IOWA – Row crop harvest was ahead of normal as Iowa’s farmers had nearly a full seven days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 27, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer. Topsoil moisture condition rated 43 percent very short, 42 percent short, and 15 percent adequate. Corn harvest for grain reached 84 percent statewide, almost a week ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the five-year average. South central Iowa farmers still have 34 percent of their corn for grain remaining to harvest, while farmers have already harvested 91 percent in north central Iowa.

IOWA – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the death of a middle-aged eastern Iowa resident from Lassa fever. The individual had recently returned from travel to West Africa, where it is believed they contracted the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to confirm the diagnosis of Lassa fever. Initial testing was done at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory on Monday. University of Iowa Health Care is where individual was receiving care, and the CDC and local public health partners are working to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient, out of an abundance of caution, for monitoring. Though very rare, the virus can be transmitted from human to human contact through blood or bodily fluids. Approximately, 80% of those that contract Lassa fever have mild or no symptoms at all.