Western Iowa — (RI) — A study of some 15-years of data on mosquitoes in Iowa finds you are most likely to contract the West Nile virus from the pests buzzing around the western side of the state.
Iowa State University entomologist, Ryan Smith, says the research is the first time they’ve been able to get an idea of the pattern of West Nile transmission.
Smith says the research indicates the ecology of the western counties is a big factor.
The I-S-U Medical Entomology Laboratory conducts yearly surveillance of mosquito populations, using a network of traps across the state that are regularly emptied and the mosquitoes inside are catalogued. Smith says they reviewed the Iowa data from between 2002 and 2016. He says the study mirrors those from Nebraska and South Dakota with this mosquito on West Nile transmission an he says it continues all the way to California.
But Smith cautions that this does not mean you can’t get the West Nile virus from other mosquitoes in the state.
Smith says you should follow the state Health Department recommendations and use a mosquito repellent with DEET and cover up exposed areas when you are going to be out at times when any mosquitoes might be active. Smith says the research answers some of the questions about West Nile transmission, but there are other questions, such as the impact of weather.
Iowa had 103 cases of the West Nile virus in 2018, with five deaths. The Department of Public Health says people who are infected with West Nile may not experience any signs or symptoms. Some people experience minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain.
