Lang
08/06/23
Johnson County has received its first positive test for West Nile Virus.
The Mosquito Surveillance Program, administered in partnership between Johnson County Public Health and Iowa State Extension, has received a positive test for West Nile on a mosquito sample collected on July 10th. There have been no reported cases of an infection in a human in Johnson County. According to the CDC, there has only been one case of West Nile Virus in humans reported so far in Iowa in 2023. That was in Plymouth County.
The goal of the Mosquito Surveillance Program is to monitor for the presence of several species of mosquitoes that can carry either West Nile or Zika virus.
Robert Thul, manager of the Environmental Health program at Johnson County Public Health, says in a news release that the county has not seen a surveillance test come back positive since 2021, so the positive mosquito test is nothing to worry about. But it IS a reminder to review the ways to protect yourself.
If residents are going to be outside there are simple ways to protect themselves and their family. Using an EPA registered insect repellent with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or PMD can help prevent bites and are safe and effective. You can also wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Babies and Children under 3 years old should not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD insect repellent. Strollers & Carriers can be covered with mosquito netting and clothing should cover their arms & legs.
At home, use screens on windows and doors and stop mosquitos from laying eggs in or near water. Empty anything that holds water weekly, like buckets, planters, toys, kiddie pools, birdbaths, as well as any trash containers, tires, etc. These containers should be scrubbed clean or turned over.
For more information on West Nile Virus & steps to prevent mosquito bites, visit https://www.cdc.gov