Iowa's first human case of West Nile Virus reported in Lyon Coun - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Iowa's first human case of West Nile Virus reported in Lyon County

Posted:
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -

Authorities have confirmed 2012's first reported human case of West Nile virus in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said in a news release Monday that the victim is a woman older than 60 who is from Lyon County in northwest Iowa. The department says she is recovering.

The department medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, says the case is a reminder that the virus "is still out there and Iowans should take precautions."

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. Officials say the best way for people to combat the disease is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and to use insect repellent when outdoors.

Last year nine human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Iowa and two deaths.

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