West Nile Virus death reported in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced an elderly woman (81 years of age or older) from central Iowa recently died of West Nile virus. This is the first reported death associated with West Nile virus since 2008.
Prevention measures include:
Use insect repellant whenever outdoors, especially during peak biting times from dusk to dawn. Use 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.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.
Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites by removing sources of standing water in outdoor areas whenever possible. For example turning over or removing items where water can collect, such as ceramic pots, toys, buckets, tires, wading pools, and tarps covering firewood and boats.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/wnv_surveillance.asp.