west nile in MT

[briannell]

First human case of West Nile this summer diagnosed
Posted at 1 p.m. Aug. 16
By the Associated Press



BILLINGS - A Billings woman was diagnosed with the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this summer, but did not require hospitalization, the Yellowstone City-County Health Department announced Tuesday.

The woman, in her 30s, was diagnosed at a Billings hospital. Officials said she had not traveled outside of the state within the past month, meaning she likely contracted the disease in Montana.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.


"Although West Nile virus is more common in people over 50 years old, this first case in someone under the age of 50 reminds us that we cannot become complacent and ignore taking precautionary measures to help prevent infection," said Dr. Doug Moore, chief medical officer and assistant health officer of the Yellowstone City-County Health Department.

Many people who are infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms, while some develop a mild illness called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days. Fewer than one in 150 individuals may become severely infected with West Nile meningitis or West Nile encephalitis. Symptoms include headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis.

Six people in Montana were reported to have contracted West Nile last year. Three were hospitalized, but none died. In 2003, West Nile infected 228 people in Montana and killed four. Montana had two human cases in 2002.

The state veterinarian confirmed the season's first case of West Nile virus in a horse on Monday. The Blaine County horse, which hadn't been vaccinated against the disease, was euthanized.