Deadly West Nile Virus Detected in Iowa

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported the West Nile Virus has now been detected in 36 states, including Iowa. This is one nasty bug you don't want to mess around with.

West Nile is a virus most commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus in people. Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile Virus do not have symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms.

And approximately 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness such as meningitis or encephalitis. There has already been one West Nile-related death this year.

You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent that contains DEET. Another good precaution is to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if your going to be in an area where there could be an increase amount of mosquitos. That may not sound like fun when its 90 degrees outside but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[source: CDC)