HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus at two testing sites in Blaine County.
The positives were discovered via pool testing of trapped mosquitoes. No humans or animals have tested positive for the virus this year in Montana.
Gallatin, McCone, Richland, and Sheridan Counties have also had mosquitoes test positive for the West Nile Virus this summer.
According to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, fewer than 1 out of every 150 people infected with the West Nile Virus experience serious infections, with many experiencing little to no symptoms.
However severe infections can lead to permanent neurological damage.
When it comes to animals, horses represent nearly 97 percent of all West Nile Virus cases, and those experiencing symptoms have a 33 percent fatality rate.
There is not a vaccine against the West Nile Virus available for humans, but there is one for horses.
DPHHS provides the following tips to protect yourself from the West Nile Virus:
- DAWN & DUSK – When possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.
- DRESS- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
- DRAIN – Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water.
- DEET – For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the EPA but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellant.
