Latest news with #MontanaDepartmentofPublicHealthandHumanServices
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deer ticks have arrived in Montana
May 23—Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPPHS) officials are alerting the public about the recent identification of a tick new to Montana known as Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as a "deer tick" or "blacklegged tick". State health officials report that in the past year three blacklegged ticks were identified in the state for the first time through active surveillance conducted by researchers and public health officials. The ticks were found in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and darker in color than most other ticks in Montana that might feed on humans. The presence of blacklegged ticks in Montana may increase the risk of exposure to new tickborne illnesses in the state. "Not all types of ticks carry all tickborne illnesses," said Devon Cozart, DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist. "The presence of this new type of tick in the state could mean that Montanans have an increased risk of exposure to diseases that weren't previously a threat in Montana." Blacklegged ticks are extremely common in Northeastern United States. Recently, these ticks have steadily expanded into other states. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, hard tick relapsing fever, and babesiosis are examples of diseases known to be transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70% of those bitten by a deer tick and then diagnosed with Lyme disease will have a bull's-eye rash in the area of the tick bite. One tick collected in Dawson County was confirmed to be a blacklegged tick by Rocky Mountain Laboratories in 2024. DPHHS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in the fall of 2024 that two ticks found in Sheridan County were blacklegged ticks. These two ticks were tested by CDC and no pathogens that can cause illness in humans were detected, including Lyme disease. Currently, there is no known increased risk in Montana for Lyme disease, or other pathogens transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, the risk of encountering a blacklegged tick may be higher in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Public health officials are conducting further investigation to determine whether these ticks are found elsewhere in Montana and whether they are establishing their habitat in the state. DPHHS will continue to monitor tick activity in select locations throughout the state and will adjust guidance as needed if blacklegged ticks become established. "Currently, tick experts do not think that the blacklegged tick is present throughout Montana," Cozart said. "These ticks could have been carried into the state by a host animal, or they could be active and reproducing here — we just don't know yet. We will be conducting further investigations this spring." The tick species most common in Montana at this time include the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. These ticks can spread diseases such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever. This spring, DPHHS is launching a citizen scientist program and is requesting the public's help in tick surveillance, especially in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Anyone who thinks they have found a blacklegged tick is encouraged to fill out an online form at is also on the DPHHS website and includes instructions on how to submit the tick for identification. Cozart states the best way to reduce your chance of developing an illness from a tick bite is to reduce your contact with ticks. "Preventing tick bites is important while spending time outdoors, especially when walking through brushy or wooded areas," she said. "Though tick activity slows during winter months, ticks can be active any time temperatures are above freezing. Any outdoor activity in any season that disturbs leaf brush (such as yard work or hiking) or contact with other animals (such as hunting) increases the risk of encountering a tick." To prevent tick bites, follow these tips: — Wear an EPA registered insect repellent ( — Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin — Check for ticks often and carry a tick removal device such as tweezers — Shower soon after being outdoors — Put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes after being outdoors to kill ticks — Check pets regularly for ticks and talk to a veterinarian about tick prevention products "If you find a tick, remove it safely and quickly," Cozart added. "The less time a tick is attached, the less likely you are to develop an illness. If you have been bitten by a tick and start to feel sick with symptoms including fever, rash, body aches, and headaches, talk to your health care provider and let them know about your tick encounter." For more information about ticks and tickborne diseases, please visit: About Ticks and Tickborne Disease — Ticks — CDC.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles case confirmed in Flathead County
May 21—Flathead County health officials confirmed Wednesday a case of measles in a county resident who recently traveled outside of the area. There is not yet a clear indication of the exact point of exposure, officials said in a May 21 press release. The individual, an adult whose vaccination status remains unknown, is isolating at home, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. "Our staff swiftly conducted the investigation upon receiving notification from the state and were able to quickly identify close contacts to prevent further spread. Staff are diligently working with local health care providers to remain in communication. We appreciate their partnership," said county Health Officer Jennifer Rankosky in a statement. Measles is a highly contagious and infectious disease that is spread primarily through the air. Droplets, often transmitted through coughing, sneezing and talking, can linger in the air for up to two hours. It can also spread through touching contaminated surfaces. The disease typically begins with a fever, cough, runny house, red eyes and white spots inside the cheeks. A red rash often appears two weeks after exposure. Health officials recommend anyone suffering measles symptoms contact their health care provider immediately. A medical provider can explain how to get care without exposing others to the illness. Those experiencing measles should stay home and turn away visitors until the disease is either ruled out or the patient is no longer contagious, health officials said. Montana saw its first case of measles since 1990 this year, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The case was first reported in Gallatin County. In March, Flathead County health experts stated they were preparing for a potential measles outbreak after the disease began spreading in Texas. "If you are unvaccinated and you live in the Flathead, well our herd in the Flathead is not immune," said Logan Health pediatrician Dr. Ken Graham in March. Herd immunity is reached when enough people are immune to a virus to hinder its spread. For measles, herd immunity is reached when roughly 94% of people are protected against the virus. About 86% of Montana's two-year-olds have at least one dose of MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. That is slightly lower than the national average of 90%. But the level of protection in Flathead County is unknown. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the virus still kills more than 200,000 people a year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill to ban mRNA vaccines passes out of House committee
Feb. 14—A bill that would ban the use of mRNA vaccines, including for Covid-19, is on its way to the House floor after passing out of committee in a party-line vote Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Kmetz, R-Miles City, and co-sponsored by Northwest Montana Reps. Tracy Sharp, R-Polson, and Lukas Schubert, R-Kalispell, House Bill 371 would prohibit administering vaccines developed with mRNA, or messenger ribonucleic acid, technology on humans. The bill deems the technology, which was employed to create the Covid-19 vaccines, a hazard. The House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 12 voted 12-8 to send the bill to the floor. Sharp, along with local Reps. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, and committee Chair Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, voted in favor. The bill was amended to specify that the legislation would ban mRNA vaccines "for infectious diseases" and not "gene therapy products used to treat cancers or genetic disorders." Supporters had previously testified that the vaccines caused more harm than good. "[mRNA vaccines are] the most destructive and lethal medical products that have ever been used in medical history," Dr. Christine Drivdahl-Smith, a family physician in Miles City, told the committee earlier this month. Opponents, though, said mRNA vaccines safely help the body build antibodies against diseases. They also argued that removing vaccines limits individual choice and involved the government in health care decisions. "This bill interferes with the health care provider, patient relationships, it interferes with the practice of medicine," said Dr. Douglas Harrington, a preventative medicine physician and the state medical officer for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, during testimony earlier this month. Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@
