Content Information
A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
None
B. Protection of Contacts of a Case
None
C. Managing Special Situations
Reported Incidence Is Higher than Usual/Outbreak Suspected
If an outbreak is suspected, contact IDPH/CADE at (800) 362-2736. The situation may warrant an investigation of clustered cases or implementation of effective prevention and control measures (e.g., spraying for mosquitoes). CADE can assist in determining a course of action to prevent further cases and can perform surveillance for cases across county lines that can be difficult to identify at a local level.
D. Preventive Measures
Surveillance
In Iowa, CADE, Iowa State University, the State Hygienic Laboratory, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship conduct surveillance for arboviral diseases including West Nile virus, through mosquito trapping and testing, sentinel chicken testing, dead bird collection and testing, and through the monitoring of human and equine cases. Results of these surveillance efforts are used to detect the presence of the virus to help target prevention and control measures throughout the state.
CADE, in cooperation with other state agencies, may provide guidance in the use of pesticides for the control of mosquitoes (e.g., “mosquito fogging”). However, decisions regarding the use of larvicides and/or adulticides for mosquito control are typically made by local cities and towns based on mosquito habitat and density, primarily for control of nuisance mosquitoes.
Personal Preventive Measures/Education
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. When outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the package. DEET is the most effective insect repellent available. Repellants containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been found to be effective.
A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not provide better protection, just longer protection. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. The recommended concentration of DEET for adults is 30% and 10% for children and infants over 2 months of age. According to the label, oil of lemon eucalyptus products should NOT be used on children under 3 years. Use repellents at the lowest effective concentration. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when possible. Spray clothing with products containing DEET or permethrin, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Permethrin should only be used on clothing; do not apply it directly to skin. Wash treated clothing before wearing it again. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn; consider staying indoors during these hours.
Environmental Preventive Measures
Make sure to have good screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by eliminating old tires and tin cans, as well as emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels and children’s wading pools when not in use. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Reviewed 8/15