Worlds Deadliest Animal Found To Have Virus In Great Falls

Deadly Virus Detected In Great Falls

It's no secret that one of the most deadly animals the world over is the tiny mosquito.

An animal that weighs just 2.5 milligrams is responsible for over 700,000 worldwide deaths each year.

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West Nile Virus In Great Falls

Mosquitoes carry all sorts of viruses and one of the most common or well known viruses is the "West Nile Virus"

According to Montana Right Now, a mosquito pool in Great Falls has been determined to have mosquitoes with the West Nile Virus.

Here is what they had to say,

The Cascade County Weed & Mosquito Division detected the first positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito samples of 2023.

Two WNV-positive samples of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitos were collected from the Northern and Northwest city limits of Great Falls on August 10th.

The samples were confirmed positive by the lab at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in Helena on August 14th.

What Are The West Nile Virus Symptoms?

Again from Montana Right Now,

Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after exposure and may include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma, and paralysis. Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should see their healthcare provider immediately

Thankfully most people who get the West Nile Virus won't even develop any symptoms.

As of now there have been no human infections of this virus, but it still something you should take precaution with.

1. Use bug spray if you plan to be outside.
2. Limit your time outside during dawn and dusk as that's when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Wear proper clothing; ie long sleeves and pants
4. Drain standing water around your house

If you want to minimize your chance at being bit by a mosquito, then you need to make sure you're wearing the right colors.👇