News

One Monona County Resident has tested positive for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to seven.

Information regarding this individual:

• Female age 41-60. Not travel-related, community spread is suspected.

“These cases show just how important it is to follow the guidance given by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC,” Stated Erin Brekke, Director of Burgess Public Health, “We all need to do our part to slow and stop the spread of this disease.”

• Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people that are sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
• Staying home when you or a family member are ill
• Call first if you need to see a healthcare provider
• Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops with an effective cleaner

 

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In late October, Bomgaars held a night of festive fun and shopping for ladies, and earlier this month, the radiology department at Burgess Health Center received a generous donation.

Bomgaars joined with local cancer centers and hospitals to raise awareness of women’s health issues and passed along a 20% discount for the ladies in attendance on October 27, 2019, from 5-8 p.m.  A donation of the evening’s total sales was pledged back into the community to help local agencies.

“We are grateful to have the support from our local Bomgaar’s store and the ladies that came out to enjoy the discounts,” Jenny Coble, Director of Radiology stated. “This community rallies when it’s for a good cause, and in this case, cancer screening and women’s health.”

The donation of $306.11 is earmarked to support mammography services at Burgess Health Center. Breast cancer cannot be prevented; however, Burgess Health Center continues to provide and invest in the latest technologies, education, and support services for early detection.

The Burgess Public Health Department reminds residents that although they are spending more time away from friends and family because of social distancing, state, county and local leaders recognize and appreciate the vital role they serve in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“This unprecedented time is not easy,” said Burgess Public Health Director, Erin Brekke. “We want everyone to know that the actions they are taking –  staying away from groups of people and keeping a 6-foot distance from other individuals – are important and make a difference.” These actions, known as social distancing, help stop the spread of COVID-19.

While physical health is a primary focus now, mental health should also be a priority. “Spending most of your time at home means more television and social media, and that often means an overload of information about COVID-19. People may feel lonely and anxious. This is normal, but there are steps we can take to help these non-physical results of COVID-19,” said Brekke.

• Use the phone, computer or other devices to connect electronically with friends and family.
• Take time to unplug. It’s important to stay informed, but you can do that by checking in with trusted sources a few times a day.
• Eat healthy meals and find ways to be active. Be sure to eat regular, healthy meals and make time to move.
• Find ways to support others. West Central Community Action at (712) 423-2603.
• If you need to talk to someone, visit YourLifeIowa.org, where you can online chat. You can also text YourLifeIowa 24/7 at 855-895-8398 or call 855-581-8111. All services are confidential and free.

Burgess Public Health thanks all the local businesses, schools, essential service workers, health care providers, coalitions, churches and individuals for doing their part during this COVID-19 pandemic.

As a reminder, all residents should:

• Stay home as much as possible, leaving only for essential errands like groceries or medication.
• Stay home completely when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever (100.4 or greater) and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your health care provider before going into the office. The provider may have special instructions for you and will determine if you should be tested. As we see cases rise in Iowa, Monona County must not relax as we know COVID-19 is still a concern in our area.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

To kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Learning for Life Program, through Burgess Health Center, set up pinwheel gardens around the county.  Glistening pinwheels were placed outside the front of the Burgess Health Center, Monona County Courthouse, Soldier Community Center, Fisher Whiting Memorial Library, and at the Whiting and West Monona Elementary Schools. The pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. As you see these pinwheels, we hope you are able to take a moment to recognize how you can help to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting and nurturing the families in our community. Together we can continue to make Monona County a happy, healthy, and thriving county—starting with our children! Please like our Facebook Page, Learning for Life at Burgess Health Center, to learn more about how you can help!

If you or a friend would like to learn how to participate in educational early childhood home visits that will help your child’s growth and development, please contact Sara Keenan or Debie Lahr with Burgess Health Center’s Learning for Life Program, at 712-420-0054.  The Learning for Life Program is a free home visiting program for families with children prenatal through kindergarten entry. The Learning for Life Program is funded by grants from the Harrison, Monona and Shelby Early Childhood Iowa Board and the Harrison, Monona and Shelby Decategorization Board and ICAPP grant funding.

