First Cyclospora Diarrhea Parasite Case Reported in Johnson County: Iowa City Daily News Links, July 16

Heat, heat and more heat.

On to the Links!

Johnson County was feeling left out by the cyclospora outbreak, and hurrah we finally have a case of it as well.  Lucky us. (Daily Iowan)

The City of Iowa City is considering proposals to turn the city's trash into...well not gold...but at least a few things more useful than trash.

The Des Moines Register and Iowa City Press-Citzen both had articles today on moving polling places away from schools. Local blogger and auditor employee John Deeth has some more details on this issue.

Jennifer Hemmingsen of the Gazette writes that the Sycamore Mall will have to think outside of the big box to survive with Von Maur's departure.

One Sycamore Mall vendor, the Hobby Corner, is intending to expand its offerings. (Press-Citizen)

The Emerald Ash Borer has penetrated into Iowa land again. (KCRG)

The third of three finalists for the Univeresity of Iowa vice president position has been revealed. (Press-Citizen)

Vice president candidate Joseph Brennan was in town yesterday to give his pitch to the public. (Daily Iowan)

Daily Links Excerpt of the Day

Quinlisk noted that Cyclospora is not passed from person to person, and newly reported cases are from individuals who have already been infected but have just recently been tested for it.

“One of the things we are seeing is that most, if not all of the people being reported had an onset of symptoms back in June,” she said.

Mary DeMartino, the interim associate director for the State Hygienic Laboratory’s disease control division, said on average, the facility sorts through 15-25 stool samples, testing for food-borne illnesses.

This week, that number has ballooned to between 80 and 100, causing a number of employees to sacrifice vacation and time-off periods.

Because a number of food-borne illnesses can arise from fresh produce, DeMartino and Quinlisk both emphasized the importance of thorough washing before eating or cooking.