DES MOINES, IOWA – The Iowa Department Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the first case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection reported in 2023 in an older adult (61-80 years) from Plymouth county. The case was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab.

Warm summer weather means Iowans are spending more time outside which increases the risk of mosquito bites. Bites from infected mosquitos are the primary method in which humans are infected with the virus.

For the best protection against the virus, Iowans should use an insect repellant with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. Insect repellent lowers the risk of mosquito bites.

• Always read and follow label directions. Consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products on children.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus and Para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than 3 years, and DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

Additional steps Iowans can take to protect themselves include:

• If possible, avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outdoors.
• Clear standing water from around your home where mosquitos reproduce.
• Look for standing water in buckets, cans, pool covers, used tires, pet water dishes, and other areas water may collect.

Iowans infected with WNV may not experience any signs or symptoms of the virus. Some people experience minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop serious symptoms such as a high fever, headache, disorientation and muscle weakness.

People who experience mild signs and symptoms of a WNV infection generally recover on their own. But illness that includes a severe headache, disorientation or sudden weakness require immediate medical attention.

In 2022, nine Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus, with zero deaths.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/west-nile-virus.

(Adair, Iowa) – An accident involving a semi tractor-trailer hauling cattle near Adair, Thursday, resulted in the death of four cows. Adair Police Chief Brad Wendt told KJAN News the accident happened at around 11-a.m., at the Exit 76 ramp to westbound Interstate 80. The driver of the semi told Adair Police Officer Sawyer Ocheltree that while he was exiting the interstate, his brakes locked-up, causing him to lose control of the trailer.

The vehicle ended-up going off the roadway. The trailer overturned. The semi’s tractor/cab partially overturned. The unidentified driver of the semi was not hurt. Chief Wendt said it took about four-hours to round up the rest of the herd, which had escaped from the trailer. (Bystander video provided by Chief Wendt)

June 16, 2023 (DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board, today (Friday), approved awards for three companies, which will assist in the creation of 89 jobs and result in $26 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Red Oak, Waterloo and Dallas County. The board also approved grants through the Entrepreneurial Investment Award program.

Specializing in motion and control technologies, Parker-Hannifin Corporation in Red Oak, provides precision-engineered solutions for mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company plans to make investments in manufacturing machinery and equipment that will support the need to expand production at their Red Oak location. The project represents a capital investment of $2.5 million and was awarded tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. It is expected to create 65 jobs, of which 35 are incented at a qualifying wage of $22.60 per hour.

Osmundson Manufacturing to expand facility in Dallas County: Osmundson Manufacturing Co., a fifth-generation family-owned company, designs agricultural disc, coulter and seeding blades for original equipment manufacturers and distributors worldwide. The company plans to expand its Perry facility by approximately 20,000 square feet to increase manufacturing capacity and employee amenities. The board awarded this $19 million capital investment project tax benefits through the HQJ program. It is expected to create 17 jobs, of which two are incented at a qualifying wage of $28.70 per hour.

Dignity Apparel to purchase building in Waterloo: Dignity Apparel LLC manufactures garments with domestically sourced fabrics for Image Pointe, its wholly owned subsidiary that offers design and distribution services. Through real estate holding company JP Management Corporation, the project plans to acquire a 77,000 square-foot building in Waterloo, including remodeling space and purchasing equipment and software to accommodate growth. The project represents a capital investment of $4.5 million dollars and is expected to create seven jobs at a qualifying wage of $21.01 per hour. The board awarded tax benefits through the HQJ program.

Grants awarded to two initiatives supporting entrepreneurs…

The Entrepreneurial Investment Award (EIA) program provides financial assistance to service providers that offer technical and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and startup companies seeking to create, locate or expand a business in Iowa. The award is in the form of a grant through a competitive application process.

Landus Innovation Connector supports the growth of innovative agricultural technologies through mentorship and direct connections to the marketplace for entrepreneurs and scale-up companies. Companies will receive access to ag resources and services, including market strategy assistance, industry information, a collaborative space to share farming solutions, and a direct connection to the marketplace. The Landus Connector was awarded a $120,000 grant from the EIA program to be used for key personnel, promotion of technology to farmers, and venture events.

Pi515’s Girls’ Entrepreneurship Incubator is an initiative focused on empowering and supporting aspiring young women entrepreneurs through mentorship, workshops, networking, market exposure and resources. The incubator aims to create an environment that helps young women launch and grow businesses. Pi515 was awarded a $200,000 grant from the EIA program to facilitate community outreach, engage and involve young women, develop curriculum, and recruit key personnel.

Award recommendations for these funds are made by the EIA Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval. Download a spreadsheet with today’s awards here.