West Nile Virus Positive Case In Broadwater County
Author: Jessica Bushnell, Noxious Weed Coordinator | Townsend and Three Forks Mosquito District Manager
West Nile Virus Positive Case in Broadwater County
Jessica Bushnell
Noxious Weed Coordinator, Townsend and Three Forks Mosquito District Manager
The Montana State Epidemiologist informed Broadwater County on August 26, 2025, of a resident in the Toston area who tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Toston area, located between the Townsend and Three Forks Mosquito Districts in Broadwater County, is not covered by mosquito prevention or treatment operations.
Residents in the Toston Area are encouraged to limit activities at dusk and dawn, wear bug spray containing DEET, and wear long sleeves and pants. While there is no vaccine for humans, horse owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarian about their horse's vaccination status.
West Nile is often asymptomatic but can appear with mild flu-like symptoms. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, muscle tremors, or stiffness, should seek medical attention. Treatment for mild human cases is symptom management.
The two mosquito districts in Broadwater County conduct weekly trapping operations. Carroll College processes trap contents, and if any Culex species are identified, they are tested for the presence of West Nile virus. No West Nile has been found in either district; there have been very low trap contents in the last few weeks, and no Culex species have been identified. The Townsend district conducted fogging operations on the 26th at the south end of the district. Treated areas include from Jack Farm Road south to Shelley Rd.
For questions or further information, please contact Jessica Bushnell at 406-266-9243, brweed@broadwatercountymt.gov, or Ruby Taylor at 406-266-5209, rtaylor@broadwatercountymt.gov. Or visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/WestNileVirus
