The first recorded case of West Nile Virus in Iowa in 2019 has been reported. The Iowa Department of Public Health announced recently that an older male between the ages of 61 to 80 years old contracted the virus in Audubon County. Director of the Marion County Public Health Department Kim Dorn tells KNIA/KRLS News the West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne illness that affects people differently. Dorn says some people can have slight symptoms such as a small fever, body aches, joint pain and diarrhea. While others–, approximately 1 in 150 people, can have a severe reaction that requires hospitalization.

In 2018, 104 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus resulting in nine deaths. Marion County Public Health would like to remind residents of useful tips to help prevent contracting the virus. Residents should always use insect repellent with DEET when outside and try to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outdoors whenever possible and eliminate standing water around the home because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes and change water in bird baths every three to four days.