August 16, 2005
First Human Case of West Nile in Montana This Year Confirmed in Yellowstone County
The Yellowstone City-County Health Department, in partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) fever in Yellowstone County and in Montana for 2005.
The case was diagnosed at a Billings hospital in a woman in her 30s and confirmed late Monday by the state Public Health Laboratory. The woman did not require hospitalization. She had no history of travel outside the state within the past month.
“Although West Nile Virus is more common in people over 50 years old, this first case in someone under the age of 50 reminds us that we cannot become complacent and ignore taking precautionary measures to help prevent infection,” said Dr. Doug Moore, chief medical officer and assistant health officer of the Yellowstone City-County Health Department.
As of August 9, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 187 human cases of WNV in the United States, with three of those cases having resulted in death this year.
The first signs of WNV in Montana this year occurred in the past two weeks, in a horse in Blaine County and in mosquitoes in Custer, Prairie, Sheridan, and Valley Counties. In 2004, there were six human cases of WNV in Montana, none of which was reported in Yellowstone County. Nationwide, there were 2,539 cases of WNV in 2004, 100 of which were fatal.
Many people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms. Some individuals may develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days. Generally, no treatment is needed. Other individuals, fewer than 1 out of 150, may be come severely infected with West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis. Symptoms of this disease may include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis. Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their health-care provider.
The state health department reminds Montanans to take precautions and protect against West Nile Virus by following the tips of the 4 Ds WNV prevention campaign. The 4 Ds include:
- DUSK/DAWN – mosquitoes are most active during this time. If possible, stay indoors during the early morning and evening hours.
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
- Before going outdoors, remember to apply an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). DEET is recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and is the most effective and best studied insect repellent available. Use a repellent containing 25 percent to 35 percent DEET when it is necessary to be outdoors. Children ages 2-12 should use repellent with 10 percent DEET or less. Products containing picaridin and permethrin have also been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, as has oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- To keep the mosquito population at bay around your home, DRAIN standing water in old tires, barrels, buckets, cans, clogged rain gutters, and other items that collect water. Change water in pet bowls, flowerpots, and birdbaths at least twice a week.
For more information about WNV protection and detection efforts, contact the Yellowstone City-County Health Department, 247-3200, or the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, 444-0274.
Page last updated: 06/14/2006
