Iowa reports first West Nile virus death in six years

DES MOINES - State health officials announced Tuesday that an elderly person in northwest Iowa has died from West Nile virus, marking the first death due to exposure to the virus since 2010.

In making the announcement, officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health only identified the victim as an elderly individual who was 81 years of age or older. The department said testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory has confirmed 33 cases of West Nile virus in Iowa, with several more under investigation - more than double the number of cases reported last year at this time.

'Though autumn weather is beginning, this death and continuing reports of West Nile virus cases are reminders that mosquitoes are still biting and Iowans should still be mindful of that when outdoors,” said state Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.

Since West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in Iowa, either in humans, horses, or birds, according to state health officials. In 2015, 14 cases of West Nile virus were reported to the department.

Previous to this year, the last death caused by West Nile virus was in 2010, and there were two deaths that year.

Department officials advised Iowans to take precautionary steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus, including using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. However, they cautioned that 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.

Other advice from health experts is to avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.

According to the state health agency, about 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely, someone dies.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people over 60 years of age are at greatest risk for severe disease.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/west-nile-virus