Mosquitoes in central Iowa park test

positive for West Nile virus

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Updated: 9:54 PM CDT Aug 13, 2018

By Caslon Hatch

AMES, Iowa — Mosquitoes in an Ames park have tested positive for the West
Nile virus.

Iowa State University's entomology department reported Monday that

mosquitoes in Ames’ Emma McCarthy Lee Park tested positive for the disease.

Iowa State University entomologist Ryan Smith said although West Nile virus
has been in Iowa for nearly 20 years, the state’s two confirmed cases and one
death this year give some cause for concern.

“It's really important for the public to keep that reminder, ‘Hey. There is West
Nile and there is the threat of getting a disease that most people don't want to
have,’" Smith said.

Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham said that his department
will increase fogging efforts to kill off mosquitoes before they hatch.

"What the fogging will do is kill the mosquitoes while they are flying,” Abraham
said.

Meanwhile, Smith said avoiding mosquito bites altogether is the best way to
limit the risk of exposure.

He encourages Iowans to wear bug repellent and protective full-sleeve clothing

and to remove standing water around their homes.

"It really doesn't take much,” Smith said. “Just a little bucket, some kid’s pool, a
bird bath … anything that is standing water for these mosquitoes to lay their
eggs and have their development."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of

West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches and rash.

Most people with the disease recover completely, but the CDC said those who
contract it could experience several weeks of fatigue.