New case of West Nile crops up in Hot Springss

Matt Unrau

On Friday the third case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in the Hot Springs since July. There have been only five cases of West Nile Virus in Montana in the last year, and there have only been two outside of Sanders County.

West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that most often spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito.

“The concern is obviously that the species of mosquitos capable of transferring the disease is here,” says Health Officer for Sanders County Cindy Morgan.

The cases of West Nile started with a horse being infected with the disease in July in the Hot Springs area followed soon by the human cases.

West Nile Virus cannot be transferred from either horses to humans or humans to other humans.

Despite the proximity of the cases Morgan says they can’t make any judgements on the situation yet. “We probably don’t have enough cases to see if it’s a trend or a fluke,” says Morgan.

At this point her office just urges people to be more vigilant about protecting themselves against mosquitos. Morgan expects the cases to stop once the weather gets cooler and frost starts wiping out the mosquito population.

Recommendations to avoid being bit by mosquitos include avoiding being outside when mosquitoes are most active, dawn and dusk, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and using insect repellant.

Homeowners can also reduce mosquito breeding areas by eliminating standing water in wading pools, stock tanks, old tires and birdbaths or changing the water every 3-4 days.

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection, milder symptoms such as fever and aches resolve without treatment. In more severe cases, people may need to go to the hospital to receive supportive treatment.

Equine vaccines are available according to Morgan. She urges people to contact their local veterinarian for more details.