When West Nile Virus Risk Peaks In Montana Each Year

This is one of my favorite seasons in Montana. The fall weather is starting to arrive. It’s not too cool yet, so I’m still able to spend as much time outdoors as I want. Plus, the upcoming hunting season is approaching quickly. But now we’re finding out there’s one other thing that’s heading our way.

It’s not deer season. Or elk season. Or even bear season.

But before you think I’ve completely lost my mind – it’s mosquitoes!

And here’s the worst part: We have to worry about West Nile Virus.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced recently that two mosquito pools in Roosevelt County were found to be infected with the virus. They are predicting that West Nile activity will increase throughout the rest of the state.

While there hasn’t been a single case of West Nile in humans or horses in the state this summer. The fact that the virus was detected in mosquitoes means we should all be on the lookout for potential problems.

Mosquitoes Already Love Me Enough

I’m one of those lucky guys who seems to attract mosquitoes no matter where he goes. So while it would be great to go without using bug spray, I don’t feel like that option is available to me right now. Usually it’s just an annoyance, but with the threat of West Nile, it could become something a lot worse.

According to DP HHS, about 80% of people who contract West Nile do not show symptoms. For the 20% that do show symptoms, they can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:

* Headaches
* Body aches
* Fatigue
* Rash
* Joint pain
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea

In rare cases, West Nile can lead to a very serious neurological disease. Therefore, the best course of action is to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Remember the 4 Ds

Here’s a simple trick from DP HHS on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

-Use DEET or another EPA-registered insect repellent.
-DRAIN any standing water around your home.
-Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours (Dawn and Dusk).
-Wear clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.

Additionally, DP HHS recommends draining standing water around your home at least once per week.

Based on previous years’ data, it appears that the risk of contracting West Nile remains high until mid-to-late October. So much for not smelling like bug spray in my hunting blind I guess.