The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Friday they have recorded the first death associated with West Nile virus this year. The patient in that case was an elderly adult from a central Iowa county. A second case of West Nile infection was also reported out of Palo Alto County in a 60- to 80-year-old male who has since recovered. IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey, says, “This death related to West Nile is tragic and reminds us to protect ourselves and our families from mosquitoes.” She adds that the risk of contracting the virus will remain until the state’s first hard frost. To reduce the risk of exposure, Iowans should use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or other similar compounds while outside, avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long clothing whenever possible and remove any standing water around the home. Last year, 12 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile and two died. For more information on mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, follow the link included with this story on our website.
_____
https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
