It’s the time of year to have bug repellent on hand.

Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher says mosquitoes are back for the season and she shares when they’re often out during the day, “Insect repellent is the biggest thing. The mosquitoes that live in our area in Iowa tend to bite at night, dusk and evening night hours. So trying to protect yourself if you’ll be at a bonfire or out at an event in the evening hours trying to wear a long-sleeved outfit or pants or socks and also insect repellent is very important.” If you do get a mosquito bite wash that area off with soap and water.

Fisher says the concern is that some mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, most people it presents as a mild illness, but she says some people it comes on stronger, “About 20% of people will develop a headache and can get West Nile Virus, headache and fever. Rare people can get encephalitis, but we did have someone in Iowa die from West Nile encephalitis last summer, so it is possible.” The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends using insect repellents that contain DEET to keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay.