Terrace Hill visitors may need respiratory screen
By Charlotte Eby Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
DES MOINES -- Iowa public health officials are urging anyone who visited Terrace Hill, the Iowa governor's mansion, on Nov. 29 to be screened for a respiratory illness.
Officials said they are broadening the investigation into the respiratory illness histoplasmosis, which is caused by a fungus found in bat feces or soil where bird droppings are located.
The infectious particles travel through the air, and most people who are exposed suffer no harmful effects. But in others, the infection can cause a dry cough, chest pains, fever and a general ill feeling. The severest cases are treated with an antifungal medication.
"The governor and first lady have been briefed on the situation and are confident that health officials are acting swiftly and appropriately," said Courtney Greene, press secretary for Gov. Chet Culver.
The Iowa Lung Association held a reception at Terrace Hill on Nov. 29. Officials are asking anyone who was at the governor's mansion on the specified night to call 1-866-923-1089 during 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for screening.
The potential exposure could have involved landscaping and renovation activities around Terrace Hill that evening, officials said.
Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
Officials said they are broadening the investigation into the respiratory illness histoplasmosis, which is caused by a fungus found in bat feces or soil where bird droppings are located.
The infectious particles travel through the air, and most people who are exposed suffer no harmful effects. But in others, the infection can cause a dry cough, chest pains, fever and a general ill feeling. The severest cases are treated with an antifungal medication.
"The governor and first lady have been briefed on the situation and are confident that health officials are acting swiftly and appropriately," said Courtney Greene, press secretary for Gov. Chet Culver.
The Iowa Lung Association held a reception at Terrace Hill on Nov. 29. Officials are asking anyone who was at the governor's mansion on the specified night to call 1-866-923-1089 during 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for screening.
The potential exposure could have involved landscaping and renovation activities around Terrace Hill that evening, officials said.
Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.
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