There has recently been an uptick in cases of West Nile virus in Iowa with several of these located in Northwest Iowa. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It was first identified in Iowa in September of 2001 in a dead crow and human cases have been reported every year in Iowa since 2002. While the virus mainly infects mosquitoes and birds, mosquitoes can transmit the virus to people and other animals. Since West Nile virus is mosquito-borne, it cannot be transmitted from person to person or animal to person, it is transmitted only from mosquito to person. The peak season for West Nile virus is late summer through early fall, typically from July to September, with the number of cases peaking in August and September. The transmission period usually ends with the first hard freeze or snowfall.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Most people with WNV following a mosquito bite do not develop any symptoms or they experience mild illness such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may develop a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. In less than 1 percent of infections, particularly in those persons over age 50, West Nile virus can cause serious disease such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). These conditions may result in permanent brain damage or on rare occasions, can be fatal. Symptoms of severe disease include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis. If you have symptoms of severe illness, your healthcare provider should be contacted.
How is West Nile Virus diagnosed and treated?
Your doctor can diagnose West Nile virus through special tests. You do not need to contact your provider to be tested if you have been bitten by a mosquito and have no symptoms. There is no specific treatment since the illness is caused by a virus, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications that reduce symptoms. There is also no vaccine that prevents this sickness. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
How can you limit your exposure to West Nile virus?

• Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply insect repellent by using one these known to repel mosquitoes:
  DEET
  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
  Repellents that contain up to 30 percent DEET are safe for children.
  Picaridin
  Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD
  Should not to be used on children under the age of three years.
  IR3535
  Permethrin
  Only recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin should not be applied directly on skin.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have • Eliminate areas of standing water on your property where mosquitoes can breed.
  Turn over or remove items in your yard where rainwater can collect, such as ceramic pots, toys, buckets, tin cans, wheelbarrows, wading pools, plastic containers, and tarps covering firewood.
  Make sure roof gutters are clean and in good repair.
  Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls every 3-4 days.
  Repair leaky outdoor faucets, air conditioners, and hoses.
  Do not over water lawns, shrubs, or flowers.
  Stock ornamental ponds and water gardens with mosquito dunks or fish that eat mosquito larvae.
  Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed.
  Dispose of old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used in landscaping.
  Keep trashcans covered.
  Can animals be infected with West Nile Virus?
  Animals become infected the same way that humans become infected—through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses can experience severe and fatal disease like humans, cats and dogs can also become infected, but rarely develop disease. Animals infected with West Nile virus do not spread the disease to humans. Contact your veterinarian to arrange for vaccination of your horses or if you suspect your pet or animal might have been infected with West Nile Virus.