West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes Near Great Falls

West Nile Virus Detected In Cascade County

The other day, I told you that Montana mosquitoes had gotten a little more dangerous after West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito pool in Roosevelt County.

Now we've got another positive test, with this one being a lot closer to home.

No Human West Nile Cases Reported In Cascade County

The Cascade County Health Department (CCHD) says a mosquito pool collected southeast of Simms has tested positive for West Nile virus. The sample came from adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and was confirmed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) lab in Helena.

Thankfully, just like with the first story, there's an important detail worth mentioning: there have been no known human cases of West Nile virus in Cascade County this year.

Still, finding the virus in local mosquitoes is a pretty good reminder that we're not out of the woods yet and to take the proper precautions.

How To Protect Yourself From West Nile Virus

Health officials are encouraging people to follow the "5 Ds" to protect themselves. That includes using an EPA-registered insect repellent like DEET, avoiding outdoor activities around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, draining standing water around your home, and wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks when possible.

Most people who are infected never experience symptoms, while some develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious infections, including encephalitis or meningitis.

So no, you don't have to cancel the backyard BBQ, but maybe grab the bug spray before you grab the burgers.