West Nile Cases Up 40 Percent; How to Stay Safe in Johnston This Labor Day Weekend

West Nile virus cases were up 40 percent nationally last week, the Centers for Disease Control reported. That’s the most cases ever.

Reuters reported Wednesday on Huffington Post that a total of 1,590 U.S. cases of West Nile virus, including 66 deaths, have been reported through late August this year. Health officials said Wednesday that’s the highest human toll reported since the mosquito-borne disease was first detected in the country in 1999. 

In Johnston, the city began spraying for mosquitoes again last week after signing a new contract with Wilson Brothers Pest Control. Spraying occurs both through ground (fogging) spray and at ponds and other bodies of water.

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 tothe 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