Swine flu, West Nile virus are here

The Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed Sept. 10 a case of H1N1 Òswine fluÓ influenza illness in Flathead County. The disease is affecting both children and adults within the county, and the number of persons experiencing influenza like symptoms appears to be increasing.

Both North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center have reported an increase in laboratory testing in response to influenza-like illness.

H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time. The health department does not expect to receive the vaccine until mid- to late-October. Once the vaccine is received, it will be distributed to individuals as recommended by the federal Centers For Disease Control.

There will be no charge for H1N1 vaccine administered by the Flathead City-County Health Department, but an administration fee may be charged by other providers who receive vaccine from the health department.

The health department will offer two vaccine options at its seasonal flu clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. In addition to the walk-in vaccine service, a drive-up vaccine service will accommodate people with special needs.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk for getting influenza, the department says. Flu shots cost $25 for adults and $15 for children 6 months to 18 years, or on a sliding scale.

Also on Sept. 10, the health department reported that a horse in Flathead County was diagnosed with West Nile virus and was recovering. Another horse was suffering from symptoms highly suspicious of West Nile Virus, but the disease had not been confirmed. Neither animal had been vaccinated for the disease.

There is no vaccine to prevent illness in people. A person bitten by an infected mosquito usually develops symptoms within 2-14 days from the time of the bite. About 80 percent of people who become infected will not have any symptoms.

About 20 percent will have a moderate illness known as West Nile fever. About 1 percent develop a severe neurological form of infection with meningitis. Of that 1 percent, about 3 percent will die.

Although fewer mosquitoes are seen as the weather cools, those present may be more likely to transmit the virus. The Flathead City-County Health Department reminds people to protect themselves against the virus with the 4Ds:

¥ Dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Staying indoors or in a screened area during these times can help to prevent being bitten.

¥ Dress with long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks and hats when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.

¥ DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) insect repellent is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can be found online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.

¥ Drain water from breeding areas for mosquitoes, such as old buckets, jars, cans, bottles, flower pots, tires, wading pools, bird baths, fountains, water troughs, covered boats, roof gutters and storage tarps.

For more information about these diseases, visit online at http://www.flatheadhealth.org, http://www.cdc.gov or http://www.dphhs.mt.gov or call 751-8101.