As we transition from summer to fall, Washington County Public Health urges you to stay aware of the threat that West Nile Virus poses, even this time of year.

So far there have been 18 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus this year, another 16 cases are under investigation and two deaths have been linked to the illness. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher talks about the symptoms of West Nile. “Most people if they even get West Nile Virus, it’s a very mild illness. They have very mild or no symptoms. About 20% of people will develop a headache and fever, rarely, people can get encephalitis. We did have someone in Iowa die from West Nile Virus encephalitis last summer.”

The best way to protect yourself from West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne illness is to be prepared when going outdoors. Fisher shares the best precautions to take “Insect repellent is the biggest thing. The mosquitoes that live in our area tend to bite at night. Trying to protect yourself if you will be out at an evening event is important. Long sleeves, pants and socks are helpful.”

Other precautions that can be taken according to the Iowa Department of Public Health include eliminating standing water around the home. West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, and has been found in every county in Iowa. There were 12 Iowans diagnosed with the illness last year, two died.