Monkeypox

Monkeypox arrives in Lake County

By Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY — Public health officials announced last week that a Lake County adult has a probable case of monkeypox – the third diagnosed in Montana. The first case was reported in early August in Flathead County, followed by a second in Gallatin County. As of last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control had tallied 17,432 cases in the U.S., with the highest counts in California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas.

According to a joint press release, Lake County and CSKT Tribal Public Health are working together to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while they were infectious, and plan to alert those identified as close contacts.

Meanwhile, the patient did not require hospitalization and is isolating at home.

Lake County Public Health Officer Megan Vigil regards monkeypox as “a serious public health threat in general, although the pathophysiology of the disease doesn’t tend to be as serious as COVID.”

Compared to the coronavirus, which has killed more than a million Americans since it first surfaced in 2020, monkeypox “is rarely fatal,” she adds.

Vigil, who is a family practice physician at St. Luke Community Healthcare, believes there is still reason to be concerned. “The potential for it to become widespread is definitely high,” she says.

Although it’s not easily spread, transmission can occur through contact with infectious sores and body fluids and contaminated items such as clothing or bedding, or through respiratory droplets associated with prolonged face-to-face contact.

While the uptick in cases has been blamed largely on sexual practices among certain populations, “it is spread by other methods too,” says Vigil. “I don’t think it will take a lot of other cases to start community-based spread.”

According to the World Health Organization, human monkeypox was first identified in Africa in 1970 and initially appeared in the U.S. in 2003, with transmission linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs, imported from Ghana.

It belongs to the same viral clan as smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980 due to a worldwide vaccination effort. Crucially, monkeypox tends to be much milder than smallpox and causes far fewer fatalities.

The two viruses share similar symptoms however: fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body. Swollen lymph nodes are often a distinctive feature of monkeypox.

Antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox have been used to prevent and treat monkeypox infections, although the Centers for Disease Control are not currently recommending widespread vaccination. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that it has secured a supply of antiviral medications to use, if needed.

According to Vigil, the telltale rash can appear almost anywhere. Although it often shows up first around the genitals or mouth, it can also emerge or spread to other parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and trunk.

She describes the rash as “discrete little red bumps that can go through stages of looking like blisters or like pimples and can break open and then scab over.” Images are available online.

“If people have a rash that looks anything like that – even if they have no other symptoms – I think they should seek care,” says Vigil. If healthcare is not available, “stay home, assume this is it and isolate.”

The rash should be kept completely covered until sores are healed, and those infected with the virus should remain in an area that’s separate from family members and pets.

The usual health precautions are also recommended: “wear a mask when you go out or are around others and wash hands frequently.”

According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period for the virus is typically 6-13 days, with skin eruptions usually appearing from one to three days after the onset of a fever.

The illness typically lasts from two to four weeks and most people get better on their own without treatment. At times, monkeypox can cause scars from the sores, and may result in other complications, including secondary infections, pneumonia and sepsis.

Vigil cautions that like COVID, people with compromised health are more vulnerable to complications.

Speaking of COVID, Vigil says the healthcare community is seeing a recent upswing with new cases “popping up every day.”

“The good news is most of these cases are much less severe than when the original outbreak happened,” she says. “We’re not seeing nearly as many hospitalizations.”

A new “bivalent” booster that targets both the original coronavirus strain and the more recent omicron subvariants is expected to be available early this fall, and Vigil will be encouraging her patients to bare their arms for a shot.

“Any chance to build immunity is a good thing,” she says.

For more information on monkeypox or for COVID updates, head to www.cdc.gov.

Fire updates

News from the CSKT Division of Fire

LAKE COUNTY — As of 9 a.m. Monday morning, the Garceau Fire ten air miles west of Polson is estimated at 6,724 acres and is 85% contained. There are no evacuations and no structures threated at this time. Please be aware of fire traffic when in the Windy Gap area, as a lot of fire traffic will be on these roads. Crews will continue to secure the perimeter and grid for hot spots on both divisions.

The Sullivan Fire 13 miles north of Hot Springs is approximately 80 acres large and is 30% contained. There are no evacuations or closures. Firefighters continue to secure the perimeter and grid for hot spots.

The Revais Fire 4 miles west of Dixon is approximately 20 acres large and is 0% contained. There are no evacuations or structures threatened at this time. The 6000 and 7000 Roads are closed in Revais. The 7000 Road from Valley Creek coming into Revais is closed. The 6000 Road from Magpie coming into Revais is closed. This fire is located in a very steep, rocky, rugged terrain. Aviation will be used to slow the fire. A control line and fuel break are being constructed at the bottom of Revais Creek near structures.

For more information on ongoing fires, visit www.facebook.com/ CSKT.Division.Of.Fire

West Nile Virus confirmed in mosquito samples, horse in two Montana counties

Montanans urged to take steps to avoid mosquito bites

News from DPHHS

MONTANA — State and local public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile virus detections in positive mosquito samples in Dawson and Lewis and Clark counties.

The first horse infected with WNV this season was also confirmed earlier this week in Lewis and Clark County. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified this season.

