Eleven cases of West Nile virus have been reported across Iowa so far this year. According to the most recent surveillance report from the Iowa Department of Public Health cases have been confirmed in 16 counties, including three presumptive viremic blood donors, nine mosquito pools and a horse in Johnson County. Washington County Public Health nurse Lynn Fisher reminds people to wear bug repellent and remove stagnant water outside, such as bird baths.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are most active in September and October. Last year, 44 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Iowa.