Tag: Montana News

West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

Posted on by Leave a comment

DPHHS URGES MONTANANS TO TAKE INCREASED CAUTION AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES THIS SUMMER

State and local health officials confirmed the first detections of West Nile virus (WNV) in Montana for summer 2026. WNV activity will likely spread across the state, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is urging all Montanans to take increased precautions against mosquito bites. Two mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV in Roosevelt County. Detection of WNV in mosquitoes is an early indicator that activity is increasing within the state, elevating the risk of human illness.

No cases of WNV infections have been reported in humans or horses yet this summer. WNV can cause illness in humans after a bite from an infected Culex mosquito. The increased risk of transmission to humans is expected to continue through October, or as long as mosquitoes remain active in the state. “West Nile virus symptoms span a wide spectrum, with many people experiencing prolonged, flu-like fatigue and body aches, while others remain entirely asymptomatic,” said DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist Devon Cozart.

“The risk of severe illness is a serious concern; every year, some Montanans experience neurological complications that can cause permanent disability or death. We urge everyone to take steps to mitigate these risks by making mosquito bite prevention a daily habit.” Currently, there is no vaccine or targeted medication for WNV in humans, aside from supportive care. Most people who become infected with WNV will be asymptomatic, but one in five experience mild symptoms, including headache, rash, body aches, joint pains, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Fatigue and body aches may persist for weeks following infection. About 1 in 150 human infections result in severe disease, known as neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection. Neuroinvasive West Nile can cause neurological symptoms, including disorientation, stupor, coma, paralysis, vision loss, and convulsions. WNV can be fatal or lead to long-term neurological complications. Horses can also be infected with WNV. Horse owners may contact their veterinarian to obtain an annual vaccine to protect against WNV. Preventing mosquito bites is important when spending time outdoors in the summer, especially during dusk and dawn, which are peak feeding activity times for female Culex mosquitoes.

Permethrin is an insect repellent that can be utilized to treat clothing and gear, including tents. The Environmental Protection Agency also maintains lists of approved insect repellents that can be applied directly to the skin. Emptying standing water at least once per week is important to keep mosquitoes away from homes. For items such as rain barrels, apply a screen to the opening to restrict mosquito access. For other mosquito bite prevention tips, check out the 4 Ds of mosquito bite prevention below.

The 4 Ds of Mosquito Bite Prevention include:

  • DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. To verify the effectiveness of insect repellent, go to the EPA’s webpage on insect repellents.
  • Drain: Drain standing water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. If doors or windows are left open in the summer, make sure they’re fitted with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
  • Dress: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against bites.

Source: West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
Psalm 119:10

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Montana Teen Uses Rodeo Lasso to Rescue Drowning Man on Yellowstone River

Posted on by Leave a comment
dramatic grand canyon of yellowstone view

A 14-year-old boy camping near Greycliff used his roping skills to rescue a drowning man from the Yellowstone River during a family trip.

Source: (667) Montana Teen Uses Rodeo Lasso to Rescue Drowning Man on Yellowstone River – YouTube

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13

Powerful earthquake shakes Panama

A major earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 has struck Panama, according to the US Geological Survey. Local media are reporting structural damage in some parts of the country.…

Keep reading

Plague in Russia?

Russian authorities have sought to allay global worries over the death of a young woman who worked at a Siberian anti-plague laboratory. But moves to isolate her contacts and introduce…

Keep reading

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Winter Storm Warning: 10 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds Coming This Week

Posted on by Leave a comment
rural snowy village during severe blizzard

Certain areas of the Midwest are experiencing higher snowfall and wind speeds this week. The National Weather Service has confirmed that snowy conditions will continue into next week across some areas of the Midwest.

After a few weeks of heavy snowfall throughout the Rockies, conditions in Wyoming and Montana have calmed down over the past few days. The NWS now reports that snowfall will once again be expected in the region, with wind gusts of 40 mph adding to the stormy conditions.According to the NWS’ graphical forecast feature, wind speeds will peak at 50 mph in northwestern Wyoming at midnight on Tuesday, May 12. These dangerous gusts will be concentrated in the high-altitude areas of the Rocky Mountains, with the rest of the state facing speeds closer to 30 or 40 mph.

Northern Montana will also face high-speed winds on Monday and Tuesday, with the NWS predicting 40 mph gusts close to the North Dakota border. The state’s southern border with Idaho can expect speeds of around 30 mph.

When it comes to snow, hazardous conditions will be much more localized. While the rest of the country can expect a particularly dry week, areas of Wyoming and Montana located along the Rocky Mountains will face snowfall of 10 inches or more throughout the week.

