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Iowa facing highest number of whooping cough cases since 2019

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Iowa facing highest number of whooping cough cases since 2019


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – From a runny nose to a persistent, wheezing cough, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can leave anyone feeling miserable.

As of Tuesday morning, Iowa Health and Human Services officials say they confirmed 73 cases in the state this year.

While that number is lower than it was from 2015 to 2019, it’s the highest it’s been since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know from our state and federal partners that, from time to time, pertussis happens cyclically, so this may be the case where we’re seeing an increase in cases.” said Sam Jarvis, Johnson County Public Health’s Community Health Manager.

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Considering whooping cough primarily affects people under age 20, Jarvis expects back-to-school season to have an impact on these numbers.

But because Iowa schools require students to get the pertussis vaccine, it’s adults and infants he’s most worried about.

“The other challenge that we see is access. So, folks don’t have insurance…Obviously, it’s very difficult to get vaccinations.” he said.

He says Johnson County Public Health is hoping to offer an adult vaccine program soon, but until then, it’s important for everyone to protect themselves in other ways – especially if they’re unvaccinated.

“Since this is a respiratory illness, a lot of the same things that we’ve been promoting and you will see us promote going into the fall for Respiratory illness season: Covering our cough, washing our hands and staying home when we’re ill are extremely important. We can’t emphasize that enough.” said Jarvis.

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For those who do contract whooping cough, you can report it by calling Iowa Health and Human Services.



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Arrests made in SD in Iowa courthouse incident

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Arrests made in SD in Iowa courthouse incident


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Two suspects in the incident at the Lyon County, Iowa, courthouse were arrested in Spearfish, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post earlier Saturday.

The sheriff’s office identified two suspects as Brandon Lyle High Pipe, 39, and Luciano Eliseo Sanchez, 18, in a social media post on Thursday. Nationwide warrants were issued for the two suspects.

The sheriff’s office said on Tuesday the courthouse had burglarized overnight. The damage inside includes writing on walls, broken glass, tipped-over Christmas trees and other items tossed around.

The incident caused the courthouse to be closed for at least one day.

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The sheriff’s office said on Saturday morning that more information should be released later.



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Iowa City West sweeps City High in a pair of close contests

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Iowa City West sweeps City High in a pair of close contests


IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Grace Fincham led the West High girls to a second-half comeback in a 60-51 win over City High, giving the Trojans a win on their rival’s home floor.

The Trojans improve to 6-2 with the win. The Little Hawks drop to 6-2.

In the boys’ nightcap, the Little Hawks’ comeback attempt fell short, as the Trojans held on for a 53-51 win.

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Iowa football dissects LeVar Woods succession plan

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Iowa football dissects LeVar Woods succession plan


The loss of LeVar Woods, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ long-time, elite special teams coordinator, cannot be dismissed. The Hawkeyes have consistently been among the nation’s best special teams units, from punting to kicking to owning the return and field position battle.

With LeVar Woods departing Iowa for Big Ten foe, the Michigan State Spartans, the Hawkeyes have a big hole to fill, and head coach Kirk Ferentz spoke to the media this week on what that succession plan may look like.

“Yeah, it’s not a light decision. The trick will be to find the next LeVar Woods. He’s done a fantastic job. He didn’t have the profile necessarily maybe at that point to predict what he was going to do, but he’s done all the work. It’s like a good player; players do the work. LeVar has done a great job immersing himself and learning every aspect and then growing with each and every turn. So I guess I’m describing what we’re looking for, a guy who’s a good coach, who’s eager to take a challenge on, and immerse themselves in that world.

“Special teams is a unique niche, if you will. I’m sure we’ll have good candidates. It’s not pressing right now in my mind. What is pressing is the next two weeks getting ready for the game, and then after that we’ll have eight plus weeks or eight plus months actually to get it right. I don’t plan on waiting until August to fill it, but we’ll figure that out when we get in the new year,” Ferentz said about LeVar Woods.

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The past few seasons, Iowa has been elite on special teams with kicker Drew Stevens being incredibly consistent, the punting game flipping fields, and the run of returners consisting of Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Charlie Jones, Cooper DeJean, and Kaden Wetjen.

The Hawkeyes have won more than their fair share of games relying on this unit, and to continue that success, Ferentz needs to hit on this hire.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7





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