On July 30, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported in a news release that an older woman from Lyon County in northwest Iowa had tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), but was recovering. The department medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, said the case is a reminder that the virus “is still out there and Iowans should take precautions.”
West Nile virus affecting horses and humans
Although treatment was attempted, two horses in Iowa have been euthanized with West Nile virus.
Now, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health surveillance report issued on August 6th, 2012, two horses have been confirmed to be infected with West Nile virus in Johnson county. The cases occurred on two separate farms and although treatment was attempted, both horses had to be euthanized.
Three other cases of equine West Nile virus have been confirmed in northwest and north central Iowa counties since the report was issued, according to Dustin Vandehoef of the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Mortality rate in unvaccinated horses is over 30 percent. Harbored in birds and spread by mosquitoes, horses are affected by WNV more than other domestic animals. Because of the devastating effects of West Nile virus, all horse owners are urged to make sure their horses are vaccinated against the disease.
In a joint effort with the University Hygienic Laboratory, the Iowa State University Department of Entomology, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and several local health departments, the Iowa Department of Public Health has instituted a number of programs which have allowed Iowa to monitor West Nile virus activity in sentinel chickens, mosquitoes, horses, and humans.
The Iowa Department of Health urges people to take the following precautions:
- 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.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- 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.
Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely someone dies.
Since West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in Iowa, either in humans, horses, or birds. In 2011, there were nine human cases of West Nile virus and two deaths.