Kayla Septer, a native Iowan studying public health at Virginia Tech (VT), is spending the summer studying ciprofloxacin-resistant Shigella at the State Hygienic Laboratory. Septer came to SHL to complete a practicum for her Master of Public Health at VT, making her the first student from an out-of-state university to do so.

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The UI Office of Sustainability will distribute 500 new recycling bins around campus thanks to the Public Space Recycling Bin grant from Coca-Cola North America and the organization Keep America Beautiful. SHL is a part of this collective effort and has incorporated the bins in its updated recycling program.

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The State Hygienic Laboratory is hosting four Iowa math and science teachers for six-week immersive experiences through the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program. Since 2011, SHL has hosted several Iowa teachers to give them hands-on experience in a public health laboratory.

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At least 80 Iowa cases have been confirmed in a Cyclospora outbreak linked to salads sold at McDonald’s restaurants in 15 states, primarily in the Midwest, the CDC reported on July 26.

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Steven Mandernach, chief of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals’ (IDIA) Food & Consumer Safety Bureau and Public Health Ambassador for the State Hygienic Laboratory, has been selected to serve as the next executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). Mandernach will leave IDIA on Oct. 4.

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The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health and regulatory officials in several states, including Iowa, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Sandiego infections linked to Spring Pasta Salad purchased at Hy-Vee grocery stores. As of July 18, 21 people, including eight Iowans, have been infected with this strain of Salmonella, according to the CDC report.

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