BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YE.AR STEVE: THE STATE’S RSFI CONFIRM CEAS OF WEST NILE VIRUS THIS YEAR. AN IOWAN DESCRIBED AS BETWEEN 60 AND 81-YEARS-OLD TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE DISEASE. NO NAME OR CONDITION HAS BEEN RELEASED. LAST YEAR 3 IOWANS WERE DIAGNOSED WITH THE MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS. THERE NO WEST NILE-RELATED DEATHS IN IOWA LAST
IDPH confirms first case of West Nile Virus this year
Updated: 6:23 PM CDT May 27, 2021
The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Thursday the state has confirmed its first case of the West Nile Virus this year. The individual who has the virus is between 61 and 80 and lives in Montgomery County. The virus was confirmed by the State Hygienic Lab. In 2020, three Iowans were confirmed to have the West Nile Virus. “Humans get infected with West Nile virus through a mosquito bite and being outside means there’s a risk for West Nile virus infection. But we have easily accessible preventive tools like insect repellent, that can help keep Iowans safe from mosquito bites, which lowers the risk of West Nile infection,” said Dr. Caitlin Pedati, with the IDPH. The IDPH said ways to reduce the risk of exposure are by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, removing standing water around houses, and avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Thursday the state has confirmed its first case of the West Nile Virus this year.
The individual who has the virus is between 61 and 80 and lives in Montgomery County.
The virus was confirmed by the State Hygienic Lab.
In 2020, three Iowans were confirmed to have the West Nile Virus.
“Humans get infected with West Nile virus through a mosquito bite and being outside means there’s a risk for West Nile virus infection. But we have easily accessible preventive tools like insect repellent, that can help keep Iowans safe from mosquito bites, which lowers the risk of West Nile infection,” said Dr. Caitlin Pedati, with the IDPH.
The IDPH said ways to reduce the risk of exposure are by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, removing standing water around houses, and avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.