The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today (Friday) the first case of West Nile virus in 2019 has been reported in Audubon County. The patient is an older adult between the ages of 61 and 80 years old and has since recovered. West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through bites from an infected mosquito, and Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the IDPH medical director, says, “Until the state’s first hard frost, whether it is for work or play, being outside means there is a risk for West Nile virus infection.” To reduce the risk of exposure to the disease, the department recommends Iowans use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or other similar ingredients while outside. They also suggest residents avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active, chiefly between dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks whenever possible and remove standing water around the home to limit the number of places mosquitoes can reproduce. Last year, 104 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus and nine patients died from the infection. A link with more information on West Nile virus can be found included with this story on our website.
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https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/west-nile-virus