Increased risk of WNV infection in humans and horses is expected to continue through at least October.

The detection of WNV in mosquitoes and horses is an early warning that Montanans are at an increased risk of infection. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of avoiding mosquito bites, especially as Montanans enjoy summer and fall days outdoors.

In 2021, two human cases were reported (Rosebud and Lewis and Clark counties).

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV, is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. While mosquitoes found in Montana are unable to transmit diseases like Zika virus, they can transmit WNV. The virus can also infect horses and birds, with birds serving as the source of infection for most mosquitoes who then pass the virus along to humans or horses when they bite to take a blood meal.

Most people who become infected with WNV experience no symptoms, but 1 in 5 develop a mild illness, with symptoms such as headache, rash, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other individuals, fewer than 1 out of 150, may become severely ill with encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).

Serious infection in or around the brain is called neuroinvasive disease and is indicated by symptoms such as disorientation, convulsions, vision loss, and numbness. If someone develops any of the mild or serious symptoms listed above, they should see their healthcare provider for evaluation and care.

There is no vaccine or targeted medication available for WNV infection other than supportive care. A WNV vaccine is available for horses, and vaccination is highly recommended.

“Mosquito season is West Nile season,” stated DPHHS epidemiologist Devon Cozart. “Detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes means that it’s currently in Montana, so now is the time to make sure you’re taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

DPHHS reminds Montanans to protect against WNV by following the 4 D’s of prevention.

The 4 D’s are: 1. DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. You can verify the effectiveness of your insect repellent on the EPA’s website: https://www.epa. gov/insect-repellent 2. Drain: Drain standing water around your house to prevent mosquito breeding. 3. Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. 4. Dress: When possible, wear long sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from bites.

For more information about WNV protection, contact your local health department or visit the DPHHS WNV website page.

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CSKT Honors Anita Matt, Dixon District Tribal Council Member

News from the CSKT

PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will fly flags at halfstaff in honor of Anita Matt, Dixon District Tribal Council Member, who passed away on Aug. 22.

Council Member Matt served in her position as the Dixon District representative since 2016. Prior to being elected to office, Council Member Matt worked in the Lands Department for the Tribes.

She is remembered as a dedicated public servant who put family and community first, which was evidenced by her unwavering commitment to improve the Dixon community.

Through her leadership, a concerted focus to improve, clean up and elevate resources for the Dixon area have been realized, and will continue as part of her legacy.

Anita was a stalwart for the agricultural community, tribal water rights, and natural resources. Her steadfast and patient temperament, work ethic, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity for family and community will truly be missed.

CSKT offices were closed on Thursday and Friday in honor of Council Member Matt.

Anita’s colleagues and fellow Council Members, send condolences to her family.

Governor Gianforte convenes public safety roundtable

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

BUTTE – On Aug. 24, Governor Greg Gianforte convened a public safety roundtable with local officials, treatment providers and law enforcement officers in Butte as the crisis at the U.S. southern border drives up drug interdictions, drug use and crime in Montana and throughout the country.

“Drug dealers, who work hand-in-hand with dangerous drug cartels to profit off of addiction and death in Montana, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Gov. Gianforte said. “While we hold these despicable criminals accountable, we’re also focused on investing in community-based treatment and prevention programs to help Montanans struggling with addiction.”

According to the Montana Department of Justice, Montana is on track to triple the amount of fentanyl seized this year from the record-breaking amount seized in 2021.

Silver Bow County Sheriff Ed Lester said they’ve seen a link between drug activity and crime in Silver Bow County.

“Over the past two years, there has been an increase in drug use in our area. We have also seen an increase in thefts and other property offenses associated with drug use,” Sheriff Lester said.

Since taking office, the governor has prioritized increasing access to community-based treatment services for non-violent offenders to build safer, stronger communities, creating the HEART (Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment) Fund and Angel Initiative.

“From a business perspective, having a strong, safe, and healthy community is critical,” said J.P. Gallagher, chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow.

A collaborative effort among Governor Gianforte, DPHHS, participating law enforcement entities, and treatment providers, the Angel Initiative allows someone who is struggling with addiction and substance use to go into any participating law enforcement office and receive assistance to connected with treatment. To date, over 20 Montana sheriffs’ offices have committed to join the effort, including Silver Bow County.

The HEART Fund, introduced by the governor during his first week in office as a central component of his budget, invests $25 million per year to provide a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities.

District Judge Luke Berger underscored the importance of treatment during the roundtable, saying, “For nonviolent offenders, we want to look at alternative sentencing and prioritize treatment options to reduce recidivism.”

Participants in the roundtable included Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow J.P. Gallagher, Silver Bow County Sheriff Ed Lester, Butte-Silver Bow Deputy Attorney Ann Shea, Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Luke Berger, Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Captain Mark Wilfore, MHP Sgt. Dave Oliverson, Department of Public Health and Human Service’s Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division Prevention Bureau Chief Mary Collins, Montana Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin, and Dan Parish, a local substance abuse specialist.

Gov. Gianforte convened similar roundtables focused on public safety with local officials in Billings, Missoula and Great Falls earlier this year.

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