West Nile Virus Confirmed in Human in Cascade County by CCHD

If you have spent some time in the great outdoors of Montana as of late, you know just how bad the mosquitos have been in the last few weeks.  It seems like I am continuously coating myself in bug spray while trying to enjoy my golf round, even with the hot days.

via GIPHY

So, it wasn't really a surprise to me when the first reports of West Nile Virus popped up last week across Cascade County.  But it looks like our luck has run out and the law of averages has caught up to us.  The Cascade County Health Department (CCHD) are now reporting the first case of the virus in humans in the state for the year.

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West Nile Virus Confirmed in Human in Cascade County by CCHD

Announced in a press release through social media, the CCHD is reporting that the first case in the state and the first in Cascade County since 2018.  The agency did not release any further details about the person or their condition currently.

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According to the release, the CCHD said that "80% of persons infected experience no symptoms, but up to 20% of infected persons can develop a mild illness called West Nile fever" and that "severity and symptoms of WNV can vary widely" in infected persons.

The 5 D's to Protecting Yourself While Outdoors in Montana with Mosquitos

With the virus spread mainly through mosquitos, the CCHD says that protecting yourself is simple; bite prevention using the five D's:

• DEET - Apply repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET, and follow the directions on the package.
• DUSK and DAWN - This is when mosquitoes are most active. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN STANDING WATER - Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain such areas around your home (gutters, pools, tires, buckets, water bowls, etc.).
• DRESS APPROPRIATELY - Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.

Ildar Abulkhanov

The Cascade County Weed and Mosquito division has been actively spraying for both larva and adult mosquitos; they will continue to do so in the coming weeks.  The agency will also be monitoring the county and continue surveillance of mosquito activity.