One Cascade County resident has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus. The Cascade County Health Department says it's the second case in Montana this season. West Nile Virus is carried primarily by birds, but can be transmitted to humans, horses and other animals by mosquitoes. Most people who get West Nile Virus have only mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. The Health Department says you should to follow the four D's to protect yourself. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing using DEET. Keep in mind, mosquitoes are most active at DUSK and DAWN. If you can, avoid outdoor activities at those times. DRAIN standing water. It's the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. And lastly, if you're going to be outside, DRESS appropriately. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Cascade County will continue to collect and test for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes until the end of next month. Mosquitoes from four locations have tested positive for West Nile Virus this season in Cascade County. They were found in Cascade, Ulm, Simms and along the Sun River West of Great Falls. Mosquitoes in Lewis and Clark, Blaine and Sheridan counties have also tested positive for the virus.

For more information, contact a public health nurse at Cascade County Health Department. They can be reached at 454-6950. You can also learn more by going to www.cdc.gov/westnile.