The first reported Iowa death associated with West Nile virus in 2018 was announced by the Iowa Department of Public Health Friday.

The deceased person was an elderly adult from central Iowa, and a second case of human West Nile virus has also been reported in a Palo Alto County adult male between 61-80 years of age who has recovered. West Nile is a viral infection typically spread by mosquitoes. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 1 in 5 people infected develop a fever and other symptoms. Iowans are encouraged to protect themselves against mosquitoes to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile. Lynn Fisher is a nurse for Washington County Public Health, “The mosquitoes that live in our area, in Iowa, tend to bite at dusk and evening night hours. So try to protect yourself if you’ll be at a bonfire or out at an event in the evening hours, try to wear a long-sleeved outfit or pants or socks, and also insect repellent [is] very important.”

Insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 is recommended by IDPH. In 2017, 12 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus and two died. For more information on mosquito and tick transmitted diseases in Iowa, click here.