Iowa reports 2016’s first confirmed human cases of West Nile

On Wed., Aug, 17, 2016, the Department of Public Health announced that lab tests confirmed the mosquito-borne illness.

Her diagnosis was confirmed Tuesday by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory. More than 200 people have been infected this year nationwide, including the two cases reported so far in Benton County, in south-central Washington.

In the past decade, 349 Utahns have been infected. Few die of the illness, but people with compromised immune systems, including those older than 60, are at higher risk for severe disease.

“Natural disasters in the continental United States have rarely been accompanied by outbreaks of viruses spread by mosquitoes”. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, rash and fatigue (being tired).

But Vitek says the individual in this case was diagnosed with the much rarer and more severe neuroinvasive disease.

– DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents.

Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors or in woods. 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.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. The main precautions include practicing the three R’s – reduce, repel and report.

Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.

Keep rain gutters clean and draining properly. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes.

Install or Repair Screens.

Make sure window and door screens are in good fix to prevent mosquito entry. “The best way to avoid the disease is to limit exposure to and get rid of breeding grounds for mosquitoes”.

Be sure door and windows screens are tight fighting and in good fix.