Long-time state epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk plans to retire this fall, and he will be replaced by Nebraska counterpart Caitlin Pedati, Iowa Public Radio reported. Quinlisk had warned Iowans of health threats for 24 years after coming to Iowa from Oklahoma. She often made media appearances to urge people to wash their hands, use insect repellent and be careful with food handling. Quinlisk, 63, said the number of large disease outbreaks, and smoking, have declined during her time working for the state.