The first case of the West Nile virus of the year in Iowa was found in Harrison County, which is a county along the Nebraska border just north of Council Bluffs. A Press Release from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says it was detected in an adult in the 61- to 80-year-old age range.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says most people do not have symptoms but those who do could have fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus could develop encephalitis or meningitis, according to the CDC said.
The Department of Health and Human Services says 17 Iowans were diagnosed with the mosquito-transmitted virus in 2023. There was one reported death.
If you begin to have symptoms of West Nile virus, contact your health care provider.