First 2019 Iowa West Nile Case Confirmed

The first 2019 case of West Nile Virus has been reported in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Public Health made the announcement Friday that an older man in south west Iowa has contracted the West Nile Virus, a diseases that is passed to Humans through Mosquito bites.

IDPH wants to remind residence to do all they can to reduce their risk for the virus by protecting themselves from mosquitos.

Among their top tips are using an insect repellant when outside and cover skin whenever possible

Another important thing is to dump or cover standing water such as pool or pet water whenever possible to prevent mosquitos from laying eggs in the water.

In 2018, 104 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus and nine died.