First West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Iowa in 2024 Harrison County

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The first case of West Nile virus in 2024 has been reported in Iowa in an adult between the ages of 61 and 80 from Harrison County.

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced the case on Thursday and said it was confirmed by testing at the state's hygiene laboratory.

Some infected people experience no signs or symptoms, while others experience a mild fever and a mild headache. However, some may experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, headache, disorientation and muscle weakness.

People with mild symptoms generally recover on their own, but people with more severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Last year, 17 people in Iowa were diagnosed with West Nile virus and one died.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, people primarily become infected with the virus through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Authorities recommend using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, paramenthanediol, 2-undecanone or IR3535 to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Iowa health officials have issued the following tips:

• Always read and follow the directions on the label. If you have any questions about using this type of product in children, ask a doctor.
• Lemon eucalyptus oil and paramenthandiol should not be used on children under 3 years of age and DEET should not be used on infants under 2 months of age.
• If you also use sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent.

Other measures to protect against mosquito bites include wearing long-sleeved clothing, pants and shoes with outer clothing, and removing standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers and other areas to eliminate a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Click here for more information about West Nile virus.

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