West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is active but decreasing in Montana. As of 09/29/2023 surveillance has identified WNV activity in 29 counties, with 42 human cases (22 neuroinvasive), 21 horse cases, and 39 mosquito pool positives. WNV mosquito pool surveillance for the 2023 summer season has concluded.

WNV cases in MT
Human Cases Human Deaths Horse Cases
42 0 21

 

WNV Week 38

This map displays a summary mosquito surveillance activity in the state.

Counties with a positive detection of WNV in mosquitoes, humans, and/or horses are shaded in yellow. Green shaded regions represent jurisdictions where mosquitoes have been collected, but none have tested positive for WNV, whereas no mosquito pools have been collected from counties colored grey.

Red symbols indicate a positive mosquito pool, horse, or human. The location of horse and mosquito symbols on the map represent the approximate geographical location of the collection site or city of residence. Human symbols represent only the county in which an individual who tested positive for WNV resides and are placed randomly within the county. Some symbols may be adjusted for readability. The associated number shows how many mosquito pools, horses, and/or humans have tested positive for WNV. Map data are based on information reported to DPHHS at the time of posting. Information on the maps may change based on further investigation. 

What You Need to Know

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurological illness (see  CDC WNV: Symptoms & Treatment).

Steps you can take to minimize the probability of infection include remembering the 4  D’s of WNV prevention:

  1. DAWN &  DUSK  - When possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.
  2. DRESS- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  3. DRAIN  - Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water.
  4. DEET  - For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the EPA but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellant.

Many people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms. Some individuals develop a mild illness, called West Nile fever, which may last for three to six days. Generally, no treatment is needed.

Other individuals, fewer than 1 out of 150, may become severely infected and develop symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis.

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Stupor
  • Disorientation
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Convulsions
  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision loss
  • Numbness 
  • Paralysis

These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no WNV vaccine available for humans.

WNV in Montana

Mosquitoes belonging to members of the Culex species are the most common vectors of WNV in North America. In MT, Culex tarsalis is the most common WNV mosquito vector. Please remember that while WNV is a concern in Montana, Zika virus is not. In fact, the mosquitos that carry Zika virus have not been found in Montana or neighboring states.

The first confirmed case of WNV in MT was detected in a horse in July, 2002, followed shortly by the first human case in August, 2002. The highest rates of disease occurred in 2003 and 2007 (see   CDC WNV).

 

Click on the year of interest below to learn more about WNV cases and distribution in MT.

WNV cases and distribution in MT
 Year Humans Deaths Horses
2022 0 0 2
2021 2 0 2
2020 1 0 1
2019 4 0 2
2018 51 1 50
2017 13 0 8
2016 7 2 7
2015 3 0 4
2014 5 0 3

WNV in Horses

In MT, cases of equine WNV generally precede cases of human WNV. Numbers of cases range from as few as 1 in 2002 to 191 in 2003. A WNV vaccine for horses is now available. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis are not protected against infection with WNV.

Thus, vaccination for WNV is recommended as a core vaccine and is an essential standard of care for all horses in North America.