Iowa
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.
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.
For those who do contract whooping cough, you can report it by calling Iowa Health and Human Services.
Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.
One of the top Iowa high school football prospects in the state has made his college decision official.
Iowa City Regina High School senior-to-be Tate Wallace has announced he has verbally committed to the University of Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference. Wallace picked the Golden Gophers and head coach PJ Fleck over a finalists Notre Dame, Nebraska, Arizona, Arizona State and Wisconsin.
Wallace narrowed down his list of schools to six at the end of April before making his final decision.
Iowa City Regina Football Standout Tate Wallace Ranked As No. 2 Overall Prospect In Iowa High School Football
The 6-foot-2, 226-pound linebacker is considered the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Iowa for high school football, and is the No. 21 linebacker in the Class of 2027, according to 247Sports.
In the 247Sports Composite rankings, Wallace is No. 2 in Iowa high school football, No. 29 at linebacker and No. 359 for the Class of 2027.
Along With Minnesota, Tate Wallace Currently Holds Offers From Schools Such As Arizona, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Iowa State
Wallace currently holds 16 total offers including from the previously mentioned Minnesota, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Arizona, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Iowa State, Kansas State, Purdue, Tennessee, West Virginia, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, UNLV, North Dakota and North Dakota State.
As a junior, Wallace registered almost 50 tackles on defense, with 29 of them being counted as solo stops. He had 18 tackles for loss, 8.5 quarterback sacks and forced two fumbles, as Iowa City Regina advanced to the state championship game of the Iowa High School Athletic Association State Football Championships.
Future Minnesota Golden Gopher Has Been Key Two-Way Starter For Regals
Wallace also hauled in 40 passes for 611 yards with 10 receiving touchdowns on offense for the Regals. As a two-way player for Iowa City Regina during his sophomore season, Wallace had 27.5 tackles, including 16 solo stops, four tackles for loss and a quarterback sack, adding 51 receptions for 752 yards and eight touchdowns.
Back in March, Wallace announced seven spring visits to Notre Dame, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Kansas State and Arizona State. He also visited Tennessee this past fall, taking in an SEC contest with the Volunteers.
Along with his success on the football field, Wallace helped lead the Regals to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Basketball Tournament this past winter. He earned High School on SI all-state honors in the process.
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IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) — Volunteers broke ground Saturday for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build, honoring a retired University of Iowa nursing professor.
Liz Swanson, a retired nursing professor, was chosen as this year’s honoree for her decades of impact. The Women Build program focuses on including women in every step of home construction.
While the home is built in Swanson’s honor, it will go to a fellow nurse and mother of three. The family applied through the affordable housing program.
Swanson said she’s proud to be part of a project that directly connects to her nursing legacy.
“It’s very special to have the unique opportunity to help the nurse who is working nights,” Swanson said.
Swanson said stable housing gives families the security to plan for the future.
“It means security for families. We talked briefly to the children and they said, ‘we’re gonna have our own bedroom,’” Swanson said.
Volunteers are set to begin work on the home in August. Those interested in volunteering can find more information here.
Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.
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