Iowans are being warned to take extra precautions over the next few weeks to avoid being stung by mosquitoes. Kevin Teale, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Public Health, says the bugs could carry a deadly bite this season.Eastern Equine Encephalitis or “Triple-E” has been diagnosed for the first time in Iowa — in horses in northeastern Iowa, as well as in southern Minnesota and in western Wisconsin. Teale says the disease can be transmitted from mosquitoes to people, and it can be very dangerous, even deadly.Iowa Ag officials say horse breeders across the state need to take the precaution of having their animals vaccinated. Teale says people need to take precautions, too, whenever they could be exposed to mosquitoes.He says use repellant, avoid going out in the early evening, change the water in bird baths frequently, empty wading pools, eliminate standing water, and don’t wear cologne or perfume. Symptoms of encephalitis in humans include: headaches, fever, stiff neck and excessive fatigue.