Source: Winter Storm Warning: 10 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds Coming This Week – Men’s Journal

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Apparent bear attack kills missing hiker in Montana’s Glacier National Park

Posted on by Leave a comment
majestic grizzly bear roaring in the wilderness

The body of a hiker who was reported missing has been found by search and rescue crews in Glacier National Park in Montana, park officials said Thursday. His remains were spotted Wednesday about two-and-a-half miles up the Mt. Brown Trail, some 50 feet off the trail “in a densely wooded area with downed timber,” the officials said. “His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” they said, adding that “wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns. The investigation is ongoing.”

reflection on rocks underneath a lake
Photo by Chen Te on Pexels.com

That part of the trail has been closed until the investigation is finished. The National Park Service isn’t releasing the victim’s name until three days after his next-of-kin are notified. The service said Tuesday that a search was being conducted for a Fort Lauderdale, Florida man who was hiking and hadn’t been heard from since Sunday night. On Monday, two hikers were injured in a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park, the first such incident at the park this year. Craig Lerman, a tourist from Maryland, told Cowboy State Daily that he helped one of the injured hikers and said the man was “tore up pretty bad” with cuts all over his body. 

Source: Apparent bear attack kills missing hiker in Montana’s Glacier National Park – CBS Miami

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass

Posted on by Leave a comment
photo of grizzly bears on a grass field

An image of the sighting showed the massive bear standing over the carcass near Yellowstone Lake.

Source: First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass – CBS News

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Proverbs 15:23

Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials declare

The cyclospora food poisoning outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is over, U.S. health officials said Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market. The U.S. Food and…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Field of Flags marks 25 years since 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain

At the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, 2,977 American flags now stand as a reminder that every person killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks had a life and a story. People of all ages joined first responders and community groups to plant the flags at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Each flag represents one person…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Teen survives for days clinging to capsized boat off Alaska

A 15-year-old boy survived on top of an overturned skiff in Alaska’s frigid Bering Sea for roughly two days, losing his older brother and then his cousin to the ocean after the boat capsized while they were out fishing. The teen, identified by a relative as Derek Parker Aghnaanga, was finally hoisted to safety Monday…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

9/11 Never Forget; An Awesome Tribute

Created by Steve A. I hear a song and that song evokes an emotion and that emotion in me helped in the creation of this tribute video. While I wish all of the images were high resolution….some images of that day were caught with low quality equipment and the images I chose all seemed to…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies today mark 25 years since 9/11

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and observance ceremonies will be held at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the lives lost that day. Nearly 3,000 people died and thousands more were injured as terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center skyscrapers in New…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.

Wind Blows off School Roof in Great Falls; Severe wind causes trouble across the region

Posted on by Leave a comment

Powerful winds are causing trouble in Great Falls and across the region, including roof damage, downed trees, and power outages.

Source: Severe wind causes trouble across the region

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16

25 years after 9/11, Massachusetts to mark attacks with statewide moment of silence and “Tribute in Light”

Massachusetts is marking 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a statewide moment of silence on Friday and special tributes that include illuminating Boston buildings in remembrance of the tragedy. Gov. Maura Healey said she is directing flags in the state to be lowered to half-staff. She’s also “calling on residents, schools, businesses and…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Maryland invests $11 million to expand bike, pedestrian and trail infrastructure

Maryland is investing more than $11 million in grants to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the state. The Maryland Department of Transportation says the funding will support nearly 25 projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility. The projects include Safe Routes to School improvements, bikeway connections and trail upgrades. Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Why are so many yellowjackets buzzing around Southeast Michigan?

They induce fear. They’re aggressive. And for some people, they pose a serious health risk. Many people’s instinct is to swat and run away from those black-and-yellow bugs that have a really painful sting, but this year it seems there are a lot of yellowjackets everywhere. But why? Dion DeGennaro, president of Sergio’s Pest Control,…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Berkeley officials sound alarm after 5 bats test positive for rabies

Officials in the East Bay city of Berkeley have issued a warning to residents and doctors amid a rising number of bats that have tested positive for rabies. In a letter sent to the Berkeley City Council on Aug. 26, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen’s office said lab tests confirmed five rabies-positive bats were found. The…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the most vital archaeological discoveries connecting biblical history with extra-biblical evidence. Commissioned by King Mesha of Moab (a kingdom situated in modern-day Jordan), the stele boasts 34 lines of…

Drink of Jesus's avatar by Drink of Jesus

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.