One Monona County Resident has tested positive for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to six.

Information regarding this individual:

• Age 81+ Not travel-related, close contact to a person who tested positive

“These cases show just how important it is to follow the guidance given by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC,” Stated Erin Brekke, Director of Burgess Public Health, “We all need to do our part to slow and stop the spread of this disease.”

• Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people that are sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
• Staying home when you or a family member are ill
• Call first if you need to see a healthcare provider
• Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops with an effective cleaner.

Three Monona County Residents have tested positive for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to five.

Information regarding the three individuals:

– Person 1 – Age 61-80 Not travel-related, close contact to a person who tested positive

– Person 2 – Age 18-40 Not travel-related, close contact to a person who tested positive

– Person 3 – Age 0-17 Not travel-related, close contact to a person who tested positive

“These cases show just how important it is to follow the guidance given by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC for social distancing and isolation when you are sick,” stated Erin Brekke Director of Burgess Public Health. “We all need to do our part to slow and stop the spread of this disease.”

– Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
– Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
– Avoid close contact with people that are sick
– Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
– Staying home when you or a family member are ill
– Call first if you need to see a healthcare provider
-Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces with an effective cleaner.

The Burgess Public Health has reported its second positive COVID-19 case in Monona County.  This case is unrelated to the first COVID-19 reported on March 25.

The patient is elderly, in the greater than 81+ age band that resides within Monona County.

Burgess Public Health Department is reminding residents of the importance of practicing social distancing, which includes staying home as much as possible, avoiding crowds and mass gatherings, and maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from others. Limiting exposure will slow the spread of the virus and prevent a spike in cases that could potentially exceed the capacity of our healthcare system to treat patients that need care.

Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans may not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm that they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
• Other symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath have improved AND
• At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, there are many steps that residents can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:

• Practice social distancing and avoid handshakes
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people that are sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm
• Staying home when you or a family member are ill
• Call first if you need to see a healthcare provider
• Routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops with an effective cleaner.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Monona County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Monona County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Burgess Public Health Director Erin Brekke. These actions include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Burgess Health Center is actively preparing, planning, and executing our emergency plans, collaborating with local and state health public health departments, and staying on top of the latest guidelines set forth by the CDC and the State of Iowa. At this time, we have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep our staff and patients safe. While not at a critical point, cleaning supplies are a precious commodity. Our planning includes appropriate use of PPE and cleaning supplies to ensure we have adequate supply if a large influx of patients occurs.

There currently is no cure for COVID-19; we are only able to treat symptoms. Our medical staff is working diligently to ensure we are following the latest treatment protocols to lessen these symptoms. Respiratory support is one of the most critical components of symptom management.

Our planning includes ensuring we have the proper equipment to care for patients in severe respiratory distress.  In addition, we are training additional staff to operate this equipment as some of our staff may not be able to work if they become infected. Also, the staff currently trained will not be able to function around the clock if this pandemic is of long duration.

Unfortunately, no matter what preparation we do, Burgess and the U.S. healthcare system could become overwhelmed if we do not slow this virus down. Therefore, follow the recommendations we have been hearing:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your cough
• Stay home if you are sick and call your primary care provider
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces daily
• Practice social distancing at all times & stay home as much as possible
• Limit travel to only what is essential

Some things Burgess has implemented to protect our staff and patients, to converse PPE and cleaning supplies, and prepare for a potential influx of patients include:

• Restricted the number of entry points into the hospital
• Closed our wellness centers
• Began screening everyone coming to our facilities including patients, visitors, staff and vendors
• Canceled all elective surgeries
• Limited visitors

Be assured Burgess is doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our staff and our community members. Working together as a community and a nation, we will beat this pandemic if we all sacrifice a little. Let’s take the precautions that are being recommended even if they disrupt our normal routine. The life that is saved could be our own or your loved ones.