The Iowa Department of Public Health is advising Iowans that mosquito activity may seem low due to the drought, however cases of West Nile virus are consistent with recent years. IDPH has been notified of 11 cases of West Nile so far this year, last year there were 31 cases reported in Iowa.
Washington County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski explaisn that West Nile is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person, but it is not passed from person to person. She recommends that when outside, wear insect repellents with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Although, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
IDPH says Iowans should take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.
• Eliminate standing water around the home because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs.
• Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes.
• Change water in bird baths every three to four days.
For more tips from IDPH about West Nile, click here.