Death of elderly Iowan associated with West Nile virus
“West Nile virus is in Iowa,” said IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist Ann Garvey. “This death related to West Nile is tragic and reminds us to protect ourselves and our families from mosquitoes. Until the state's first hard frost, whether it's for work or play, being outside means there's a risk for West Nile virus."
Iowans should take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus.
- Use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old and DEET should not be used on children less than 2 months old.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outdoors whenever possible.
- Eliminate standing water around the home where mosquitoes often lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.
Health care providers are asked to consider West Nile virus in a patient that presents with a clinically compatible illness during transmission season. In Iowa, transmission is likely to occur from June through October, with peak activity in August to mid-September. Report cases to public health officials. West Nile virus infections are considered a reportable illness in Iowa
If patients test positive for IgM antibody to West Nile virus in serum collected within 8 to 14 days of illness onset or CSF collected within eight days of illness onset using an enzyme immunosorbent assay, laboratories are asked to send the specimen to the State Hygienic Laboratory for confirmation.
In 2017, 12 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus and two Iowans died. For more information on mosquito and tick transmitted diseases in Iowa visit https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness.
