August 9, 2006
First Human West Nile Cases Reported for Year
The Madison County and Flathead City-County Health Departments, in partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, have confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Montana for 2006.
The first case was reported Wednesday in a 28-year-old man from Madison County. According to local health officials, the man may have acquired the infection while working in Idaho. He did not require hospitalization and is recovering from his illness.
The second case occurred in a 27-year-old man from Flathead County. Although the man had recently traveled to Colorado, health officials believe he was most likely infected in Flathead County. He was hospitalized but has since been discharged.
As of Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 192 human cases of WNV nationwide this year. Six victims died of the disease.
The first signs of WNV in Montana this year occurred in the past two weeks, in horses in Flathead, Phillips, and Cascade Counties, according to animal health officials with the Montana Department of Livestock.
Many people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms. Some may develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days. Generally, no treatment is needed.
Fewer than 1 out of 150 people infected by WNV become 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. Anyone who develops these symptoms should see a health-care provider.
“While West Nile Virus fever is most common in people over 50 years old, these cases in people under the age of 50 remind us that everyone needs to take precautionary measures to help prevent infection,” said Elton Mosher, Disease Surveillance Specialist with DPHHS.
The state health department reminds Montanans to protect against West Nile Virus by following these tips:
- If possible, stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves and pants.
- Before going outdoors, remember to apply an insect repellent containing 25-35 percent DEET. 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 have oils 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 Flathead City-County Health Department at 751-8110, the Madison County Health Department at 843-4295, or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services at 444-0273.
Page last updated: 08/14/2006
