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Discontinuation of Virus Culture
As of Friday, June 14, the State Hygienic Laboratory will no longer accept specimens for virus culture, Chlamydia trachomatis culture, CMV culture and RSV DFA and culture. The Hygienic Laboratory will continue to offer testing for HSV and VZV by DFA on select specimens. We will also continue to offer our viral and bacterial PCR menu.

Surveillance under way for H7N9
Epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance is under way in Iowa for a novel strain of avian influenza A (H7N9) that was first confirmed in Shanghai, China in February. The World Health Organization reports that, as of May 8, the virus has killed 32 of the 131 people who were sickened by the new strain. All but one of the confirmed cases occurred in China. Taiwan reported one case of H7N9 on April 24.