The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that they are looking into 99 cases of West Nile virus that are either confirmed or under investigation in the state.

The reports are the second-highest number of cases since 2003, when 147 people contracted the disease. Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says the virus is carried by insects, typically mosquitoes, and is contracted when coming into contact with them. She points out that until we’ve had the first hard frost of the season, there are necessary prevention tips for people to consider when they are outdoors.

“We need to still be protecting ourselves by using an insect repellent with deet, or lemon eucalyptus, or piecariton. You should avoid activities in the dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are the most active. And then you should wear long sleeve shirts, pants, shoes and socks whenever you’re outside, just to protect yourself.”

She also recommends getting rid of any standing water around your home, especially after all the rainfall we’ve had recently. Wolf says standing water is where mosquitoes typically like to lay their eggs. She adds that there have been no reported cases of West Nile in Greene County this year.