Mitchell County Sees Increase in Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus Activity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2026
Contact:
Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health
Phone: (641)832-3500

Mitchell County Sees Increase in Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus Activity

Osage, IA — Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health is alerting residents to an increase in cases of influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus circulating in our community. These illnesses are common during the winter months, but health officials are seeing higher than typical activity this season, resulting in more clinic visits, school absences, and healthcare utilization.

“We are seeing more respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses than usual for this time of year,” said Jessa Ketelsen, Public Health Director. “These viruses spread easily, especially in indoor settings, schools, and group environments. Taking simple preventive steps can help protect you and your loved ones.”

What Residents Should Know

Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, especially in children.

COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and can cause a wide range of symptoms. These may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Illness severity can vary from mild symptoms to more serious disease.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. While many people recover within a week or two, RSV can be more serious for infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that spreads easily from person to person. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps, and may also include fever, headache, and body aches.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the spread of these viruses, Mitchell County Public Health & Home Health recommends:

Get vaccinated:
• Annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, COVID-19 vaccines/boosters for eligible individuals and RSV vaccines for those who are eligible.

Practice good hygiene:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t available.

Stay home when sick:
• Avoid public places and work/school while contagious.
• Encourage children to stay home when ill.

 Cover coughs and sneezes:
• Use a tissue or your elbow.
• Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands.

Clean and disinfect:
• High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek urgent care or emergency medical services if you or a loved one experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe dehydration (especially with norovirus)
• Confusion, dizziness, or inability to stay awake
• Symptoms worsening or not improving

Posted January 8, 2026