West Nile virus back in Hill County

Havre Daily News staff

Hill County Health Department and Hill County Mosquito District are warning people to be extra careful because mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in the county.

"The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites," Hill County Public Health Director Kim Larson said in a release. "The more time you spend outdoors the more chance you have of being bitten by an infected mosquito. We encourage everyone to take precautions against West Nile while recreating outside this summer."

Most people infected with West Nile will show no symptoms, but the virus can cause a fever and other symptoms and less than 1 percent of people infected will develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Removing mosquito breeding areas and preventing mosquito bites are two ways to help to prevent being exposed to West Nile virus, the release said, adding that the health department and the mosquito district recommend people follow "the Four Ds" of West Nile virus prevention.

• Dusk/Dawn: Peak mosquitos biting hours are dusk to dawn. Limit outdoor activity during those times. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.

• Dress: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.

• DEET: Cover exposed skin with a repellant containing the chemical DEET, which is most effective against mosquito bites.

• Drain: Empty any containers holding standing water because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

The mosquito district sprays to kill mosquitoes when weather permits, and also provides pellets people can put in water to prevent mosquito larvae from maturing into adults.

Draining and regularly changing water can prevent many mosquitoes from appearing. CDC recommends

Remove standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.

• Tightly cover water storage containers - buckets, cisterns, rain barrels - so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.

• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.

• Repair cracks and gaps on septic tanks. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

Kill mosquitoes outside of home

• Use an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest.

• Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow label instructions.

Keep mosquitoes out

• Install or repair and use window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.

• Use air conditioning when possible.

Remove standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like vases and flowerpot saucers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.

Kill mosquitoes inside your home

• Kill mosquitoes inside your home. Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied. When using insecticides, always follow label directions. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid places like under the sink, in closets, under furniture, or in the laundry room.

The number of WNV human cases in Montana varies from year to year. Over 200 cases were reported in 2003 and 2007, but generally the average is about 10 reported human infections each year. Cases reported are more likely to be those that are severe and about one-third of Montana cases required hospitalization.

Rhe severity of the West Nile Virus season cannot be predicted, which is why it is very important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites around the home.

People with questions can either call the Health Department 265-5481 ext. 266 or the Mosquito District at 265-4453.