Three cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Iowa. The three cases are in Clay, Monona and Woodbury counties and mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been found in Central Iowa. Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health explains the virus is transmitted from birds to mosquitoes and then to humans. She states there are two ways people can prevent getting the virus: by getting rid of stagnant water outside and wearing bug repellent and, or long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, about 20% of people infected will have mild to moderate symptoms which include fever, headache and vomiting and less than 1% will become seriously ill or die. Last year 44 people were infected and there were zero deaths. Also, West Nile has been found in every county in the state since 2002 in either humans, horses or birds.