The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today (Friday) announced testing by the State Hygienic Lab (SHL) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Iowa this year. The case is an adult female (18 to 40 years of age) from Ringgold County, who is recovering. IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “This West Nile case should serve as notice that the virus is out there and Iowans should take precautions.”

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquitoes. The best way to prevent the virus is to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and to use insect repellent when outdoors. Iowans should take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:

Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.

Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.
Eliminate standing water around the home because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.

Quinlisk notes that using an insect repellant containing DEET provides protection against both mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile virus and ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. So far this year, there have been 111 cases of Lyme disease in Iowa.

Approximately 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely someone dies. Since West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in Iowa, either in humans, horses, or birds. In 2014, there were 15 human cases of West Nile virus and zero deaths.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://bit.ly/1iTO2Vc. To learn about Lyme disease, go to http://bit.ly/1MSWe4G.

The 2015 Governor’s Charity Steer Show will take place 4-p.m. Sat., Aug. 15th, at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair. It’s the 33rd consecutive year the beef industry has raised funds to help families who utilize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Celebrities will lead 25 steers around the ring, vying for the championship designation, as well as appealing to the crowd for a showmanship award. Among the steer being shown are those owned by….

• Hayden Van Meter, of Red Oak – shown by Mike Pearson, from IPTV’s Market-to-Market.
• Nick Pedersen, of Underwood – shown by Chris Edgington, President, Iowa Corn Promotion Board
• Sadie Graham, of Stanton – shown by Jim Miller, Wartburg Wrestling Coach Emeritus
• Mitch Holcomb, of Winterset – shown by Des Moines radio personalities
• Reagen Miller, of Charter Oak – shown by Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Immediately following the competition the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Both the show ring event and the auction are open to the general public.

Since the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association began the Governor’s Charity Steer Show in 1983, the effort has raised more than $2.5 million for the Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City Ronald McDonald House Charities. The houses provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children being treated in area hospitals.

Youth participating in the 2015 Governor’s Charity Steer Show will also be learning additional information about the beef industry on Thursday and volunteer some time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Des Moines on Friday, Aug. 14th .Any individual or business interested in participating in future shows, can contact Doug Bear at IBIC, 515 296-2305.