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The
Official Newspaper of Manchester and Delaware County, Iowa
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
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Crypto on the increase in Iowa |
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is currently experiencing an increase in numbers of confirmed cases of Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto) being reported across the state, with outbreaks being noted in multiple counties.
Cryptosporidium found in the feces of infected people and animals can contaminate soil, food, water, or surfaces. An individual becomes infected with the Cryptosporidium parasite by accidentally swallowing contaminated food or water, or having contact with other contaminated objects. We know that Crypto may be transmitted through swimming pools and lakes when swimmers swallow contaminated water. Within households and daycare facilities we know that Crypto is easily spread person-to-person. For example, in a household setting a family member with diarrhea who uses the toilet and does not wash his/her hands, can contaminate food or surfaces that will then spread the germ to other family members. Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing Crypto transmission. Wash hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
The symptoms of Crypto include diarrhea, loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and a low-grade fever. For many people, symptoms can be mild. Symptoms generally occur within 2 to 12 days of infection. They last about two weeks, but may go in cycles of getting better, then worse before the illness ends. People may excrete the parasite for up to two weeks after diarrhea has stopped. Persons experiencing significant diarrheal illness should consult their health provider for clinical advice on managing their illness. The infection may be very severe in people with impaired immune systems.
“It is important that we all work together to stop the outbreak from spreading,” states Sandy Butikofer, Delaware County Public Health. Do not swim while having diarrhea and for 2 weeks after symptoms subside. Children should not attend daycare while having diarrhea, and for 24 hours after diarrhea stops. Stay home from work or school if having diarrheal illness, and for 24 hours after it stops.
If diagnosed with Crypto, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using hydrogen peroxide (3%), instead of chlorine bleach, to disinfect contaminated surfaces. Keep the hydrogen peroxide in the brown bottle that it comes in. Exposure to light will cause hydrogen peroxide to lose its effectiveness. A spray pump may be attached to the bottle. If a pump is not available to fit the original bottle, the peroxide should be poured directly onto the surface. The hydrogen peroxide should not be shaken, according to the instructions on the bottle.
For more information on Crypto, visit:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Cryptosporidiosis/default.htm
www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/common/pdf/epifacts/Cryptosporidiosis.pdf
www.regmedctr.org
If you have any questions, please contact Delaware County Public Health at 927-7551. |
Volunteers recognized at Golden Age
by Ken Boesenberg |
When it comes to making sure things are going smoothly at the Golden Age Activity Center, Site Manager Elaine Klostermann relies on her network of some 42 volunteers.
“We have volunteers that help us out here in Manchester as well as in Earlville, Dundee and Delhi,” stated Klostermann.
Klostermann took over as Site Manager for Shirley Haight in late March of 2007.
The Golden Age Activity Center is in its sixth year at its current location. “This is one of the nicest facilities around for seniors to gather for meals and social activities,” commented board member and volunteer, Duane Werger.
“It would be impossible to do what we do without all of the volunteer help that we get,” added Lila Joslyn, another board member and volunteer.
Some of the volunteers come in just one day per week for several hours while others may lend a helping hand several days per week.
The kitchen staff prepares food Monday through Friday with an average daily attendance of between 30 and 40 persons.
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KEN BOESENBERG / Press
Golden Age Activity Center volunteer, Helen Heyer (center) talks with Jean and Steve Crowley following breakfast last Friday morning. Helen volunteers to help out with the breakfasts on Friday mornings. She is just one of the some 42 volunteers that help to make the Golden Age Activity Center a special place for area seniors.
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In addition to the meals that are served at the Manchester location there are an average of 20 meals delivered by volunteer drivers each and every day.
As well, meals served in Earlville, Dundee and Delhi are picked up by volunteer drivers in Manchester and delivered to their respective towns.
The Activity Committee with its volunteer base helps Site Manager Elaine Klostermann with an array of activities each and every week.
There are crafts, bingo and various card parties and tournaments held, all with the assistance of volunteers.
At holiday time they come together to
decorate the facility and put out holiday favors.
Every other month there is an afternoon dance put on by the staff and volunteers. There have been as many as 130 people present for dancing and socializing.
Plans are already underway and volunteers being lined up for the annual Thanksgiving dinner that will be served. Last year some 125 persons took advantage of the Thanksgiving dinner.
“At that dinner alone it took five or six volunteers just to help with the serving,” commented Lila Joslyn.
“We are always looking for more people to donate their time,” said Werger. “There are always plenty of things to do. We are very lucky here in Manchester to have such a facility and the extremely good volunteer base that we have.”
The center will be hosting an appreciation night for all of their volunteers throughout the year on Thursday evening, September 27 at the center.
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RV rally to arrive in Manchester
by Ken Boesenberg |
Last week some 75-80 motor coaches gathered at the Delaware County Fairgrounds as a rallying point for the Pete’s Fleas rally group.
This week that number will go up six fold as more than 400 privately owned motor homes descend upon the Delaware county Fairgrounds.
The Midwest Area Cooperative of the Family Motor Coach Association is having its annual Midwest Area Rally, Shine on Harvest Moon.
Each year the association picks a spot in the midwest to hold their annual rally.
It is a good opportunity for local residents to see what the world of RVing is all about.
Along with all the member coaches attending the rally there will be many new coaches on display along with a number of commercial vendors representing all areas of the RV world.
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The association itself has many activities planned for the members and visitor, with live entertainment in the evenings.
Wednesday night the Barbary Coast Dixiland Band will perform. They were recently inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
Thursday night a pair of comedians will take the stage with Todd Charles and Don Otto.
Friday the Faris Family, a six member Bluegrass band will put on a show for all ages.
On Saturday night the four nights of entertainment concludes with comedian, Paul Lennon who is billed as “The Funniest Guy in His Price Range.” He will be joined by singer and jazz clarinetist, Larry Linkin. |
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