How To Best Defend Yourself Against Deadly Montana Virus

BUTTE, MT - It's that time of the year again: reports of the deadly West Nile Virus making landfall in Montana are coming out.

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Health officials have confirmed that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in four eastern Montana counties: Blaine, Dawson, Prairie, and Wibaux. With the virus now present, Montanans should take precautions to protect themselves, especially as mosquito season is in full swing and the pesky critters make their way across the state.

The virus, which was first detected in Montana in 2002, is primarily spread through mosquito bites—everyone's favorite camping side effect. While most people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, about 20% develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and rash. In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological diseases, including encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal.

However, last year in 2023, there were no reported deaths caused by the WNV—despite 1 in 150 contractions developing a fatal neurological disease.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s crucial to take the following into consideration:

• Inspect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and socks can help minimize exposure to mosquito bites. Opt for light-colored clothing to deter mosquitoes.

• Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so regularly empty containers like flower pots, birdbaths, and gutters to reduce mosquito populations around your home. Also, try to avoid larger natural bodies while hiking or swimming.

• Repair Screens: Ensure that windows and doors have intact screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

• Stay Indoors During Peak Hours: If you can, limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes carrying WNV are most active.

• Symptoms of West Nile Virus: Early symptoms of West Nile Virus can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to neurological diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. If you experience symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito, seek medical attention immediately.

Montanans should remain vigilant, especially in the affected counties, and take these simple steps to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus. Remember: those who are over 50 years of age are higher risk.

With proactive measures, we can all help limit the spread of WNV in our communities.