Bug repellent could become very popular this summer with the reemerging threat of the West Nile virus.

Iowa may be seeing one of its worst years ever for mosquitoes and the West Nile virus because of high rainfalls, said Wayne Rowley, professor of entomology.

Five counties have confirmed birds are dead due to West Nile virus, according to information from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

“We exceeded anything we have seen during the most popular months, August and September, in the first three weeks,” Rowley said.

Rowley traps mosquitoes with 39 traps in 13 cities across Iowa. In the past three weeks, Rowley said he has trapped close to 49,000 mosquitoes, with 42,000 being trapped the week of June 11.

“Last year we trapped 150,000 mosquitoes for the summer; this year we have trapped close to half of that in the first three weeks,” Rowley said.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, only birds have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus.

No cases have been reported in horses or humans. Rowley said 43 species are known to transmit the West Nile virus, but the vast majority are transmitted by one species of mosquito.

Most people never know that they have West Nile because symptoms only occur in about 20 percent of people, Rowley said.

“Eighty percent of people who are bitten and infected with West Nile virus never develop any clinical symptoms,” he said.

Symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. Those that develop symptoms usually have a fever and take around four or five days to get over it, Rowley said. People only know if they are infected with the West Nile virus if they get a blood test.

Less than 1 percent of the 20 percent that develop symptoms also develop the most severe and life-threatening form of the West Nile virus, he said.

Public health officials said people with West Nile have symptoms mostly affecting them neurologically. They might also have a fever, feel weak, form a rash or have stomach problems.

To keep oneself free of the West Nile virus, Don Nolting, environmental health sanitarian for Story County, said a person can do several things.

“Try to remove all standing water near your household where mosquitoes like to collect,” Nolting said.

Buckets of water, birdbaths, rain gutters and water dishes for pets all attract mosquitoes, he said.

Also, keeping grass mowed and vegetation around the house down can reduce the number of mosquitoes, he said.

Rowley said using DEET, a chemical commonly found in bug repellent, is the best way to protect yourself.

Also, covering skin with pants and long-sleeved shirts will help protect against the pests.

“You almost have to use DEET; don’t buy into organic or other products because they don’t work as well,” Rowley said.

Rowley said the threat of mosquitoes will likely remain constant throughout the summer, and could possibly become worse if Iowa receives more rainfall.