Iowa has recorded it's first human West Nile virus case of 2017. State health officials say a middle age Ida County man tested positive for it.He was not hospitalized, and is recovering.
Officials have found four mosquito pools, testing positive for the virus, one in Polk, one in Story, and two in Pottawattamie Counties.
“West Nile virus season typically lasts from late summer into early autumn,” said IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey. “This case serves as a reminder to all Iowans that the West Nile virus is present and it’s important for Iowans to use insect repellent when outdoors.”
She recommends Iowans take the following steps to reduce risk of West Nile virus exposure:
Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old. Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks whenever possible outdoors. Eliminate standing water around the home because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days. Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely, someone dies. Since West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in Iowa, either in humans, horses or birds. In 2016, 37 human cases of West Nile virus were reported to IDPH, including one West Nile-related death.
Dr. Garvey tells WHO-Radio News most healthy Iowans will be able to recover from the virus within days, those over age 65 and/or those with compromised immune systems may develop complications and need medical care.
For more information about West Nile Virus click HERE.