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Kathy Fait to speak on “The History of the State Hygienic Laboratory at the Univ of Iowa”

Kathy Fait,  Librarian, State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa

 “The History of the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa”   Thursday, February 28, 2013 5:30-6:30  Room 401, Univ. of Iowa Hardin Library for the Health Sciences

In 1904, some of the most common health concerns for Iowans were also some of the most deadly.  Typhoid fever, tuberculosis, rabies and diphtheria all were tested at the State Hygienic Laboratory during its first year in operation.  Today, the state agency tests for a long list of reportable diseases; examines samples of air, water and soil; “fingerprints” and helps track foodborne illnesses; screens newborn babies for metabolic diseases; identifies influenza and other communicable diseases to the DNA level; and helps public health agencies at both the national and state level to keep people safe.

This presentation chronicles the Hygienic Laboratory’s evolution from diphtheria to Salmo-nella, and the stories behind the testing.