Linn County has Iowa's first West Nile case of 2013

The Iowa Department of Public Health is urging the public to take the necessary precautions to prevent bug bites after reporting the first human case of West Nile in the state this year.

According to a release, a middle-aged adult in Linn County is recovering after being infected with West Nile. The release said the unidentified patient is between 41 and 60 years old.

“This case is a reminder that West Nile virus is out there and Iowans should be taking proper precautions to protect against mosquito bites,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, in the release. “Especially going into the holiday weekend when many of us will be spending time outdoors, it's important to use mosquito repellant and to rid your yards of mosquito breeding areas.”

Because West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, the Department said people should try to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and use mosquito repellent when spending time outside.

Last year, there were 31 human cases of West Nile virus, but no deaths. The release said about 20 percent of people who become infected with the virus have mild to moderate symptoms. Those symptoms can include headache, fever, body aches and vomiting.

Less than one percent of people infected with the virus become seriously ill.

The release said the Iowa Department of Public Health is also suggesting to:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 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.