DES MOINES, Iowa — Some mosquitoes in Des Moines have tested positive for West Nile Virus, the city said in a press release.
In response, the city is conducting additional spraying to reduce local mosquito populations.
The positive mosquitoes were collected in north central Des Moines last week and tested on Monday. There are currently no known cases of West Nile Virus in humans or pets in Des Moines.
However, if the virus is detected in a human, the impacts could be significant.
"West Nile Virus is a very serious disease," said Laura McGowan, a spokesperson for Clarke Mosquito Control and Management. "It does cause death, it can cause long term illness, so it is something we definitely need to take care of and be aware of."
The virus can take two to 14 days for symptoms to show up. According to the CDC, people 60 or older with underlying conditions are at the highest risk of severe illness.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, a stiff neck, muscle weakness and more.
The virus typically doesn't show up until late August, but this year it is early because of the significant rainfall Iowa has seen.
"It's not really out of the blue at this point, it's one of those things where it's pretty rare to find something this early, but it's not completely unheard of," said Ryan Smith, Associate Professor at Iowa State University Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology.
Des Moines residents can do their part to keep mosquitoes at bay by eliminating standing water in bird baths, pools and other receptacles.
Public health officials also urge people to wear bug spray, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are active.
To report nuisance mosquito levels or receive notifications of mosquito treatments, use the Clarke Mosquito Control and Management portal here or call 800-942-2555.