Jones County Iowa Public Health

08/17/2026

🚨 MEASLES OUTBREAK IN IOWA — BACK-TO-SCHOOL ALERT 🚨

Iowa is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with cases being reported in southern Iowa.

The timing is especially concerning as Iowa schools begin the new school year this week and next. Students will soon be back together in classrooms, buses, practices, activities, and other group settings — creating more opportunities for measles to spread if it is introduced into a community.

📊 Here in Jones County, approximately 80% of our young children — roughly preschool through kindergarten age — are up to date on their recommended MMR vaccination.

That means about 1 in 5 children in this age group may not be fully protected against measles.

Measles is extremely contagious and can spread quickly among people who are not protected. With cases now occurring in Iowa and children heading back to school, now is the time to check your family's vaccination status.

💉 CHECK. VACCINATE. PROTECT.

If your child is due or overdue for an MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) vaccine, we strongly encourage you to get them caught up as soon as possible.

Not sure if your child is up to date? Contact your healthcare provider or Jones County Public Health. We can help review vaccination records, answer questions about MMR, and help families access vaccination.

Don't wait for measles to reach Jones County. Check your family's vaccination status today.

Please share to help us spread the word — not the measles.

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2026

🐱 Public Health Alert: Rabid Kitten Confirmed in Jones County

A stray kitten found in Jones County has tested positive for rabies.

While rabies in domestic animals is uncommon, this serves as an important reminder to use caution around stray animals.

If you have recently found or taken in a stray kitten or cat:
• Avoid handling the animal unnecessarily, especially if it appears sick or is acting strangely.
• Do not attempt to capture or care for wildlife or stray animals without proper precautions.
• If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
• If your pet has been exposed to a stray animal or is showing unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian right away.

Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. Early medical treatment after an exposure is highly effective at preventing illness.

Because another person may have found a kitten from the same litter, anyone who recently took in a stray kitten in Jones County should closely monitor the animal for signs of illness and contact a veterinarian with any concerns.

If you believe you have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, please contact Jones County Public Health or your healthcare provider for guidance.

Please help keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with unfamiliar stray animals and ensuring your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

07/20/2026

Air Quality Update – Improvement, But Caution Still Advised
Air quality has improved since earlier today, with the current Air Quality Index (AQI) at 180. While this is a positive trend, air quality remains in the Unhealthy range.
Everyone may experience health effects, and sensitive groups—including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions—should continue to limit time outdoors.
To protect yourself: • Limit prolonged outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise. • Keep windows and doors closed if possible. • Run your air conditioner or an air purifier if available. • If you must be outside for an extended period, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 respirator.
We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as air quality changes. Stay informed and take precautions until the smoke clears.

07/19/2026

If you have to be outside. A mask can help reduce exposure to harmful smoke.

07/07/2026

Our partners at Jones County Environmental Services would like to share a recent update concerning food/hotel licensing in Jones County.



To apply/renew a food/hotel license please visit Linn County Public Health or use the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and licensing website.



https://iowa.safefoodinspection.com/



More updates to come concerning the new food application/renewal system SAFHER.

06/02/2026

05/08/2026

Anamosa Library & Learning Center

01/05/2026