West Nile virus warning

Posted September 28, 2007

An elderly patient from central Iowa has become Iowa’s first death this year associated with the West Nile virus. ISU’s Department of Entomology is reporting extremely high numbers of mosquitoes in September. Health care providers should realize that West Nile infections are still occurring.

Sixteen human cases of the virus disease have been reported in 2007. Due to the wet weather in August, populations of mosquitoes have skyrocketed, which includes the Culex tarsalis species, the mosquito that can carry West Nile virus and other disease causing viruses. Everyone should continue to use precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

To avoid getting bitten:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus;
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors; and
• Eliminate standing water around the home where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes.

Information about West Nile virus and St. Louis and other types of mosquito-borne encephalitis can be found at:

• www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/wnv_surveillance.asp
• www.uhl.uiowa.edu/services/wnv/
• lab.bcb.iastate.edu/sandbox/mishar/index.php