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News
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Wet
Conditions
Prompt West Nile Concerns
Posted 6 July
2010
Recent rains across
Iowa causing stagnant and pooling water in many areas has raised
concerns about growing mosquito populations and the diseases they
carry, including West Nile virus. While West Nile and other
mosquito-related diseases are most prevalent in late summer and early
fall, it is important to take action now to help control mosquito
populations.
While the risk of West Nile virus is similar across age groups, data
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates
older age individuals are at a higher risk for development of more
serious central nervous system disease.
"The most effective way to prevent West Nile virus is to stop
mosquitoes from breeding and from biting," said IDPH Medical Director,
Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. Prevention measures include:
- 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.
- The hours from dusk
to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take
extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and
early morning hours. This is especially important to remember as
families are enjoying fireworks in the evening over the Independence
Day holiday weekend.
- 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.
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 the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 720 total human cases
of West Nile virus in the U.S. in 2009, including 32 deaths. There were
five cases of West Nile virus, but no deaths in Iowa last year. One
death was reported in 2008.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit here.
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