Latest news with #TylerBrock
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Local health officials stress importance of protecting against measles
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Sioux City health officials are asking the community to take precautions against measles as cases continue to rise in the country. While there are real concerns of vaccine fatigue and hesitancy, health officials from the Siouxland District Health Department and UnityPoint Health – Sioux City are urging the community to take action to protect oneself and the community. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing the same air as someone who is infected, the two organizations said in a Wednesday joint release. The virus can stay active in the air or on surface for up to two hours. 'Because measles spreads so easily, vaccination is the best line of defense,' said Tyler Brock, deputy director at Siouxland District Health. 'A full series of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective. For young children especially, staying up to date on routine vaccines through well-child visits is essential.' Flood victims receive help from Sioux City Career Academy students As of Tuesday, Texas has more than 600 known cases of measles as the outbreak in the western part of the state approaches the three-month mark. The CDC reports 96% of cases so far have been in people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The majority of those sickened have also been children. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota. John Jones, MD, the chief medical officer at UnityPoint Health – Sioux City, said that measles is preventable by making you and loved ones are vaccinated. 'Vaccines remain one of the most important tools we have to prevent serious illness,' said Jones. 'We understand that people may feel overwhelmed or hesitant, but our goal is to be a supportive partner to our patients and their families. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and provides lifelong protection for most people.' Anyone with questions about their immunization status should contact their primary care provider. For more information on measles, . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about measles and how to stay safe
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — 164 cases of measles have been reported in nine states across the U.S. as of Feb. 28, and local health experts want to inform Siouxlanders about the infectious virus. While Siouxland District Health Department officials say there's been no reported cases of measles in the area, it's best that people know what to look out for. Measles is a highly contagious virus that manifests in several ways. Iowa Donor Network emphasizes importance of organ and tissue donations 'The early symptoms are usually a high fever, cough, runny nose, eye, you know, pinkeye, but then it usually progresses into a rash that starts in the face and kind of progresses down into the hands and feet,' said Tyler Brock with the Siouxland District Health Department. According to the CDC, last year, 285 cases of measles were reported across 33 states. Officials say the virus can easily spread. 'So this is spread through droplets – you know, the stuff that comes out of our mouths when we talk, when we sneeze, when we cough, that kind of thing,' Brock said. 'It can actually hang in the air for a couple of hours. If I walk into a room two hours after somebody with measles was there coughing, I could still catch that infection. It's one of the things that makes it so infectious.' The airborne disease can cause severe complications and even death, so it's important to call professionals if you believe you have measles. 'You're going to want to be in touch with your medical provider as soon as you possibly can,' Brock said. 'We would want people to isolate at home during their infectious period. Usually someone's infectious… until four days after the rash starts.' Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award Brock wants to emphasize to people that the best way to avoid outbreaks of preventable diseases is to follow vaccination schedules. 'Usually it's recommended to have two MMR shots,' he said. 'You start getting those shots after 12 months old, so the babies can't get them yet until they're at least a year old.' Across the Siouxland states, Iowa hasn't reported any cases of measles since 2019, Nebraska since 2017, and South Dakota since 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health official shares food safety tips for Super Bowl parties
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — On Sunday, most people will be hosting their own Super Bowl parties, and the last thing anyone wants is to get sick. When it comes to the big game, many parties have a potluck, which can sometimes spread illnesses. Tyler Brock with the Siouxland District Health Department has some tips on what you should do when preparing for guests. Siouxland sports bars and restaurants preparing for the big game 'First and foremost, if you are sick, don't prepare food for other people' Brock said. 'You know, it's amazing how many infections we can prevent by just not preparing for people when we don't feel well.' Brock also wants people to make sure food is cooked to the right temperatures and that they know where food should be stored to prevent any illnesses. 'Foods that need to be cold, they stay cold. Foods that need to be warm, they stay warm,' he said. 'So really watching our temperatures, that's going to be probably our best bet.' Brock also wants to encourage those that are feeling under the weather to simply stay home and get plenty of rest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
