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Mosquitoes, however, are as active as ever.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans that West Nile and other mosquito-related diseases are most active in late summer and early fall, and remain a threat until the first frost.
Precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to these diseases should still be taken, even with cooler weather that has arrived during August.
"This month, IDPH announced the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus disease in Iowa," said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.
"Our sentinel surveillance system has shown increased numbers of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus infection of sentinel chicken."
The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to eliminate their breeding areas and to use insect repellent when outdoors:
* Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children.
For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
* Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
* Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.
* Eliminate standing water around the home because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.
Since West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002, it has been found in every county in Iowa, either in humans, horses, or birds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 1,356 total human cases of West Nile virus in the U.S. in 2008, including 44 deaths.
Five cases were reported in Iowa, including one death.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/wnv_surveillance.asp.
Officials said the cool weather won't have much of an effect on the mosquito population so long as the wet weather continues, creating breeding grounds for the mosquitos.
