Mosquito Trapping Reveals Continued West Nile Virus Risk

AMES, Iowa - Recent testing from Iowa State University (ISU) and the State Hygienic Lab indicate that mosquitoes from traps at Emma McCarthy Lee Park, 3400 Ross Rd., have tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV). While there is a lag time between collecting the samples and the testing, the results suggest mosquitoes with the potential to carry WNV are likely still present in the community.

"At this point in the summer, it is not unusual to see positive WNV tests. The information is helpful because we can implement preventative measures such as spraying, larvicide, and removal of standing water to reduce mosquito populations. We also use these results to remind people to take precaution when they are outdoors," said Dr. Ryan C. Smith, ISU Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way of limiting the risk of mosquito-transmitted illness. Mosquitoes thrive in the warm, wet weather of summer in Iowa and can carry several diseases. Even without significant rainfall, mosquitoes can still become a concern. There are several ways to avoid and get rid of mosquitoes.

"The most effective way to eliminate mosquitoes is to remove standing water in residential areas where even a small amount of standing water from flower pots, buckets, or barrels can be enough for a mosquito to lay eggs," Smith said. "When spending time outside, it's important to take precautions to prevent bites. Wearing mosquito repellent or long-sleeved shirts and long pants can be used as preventive measures, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eight of 10 people infected with the WNV will have no symptoms. Approximately one in five people infected will develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and rash. Most people will recover completely from WNV but may experience several weeks of fatigue. About one in 150 people infected will develop a severe illness.

The Ames Parks and Recreation Department typically uses a multi-step program for mosquito control, including surveillance through trapping at multiple park locations and testing completed by the Iowa State University Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology. Based on surveillance and results from testing, staff completes larviciding to kill mosquito larvae and fogging to control adult mosquitoes.

"Staff has been actively fogging multiple park locations including Emma McCarthy Lee on a weekly basis since late June," said Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent. "We will increase fogging applications in Emma McCarthy Lee starting this week and will continue until there are no additional WNV positive test results."

Emma McCarthy Lee Park is typically fogged on Wednesdays between 8 and 10:30 p.m., weather permitting (no rain or winds over 10 miles per hour). If testing throughout the summer identifies other parks with mosquitoes from traps testing positive for WNV, those parks will be added to the fogging schedule. In the event of inclement weather, fogging will take place during weekday mornings from 6 to 8 a.m.

The Ames Parks and Recreation Department manages 40 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional and wellness programs. Indoor programs are offered year-round at the Community Center and Ames/ISU Ice Arena. For more information, go to the Parks and Recreation homepage at www.amesparkrec.org or call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

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