Tips to Fight Mosquitoes in Johnston as West Nile Virus Cases Rise Nationally

The most cases of West Nile virus ever have been reported to federal authorities, officials with the Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday.

In Johnston the parks department hasn't sprayed since June, when a contract with Wilson Brothers Pest Control ended.

On Monday, the city council approved a new year long contract with Wilson Brothers Pest Control. City officials said the first spraying under the contract was expected to take place tonight.

So far this year, 47 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A record 1,118 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 41 deaths, have been reported to the CDC.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said in late July that the state's first case of West Nile virus this summer was a woman older than 60 who is from Lyon County in northwest Iowa; she was recovering from the illness. 

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito, according to the state website. Some people who are infected have minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain.

Last year nine human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Iowa and two deaths, according to the Des Moines Register.

The easiest and best way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Here are tips from the CDC:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.