Human case of West Nile confirmed in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS -- The Sanders County Public Health Department has confirmed a positive human case of West Nile Virus in the Hot Springs area.

Department officials are urging residents to step up their disease prevention activities to prevent West Nile Virus, since there is usually an increase in cases in Montana during August and September.

West Nile Virus is carried by infected birds and is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes that bite birds can become infected and pass the infection on to humans by biting them.

There is no vaccine to prevent the illness in humans. People can help prevent West Nile Virus by taking precautions to prevent being bitten, such as keeping skin covered with long sleeves, long pants, socks, and hat when outdoors from dusk to dawn.

Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, but handle repellents with care: do not use repellent on infants two months or younger; do not apply repellent to skin that is cut, or irritated; do not apply repellent to eyes, mouth and use sparingly around ears; when applying repellent to children, do not put any on their hands which often end up in the child's mouth; do not use aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas or around uncovered food; avoid using combination sunscreen and insect repellent products, since one product may need to be reapplied more often; always read and follow the label directions; when you return indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water; and if you or your child develops a rash from an insect repellent, stop using the product, wash area with mild soap and water and see your health care provider if the rash persists.

Since April 2005, the Center for Disease Control has updated information on repellents for mosquito protection. Two repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demonstrated a longer lasting protection. They are DEET and Picaridin.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is plant-based and registered with EPA, demonstrated protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. The label does not recommend using it on children under three years of age.

Users should read the label for length of time the repellent is effective and choosing the appropriate concentration of repellent for the time of planned exposure to biting mosquitoes. Consult a health care provider or local pharmacist with questions regarding using these products.

People can also take action to reduce mosquito breeding areas around their homes:
* Keep grass and weeds cutshort;
* Remove or emptycontainers that can collect water such as tires, flower pots, and containers;
* Change water in bird baths,pet bowls, fountains and water troughs weekly;
* Be certain water drains offand out of stored or covered boats;
* Clean gutters to preventstanding water;
* Keep clean water in wadingpools and drain when not in use;
* Repair leaking faucets,sprinklers and hoses to prevent standing water.

John Halpop, MSU extension agent for Sanders County, has a mosquito surveillance program for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the county as a part of the statewide surveillance program coordinated by Dr. Greg Johnson, MSU extension entomologist.

A person bitten by an infected mosquito usually develops symptoms within two to 14 days from the time of the bite.

However, as many as 80 percent of those people who become infected from the bite will not have any symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, headache, and fatigue; occasionally an infected person will develop a skin rash on the trunk, eye pain and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms usually last a few days, but some people have reported symptoms lasting up to several weeks.

Persons who suspect they have WNV should see theirhealth care provider for appropriate testing and relief for the symptoms.

Horses are a species that can be affected also. However, horses cannot give WNV to people. Horses bitten by infected mosquitoes may show signs of depression and loss of appetite. Other symptoms an infected horse may have include weakness or paralysis of back legs, muzzle twitching, impaired vision, lack of coordination, head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, inability to swallow or walking in circles.

There is a vaccine available to prevent WNV in horses; two doses are required the first year followed an annual booster dose. Horse owners are reminded to call their veterinarian for vaccination recommendations. Those with questions are encouraged to contact Sanders County Public Health Director Cindy Morgan at (406) 827-6925.