Stay Safe & Healthy
At Jackson County Regional Health Center, safety is our top priority – and that begins with preventing infection. Our Infection Prevention team is dedicated to creating a safe, clean, and healing environment for all patients, visitors, and staff. Through evidence-based practices, staff education, and constant monitoring, we work tirelessly to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and promote overall public health. Whether you’re receiving care or supporting a loved one, we’re committed to protecting your well-being every step of the way.
Measles
Protect Yourself & Your Family
Cases of measles in the United States continue to rise. As of July 1, 2025, a total of 1,267 confirmed measles cases have been reported in 38 states.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus.
- It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
- Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
- The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
- It is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles will also become infected if not vaccinated.
- The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of measles infection and severe complications.
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and/or watery eyes
- Rash (breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin)
Symptoms often appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus.
- Pneumonia
- Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
- Possibly even death
- Keep them away from family members who are not sick.
- Everyone in the house should stay home to not get your neighbors or people outside of your home sick.
- Call a doctor or hospital right away to let them know someone in your home may be sick with measles. They will give you instructions.
When to go to the emergency room
If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse, or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the Emergency Department of a hospital immediately. DO NOT WAIT!
- Trouble breathing
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Dehydration
- Fever or headache
- Confusion, decreased alertness
- Severe weakness
- Blue color around the mouth, low energy, or difficulty feeding (young children)
Let the hospital know a person who may be sick with measles is coming. They will need to be isolated as soon as possible to prevent the spread of illness.
Contact the Jackson County Regional Health Center Emergency Department at (563) 652-4060.
Additional resources
Visit the websites below for additional information on preventing the spread of infection.
Respiratory Season
Masking Guidelines
The following guidelines are in effect during the respiratory season from January 1 through March 31 for all Jackson County Regional Health Center inpatient and outpatient departments.
- A health-grade surgical/procedural mask is recommended in patient care areas for colleagues providing care to patients during the respiratory season.
- Masking guidance does not take the place of isolation precautions. All precautions are to be followed according to hospital policy.
- All visitors entering healthcare settings are strongly encouraged to wear masks during the respiratory season, effective January 1 through March 31.
- Masks are available at the entrances for visitors.
- Masks provided to people with symptoms of respiratory infection (e.g., cough) or who have recently had close contact with someone with influenza or COVID-19.
- Those over 2 years of age are advised to wear a mask while in the facility unless there are medical contraindications.
During periods of higher levels of community respiratory virus transmission, our facility may require everyone to mask upon entry to the facility to ensure better adherence to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette for those who might be infectious.
- If Respiratory virus activity is reported as “High” or “Very high” for 7 days (as reported in Respiratory Virus Surveillance from Iowa HHS and IDPH Weekly Influenza), it is strongly recommend that patient facing staff wear masks while providing care to patients.
- The respiratory virus surveillance report can also be found as a link within the document – Epi Update on Med Hub. Please see the Iowa and Illinois links below:
The manager of the department may determine decisions on age restrictions for visitors in high-risk units. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all points of entry.
Additional Sources
Visit the CDC websites below for additional information on preventing the spread of infection.
When to go to the Emergency Room
If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse, or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the Emergency Department of a hospital immediately. DO NOT WAIT!