Health professionals warn residents of West Nile from mosquitoes

MISSOULA, Mont. — State and local public health officials are reminding Montanans to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and prevent infection from the West Nile Virus.

In Montana, the infection is usually spread from July to October.

The virus is transferred from birds, to mosquitoes and then to warm blooded animals, commonly horses, and humans.

Were told 4 out of 5 people will not have symptoms when affected with the virus, and that 1 in 5 will experience mild symptoms such as headache, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea.

The first confirmed case of the virus in Montana was detected in a horse in July 2002. In 2017, Montana health officials report the virus affected 13 humans and 8 horses.

Infectious Disease Specialist, Bradley Applegate, says it’s best to protect yourself. “The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to prevent getting mosquito bites. We can do that by cleaning up our yards, getting rid of standing water, putting on bug spray, putting on long pants and long shirts. Most importantly staying indoors when there is mosquito activity happening,” Applegate said.

Applegate says no cases have been reported in Montana so far this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says a total of 12 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes as of June 12, 2018. No cases of West Nile virus in people so far this year.