According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the state has seen a unusual increase in West Nile Virus cases this year. Dr. Ann Garvey, the Iowa DPH Deputy State Epidemiologist, says the prevalence of mosquitoes carrying the virus and the risk of contracting it will not likely decrease until the first hard freeze of the Fall/Winter season.
Dr. Garvey says the best way to avoid the West Nile Virus is to continue using insect repellants, especially during dusk and dawn which are peak times for mosquitoe activity. She also recommends emptying out any standing water and making sure home screens and doors are properly sealed.