September and October are the months when mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are most active. Eight human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Iowa so far this year, according to the most recent Iowa Department of Public Health report regarding the virus issued August 29th. Additional cases are being investigated and two presumptive viremic blood donors have tested positive, as well as five mosquito pools and one horse, which was in Johnson County. None of the cases have been in Washington County.

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. Last year, 44 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Iowa