeping through the state. Iowa County has had a few diagnosed cases this year. Statewide there have been 1,894 positive cases this year. In 2011, statewide at this time, there were only 158 positive cases of Pertussis. A large number of cases have been in Dane County.
Pertussis can be fatal. Between 2004 and 2009 there were 121 deaths from Pertussis; 110 of those deaths were babies younger than three months, as reported by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
Pertussis is treatable with antibiotics, but as in the case of other communicable diseases, prevention is a better course. That starts with making sure vaccinations are up-to-date for all children. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 82 percent of Wisconsin children aged 19 to 35 months were immunized in 2010, compared to 74 percent in Minnesota and 75 percent nationwide. In Iowa County this number is lower, only 66%.
Anyone over 11 years of age can and should receive the Pertussis booster vaccination. Anyone who has contact with a newborn or young children needs to get this vaccination now if they have not had it.
The Health Department urges parents with questions about vaccinations or who want to schedule an appointment for a vaccine to call the Iowa County Health Department at 608-930-9870 or their medical provider.
Your children’s health and that of the community is at stake.
Emergency Planning Guide For Daycare Centers
State Health Boards & Directors
Center for Disease Control
WI Department of Health Services
WI Influenza Information
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
303 W. Chapel St.
Dodgeville, WI 53533
608 930-9870