First West Nile Virus Case in Iowa Identified

By Rachel Stockton (rachels@foodconsumer.org) 

The announcement is all too familiar in Iowa: the first West Nile virus victim has been identified. West Nile has been active in the state since 2002; mosquitoes carrying the disease have been found in all counties.

Now that the initial case has been reported, the mosquito-spread virus will be a threat in the state until the first frost. The best way to prevent the disease, according to the CDC, is to prevent mosquito bites. The agency urges people to use mosquito repellant before going outside, especially from dawn until dusk. In fact, the mosquitoes are more active at sunrise and sunset, so due diligence is vehemently encouraged during those hours.

In order to prevent the spread of the illness, the CDC recommends taking extra care to get rid of potential breeding grounds for the insects. Make sure that no standing water is allowed to collect in your yard; be sure to empty wading pools and lay them on their side when not in use. Additionally, make sure you change the water for your pets daily, and don't allow water to collect in flower pots and barrels.

West Nile virus is spread through mosquitoes; patients fall ill between 3 and 14 days of being bitten by an infected insect. Once infected, WNV simply needs to run its course, as there is no specific treatment for it. Symptoms include fever and body aches, and may last for as long as several weeks. Although relatively uncommon, more severe symptoms, such as mental confusion and debilitating headaches can occur; should you experience either symptom, seek medical attention immediately, as severe cases of the illness require hospitalization.