Iowa HHS confirms state’s first West Nile virus case of 2026 1%
By Kyle Werner3%
8/5/2026, 1:13:06 PM
BS Summary: This article contains 0 faulty reasoning types, including no named faulty reasoning patterns yet, with no single egregious example has been isolated yet. Analysis detected 0 faulty-reasoning hits from 482 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 0% and a BS Rank of 1% (28,063 of 28,084 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 99.90% of the article peer group.
Iowa's first case of West Nile virus of 2026 has been reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Iowa HHS confirmed a case of West Nile virus on Wednesday, Aug. 5, after a test was completed at the State Hygienic Laboratory, according to a news release from the department.
The infected person is an adult from eastern Iowa.
There were 57 cases of West Nile virus in Iowa in 2025 with three deaths.
What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is most commonly spread through infected mosquitoes.
Most people who are infected do not have symptoms.
Those who do show symptoms could have fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All states in the United States have recorded cases of West Nile infections, with around 2,000 people diagnosed with the virus each year.
Less than 1% of infections result in infection of the nervous system, but such infection could lead to encephalitis or meningitis, according to the CDC.
Cases of West Nile are common throughout the summer season, but peak in late August to early September.
More: Mosquitos in Iowa have the highest level of West Nile virus in decades.
How to stop bites
Once the virus is transmitted via mosquito bite, it can incubate for two to six days, or up to 14 days or more in immunocompromised people, according to Iowa HHS.
West Nile virus is not contagious, and there is no vaccine or specific treatment for it.
How to protect yourself from West Nile virus
Avoiding mosquitoes is the best way to avoid bites and possible infection.
"We want Iowans to enjoy the outdoors and to protect themselves from mosquito bites, which can spread illnesses like West Nile virus," State Medical Director Dr.
Robert Kruse said in the release.
"Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors, empty standing water around your home, and make sure windows and doors have screens that are in good condition."
Using insect repellent, especially those with DEET, picaridin, lemon or eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535, is recommended by Iowa HHS.
Visit epa.gov/insect-repellents to search for tips for picking the right insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
The CDC recommends wearing long sleeves and long pants to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
The CDC also recommends avoiding being outside during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Preventing mosquitoes from breeding can also eliminate the risk of being bitten.
Using mosquito dunks in standing water near your home will kill larvae and prevent them from maturing into mosquitoes.
Many cities also spray for mosquitoes to prevent the bugs from spreading.
This article was updated to include new information.
Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register.
Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.
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