Iowa Department of Public Health confirms state's first human West Nile case

Iowa has recorded its first human case of West Nile Virus for the season.

A middle-aged Ida County man tested positive for the virus, and the diagnosis was confirmed by the State Hygienic Lab, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The man did not need to be hospitalized and is recovering at home.

It is relatively early in the season for a human case to be recorded, said Donn Dierks, Council Bluffs' director of public health.

"It's usually August and September," he said.

Pottawattamie, Polk and Story counties have also had mosquito pools test positive for the virus - which is not unusual, Dierks said.

Locally, mosquitoes are out but not particularly numerous, Dierks said.

"At least right now, we haven't had a rain - a prolonged rain - for a while," he said.

After the next big rain, it will be time to empty any containers of standing water to avoid providing a place for mosquitoes to lay eggs, Dierks said.

IDPH advised people to take the following precautions:

? Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. If you have questions about using a product on children, consult a pediatrician. DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old, and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.

? Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

? Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outside whenever possible.

? Eliminate standing water around the home. Empty buckets, cans, pool covers, pet dishes, etc. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.

About 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus develop mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting, the IDPH press release stated. Less than 1 percent become seriously ill and, rarely, someone dies.

Since West Nile was first reported in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in humans, horses or birds, according to IDPH.

In 2016, 37 human cases were reported to IDPH, one of which was fatal. For more information about West Nile virus, visit idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/west-nile-virus.