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Iowa is experiencing its worst outbreak of West Nile virus in 15 years. According to state-licensed epidemiologist Ann Garvey, 73 cases of mosquito-borne viruses have been confirmed or are under study.
West Nile activity in Iowa culminated in 2003, when six people died and nearly 150 were sick.
The three deaths in Iowa this year are the largest since West Nile since 2003. Garvey calls on Iowans not to let their guard down.
Confirmed West Nile cases are expected to increase in the coming weeks. Garvey suggests that heavy rains this summer, combined with warm temperatures, have boosted the mosquito population in Iowa. Pests keep biting until the first frost.
Warm weather is part of the weekend's forecast, which means that many Iowans will spend time outdoors. They are advised to take precautions to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes, especially early in the morning and in the evening when insects are most active.
Garvey says that all Iowans are at risk of contracting West Nile virus if they are outdoors and do not wear mosquito repellents.
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