GREAT FALLS — Public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile Virus (WNV) detections in Montana, with three counties confirming positive mosquito samples.
Cascade, Sheridan, and Yellowstone counties have all had a positive mosquito sample for WNV. To date, no cases of WNV have been identified in a human, but the detection of WNV in Montana is a reminder of the importance of avoiding mosquito bites.
The Cascade County Weed & Mosquito Division detected its first WNV-positive sample near Simms recently. The sample was collected on August 1st and confirmed to be WNV-positive by the lab at the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) on August 5.
A press release from the MT DPHHS says that most people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms, but about one in five people develop a mild illness, with symptoms including headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Other individuals, fewer than one out of 150, may become severely ill with encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or even months.
DPHHS Communicable Disease Epidemiologist Erika Baldry said, “Late July and early August is when we typically see WNV activity pick up here in Montana. Our season can begin as early as July and because it can take some time to become ill, we can receive reports of ill individuals as late as October.”
There is no treatment for WNV infection other than supportive care. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should see their healthcare provider.
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Detection of WNV in mosquito samples is a good indication that WNV is in Montana. WNV is a vector-borne disease meaning that for individuals to become infected, they must be bitten by an infected mosquito.
Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus in Montana.
DPHHS reminds Montanans to take precautions and protect against WNV by following the 4 D’s of prevention:
- DEET: Use insect repellent such as DEET or picaridin
- Drain: Drain standing water around your house to prevent mosquito breeding
- Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times
- Dress: When possible, wear long sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from bites
