Iowa lab finds higher number of mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus than ever before

AMES, Iowa (WHO) — Iowa State University and the State Hygienic Lab test mosquito populations from around the state for West Nile Virus. Recently they found mosquitos carrying the virus at Emma McCarthy Lee Park in Ames.

Dr. Ryan Smith, an Associate Professor with the Dept. of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology at Iowa State University, said that the lab has seen the highest numbers of mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus at this point in the season than ever before.

“At least at this point in time, we have seen the highest number of West Nile virus pools that we’ve ever seen at this point of the season. Does that mean there’s going to be more West Nile? It’s still a little too early to tell, but I think we’ll kind of get a better idea of what that might look like in the next few weeks,” Dr. Smith said.

To prevent West Nile Virus experts recommend wearing bug spray and long sleeves. You can also avoid being outside during the peak times when mosquitos that carry West Nile are active, which is during dawn and dusk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.