Fort Dodge, Iowa – A seasonal surge in viral illnesses is impacting the Fort Dodge community, prompting local health officials and school nurses to urge caution and preventative measures. The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, along with other healthcare providers in the area, is reporting an increase in cases of rhinovirus, influenza, COVID-19, and norovirus, mirroring trends observed statewide.
Ann Feser, medical director of the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, described the situation as a “seasonal type thing,” noting the variety of illnesses currently circulating. “We have been seeing a lot of illness around the community,” Feser said.
The rise in sickness has likewise affected the Fort Dodge Community School District, with enough students absent to warrant a message from school nurses to parents. The message advised keeping children home if they exhibit symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, chills, or fatigue. Students should remain symptom-free for 24 hours without the utilize of fever-reducing medication before returning to school, according to the district’s guidance.
Dr. Dustin Smith, medical director for UnityPoint Clinic Express – Fort Dodge and associate medical director of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, confirmed the trend, stating they are seeing illnesses consistent with current Iowa trends, including “moderate to high levels of RSV, influenza and COVID.”
The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge offers medical, dental, and behavioral health services at locations in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Dayton, Eagle Grove, Clarion, and Spencer, Iowa. The center serves all residents regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, or age. The center also provides a discounted/sliding fee schedule based on family size and income, and offers services in multiple languages with bilingual Spanish-speaking staff. A new Cepheid machine at the center allows for simultaneous testing for COVID-19, RSV, Influenza A, and Influenza B, providing results in under 40 minutes.
The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge can be reached at 515-576-6500 (Fort Dodge), 641-450-0601 (Mason City), 515-547-2974 (Dayton), 515-293-8111 (Eagle Grove), 515-532-3343 (Clarion), and 712-232-4300 (Spencer).