July 27, 2007
Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Montana
The Yellowstone City-County Health Department and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) fever in Montana for 2007 late Friday afternoon, DPHHS officials announced.
According to DPHHS Disease Surveillance Specialist Elton Mosher, the case involves a 57-year-old female resident of Yellowstone County. It’s believed the subject may have acquired the infection while traveling in North Dakota earlier this month, Mosher said. The North Dakota Department of Health announced its first WNV case of 2007 in June.
“More severe symptoms associated with West Nile Virus is most common in people over 50 years old than in someone under that age,” Mosher said.
As of July 24, 2007 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 122 human cases of WNV in the United States, with three of those cases resulting in death this year.
Human cases of WNV are typically preceded by reports of positive WNV tests in mosquito pools and horses. According to the Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Public Health Laboratory, there have been two reported cases of WNV in horses and 13 positive mosquito pools so far this season.
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 at 406-247-3350 or the DPHHS Communicable Disease and Epidemiology Section hotline at 406-444-0273. Or, Mosher can be reached at 406-444-3165 or 406-439-0064. Additional West Nile Virus information can be found at the DPHHS website at: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/index.shtml
