Case of West Nile Creates Concern

West Nile, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, has been found in Phillips County. One horse has died as a result of the virus.

Local residents, Joe and Debbie Nicholson, of Dodson, found one of their horses was displaying symptoms of concern to a caregiver of the horses. The owners found a three-year-old mare, "Snoopy", which had gone down. Debbie stated, "She was just sitting on the ground". With the help of others, a tractor was used in an attempt to get her up on her feet. That task allowed her to be raised and Debbie said, "She looked at me as if it felt so good!"

The futile effort was short-lived, as Dr. Roger Baster, DMV, from Chinook, confirmed the Nicholson's worst nightmare when she was diagnosed with West Nile Virus. The mare was then euthanized. Approximately fifteen horses were then treated for the virus. Horses belonging to Denver Baker and Lisa Campbell, which graze with the infected horse, were among those vaccinated.

Symptoms a horse might display include muscle tremors, stumbling, in-coordination and weak limbs. About 30% of severely affected horses go down and can't get up. Severe cases of WNV often result in death.

Jenny Tollefson, Phillips County Health Nurse, was contacted, in regard to the WNV diagnosis. She stated two cases have been diagnosed this year; there have been cases in the past few years.

People are urged to use caution and care in tending to their livestock. A vaccine treatment is available for horses, it requires an injection followed by a follow-up shot. The treatment is available at veterinarian clinics. About one-third of those infected dies from the virus.

The WNV is definitely in our communities. The DPHHS reminds Montanans to protect against WNV by following the 4 D's of prevention.

The 4 D's are:

1. DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. You can verify the effectiveness of your insect repellent on the EPA's website: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellent

2. Drain: Drain standing water around your house to prevent mosquito breeding.

3. Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times.

4. Dress: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from bites.

Phillips County is mosquito country, and there is little one can do other than follow the precautions mentioned. It is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.  It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent, or medications to treat, WNV in people.