Two West Nile virus deaths confirmed

Officials at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Treasure County Health Department and RiverStone Health have confirmed two human deaths in Montana over the past week caused by West Nile virus.

But Flathead City County public health officer Joe Russell says that people here shouldn’t get too excited, considering how late in the season it is now.

“West Nile follows the path of migratory birds, from north to south with a western drift,” he said. “We are unlikely to see the virus in Flathead County this late in the year.”

So far this year, there have been 15 confirmed cases of humans with West Nile virus. In the U.S. this year, 890 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 33 people have died.

Last week in Montana, a Treasure County male in his 80s and a Yellowstone County male in his 70s, died of severe complications related to West Nile virus infection. The individuals had no history of travel outside the state within the past month.

“These deaths are an unfortunate reminder infection with West Nile virus can have serious consequences,” DPHHS director Richard Opper said. “We want to remind people to take precautions and protect themselves as the season comes to a close.”

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. Some may develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days.

Fewer than 1 out of 150 may be come severely infected with West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis. Symptoms of this disease may include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis.

There is no available treatment for West Nile virus infection other than supportive care. Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their healthcare provider.

Although summer is slowly winding down and temperatures are beginning to drop, DPHHS officials remind Montanans to take precautions and protect against West Nile virus by following “The Five Ds of West Nile virus prevention,” which include:

• Dusk to Dawn — mosquitoes are most active during this time. If possible, stay indoors during the early morning and evening hours.

• Dress in long sleeves and pants if one must be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

• Deet, when applied as an insect repellent containing 25 to 35 percent for adults and 10 percent for children 2-12 years old, is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is the most effective and best studied insect repellent available.

• Drain standing water in old tires, barrels, buckets, cans, clogged rain gutters and other items that collect water to keep mosquito populations at bay around homes.

For more information, visit online at www.dphhs.mt.gov.